The Fire Horse year of 2026 is fast, catalytic, and highly visible — and knowing how to work with it makes all the difference.

In this special full-year episode, Zoë Vita-James and Feng Shui Master Richard Ashworth guide you through the energetic landscape of 2026, sharing how to align with the year practically, personally, and within your home or workplace.

You’ll hear:

• The overall “weather” of the Fire Horse year
• Clear guidance on what to do where in your space — including where to activate and where to be more cautious
• Practical advice for supporting wellbeing, prosperity, and ease
• Personal forecasts for each of the 12 Chinese Zodiac Animals

All shared through the lens of authentic classical Feng Shui and Ba Zi astrology, drawn from over three decades of combined experience working with these systems in real homes and real lives.

Going deeper

As Zoë shares in this episode, the real power of forecasting lies in understanding your Ba Zi chart — starting with the patterns and relationships between all four pillars.

From 4th February, Zoë is offering a bespoke written 2026 forecast, created from your own Four Pillars, highlighting what is most pertinent for you around wellbeing, prosperity, and relationships.

This — and how to align your space — can also be explored further in Zoë’s 90-minute 1:1 Feng Shui Clinic on Zoom.

To enquire, email Zoë.

If you’d like to learn more about studying Ba Zi and Classical Feng Shui, contact Richard.

Richard also has a new book out, ‘I Talk to the Animals’, available from all good book shops.

If you have a question you’d like us to answer (confidentially) in a future episode, do get in touch — we’d love to hear from you.

Contact details:

• Zoë — zoe@zoevitajames.com | Instagram @zoevitajames

• Richard — richardashworth@imperialfengshui.info | imperialfengshui.info

Enjoy — and welcome to the Fire Horse year.

Find Your Animals:

1. Rat: 1948, 60, 72, 84, 96; in December*; on certain days**, 11pm-1am***
2. Ox: 1949, 61, 73, 85, 97; in January; on certain days; 1-3am
3. Tiger: 1950, 62, 74, 86, 98; in February; on certain days; 3-5am
4. Rabbit: 1951, 63, 75, 87, 99; in March; on certain days; 5-7am
5. Dragon: 1952, 64, 76, 88, 2000; in April; on certain days; 7-9am
6. Snake: 1941, 53, 65, 77, 89; in May; on certain days; 9-11am
7. Horse: 1942, 54, 66, 78, 90; in June; on certain days; 11am-1pm
8. Sheep: 1943, 55, 67, 79, 91; in July; on certain days; 1-3pm
9. Monkey: 1944, 56, 68, 80, 92; in August; on certain days; 3-5pm
10. Rooster: 1945, 57, 69, 81, 93; in September; on certain days; 5-7pm
11. Dog: 1946, 58, 70, 82, 94; in October; on certain days; 7-9pm
12. Pig: 1947, 59, 71, 83, 95; in November; on certain days; 9-11pm

* Solar Months start a few days later than Gregorian months.

** For your Day animal you’ll need a Chinese calendar or to know your Ba Zi.

*** Adjust the hour if born during daylight savings.

Note: there are nuanced meanings depending on whether the animal is in your Year, Month, Day or Hour, as explained in this episode.

___________

© 2026 Feng Shui: The Real Thing. All Rights Reserved.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rat months (December) tend to be talkative times of the year. With the 1-energy at the heart of your space this month, together with the mud-in-the-mouth Earth Rat's monthly energy and the backdrop of a challenging Snake year to date, this calls for a month of letting your hair down, relaxed chats and chilling.

Join Richard and Zoe as they talk you through their ways to harness the shifting energies of the month – where to be in your space, what to do where and when, and precise advice personalised to each zodiac Animal sign to easefully ride this month and come out smiling.

To make the most of this podcast you’ll want to know which Animals are in your personal Ba Zi astrology chart - use the guide below or email Zoë with your date of birth to find out.

And if you have a question that you’d like us to (confidentially) answer in a future episode, message us:

• Zoë at zoe@zoevitajames.com or DM on Zoë's Instagram @zoevitajames.
• Richard at richardashworth@imperialfengshui.info or Richard's website imperialfengshui.info to also sign up for Richard’s monthly newsletter and information on his Substack channel.

Enjoy!

