Auspicious Dates and Places for the month of the Metal Rabbit 2026 in the Year of the Fire Horse.

 

The Feng Shui Society recorded a webinar for me last month to launch my new book I Talk to the Animals (click to sample or purchase). Thank you the fabulous Victoria Michaelides for everything (including promoting me to Grand Master (not a title I’ve been described with before but I have been around a long time) You can learn some ba zi insights, procedures and tricks here that you won’t hear about anywhere else (including in the book.)

 

A 7 month                              features interference, intervention, interruption
A Rabbit Month                    is usually less frenetic than the Tiger
Where not to be this month: tai chi, West, East (& South all year)
Where to be this month:    South East, North East, North West most helpful
Favoured Animals:               Pig, Rabbit, Sheep, Dog
Especially challenged:         Rooster, Dragon – ego issues

 

Raining Like Blade Runner
It was during the gap between showers that was the second Tuesday in February, that I went first to Watkins Books on Cecil Court to check that they were displaying my new book (they are) and then to Ladbroke Grove to catch up with Barb and her feng shui. It was also the first day of the Year of the Fire Horse according to the Lunar Calendar.

The Grove neighbourhood of course contains some of the most magnificent property in London; luminaries I have surveyed for, such as Kelly Hoppen and Gillian Anderson have lived within a rose quartz tumble’s throw of Barb’s little flat. Suffice it to say that these were detached 5 bedroom jobs with plenty of room for the manolo blahniks, the feng shui work there more recreational than therapeutic. Not like chez Barb which lies in the shadow of Grenfell Tower. The roads that lead that way are mostly opulent at one end becoming progressively more neglected towards the other.

I hadn’t seen Barb since the fire. We had talked vaguely about me coming up and doing something useful; but the more I thought about it the more offensive that idea seemed. The last thing I wanted was to appear to exploit vulnerable people with their defences down. There were enough doing that already.

It’s a housing association building with a shabby front door and a neglected hallway. I have measured the orientation of that door a dozen times. I wade through a fug of exhaled marijuana to mount the stairs. I don’t know whether to hold my breath or breathe deeply. Barb greets me halfway up. I am touched that she is so clearly pleased to see me.

She is a comely fifty-something who scrubs up nicely, a gentle soul with a long story of misunderstandings, difficulties and exploitation and a certain stoic dignity. The universe has not been consistently kind to her. But bless her, she doesn’t see it like that.

Barb’s dachshund/something cross has given birth to three puppies who are all over me quite quickly, their mother, more withdrawn, remaining in her basket and guarding her bone. She’s planning to keep all four.

“They’re family,” she says, talking to them softly. There is so much love in this woman.

She talks almost without catching breath and it is perhaps forty minutes before she gets up to prepare the cup of tea she offered me when I arrived. She has a lot to fill me in on. Her father has died. Her daughter has walked out. Her little business feels stale. But mostly that fire is still with her.

“For months lights were on all night, no one could sleep; people were wandering around aimlessly, sitting in the parks 24/7 staring into space. You’d remember that you hadn’t seen someone for ages. And then you’d remember. A name you knew would come up on some list and you’d realise. And the air – full of chemicals, people coming down with chest complaints and stuff.”

In the months following she volunteered. She entertains kids, that’s her thing. Every parent knows that entertaining small children is the hardest job there is; harder than the most demanding interview or business meeting. And these kids were predictably traumatised.

“The whole community joined in, there were people cooking and providing clothes and bedding. It was amazing. We had to sort it all out between us. People looked after each other until the government came in – after several months – and screwed everything up.”
“The Afghan shop – they lost the lovely old man who used to sit out front; the garage lost all their customers.”

She pauses and tears up.

She remains a person who just naturally makes people laugh, sometimes not intentionally. She has now finally been diagnosed with PTSD which entitles her to some compensation.

“Everybody I know has PTSD, diagnosed or not,” she says.

