Feng Shui: The Real Thing

Hosted by Zoë Vita James and Richard Ashworth

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Jun 2026

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Welcome to Feng Shui: The Real Thing , a Classical Feng Shui and Ba Zi Chinese astrology podcast, with co-hosts Zoë Vita James and Feng Shui Master Richard Ashworth. Each episode explores authentic Feng Shui principles, Chinese metaphysics and monthly Chinese astrology forecasts - helping you work consciously with time, space and energy in your everyday life. Together, Zoë and Richard bring over 30 years’ combined experience as professional Classical Feng Shui consultants. Richard is also widely respected as one of the leading Western teachers of traditional Feng Shui and Ba Zi. Each episode shares practical guidance and insights you can apply to your home, workspace and life - supporting wellbeing, prosperity and relationships through Classical Feng Shui principles. A new Feng Shui and Chinese astrology forecast is released at the start of each solar month, helping you work with the energetic patterns of the Chinese calendar. In our episodes you’ll hear: • Monthly Feng Shui forecasts aligned with the Chinese solar calendar • Guidance on where to spend time in your home or workspace - and which areas to treat more carefully • Evergreen Feng Shui guidance - from selecting a property through to remodelling and living in your space - along with stories from our professional work that bring these principles to life • Personal forecasts for all 12 Chinese Zodiac animals To follow the animal forecasts we share each month, you’ll want to know which animals appear in your own Ba Zi chart. Use the guide below based on your birth details. The meaning varies depending on whether the animal appears in your Year, Month, Day, Hour or Life House pillar . Rat: 1948, 60, 72, 84, 96; in December*; 11pm-1am**; and on certain days*** Ox: 1949, 61, 73, 85, 97; in January*; 1-3am**; and on certain days*** Tiger: 1950, 62, 74, 86, 98; in February*; 3-5am**; and on certain days*** Rabbit: 1951, 63, 75, 87, 99; in March*; 5-7am**; and on certain days Dragon: 1952, 64, 76, 88, 2000; in April*; 7-9am**; and on certain days*** Snake: 1941, 53, 65, 77, 89; in May*; 9-11am**; and on certain days*** Horse: 1942, 54, 66, 78, 90; in June*; 11am-1pm**; and on certain days*** Sheep: 1943, 55, 67, 79, 91; in July*; 1-3pm**; and on certain days*** Monkey: 1944, 56, 68, 80, 92; in August*; 3-5pm**; and on certain days*** Rooster: 1945, 57, 69, 81, 93; in September*; 5-7pm**; and on certain days*** Dog: 1946, 58, 70, 82, 94; in October*; 7-9pm**; and on certain days*** Pig: 1947, 59, 71, 83, 95; in November*; 9-11pm**; and on certain days*** * Solar months start a few days later than Gregorian months. ** Remember to adjust the hour if born during daylight savings. *** For Day animals you’ll need a Chinese calendar or contact Zoë. If you’d like your own Feng Shui or Ba Zi questions explored in future episodes, please contact us: Richard - imperialfengshui.info Zoë - zoevitajames.com Happy listening. ___________ © Feng Shui: The Real Thing. All Rights Reserved. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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June 7, 202637 min

June 2026 Feng Shui Forecast - The Wood Horse Month

June 2026 brings the Wood Horse month – double Horse with the energy of the Fire Horse year, meaning double heat, passion, excitement and hurry.In this episode of Feng Shui: The Real Thing, Zoë Vita James and Feng Shui Master Richard Ashworth share practical guidance on how to align with June’s energy using Classical Feng Shui and Ba Zi Chinese Astrology. Plus, stories from our recent Feng Shui projects, working with real homes, offices and lives.You’ll hear:·     Where to be, and where not to be, in your home or workspace this month·     An auspicious date for everyone·     The deeper nature of the Wood Horse and how to navigate its energyEnjoy this inspiring and practical monthly Feng Shui show, helping you to work consciously with time, space, and Chinese metaphysics in everyday life.For personalised Ba Zi forecasts or Feng Shui consultations, contact Zoë: zoevitajames.com.To learn Ba Zi and Classical Feng Shui, contact Richard: imperialfengshui.info.Richard’s new book I Talk to the Animals is available from all good bookshops.Enjoy, and welcome to the Wood Horse month. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

