Li Chun, marking the beginning of the Spring season for the Year of the Bing Fire Horse (丙午), commences at 04:16 hrs on February 4th. However, welcoming Cai Shen, the God of Wealth, at the Lunar New Year is another especially significant event within the Chinese New Year festivities, symbolizing the invitation of prosperity, opportunity, and positive beginnings for the year ahead!
In Chinese tradition, welcoming the God of Wealth into the home on the first day of the first lunar month is believed to usher in auspicious wealth luck for the year ahead. The auspicious time and direction for this ritual change annually, and those whose zodiac signs clash with the day are advised not to participate. In 2026, this applies to individuals born in the Dragon (辰) or Dog (戌) years.
In 2026 the first day of the first Lunar Month commences on February 17th, with Cai Shen arriving from the South (180°) early in the morning between 0100hrs and 0259hrs (LST). The most auspicious time to receive Cai Shen is 01.40hrs LST on the morning of February 17th but be sure to make the necessary one-hour time adjustment if you currently observe DST.
If you would like to invite Cai Shen into your home then follow these simple steps and may you enjoy much happiness, health, success and prosperity in the Year of the Bing Fire Horse!
The first step is to thoroughly clean your home, paying special attention to the main qi openings, such as doors and windows, located in the South, as this is the direction from which Cai Shen arrives in 2026. Choose an auspicious day for cleansing, then begin at the main entrance and move through the home in a clockwise direction. For enhanced cleansing, you may add kaffir lime essential oil, fresh juice, or leaves to your bucket of water, although this is optional and can be adjusted to personal preference.
Earlier in the evening on February the 16th you should shower and change into fresh clothes in order to demonstrate your sincerity. Then open all South facing windows and/or doors to receive the auspicious ch’i into your home. Following this light 3 candles and place them in the South sector of your home. Please do so safely and do not leave them unattended.
You may also wish to prepare a platter of other offerings to welcome Cai Shen, such as sweet cakes, fruit, tea or wine. At 01:40 hrs LST, stand or sit by an open window or doorway and face South. Gently inhale the auspicious influences, welcome them into your home, and visualise the positive goals you wish to manifest this year, both professionally and personally.
Alternatively, you may light three sticks of incense in the South sector of your home, bow three times, and offer sincere prayers while inviting Cai Shen to enter your home. Remember, the true essence of prayer is not to ask directly for wealth, but to seek the wisdom, inspiration, and courage needed to transform your dreams into reality. Gong Xi Fai Cai to all!