She is highly intelligent, a fact disguised by her breakneck delivery and wandering attention. Historically, feng shui surveys here have been long and complicated. Not because the apartment is complex or that she is difficult but because every relevant topic draws her to one that isn’t. So I keep it very focused. Today I listen closely to her heartbreak and interpose with recommendations as they become relevant.

She has plans to write a children’s novel. She certainly has the chops.

“For that you need to locate East this year, face any of the Western directions – West, South West or North West – and start writing at 3 in the morning. Straight from sleep. You’ll need good light and plants nearby.”

I tell her about a friend who took just such advice and wrote a book now being optioned as a movie. No promises though.

Barb’s twenty-something daughter Anna claims she was neglected.

Someone wrote that there is a statute of limitations on blaming your parents. Barb’s ba zi (that is – oversimply – Chinese horoscope) shows just such blame, known as the Ingratitude Penalty:  “You failed me” countered by “You’re ungrateful.” The Special Star Yum San pins down when that may have happened: age 10 and more recently in 2020.

Barb felt much as Anna does, her own parents seem to have sleep-walked through her childhood, leaving her exposed to all sorts of dangers I won’t go into here. Such patterns pass down the generations: God blamed Adam; Adam blamed Eve; Eve blamed the Snake and the Snake took the Nuremburg Defence.

We agree that the buck stops here. First physical feng shui then perhaps we’ll find and heal the heartbreaks.

“Activate the South East right away, the location of the Eldest Daughter: light, laughter, action. Then we’ll follow up with a deeper conversation in a week or two.”

“Will that do it?”

“We’ll see. It’ll be you that’s doing it. With a little help from the Qi Men Dun Jia deities and some love. But you’ve got plenty of that.”

As I walk back to Ladbroke Grove tube, I see the tower, shrouded in what looks like green baize, looming like an unopened delivery. My playlist turns to Bruce Springsteen’s “Streets of Philadelphia.”

During the Fire Horse, many Chinese authorities see a year of epochal disaster. The last such year – 1966 – kicked off the random mayhem of the cultural Revolution, 1906 wasn’t much fun either and in 1846 every Western nation that could float a gun boat was ravaging and pillaging there. So they have a point. But I find myself thinking further back to the Fire Horse of 1066 when whichever duke whose descendant owns the freeholds in the Grove today, rode up from Hastings plundering and slaughtering as he came. No change there then.

I board the Hammersmith and Central; bye Barb, see you soon. In a couple of weeks we’ll see if we can return you to factory settings.

For the first time in over a month, it hasn’t rained all day.

My monthly Yi Jing (that is Book of Changes) class
(next one: Wednesday March 11^th) examines the ramifications of the Hexagram for next Month i.e. March, the Metal Rabbit Month: this time Zhong Fu  Hexagram 61, Wind over Lake: Inner Sincerity.

You can visit the highlights of this and every monthly session on my YouTube Channel. You may not have the stamina for all sixty four Hexagrams but you could also join us live via Zoom for a year via Sheilaashworthfengshui@gmail.com.

   S
 6      2       4
5      7       9
 1      3       8

The kua at the heart of this month’s lo shu (above) is the intrusive 7. Note that the 9 in the West is shaded because the san sha or “Three Killings” has landed there. So not settling in the East (5) tai chi (7 )or the West (san sha) in March is wise as is spending more time in the South East (6)  North East (1)and North West (8).

 

Remember you have at least four Animals to consider in your own Ba Zi chart (one each for Hour, Day and Month of birth as well as Year) and that it is as unlikely that they’re all suffering this Month as that all are making hay. Each Animal illuminates a particular aspect of life. To know this about yourself may be timely. My 2026 Annual Animal Fortunes will be on the website mid-January, ready for the Chinese New Year. More detail about this month in the Podcast.

