Let’s be honest: the whole “New Year, New Me” thing that happens every January 1st is kind of… exhausting. It’s not that we don’t want to be our best selves, but the Gregorian calendar’s arbitrary insistence on January being the time for self-improvement feels like it was invented by someone who’d never experienced post-holiday burnout or icy sidewalks.

Enter the wonderful, mystical world of Chinese New Year, astrology, and other "woo-woo" tools that help us slow down, rethink goal-setting, and, dare I say it, enjoy the process. These are designed to make aligning your values and goals feel like an adventure instead of a chore.

As a feng shui aficionado (no, I do not own several compasses but I do occasionally yell at furniture for being in the wrong place but that has nothing to do with feng shui), I’ve seen firsthand how blending ancient wisdom and modern-day self-help can create a life that feels aligned and meaningful. There is help to be had from these traditions and I am all for incorporating what works for you. 

Whether you’re a seasoned star-gazer or just like playing with tarot cards for the aesthetics, there’s something liberating about blending introspection with cosmic flair. Plus, when your goals come with a side of lunar alignment or Mercury’s approval, it just feels… cooler.

Here’s how to dive into these systems, laugh at yourself a little (because we’re all woo-woo skeptics sometimes), and set intentions that actually feel aligned with who you are. If you’re open to some guidance from the universe (or at least from your home decor), buckle up.

Feng Shui—Your Space, Your Goals

Ah, feng shui—the ancient Chinese practice of arranging your space to create harmony and balance. It’s like Marie Kondo, but with energy grids and fewer trips to The Container Store.

The Bagua Map: Your Cosmic Blueprint

A bagua map is one of the foundational tools used in Feng Shui to analyze and harmonize the energy (chi) in a space. The word "bagua" translates to "eight areas" in Chinese, reflecting the eight key life aspects represented on the map. Each area corresponds to a specific life domain, an element, a color, number, images, and associated energy(ies). At the center of the map is the Tai Chi, representing balance, health, and overall well-being.

The bagua map serves as a guide to organizing and decorating a space to enhance positive energy flow and align your environment with your intentions and life goals.

How Does a Bagua Map Work?

The bagua map is divided into nine sections (eight areas plus the center). Each section is associated with a different life aspect: Prosperity, Reputation, Romance, Creativity/Children, Travel/Helpful People, Career, Wisdom/Spirituality, Family, and Health. (see graphic - one is the bagua and its elements, another is the bagua laid over a floor plan using the Western method - and here are some tips if you have questions about the basics)

Steps to Apply the Bagua Map

First, choose a goal for your space - now that you know what the different areas are, pick one (just one!) to look at first. 

Next, identify which areas of your home correspond to your goals. Want to boost your career? Focus on your Career Zone (usually the front and center of your home). Want to attract love? Spruce up your Relationship Corner (the back-right corner).

Tips for Using the Bagua Map

• Clutter-Free Spaces: Ensure areas are clean and decluttered to allow chi to flow freely. Clutter is the enemy of good energy flow. And let’s be honest—it’s also the enemy of finding your keys in the morning. Pick one zone of your home that aligns with your biggest goal and declutter it ruthlessly. Donate those jeans you haven’t worn since 2015 and give that broken lamp the heave-ho.
• Intentions Matter: Set clear intentions for what you want to achieve in each area. Try to be clear about your goals (try this Reflect exercise if you’re having trouble).
• Balance is Key: Avoid overloading any one section with its corresponding element or color. You do not want to do too many things at once and muddy the waters. 

If you’re hoping to improve your career, for example, focus on the Career section of the bagua map:

• Place a water element like a small fountain, mirror, or artwork depicting water.
• Add symbols of your professional aspirations, like a vision board or motivational quotes.
• Use black or dark blue accents in this area to activate the water element.

Add Intentional Decor

Once your space is clear, bring in items that symbolize your goals. A vision board is great, but so is a thriving plant or a beautiful piece of art.