___________

Find Your Animals:

1. Rat: 1948, 60, 72, 84, 96; in December*; on certain days**, 11pm-1am***
2. Ox: 1949, 61, 73, 85, 97; in January; on certain days; 1-3am
3. Tiger: 1950, 62, 74, 86, 98; in February; on certain days; 3-5am
4. Rabbit: 1951, 63, 75, 87, 99; in March; on certain days; 5-7am
5. Dragon: 1952, 64, 76, 88, 2000; in April; on certain days; 7-9am
6. Snake: 1941, 53, 65, 77, 89; in May; on certain days; 9-11am
7. Horse: 1942, 54, 66, 78, 90; in June; on certain days; 11am-1pm
8. Sheep: 1943, 55, 67, 79, 91; in July; on certain days; 1-3pm
9. Monkey: 1944, 56, 68, 80, 92; in August; on certain days; 3-5pm
10. Rooster: 1945, 57, 69, 81, 93; in September; on certain days; 5-7pm
11. Dog: 1946, 58, 70, 82, 94; in October; on certain days; 7-9pm
12. Pig: 1947, 59, 71, 83, 95; in November; on certain days; 9-11pm.

* Solar Months start a few days later than Gregorian months.

** For your Day animal you’ll need a chinese calendar or ask Zoë.

*** Adjust the hour if born during daylight savings.

Note: there are nuanced meanings depending on whether the animal is in your Year, Month, Day or Hour, as explained in this episode.

___________

© 2025 Feng Shui: The Real Thing. All Rights Reserved.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join us as we dive into the shifting qi of the month—what it means for each Animal sign and, most importantly, how you can harness it to your advantage. Together, we explore the power of perfect timing, the opportunities grown through Zoe’s ongoing home transformation, and insights on your world and your space as seen through the lens of Feng Shui.

To help you follow the guidance given in this podcast you’ll want to know which Animals are in your personal Ba Zi astrology chart - use the guide below or email Zoë with your birth details to find out.

And if you have a question that you’d like us to (confidentially) answer in a future episode, do contact us:

• Zoë at zoe@zoevitajames.com or DM on Zoë's Instagram @zoevitajames.
• Richard at richardashworth@imperialfengshui.info or Richard's website imperialfengshui.info to also sign up for Richard’s monthly newsletter and information on his Substack channel.

Enjoy!

___________

Find Your Animals:

1. Pig: 1947, 59, 71, 83, 95; in November*; on certain days**; 9-11pm***
2. Rat: 1948, 60, 72, 84, 96; in December; on certain days, 11pm-1am
3. Ox: 1949, 61, 73, 85, 97; in January; on certain days; 1-3am
4. Tiger: 1950, 62, 74, 86, 98; in February; on certain days; 3-5am
5. Rabbit: 1951, 63, 75, 87, 99; in March; on certain days; 5-7am
6. Dragon: 1952, 64, 76, 88, 2000; in April; on certain days; 7-9am
7. Snake: 1941, 53, 65, 77, 89; in May; on certain days; 9-11am
8. Horse: 1942, 54, 66, 78, 90; in June; on certain days; 11am-1pm
9. Sheep: 1943, 55, 67, 79, 91; in July; on certain days; 1-3pm
10. Monkey: 1944, 56, 68, 80, 92; in August; on certain days; 3-5pm
11. Rooster: 1945, 57, 69, 81, 93; in September; on certain days; 5-7pm
12. Dog: 1946, 58, 70, 82, 94; in October; on certain days; 7-9pm.

* Solar Months start a few days later than Gregorian months.

** For your Day animal you’ll need a chinese calendar or ask Zoë.

*** Adjust the Hour if born during daylight savings.

Note: there are nuanced meanings depending on whether the animal is in your Year, Month, Day or Hour, as explained in this episode.

___________

© 2025 Feng Shui: The Real Thing. All Rights Reserved.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

***CORRECTION: within this episode we give "Thursday 13th October" as the auspicious date for this month (and of course doesn't exist!) - the correct auspicious day is Thursday 16th October, which is the Earth Horse (with Horn and Success) energy day we recommend. So sorry for any confusion!***

Join Richard and Zoë as we dive into the shifting qi of the month—what it means for each Animal sign and, most importantly, how you can harness it to your advantage. Together, we explore the power of perfect timing (including why even Taylor Swift may choose her release dates carefully), the opportunities grown through Zoë’s ongoing home transformation, and insights on the wider world as seen through the lens of feng shui. We also uncover the explosive energy hidden in the third week of October, meet Reggie the feng shui dog, and lots more.

