One way to approach the high energy of this Dragon Year is to take an inventory of your closet. What if you were to dress and accessorize yourself in ways that both acknowledge your predominant nature yet allow you to experiment with a possible heretofore hidden aspect of your personality? The Dragon will push to bring out a little fire in all of us, so let's have fun with it. Who knows what you might unleash!

The Chinese Five Element Personality Theory gives us a unique language for experimenting with this approach. As you recall, the Five Elements are Water, Wood, Fire, Earth and Water. Determine which traits you most resonate with as described below, keeping in mind the energy of all the traits is in every one of us, they just don't all show up equally. One or two elements are usually dominant and one is barely "visible" in our personality and how we present ourselves and approach life. When you are in tune with your elemental personality, you naturally and effortlessly dress in ways that support your predominant energy.

The Water personality is contemplative, sensitive, innately adventurous and free-spirited and imaginative. True to your Water nature, unstructured garments in black or dark, rich tones are preferred apparel. You will appreciate the creativity and visionary energy of the Water Dragon; however, your preference for self-reflection and solitude will be challenged in this Dragon's fast paced year.  Wearing unusual mixes of color and pattern and unique accessories will support both yours and the Dragon's independent spirit, but to help you maintain your own inner tranquility, continue to wear flowing fabrics and shapes. A unique black and purple wrap would be a perfect accessory for melding contemplative Water and this year's active Fire energy.

Wood personalities tend to be competitive, ambitious, action oriented and direct. Jeans are a staple as are no fuss, sportier clothes. Your Wood personality will appreciate the productive Dragon year as you enjoy being active and work well under pressure. While the fast pace won't bother you, the flamboyance and drama generated by the Dragon will be annoying if you feel it is slowing you down. Fortifying yourself with sportswear in natural fiber fabrics such as cotton knits is an option. However, if you occasionally want to meet the Dragon head on, a brightly colored leather or suede jacket would be a nice addition to your wardrobe without compromising your preference for casual clothing.

Fire people are enthusiastic and fun loving; you love clothes that attract attention - fur or feather trim, sequins or animal prints.  Fire personalities love drama and sensation and will feel quite comfortable with the Dragon energy. You will enjoy living life at a faster pace, meeting new people and having more fun. This might be the year to add red or purple highlights to your hair, flaunt those body conscious clothes you so enjoy, and amp up the animal prints. This is your year! That said, however, caution against "burn out." You can "tame" some of your Fire energy with a little Water energy by adding a black leather dress or a skirt in a soft, flowing fabric.

The Earth personality is typically altruistic and nurturing; your clothing preferences tend toward classic and comfortable. The Earth personality may be the most challenged this year. Your practical nature doesn't resonate with the Dragon's big ideas and risk taking energy. You prefer consistency and the Dragon is all about new ideas and new ways of doing things. This can be exhausting for your more traditional approach to life. You can neutralize some of that Dragon energy by maintaining your preference for structured garments and neutral colors. However, 

you can also benefit from the fresh perspective and boost of confidence the Dragon year inspires. Being open to new ideas and new ways of looking at a situation can be refreshing if you allow yourself to exercise flexibility. To support this new energy while continuing to honor your more traditional spirit, add some red accents to your wardrobe. A red, ceramic bracelet or a classic leather handbag would be perfect. Red undergarments (Fire personalities love this) would do the trick as well but might be too much of a stretch for your more practical minded Earth personality.

A person who is meticulous and discerning is considered to have a Metal personality; they are attracted to elegant styling and designer accessories. The free spirited Dragon energy can be challenging to the organized, reserved and sophisticated Metal personality. As is your nature, you will remain calm, cool and collected in the face of this tempestuous, uninhibited Dragon. Nothing can deter you from wearing your signature elegant, perfectly fitted garments and pale colors, but if you are willing to participate in the some of the fun of this Dragon year and benefit from its riches, add real pearls or a designer leather handbag as your 2012 staple accessory.

Regardless of which Elemental personality you are, this is the year to step out, step up and be seen; a year to have faith in your wildest dreams! So set your intentions with clarity and faith, partner with your home to create a stable, nourishing and supportive environment and don attire that will daily support your personal energies and help you maximize the high energy of the Dragon!

Many blessings,  

Hinda Abrahamson

"A mind that is stretched to a new idea never returns to its original dimensions." 

 Oliver Wendell Holmes

 Maintain resilience and patience and keep breathing as you "ride the Dragon energy" 

Exercise flexibility and go with your instincts 

Maintain an open mind 

This is not a year to squander time; get organized 

Remain calm, clear, and connected throughout this year's profusion of inner and outer transformations 

De-clutter - cuts down on confusion and frustration and enhances mental clarity and physical and emotional energy 

Balance your health with your busy schedule 

Connect daily with the outdoors 

Begin a daily meditation practice 

Create a quiet area in your home to retreat to when the pace feels overwhelming 

Try yoga 

Accessorize to energize or balance your personal energy 

Nurture harmonious relationships and create new ones. 

Maintain a positive attitude 

Embrace optimism

Certified in Western Feng Shui, Traditional Compass Feng Shui and Fashion Feng Shui, Hinda is a founding member and President of the Feng Shui Institute.

 For residential and business consultations, speaking engagements, or customizing a workshop for your group, contact Hinda at (952) 938-0894 or email:

Hinda Abrahamson 

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Each of these, in its own way, can

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I hope you encounter a new idea, a new resource or a new viewpoint. Perhaps some small insight will answer an unspoken question, provide a helpful tip, motivate or inspire you,

or simply give you a moment to escape from the day's demands.