The Rabbit is so often a homebody. Which makes the 10^th especially comfortable. The Fire of the Horse can act like a lure drawing you out but this month, if circumstances don’t settle you there anyway, seek the security of home. There’s much to do there.
The Yang Earth of the Dragon is reckoned to be prone to exploitation by the Rabbit. Wood deriving nourishment from Earth is a natural thing of course but on days like the 13^th it can be quite draining. There is empowerment however on the 14^th when you get to choose your own agenda.
Snake: and Rabbit for no particular elemental reason are said to get along. The 12^th may prove puzzling but the 26^th offers all sorts of fresh starts as the gentle yin Wood re-energises you.
Horses: underpowered. A slower month after breakneck February. Which brings a welcome time of preparation when you can build your energy for the Summer when things accelerate and you’ll need to step up. Dress rehearsal for that on the 13^th)  when you may for these reasons feel hurried but the 10^th offers assistance and a slower pace.
Sheep and Rabbit are co-workers – along with the Pig. So you’re likely to enjoy the 14^th; the 16th and 28^th perhaps not. Cooperation is not the same as dependence..
Monkey doesn’t really get the quiet Rabbit so the opening of the month on the 5^th may come as a shock. You’ll be refreshed by being in charge on the 14^th. And again on the 4^th April. But the month favours caution; your bite could be worse than your bark.
Roosters may also prosper modestly on 14^th and the 4^th  but you are in direct opposition to the Rabbit of the Month and unsettled throughout the Horse Year but you are a Tin Yute Gwai Yan (that is Nobleman Helper) this year which means your wisdom and advice are of great value. Especially when rooted on your own experience.
Dog and Rabbit are old pals and you are one of the Animals more comfortable with the Fire of the year than with the Water that inevitably follows it. August to and September may dowse you but March won’t. Embrace attention and opportunity and sidestep potential sabotage by a 3^rd party on the 22^nd.
Pig is favoured by the Rabbit, especially on the 10^th. But your own days (14^th and 26^th) may be less advantageous to you than to others. But that of course is the fate of the annual Tin Yute Gwai Yans. As such you serve as Agony Aunt all year.
The Rat and Rabbit form an ingratitude Penalty which often means that Rats come in for criticism for historic negligence at Rabbit times – 2023 from the Royal Family downwards was full of that. The 10^th, 14^th and 26^th are the days to address it.
Ox and Rabbit are not usually a fortunate pairing: the 22^nd may disappoint while others revel. You may nonetheless get an even break on the 11^th and 23^rd. Not the month for risks or major initiatives.
Tigers will enjoy the 14^th and 26^th but it’s a slower month than breakneck February and that needs adjusting to. Don’t run when walking will do.

 

In this month’s Podcast out the 1^st week in March, the brilliant Zoe Vita James and I look at the Rabbit Month, the likely implications for each Animal and what we may each do about it plus the usual feng shui and ba zi banter, where to be and not to be, the collapse of the world order plus why Feng Shui Masters re-angle doors, Zoe’s bedroom/office makeover and lots more. I may be drawn on the month’s surveys.

 

Below is listed a little about the energy, tone and implications of every day of this month – some suit certain Animals and activities more than others. Some suit nobody and my notes offer advance warning. To get most value you need to compare each of the Animals in the Four Pillars of your ba zi against the portents of the day
 
How do I know which affect me in particular?
To find out if you’re especially favoured (or not) notice that your ba zi consists of Five Animals, one each for the Year, Month, Day & Hour of your birth plus a Life House. When any one of these is name-checked below my comments apply to you, with different nuance of course depending on which Pillar the Animal indicated inhabits. The numbers in brackets indicate a year but each Pillar also corresponds to a Month Day or Hour. If baffled, do ask.

Your Year Animal will relate to parents, family and origins as well as the physical, the obvious and the immediate, the family you grew up with, hereditary traits and patterns; deep history, deep heritage & your public face.
Your Month Animal relates to career or business as well as education, peers, siblings, exes and the work environment; shallower history, shallower heritage.
Your Day Animal represents you personally and your significant other. You may need a Chinese Calendar or professional advice to establish your Day Animal.
Your Hour Animal represents your deepest dreams, your children and the future. Which for many of us are pretty much the same thing.
Your Life House represents the voice that calls to you. It may be summoning you to your true calling but it may be no such thing. That’s a decision for you to make.

