Local housebuilder David Wilson Homes hosted Chinese New Year celebrations at its Ashridge Grange development in Wokingham over the weekend, complete with a traditional Feng Shui ground blessing and Bazi astrology readings.
Hosted by Master Charlotte Frejya-Richwoods from Rising Dragon Feng Shui, stakeholders including Wokingham Borough Mayor Cllr Beth Rowland, and Wokingham Town Mayor Cllr Sally Gurney, and Ashridge Grange residents officially welcomed the Year of the Dragon.
The traditional Chinese ground blessing, led by Master Frejya-Richwoods, encouraged success, harmony and balance for residents throughout the Lunar Year.
Following traditional Chinese methods observed in South East Asia, offerings were made to the Ground Deity, with the chanting of cleansing Buddhist mantras to promote a prosperous year ahead, and a ground blessing of consecrated Talisman water.
The space was cleared and blessed by the ringing of the sacred Vajra bell while offerings of incense, fruit, flowers and tea were made to the Ground Deity.
Attendees also enjoyed Chinese Bazi astrology readings to gain insights into obstacles and opportunities for the year ahead based on the time and date of their birth.
Alex Dowling, Head of Sales and Marketing at David Wilson Southern Counties, said: “It was fantastic to bring together local stakeholders including Councillor Beth Rowland, with our residents to celebrate Chinese New Year and mark the Year of the Dragon.
“We were proud to invite Master Frejya Richwoods once again to bless the development and to mark this occasion as a community.”
Master Angela Ang, spokesperson for Rising Dragon Feng Shui, added: “The Year of the Dragon is the most auspicious in the zodiac calendar, so it was fantastic to see such a great turnout to celebrate. We were pleased to bless the ground for all residents and visitors and wish the local community a happy, healthy and successful year ahead.”