May 9, 202638 min

May 2026 Feng Shui Forecast - The Water Snake Month

May 2026 brings the Water Snake month - the first month of summer, the hurry season, within the wider Fire Horse year of 2026.In this episode of Feng Shui: The Real Thing, Zoë Vita James and Feng Shui Master Richard Ashworth share practical guidance on how to align with May’s energy using Classical Feng Shui and Ba Zi Chinese Astrology.You’ll hear:• The most supportive areas of your home or workspace this month - and which areas to treat carefully• How to activate helpful energy for authority, opportunity and prosperity• The deeper nature of the Water Snake and how to navigate its energy• An auspicious date to use this month: Sunday 17 May• Personal forecasts for all 12 Chinese Zodiac animalsThis is a grounded, practical monthly Feng Shui forecast to help you work consciously with time, space, and Chinese metaphysics in everyday life.For personalised Ba Zi forecasts or Feng Shui consultations, contact Zoë: zoevitajames.com.To learn Ba Zi and Classical Feng Shui, contact Richard: imperialfengshui.info.Richard’s new book I Talk to the Animals is available from all good bookshops.Enjoy, and welcome to the Water Snake month.© 2026 Feng Shui: The Real Thing. All Rights Reserved. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

April 6, 202645 min

April 2026 Feng Shui Forecast - The Water Dragon Month

April 2026 brings the Water Dragon month - the third and final month of spring within the wider Fire Horse year of 2026.In this episode of Feng Shui: The Real Thing, Zoë Vita James and Feng Shui Master Richard Ashworth share practical guidance on how to align withApril’s energy using Classical Feng Shui and Ba Zi Chinese Astrology.You’ll hear:• The most supportive areas of your home or workspace this month - and which areas to treat carefully• How to activate helpful energy for authority, opportunity and prosperity• The deeper nature of the Water Dragon and how to navigate its shamanic, intuitive energy• An auspicious date to use this month: Monday 20th April• Personal forecasts for all 12 Chinese Zodiac animalsThis is a grounded, practical monthly Feng Shui forecast to help you work consciously with time, space, and Chinese metaphysics in everyday life.For personalised Ba Zi forecasts or Feng Shui consultations, contact Zoë: zoevitajames.com.To learn Ba Zi and Classical Feng Shui, contact Richard: imperialfengshui.info.Richard’s new book I Talk to the Animals is available from all good bookshops.Enjoy, and welcome to the Water Dragon month. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

March 5, 202636 min

March 2026 Feng Shui Forecast - The Metal Rabbit Month

March 2026 brings the Metal Rabbit month, the second month of spring within the wider Fire Horse year of 2026.In this episode of Feng Shui: The Real Thing, Zoë Vita James and Feng Shui Master Richard Ashworth share practical guidance on how to align with March’s energy using Classical Feng Shui and Ba Zi Chinese Astrology.You’ll hear:• The most supportive areas of your home or workspace this month — and which areas to treat carefully• How to activate helpful energy for visibility, creativity, and opportunity• The deeper nature of the Metal Rabbit and how to navigate its reflective energy• An auspicious date to use this month: Monday 23rd March• Personal forecasts for all 12 Chinese Zodiac animalsThis is a grounded, practical monthly Feng Shui forecast to help you work consciously with time, space, and Chinese metaphysics in everyday life.For personalised Ba Zi forecasts or Feng Shui consultations, contact Zoë: zoevitajames.com.To learn Ba Zi and Classical Feng Shui, contact Richard: imperialfengshui.info.Richard’s new book I Talk to the Animals is available from all good bookshops.Enjoy, and welcome to the Metal Rabbit month. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