• Place objects with intention. For example, if you’re working on financial goals, add a lush jade plant to your Wealth Corner.
• Don’t overthink it. Feng shui is about creating spaces that feel good to you. If something sparks joy (thanks, Marie), it probably has good energy.

Feng Shui Resources:

• Amanda Gibby Peters and her House Therapy Podcast are some of my favorite sources. She also has a certification course, but I did my certification the old school way through the Feng Shui Institute of America. 
• This was a favorite book that got me into feng shui: Move Your Stuff, Change Your Life by Karen Raugh Carter
• Here is how I see feng shui interacting with therapy: What is Feng Shui Therapy?
• Why Wind Over Water? - March 2022

Astrology—What’s in the Stars for You?

Astrology often gets a bad rap as just horoscopes and vague memes about Leos loving attention (which, okay, we do). But it’s a rich system for understanding your strengths, challenges, and timing. Honestly, it has as much empirical validation at the Meyers-Briggs Type Indicator (of which I am a fan) or the Enneagram. Think of all of these as tools to understand yourself a little bit better and use your intuition to take the parts that work best for you. 

Know Your Natal Chart

Your natal chart is like a cosmic fingerprint, mapping where all the planets were when you were born.

Pull your chart online (there are plenty of free tools but I like the Time Passages App because it did not trip any of my security concerns) and look for your sun, moon, and rising signs. These are your personality’s headline acts.

• Your Sun Sign (Core Self): Goals tied to your identity, purpose, and big-picture aspirations.
• Your Moon Sign (Inner World): Reflects emotional needs and habits. What self-care routines nurture you?
• Your Rising Sign (Persona): How you approach new beginnings and present yourself. Use this to think about how you want to grow this year.

*BTW, I am a Libra Sun, Taurus Moon, Cancer Rising. Also an INTJ (MBTI), 5/1/9 (Enneagram), Dragon (Chinese Zodiac), Ravenclaw (Harry Potter), Seaside (Colour Joy), Sage (Archetypes), Manifesting Generator (Human Design), Rebel (4 Tendencies) if you want to know. 

Timing Is Everything

Astrology can also help you align your goals with cosmic timing. For example, new moons are great for setting intentions, while full moons are about releasing what no longer serves you - feng shui likes these kinds of rituals also.

Plan a small ritual during the next new moon. Write down a goal, light a candle, and meditate on it for a few minutes. Or put some salt in your wallet on the new moon (it is supposed to be good luck). Or turn your plants or rearrange your desk or clean something - there are a lot of kinds of rituals!

Start small. Look up your sun, moon, and rising signs (you’ll need your birth time/location). Write down one goal that aligns with each sign. 

Don’t blame your bad day on Saturn. Use astrology as a tool for reflection, not an excuse for skipping the hard stuff.

Here are some horoscopes to check out for 2025:

• Glamour
• The Cut

Lunar Phases: The Original Productivity Hack

Before Google Calendar, humans followed the moon’s cycles for timing and productivity. The moon’s energy shifts each week, making it a natural guide for goal-setting and reflection.

How to Work with Lunar Phases:

• New Moon: Set intentions or plant seeds for new goals.
• First Quarter: Take action and push through initial resistance.
• Full Moon: Reflect on progress and release what’s no longer working.
• Last Quarter: Rest, reset, and prepare for the next cycle.

Sync one of your goals with the moon cycle. For example, start journaling during the new moon and review your entries during the full moon to track progress.

Chinese New Year—A Fresh Start with Fireworks

Unlike the Western calendar’s New Year (cue champagne and bad resolutions), Chinese New Year (January 29th in 2025) offers a more intentional fresh start. It is based on the lunar calendar and typically falls between January 21 and February 20, giving you a solid month to recover from the chaos of the Gregorian New Year before rethinking your life. 

The Yearly Animal Energy

Each year is ruled by one of 12 animals in the Chinese zodiac. For example, 2024 was the Year of the Dragon, which brings bold, ambitious energy. 2025 is the Year of the Snake, which represents wisdom, intuition, and transformation.

