Year of Water Rabbit is of Introspection, but Expect Hiccups

Feng Shui Master and Master Dowser Jo Preston, a Realtor with Montalvo Ventures Saratoga, shared feng shui tips and predictions for 2023, the Year of the Water Rabbit, with members of the Silicon Valley Association of Realtors. Preston has practiced the ancient Chinese traditional practice for over three decades. She said she became interested in feng shui when she was working with Chinese clients.

“I wanted to know why things had to be accomplished on certain dates and why certain aspects of a home were absolute ‘no-no’s’,” explained Preston. After graduating from the BTB School of Feng Shui, taught by Master Lin Yin from the Temple in Berkeley and other feng sui schools, Preston now teaches feng shui classes and guides Realtors and other clients through her business, Designs for Living Feng Shui.

Preston said according to Chinese astrology, the Year of the Water Rabbit is a harbinger for more tranquil times and brings more gentleness and serenity. It is a period of observation and introspection, a good time to concentrate on yearly goals.

“The Rabbit encourages us to work on relationships, to build bridges rather than walls. It’s a time to heal wounds, acquire inner balance and make plans for the future. Be more self-aware, make rational decisions,” said Preston.”we should pay special attention to our children, as they have lost lots of connections during the Covid period and need extra love and assurance. This year is also a great time for authors and writers.”

Feng Shui’s five elements are fire, water, wood, metal and earth. This year metal and earth are missing, so she suggests for metal, add white, pastels, a metal wind chime, silver. Set out live plants to represent earth.

According to the Flying Star map, in 2023, the best place is the North, which signifies long-term happiness. The South brings wealth and the Southwest, victory and transformation. Negative places are East (accidents, illness), southeast (quarrels. misunderstandings), northeast (betrayals, burglaries), northwest (misfortune). To mitigate the negative places, add an aquarium, keep water clean in the southeast. Add metal or white colors, or a metal wind chime in the east and northeast.

This year’s good colors are blue, apple green, white and gold. Orange signifies fire and makes a great accessory, but should be avoided in the middle of the home.

Do not place mirrors opposite doors. Keep your home bright. Place a new black doormat at the entry of the home and lush plants on each side of the entry. Keep the bathroom door closed and toilet seat down. Make your home smell good with earthy scents like cinnamon and pine. Keep the home open and flowing so the Chi, the energy that affects how you feel and think, travels freely around the house.

Like every year, Preston said there will be hiccups. She shared predictions from a number of clairvoyants, but cautioned not to take them to heart. They predict 2023 will be a year of consequences for government, medicine, education, child and human trafficking.

There will be financial uncertainty, chaos and collapse of the monetary system. The highs will be high, and the lows will be low, but by year-end things will improve.

There will be more earthquakes, including one in Southern California. There will be brutal storms in Alaska, Hawaii and Mexico, and forest fires, with a huge one in Utah. There will be blackouts with technology affecting the internet and cell phones.

“Stay vigilant about your health when you travel. Keep your immune system strong,” Preston advised.

Through all these, Preston said, “Follow your heart, strengthen your energy, keep balance and harmony in your life, and you’re going to be just fine.”

To learn more about feng shui, contact Preston at jo@jopreston.com.