February 11, 202643 min

Your February 2026 Forecast – The Metal Tiger Month

February 2026 brings the energy of the Metal Tiger - a bold, catalytic month within the wider Fire Horse year of 2026.In this episode of Feng Shui: The Real Thing, Zoë Vita James and Feng Shui Master Richard Ashworth share practical, classical guidance on how to align with February’s monthly energies through authentic Classical Feng Shui and Ba Zi Chinese Astrology.You’ll hear:• Where to be in your home or workspace this month - and which areas to avoid• How to activate supportive directions for prosperity, wellbeing, and helpful people• The deeper nature of the Metal Tiger: courage, haste, clarity, and restraint• An auspicious date: Wednesday 25th February• Personal February forecasts for all 12 Chinese Zodiac animalsThis is a grounded, practical monthly Feng Shui forecast - helping you work consciously with time, space, and Chinese metaphysics in real life.You don’t need to remember everything. Simply notice what resonates, and we’ll revisit these themes as 2026 unfolds, month by month.Going deeperZoë offers bespoke 2026 Ba Zi forecasts based on your personal Four Pillars chart (wellbeing, relationships, prosperity), along with 1:1 Feng Shui Clinics on Zoom.If you’d like to learn how to draft and interpret Ba Zi, and how to practise Classical Feng Shui, contact Richard.Richard’s new book I Talk to the Animals is available from all good bookshops.To enquire:• Zoë - zoe@zoevitajames.com | Instagram @zoevitajames• Richard - richardashworth@imperialfengshui.info | imperialfengshui.infoEnjoy - and welcome to the Metal Tiger month.Find Your Animals:1.    Tiger: 1950, 62, 74, 86, 98; in February*; on certain days**; 3–5am***2.    Rabbit: 1951, 63, 75, 87, 99; in March; on certain days; 5–7am3.    Dragon: 1952, 64, 76, 88, 2000; in April; on certain days; 7–9am4.    Snake: 1941, 53, 65, 77, 89; in May; on certain days; 9–11am5.    Horse: 1942, 54, 66, 78, 90; in June; on certain days; 11am–1pm6.    Sheep: 1943, 55, 67, 79, 91; in July; on certain days; 1–3pm7.    Monkey: 1944, 56, 68, 80, 92; in August; on certain days; 3–5pm8.    Rooster: 1945, 57, 69, 81, 93; in September; on certain days; 5–7pm9.    Dog: 1946, 58, 70, 82, 94; in October; on certain days; 7–9pm10. Pig: 1947, 59, 71, 83, 95; in November; on certain days; 9–11pm11. Rat: 1948, 60, 72, 84, 96; in December; on certain days; 11pm–1am12. Ox: 1949, 61, 73, 85, 97; in January; on certain days; 1–3amSolar months start a few days later than Gregorian months.For your Day animal, you’ll need a Chinese calendar or your Ba Zi chart.Adjust the hour if born during daylight savings.Note: There are nuanced meanings depending on whether the animal appears in your Year, Month, Day, or Hour pillar, as explained in this episode.© 2026 Feng Shui: The Real Thing. All Rights Reserved. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

February 2, 202646 min

Your 2026 Fire Horse Year Forecast

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 yearClear guidance on what to do where in your space — including where to activate and where to be more cautiousPractical advice for supporting wellbeing, prosperity, and easePersonal forecasts for each of the 12 Chinese Zodiac AnimalsAll 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 deeperAs 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.infoEnjoy — and welcome to the Fire Horse year. Find Your Animals:Rat: 1948, 60, 72, 84, 96; in December*; on certain days**, 11pm-1am***Ox: 1949, 61, 73, 85, 97; in January; on certain days; 1-3amTiger:  1950, 62, 74, 86, 98; in February; on certain days; 3-5amRabbit: 1951, 63, 75, 87, 99; in March; on certain days; 5-7amDragon: 1952, 64, 76, 88, 2000; in April; on certain days; 7-9amSnake: 1941, 53, 65, 77, 89; in May; on certain days; 9-11amHorse: 1942, 54, 66, 78, 90; in June; on certain days; 11am-1pmSheep: 1943, 55, 67, 79, 91; in July; on certain days; 1-3pmMonkey: 1944, 56, 68, 80, 92; in August; on certain days; 3-5pmRooster: 1945, 57, 69, 81, 93; in September; on certain days; 5-7pmDog: 1946, 58, 70, 82, 94; in October; on certain days; 7-9pmPig: 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.