Look up your zodiac animal and its forecast for the year. If it’s a lucky year for you, lean into big goals. If not, focus on laying groundwork for the future. Each animal brings unique energies that can influence how we approach goals. Every animal year is also paired with one of the five Chinese elements (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water), creating a 60-year cycle that impacts the “flavor” of the year’s energy.

House Cleaning Rituals

In Chinese tradition, cleaning before the New Year clears out bad luck and makes room for good fortune.

Do a thorough pre-New Year cleaning. Sweep, dust, and open windows to invite fresh energy. But save the mopping for before the New Year begins—superstition says cleaning during the celebration could sweep away good luck.

Using It for Goal-Setting:

If it’s, say, the Year of the Rabbit (associated with cleverness and tranquility), this might be a year to focus on nurturing relationships or finding creative solutions to your challenges. If it’s the Year of the Dragon (bold, energetic), you might take some risks or tackle a big dream head-on. 2025 is the Year of the Snake, which represents wisdom, intuition, and transformation. Check out your horoscope.

Try writing down 2-3 qualities of the year’s animal sign and element, and reflect on how those align with your own goals. Maybe “snake energy” encourages you to pursue learning something new or to set boundaries in a gentle, but firm way (because let’s face it, you’ve been saying yes to too many things).

Tarot and Oracle Cards—The Woo-Woo GPS

If feng shui and astrology are like roadmaps, tarot and oracle cards are the pit stops where you check your progress. When you’re choosing card decks, try to use your intuition or even just pick the one that draws you for whatever reason. You do not have to understand it to use it as a check in for yourself. There are a lot of kinds of tarot, oracle cards, angel cards, even mindfulness cards - there is a card deck for everything and they can all be used for this. Don’t have a deck? Try a free app or website for digital card pulls.

If you’ve ever bought a tarot deck just because the artwork was gorgeous, congratulations—you’re already halfway to becoming a mystic. Tarot and oracle cards are less about predicting your future and more about sparking new perspectives.

Pull a Card for Insight

A single card pull can offer surprising clarity, even if you’re skeptical. Just shuffle your deck, think of a question, and draw one card. Reflect on how it relates to your goals or values. You can even use playing cards - they have corresponding meanings.

• Pull a Card for Each Area of Life: Career, relationships, health, creativity, etc. Reflect on what the card’s imagery or message inspires.
• Draw a “Theme” Card for the Year: Use this as your north star for decision-making.
• Create a Vision Spread: Arrange cards to represent different goals. Let their symbolism guide how you approach them.

Not into full tarot spreads? Pull one card and ask, “What energy do I need to embody this year?” Write down what resonates, then turn it into an affirmation or actionable step. For example, a “Strength” card might inspire you to sign up for that boxing class you’ve been eyeing.

Journaling with Cards

Use cards as journaling prompts. For example, if you pull “The Fool,” explore where you might need to take a leap of faith. Look up the meaning and see what it says - it is never as clear cut as it appears from the name on the card.  

Human Design: Your Blueprint for Energy Management

Human Design blends astrology, chakras, the I Ching, and quantum physics to create a personalized “energy map.” It sounds wild, but hear me out: the system divides people into types (Manifestor, Generator, Manifesting Generator, Projector, and Reflector), each with its own strategy for decision-making and energy use.

How It Works for Goal-Setting:

• Generators/Manifesting Generators: Focus on what lights you up—your goals should spark excitement.
• Projectors: Be intentional about rest and structure your goals around efficiency.
• Manifestors: Initiate boldly, but don’t over-commit.
• Reflectors: Set goals that allow flexibility and reflect your ever-evolving environment.

Look up your type for free online (Human Design) and experiment with one strategy that aligns with your energy. Example: If you’re a Projector, try setting a boundary around work hours to conserve energy for what really matters.