To explore which Animals are in your personal Ba Zi astrology chart, use the guide below or email Zoë with your birth details.

And if you have a question that you’d like us to (confidentially) answer in a future episode, do contact us:

• Zoë at zoe@zoevitajames.com or DM on Zoë's Instagram @zoevitajames.
• Richard at richardashworth@imperialfengshui.info or Richard's website imperialfengshui.info to also sign up for Richard’s monthly newsletter and information on his Substack channel.

Enjoy!

___________

Find Your Animals:

1. Dog: 1946, 58, 70, 82, 94; in October*; on certain days**; 7-9pm***
2. Pig: 1947, 59, 71, 83, 95; in November; on certain days; 9-11pm.
3. Rat: 1948, 60, 72, 84, 96; in December; on certain days, 11pm-1am
4. Ox: 1949, 61, 73, 85, 97; in January; on certain days; 1-3am
5. Tiger: 1950, 62, 74, 86, 98; in February; on certain days; 3-5am
6. Rabbit: 1951, 63, 75, 87, 99; in March; on certain days; 5-7am
7. Dragon: 1952, 64, 76, 88, 2000; in April; on certain days; 7-9am
8. Snake: 1941, 53, 65, 77, 89; in May; on certain days; 9-11am
9. Horse: 1942, 54, 66, 78, 90; in June; on certain days; 11am-1pm
10. Sheep: 1943, 55, 67, 79, 91; in July; on certain days; 1-3pm
11. Monkey: 1944, 56, 68, 80, 92; in August; on certain days; 3-5pm
12. Rooster: 1945, 57, 69, 81, 93; in September; on certain days; 5-7pm

* Solar months start a few days later than Gregorian months.

** For your day animal you’ll need a chinese calendar or ask Zoë.

*** Adjust the hour if born during daylight savings.

Note: there are nuanced meanings depending on whether the animal is in your Year, Month, Day or Hour, as explained in this episode.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Feng Shui experts Zoë Vita James and Richard Ashworth explore the energy of the Wood Rooster month (7 Sept 7 – 8 Oct 2025). They share guidance on how to align with supportive areas of the home, where to be cautious, and how to use water effectively for abundance and flow.

Learn about the impact of images and symbolism in the home, and tips for handling water leaks including their emotional resonance.

Our conversation expands into Ba Zi astrology, focusing on the concept of the “big fate” (luck pillars) and how early life decisions (as pinpointed in a person's Ba Zi) shape patterns in adulthood.

Receive your monthly forecasts for each of the 12 zodiac animals, an auspicious date for everyone, and practical advice for fostering relationships, creativity, and prosperity.

To find out the animals in your Ba Zi chinese astrology chart, use the guide below or email Zoë with your date, time and place of birth.

If you have a question that you’d like us to (confidentially) answer in a future episode, contact us:

• Zoë at zoe@zoevitajames.com or DM on Zoë's Instagram @zoevitajames.
• Richard at richardashworth@imperialfengshui.info or Richard's website imperialfengshui.info to also sign up for Richard’s monthly newsletter and information on his Substack channel.

Enjoy!

___________

Find Your Animals:

1. Rooster: 1945, 57, 69, 81, 93; in September*; on certain days**; 5-7pm***
2. Dog: 1946, 58, 70, 82, 94; in October; on certain days; 7-9pm
3. Pig: 1947, 59, 71, 83, 95; in November; on certain days; 9-11pm.
4. Rat: 1948, 60, 72, 84, 96; in December; on certain days, 11pm-1am
5. Ox: 1949, 61, 73, 85, 97; in January; on certain days; 1-3am
6. Tiger: 1950, 62, 74, 86, 98; in February; on certain days; 3-5am
7. Rabbit: 1951, 63, 75, 87, 99; in March; on certain days; 5-7am
8. Dragon: 1952, 64, 76, 88, 2000; in April; on certain days; 7-9am
9. Snake: 1941, 53, 65, 77, 89; in May; on certain days; 9-11am
10. Horse: 1942, 54, 66, 78, 90; in June; on certain days; 11am-1pm
11. Sheep: 1943, 55, 67, 79, 91; in July; on certain days; 1-3pm
12. Monkey: 1944, 56, 68, 80, 92; in August; on certain days; 3-5pm

* Solar months start a few days later than Gregorian months.

