The Lunar New Year is a hugely important time for the Chinese because it is believed that what you do during the first 15 days will directly influence your luck through the rest of the year. It is a time when the annual flying stars move, changing orientation and sectors within the home according to a set cosmic pattern. We track these changes closely and read the new flying stars of the year in conjunction with other astrology charts and forces. And we have summarised them into easy, practical guidelines to help all our readers, so the luck of the coming year gets better and better!

Have a thorough read through our Chinese New Year bumper planner on pages 10 so you can get timing and placements just right. Home improvements, repainting and cleaning all need to be done well in advance of the new year, so we advise you to take action well ahead of when the energies of the world change on February 4th the start of the Chinese solar year. This is a few days before the lunar year begins, so do take note!

The coming Water Snake year holds promise for most animal signs, with many auspicious stars brought by the 24 mountains, but it is also a “Naga” Year.

Nagas are spirits that can bring harm or cause things to go right for you depending on whether or not you appease them. Honey Lim explains on page 26 how to keep the nagas of the year subdued with simple incense offering rituals and how to stay protected by wearing powerful amulets that directly bring them on your side. Lillian Too shares her expertise in Tibetan rituals with a feature on fire pujas to burn away the negatives and to prepare for the fresh new energies of the coming year. See page 38.

The good news for 2013 is that the year’s Paht Chee is well balanced, with all five elements present. Unfortunately, it is a year that has no Lap Chun, i.e. no Spring. This suggests that it is important to simulate growth energy and to take fullest advantage of the other lucky indications for the year. Inside this issue we have explained many of the feng shui implications of the year revealed in the charts. We also bring you the vital enhancers and cures everyone needs to strengthen home energies for the year and to bring good fortune for particular animal signs – all directed at making the most of the year for you and your family.

We especially want to tell you about the Wish Granting Tree, whose presence in the home or on your desk will harness vital growth energy for the coming year. Our cheat sheet feature is also expanded this issue, to bring you the latest updates on lucky colours and lucky gemstones for each of the different animal signs.

As it is new year, don’t miss our Feng Shui Makeover piece which comes with plenty of ideas to get inspired and to refresh body, mind and spirit so you are physically and mentally at your best. The year has quite a lot of goodies coming and it is thus important not to miss out. A notable star in the coming year’s chart is the Star of the Nobleman, which brings good fortune in the form of helpful people and role models, of which Michelle Obama surely must top the list; she is a great example of the modern woman who successfully balances work and family life, inspires a nation, makes a first-rate First Lady to President Obama, and a great mother to her kids. Looking at her four pillars in detail, there is so much more in store for this Rabbit born.

Then there is Awards season in February, with the hottest new movies and star talent competing for the Oscars. We bring you our list of who we think should win this year! One movie I cannot wait to watch is Les Miserables; the Producers got it right on this movie – a musical of this quality deserves big name stars, and Les Mis comes alive with these Hollywood heavyweights... Anne Hathaway, Russell Crowe, Hugh Jackman, Amanda Seyfried... we feel they should all win so good luck to them! Meanwhile, Helen Oon our travel correspondent’s most recent stop was right here in Kuala Lumpur, at the grand opening of the newly-revitalised Majestic Hotel, freshly restored and refurbished, styling itself after old-time high society glamour.

Have a fabulous year ahead, and see you at one of Lillian Too’s Feng Shui Extravaganzas, truly an event no one should miss! This year we have many goodies planned that are exclusive to those who attend Lillian’s Extravaganzas. Pictured here is Lillian with a gorgeous pink handbag giveaway, only at our events in Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Penang or New York. If you haven’t already, do get your tickets soon. It is not too late!

We look forward to meeting up with you.

Gong Xi Fa Cai!!!