Crystals, Candles, & All the Pretty Things

No woo-woo guide would be complete without a nod to crystals and candles. Sure, they’re trendy, but they also tap into the power of intention.

Crystals: Your Sparkly Accountability Buddies

Crystals might not solve your problems, but they’re gorgeous little reminders of what you’re working toward. Plus, keeping a piece of rose quartz on your desk makes you feel like a Zen goddess—even if your inbox says otherwise.

Pick one crystal that represents a key goal for the year. Carry it with you or place it somewhere visible as a touchstone to reconnect with your intentions.

Different stones are said to amplify different energies. For example:

Amethyst A violet to purple quartz that promotes clarity and calmness. The name comes from the Greek word amethystos, which means "not drunk". For focus and clarity (perfect for creative projects).

Rose quartz Also known as the "Stone of Love", this crystal is associated with emotional healing and unconditional love. It's said to open the heart chakra and promote forgiveness, compassion, and love. For self-compassion (nurture your inner critic).

Clear quartz Known as the "master healer", this crystal is believed to enhance energy and clarity of thought. It's often used for meditation, manifestation, and cleansing negative energy. 

Citrine Also known as the "healing quartz", this crystal is believed to stimulate vitality and energy. In feng shui, it's said to be a magnet for luck and success. For abundance and confidence (set financial goals).

Black tourmaline This crystal is believed to protect against negative energy and repel negativity. 

Lapis lazuli This blue gemstone is associated with wisdom, truth, and inner vision. It's also thought to support physical and emotional healing. 

Carnelian A red crystal associated with enhancing creativity, courage, and passion. It's also said to boost self-esteem and vitality, and promote positive energy. 

Malachite A banded green stone that's said to help ease transitions during times of change. It's also thought to cleanse negative energy and lead to healing. 

Choose a crystal that aligns with your goals, cleanse it (a quick rinse or smudge will do), and carry it with you.

Candles with Purpose

Candles are a simple way to focus your intention. Light a candle while you journal or meditate. Choose colors that symbolize your goals (green for growth, white for clarity, etc.), or scents that you like - lavender is usually a good one to start with, but I also really like cedarwood and grapefruit. This also veers off into essential oil territory (Eden’s Garden is my favorite source) - much like crystals, they are all supposed to do different things.  

Why It Works (Even if You’re Skeptical)

Here’s the thing: none of these systems are about outsourcing your decisions to the stars, cards, or crystals. They’re tools for reflection, creativity, and alignment. Whether you’re manifesting under the full moon or just appreciating how the Year of the Snake energizes you, these “woo-woo” practices invite you to pause, reassess, and make intentional choices. You don’t need to rearrange your entire life because Venus is in retrograde, and you certainly don’t need to feng shui your way into exhaustion.

• Mindset Shift: Use these practices as invitations to reflect, not mandates to change. The universe is not keeping score, and neither should you.
• Practical Tip: Start small. Maybe you clear one corner of your house or check your moon sign. Let the woo-woo grow organically.

Final Thoughts: Magic Meets Mindfulness

When you combine ancient wisdom with modern mindfulness, you create a unique blend of magic and practicality. Whether you’re aligning your furniture or aligning with the stars, the goal is the same: to live a life that feels intentional, authentic, and aligned with your values.

So, go ahead and lean into the mystic vibes. Pull that tarot card, align with your moon sign, or embrace the art of chi. The world won’t magically transform overnight—but you just might find yourself stepping into the year with a little more clarity, joy, and purpose. Light that candle, clear that clutter, and don’t forget to laugh at yourself along the way. After all, the best kind of woo-woo is the kind that doesn’t take itself too seriously.

Now, excuse me while I rearrange my Wealth Corner and light a lavender candle.

Resources & Links:

• Joyful January Self Care - 2025
• Self-Care for Humans, Not Algorithms - December 2024 - 
• December 2024 Self Care
• Hyyge is great!
• Simple Practice: How to Create an Affordable and Sustainable Self-Care Plan