December 10, 202536 min

Your December 2025 Forecast for the Earth Rat Month

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: Rat: 1948, 60, 72, 84, 96; in December*; on certain days**, 11pm-1am***Ox: 1949, 61, 73, 85, 97; in January; on certain days; 1-3amTiger:  1950, 62, 74, 86, 98; in February; on certain days; 3-5amRabbit: 1951, 63, 75, 87, 99; in March; on certain days; 5-7amDragon: 1952, 64, 76, 88, 2000; in April; on certain days; 7-9amSnake: 1941, 53, 65, 77, 89; in May; on certain days; 9-11amHorse: 1942, 54, 66, 78, 90; in June; on certain days; 11am-1pmSheep: 1943, 55, 67, 79, 91; in July; on certain days; 1-3pmMonkey: 1944, 56, 68, 80, 92; in August; on certain days; 3-5pmRooster: 1945, 57, 69, 81, 93; in September; on certain days; 5-7pmDog: 1946, 58, 70, 82, 94; in October; on certain days; 7-9pmPig: 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.

November 12, 202541 min

Your November 2025 Forecast for the Fire Pig Month

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: Pig: 1947, 59, 71, 83, 95; in November*; on certain days**; 9-11pm***Rat: 1948, 60, 72, 84, 96; in December; on certain days, 11pm-1amOx: 1949, 61, 73, 85, 97; in January; on certain days; 1-3amTiger:  1950, 62, 74, 86, 98; in February; on certain days; 3-5amRabbit: 1951, 63, 75, 87, 99; in March; on certain days; 5-7amDragon: 1952, 64, 76, 88, 2000; in April; on certain days; 7-9amSnake: 1941, 53, 65, 77, 89; in May; on certain days; 9-11amHorse: 1942, 54, 66, 78, 90; in June; on certain days; 11am-1pmSheep: 1943, 55, 67, 79, 91; in July; on certain days; 1-3pmMonkey: 1944, 56, 68, 80, 92; in August; on certain days; 3-5pmRooster: 1945, 57, 69, 81, 93; in September; on certain days; 5-7pmDog: 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.

October 8, 202534 min

Your October 2025 Forecast for the Fire Dog Month

***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: Dog: 1946, 58, 70, 82, 94; in October*; on certain days**; 7-9pm***Pig: 1947, 59, 71, 83, 95; in November; on certain days; 9-11pm.Rat: 1948, 60, 72, 84, 96; in December; on certain days, 11pm-1amOx: 1949, 61, 73, 85, 97; in January; on certain days; 1-3amTiger:  1950, 62, 74, 86, 98; in February; on certain days; 3-5amRabbit: 1951, 63, 75, 87, 99; in March; on certain days; 5-7amDragon: 1952, 64, 76, 88, 2000; in April; on certain days; 7-9amSnake: 1941, 53, 65, 77, 89; in May; on certain days; 9-11amHorse: 1942, 54, 66, 78, 90; in June; on certain days; 11am-1pmSheep: 1943, 55, 67, 79, 91; in July; on certain days; 1-3pmMonkey: 1944, 56, 68, 80, 92; in August; on certain days; 3-5pmRooster: 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.

September 8, 202544 min

Month Ahead: Navigating September's Wood Rooster Energy

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: Rooster: 1945, 57, 69, 81, 93; in September*; on certain days**; 5-7pm***Dog: 1946, 58, 70, 82, 94; in October; on certain days; 7-9pmPig: 1947, 59, 71, 83, 95; in November; on certain days; 9-11pm.Rat: 1948, 60, 72, 84, 96; in December; on certain days, 11pm-1amOx: 1949, 61, 73, 85, 97; in January; on certain days; 1-3amTiger:  1950, 62, 74, 86, 98; in February; on certain days; 3-5amRabbit: 1951, 63, 75, 87, 99; in March; on certain days; 5-7amDragon: 1952, 64, 76, 88, 2000; in April; on certain days; 7-9amSnake: 1941, 53, 65, 77, 89; in May; on certain days; 9-11amHorse: 1942, 54, 66, 78, 90; in June; on certain days; 11am-1pmSheep: 1943, 55, 67, 79, 91; in July; on certain days; 1-3pmMonkey: 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.

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