** For your day animal you’ll need a chinese calendar or ask Zoë.

*** Adjust the hour if born during daylight savings.

Note: there are nuanced meanings depending on whether the animal is in your Year, Month, Day or Hour, as explained in this episode.

___________

© 2025 Feng Shui: The Real Thing. All Rights Reserved.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The new month of the Wood Monkey opens on 7th August 2025. How to ease-fully ride this new month’s energy to elevate your relationships, health and wealth? Listen to find out.

You’ll hear what to do where in your unique space and your personal forecast for each of the 12 zodiac animals, and our 'what we've been up to' stories of practicing classical feng shui with our clients - to inspire and leave you with useful tips you can apply right away.

Plus, a wonderfully auspicious date this month to pop in your diary!

To find out what animals are in your Ba Zi chinese astrology chart use the guide below or email Zoë with your date, time and place of birth.

If you have a question that you’d like us to (confidentially) answer in a future episode, contact us:

• Zoë at zoe@zoevitajames.com or DM on Zoë's Instagram @zoevitajames.
• Richard at richardashworth@imperialfengshui.info or Richard's website imperialfengshui.info where you can also sign up to receive Richard’s monthly newsletter and gain information on his Substack channel.

Enjoy!

___________

Find Your Animals:

1. Monkey: 1944, 56, 68, 80, 92; in August*; on certain days**; 3-5pm***
2. Rooster: 1945, 57, 69, 81, 93; in September; on certain days; 5-7pm
3. Dog: 1946, 58, 70, 82, 94; in October; on certain days; 7-9pm
4. Pig: 1947, 59, 71, 83, 95; in November; on certain days; 9-11pm.
5. Rat: 1948, 60, 72, 84, 96; in December; on certain days, 11pm-1am
6. Ox: 1949, 61, 73, 85, 97; in January; on certain days; 1-3am
7. Tiger: 1950, 62, 74, 86, 98; in February; on certain days; 3-5am
8. Rabbit: 1951, 63, 75, 87, 99; in March; on certain days; 5-7am
9. Dragon: 1952, 64, 76, 88, 2000; in April; on certain days; 7-9am
10. Snake: 1941, 53, 65, 77, 89; in May; on certain days; 9-11am
11. Horse: 1942, 54, 66, 78, 90; in June; on certain days; 11am-1pm
12. Sheep: 1943, 55, 67, 79, 91; in July; on certain days; 1-3pm

* Solar months start a few days later than Gregorian months.

** For your day animal you’ll need a chinese calendar or ask Zoë.

*** Adjust the hour if born during daylight savings.

Note: there are nuanced meanings depending on whether the animal is in your Year, Month, Day or Hour, as explained in this episode.

___________

© 2025 Feng Shui: The Real Thing. All Rights Reserved.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How to ease-fully navigate this new month’s energy to elevate your relationships, health and wealth and realise your deepest dreams? Listen to this latest episode to find out.

You’ll hear what to do where in your unique space and your personal forecast for each of the 12 zodiac animals. Plus, a wonderfully auspicious date to pop in your diary.

To find out what animals are in your Ba Zi chinese astrology chart use the guide below or email Zoë with your date, time and place of birth.

If you have a question that you’d like us to (confidentially) answer in a future episode, contact us:

• Zoë at zoe@zoevitajames.com or DM on Zoë's Instagram @zoevitajames.
• Richard at richardashworth@imperialfengshui.info or Richard's website imperialfengshui.info where you can also sign up to receive Richard’s monthly newsletter and gain information on his Substack channel.

Enjoy!