I rate Favoured days with Stars from * (helpful) to ***** (take that leap) and Cautionary days from * (watch your step) to ***** (wrap up in a blanket & don’t stir).

Pretty Poor
Saturday 7^th March, Metal Dragon 1/9, Foundation, Remove (5) *** conserve.
Shaky Remove Day, keep your eyes on what matters although there will be little progress today. Resist the temptation to cut back in any sense and be sure to act as if you value whatever or whoever you do value. Respect and mercy both go a long way today.
Favours: no one much.
Caution: Dog & Rabbit.
Activity: stillness .

A word about Water placement: Two days (the 23^rd and 26^th) suit placing long term
Water this month. Choose time and location with care, as a Water Dragon placed now
could enhance your whole year or indeed the rest of your life. An external Water Dragon
– sentimental (that is living) Water – not rushing and not stagnant – may as you probably
realise by now, be the most powerful feng shui boost possible. Use wisely. Best seek
professional help placing and timing. You have my email.
Quite Helpful
Saturday 14^th March, Fire Pig 8/8, Maiden, Success (3) **** good for a gamble
During the 8^th Fate Period which ended in 2024, the Fire Pig (of 1947) was the leading Animal. Less so now but the Lunar Mansion Maiden focuses intimate relationship and Success speaks for itself. A day to dare to ask leading questions: “I’ve said it; can you say it back?”
Favours: all especially Rabbit, Sheep & Tiger but not Pig who should watch their ego.
Activity: at the Sheep 205ºSSW/SW1 for support.

Tricky.
Thursday 19^th March, Water Dragon 6/4, Astride, Remove (8) **** contention
New Moon 06:03a.m. Poor Remove Day, not for rejecting, jettisoning or withdrawal. Astride: Danger of dispute, rigid positions and all sorts of macho tomfoolery. Be wiser.
Activity: at the tai chi (geometric centre) for moderation.
Special favour against the odds:
Fire (1996) Rat.
Wood(1945) Metal(1981)Fire(1957) Rooster
Metal(1980) Monkey.

Very Poor
Sunday 22^nd March, Wood Sheep 7/6, Pleiades, Stable (2) ***** blighted
About scattered extended family scattering more widely; domestic, national, political. No big change follows; the portents depend upon the brightness of the day – the brighter the better.
Favours: no one.
Activity: at the Rabbit (due East) for company.

For guidance:
Fire: upwards motion, bright light, arrangements of 9; pointy, triangles, pyramids.
Earth: stillness, crystal, stone, quiet, arrangements of 2 or 8 flat, level shapes
Metal: circular motion, music, arrangements of 6 or 7, circular & globe shapes.
Water: random motion, chatter, emotion, arrangements of 1, the shapeless, still Water.
Wood: constant motion, plants, arrangements of 3 & 4, upright, columnar shapes.

Quite Helpful
West, Intervention: Year Star: 3 Month Star: 9. Moon Tin Yute Gwai Yan (at Rooster W2)
3:9 Career combination. Another Tin Yute Gwai Yan Star – due West (around 270º). Most likely topic is career and advancement down the generations.
For assistance: a glass vase of Water at W2.
Put simply: more (career-related) help is at hand than before.

Not
South, Bright Future: Year Star:  5 Month Star: 2 Year wu huang Tai sui (Horse).
Stay out as far as possible. Nasty. Extremely poor for relationship and women generally, all year. And don’t even think of facing South.
Mitigate: t’ang lung may help, also quiet and stillness, 5- or 6-pipe Metal Wind Chime; Water Cure if you can stand the mess. But best avoided.
Put simply: Very unhelpful unless your home is very unusual.

Note: Directions are from the tai chi (ie heart of the property)

Richard Ashworth©
www.imperialfengshui.info © 2026
art by @elliespinelli ©