___________

Find Your Animals:

1. Sheep: 1943, 55, 67, 79, 91; in July*; on certain days**; 1-3pm***
2. Monkey: 1944, 56, 68, 80, 92; in August; on certain days; 3-5pm
3. Rooster: 1945, 57, 69, 81, 93; in September; on certain days; 5-7pm
4. Dog: 1946, 58, 70, 82, 94; in October; on certain days; 7-9pm
5. Pig: 1947, 59, 71, 83, 95; in November; on certain days; 9-11pm.
6. Rat: 1948, 60, 72, 84, 96; in December; on certain days, 11pm-1am
7. Ox: 1949, 61, 73, 85, 97; in January; on certain days; 1-3am
8. Tiger: 1950, 62, 74, 86, 98; in February; on certain days; 3-5am
9. Rabbit: 1951, 63, 75, 87, 99; in March; on certain days; 5-7am
10. Dragon: 1952, 64, 76, 88, 2000; in April; on certain days; 7-9am
11. Snake: 1941, 53, 65, 77, 89; in May; on certain days; 9-11am
12. Horse: 1942, 54, 66, 78, 90; in June; on certain days; 11am-1pm

* Solar months start a few days later than Gregorian months.

** For your day animal you’ll need a chinese calendar or ask Zoë.

*** Adjust the hour if born during daylight savings.

Note: there are nuanced meanings depending on whether the animal is in your Year, Month, Day or Hour, as explained in this episode.

___________

© 2025 Feng Shui: The Real Thing. All Rights Reserved.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The new month of the Water Horse June 2025 opens on 5th June. How to navigate this new monthly energy with ease?

Listen to this latest episode of Feng Shui: The Real Thing to find out.

You’ll hear our forecast on the changing energies, where to be in your space for strength, abundance and loving connected relationships, and our personal forecasts for each of the 12 zodiac animals.

Plus 2 lucky dates for everyone to make use of!

With our ultimate mission being to help you find the right place and right time in your unique space to realise your deepest dreams.

Note that to follow for your personal forecast you have not just one, but four, zodiac animals in your Ba Zi astrology chart (or five if you include the lifehouse pillar related to your life calling). To find out which are in your personal chart, use the guide below or email Zoë with your date, time and place of birth:

1. Horse: 1942, 54, 66, 78, 90; in June*; on certain days**; 11am-1pm***
2. Sheep: 1943, 55, 67, 79, 91; in July; on certain days; 1-3pm
3. Monkey: 1944, 56, 68, 80, 92; in August; on certain days; 3-5pm
4. Rooster: 1945, 57, 69, 81, 93; in September; on certain days; 5-7pm
5. Dog: 1946, 58, 70, 82, 94; in October; on certain days; 7-9pm
6. Pig: 1947, 59, 71, 83, 95; in November; on certain days; 9-11pm.
7. Rat: 1948, 60, 72, 84, 96; in December; on certain days, 11pm-1am
8. Ox: 1949, 61, 73, 85, 97; in January; on certain days; 1-3am
9. Tiger: 1950, 62, 74, 86, 98; in February; on certain days; 3-5am
10. Rabbit: 1951, 63, 75, 87, 99; in March; on certain days; 5-7am
11. Dragon: 1952, 64, 76, 88, 2000; in April; on certain days; 7-9am
12. Snake: 1941, 53, 65, 77, 89; in May; on certain days; 9-11am

* Solar Months start a few days later than Gregorian months.

** For your Day animal you’ll need a chinese calendar or ask Zoë.

*** Adjust the Hour if born during daylight savings.

Note also that the different pillars offer nuanced meanings depending on whether the animal is in your Year, Month, Day or Hour, as explained in this episode.

Do contact us if you would like us to (confidentially) answer on a future episode any questions about your life, home and the Feng Shui way of seeing the world:

• Zoë at zoe@zoevitajames.com or DM on Zoë's Instagram @zoevitajames.
• Richard at richardashworth@imperialfengshui.info or Richard's website imperialfengshui.info where you can also sign up to receive Richard’s monthly newsletter and gain information on his Substack channel.

Also for this month: Join Richard on Saturday 19th July at 4pm-6pm BST via zoom when he will be teaching a crash course on auspicious date selection, when you also will find out how to use lucky dates for you personally. Contact Richard or sheilaashworthfengshui@gmail.com to find out more.

Enjoy!

___________

© 2025 Feng Shui: The Real Thing. All Rights Reserved.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.