Feng Shui Organizing: Use the "Natural Forces of the Universe" to Organize Your Life

 

What is Feng Shui?

When translated into English, feng shui means "the way of the wind and water" or "the natural forces of the universe." People all over the world practice a form of feng shui. Europeans call it "geomancy," while Hawaiians and Native Americans practice their own form of feng shui. To organize your life using feng shui, it is helpful to learn more about the elements of our earth as well as the basic principles of feng shui.

Using the Elements

The Chinese believe everything in the world belongs to one of five elements--they are: water, wood, fire, earth, and metal. The easiest way to use the natural forces of the universe when you organize is to incorporate as many of these elements into your design scheme as you can. Decorating with items such as small fountains (water), candles (fire), plants/flowers (earth), and chimes (metal) helps you integrate these elements into your home and/or office and calm your soul.

Using the Principles

Clutter is trapped energy that has far-reaching effects. It affects you physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. As you organize each room of your home, it is helpful to keep the Ten Basic Principles of Feng Shui in mind (Rich, 279). They are:

• Clear the Clutter. Clutter takes up not only physical space but mental space too. Clearing out your home literally makes space for your future.
• Keep the Front Entrance of Your Home Well-Maintained. Did you know that according to feng shui, your entry point is where all the energy flows into your home? Keep this area clean and well defined.
• Allow Energy to Flow Freely. Clutter and awkwardly positioned furniture can inhibit the flow of energy throughout your home. Energy ushers in good health and harmony.
• Contain the Energy. Using wind chimes, plants, and mirrors in your home will help you redirect the flows of energy. For instance, if your front and back door are directly aligned, wind chimes will redirect the flow of positive energy. Area rugs also anchor furniture groupings--helping the energy flow from one space to another.
• Make Sure Everything Works. Maintaining your home and/or office directly affects your clarity. For instance, according to feng shui your home's plumbing represents your body's digestive system and the electrical system corresponds to your neurological system.
• Check Out Your Home for Negative Energies. Distortions in the electro-magnetic fields of the earth can impact your home and mental clarity. Placing a fountain in front of your home is an excellent way to attract flowing money energy since the water element is the universal symbol for wealth and prosperity.
• Be Aware of the Images and Symbols in Your Home. Your choices represent messages from your subconscious. Be careful to select accessories for your home and office that reflect what you want from your future.
• Create a Quiet Sanctuary Within Your Bedroom. Your bedroom needs to be a haven of peace and tranquility--promoting restful sleep. For example, avoid using this place to work. Unless of course you find your work peaceful.
• Make the Kitchen a Center of Calmness. Most kitchens are the hub of family life. Creating a calm atmosphere in this room affects the quality of the meals you provide for your family.
• Love Your Home and It Will Love You. Your home should be thought of as a living entity. Caring for it properly allows you to feel supported, safe, and nourished.

Bringing It All Together

Just by practicing these few basic principles and incorporating the natural elements into your home, you will be able to clear the clutter out of your home and out of your life. If you need a little help getting started, don't hesitate to contact me. Sometimes all we need is a friendly professional to jumpstart the organizing process and get us going in the right direction.

Sheri McConnell is the President of the National Association of Women Writers (http://www.NAWW.org). She helps women writers and entrepreneurs discover, create, and profit from their intellectual knowledge! Free reports for writers available with subscription to NAWW Weekly. Sheri lives in San Antonio, Texas with her husband Seth and their four children. Contact her at naww@onebox.com or her toll free number at 866-821-5829.

Reduce Stress With Feng Shui

 

Reduce Stress With Feng Shui

For more than 3 millenia, Chinese people have used the ancient wisdom of Feng Shui to bring greater prosperity to themselves and to their environment. In the modern era, we are constantly being bombarded by stress.

Whether you're blowing your horn in a traffic jam, trying to wade through the spam emails clogging your inbox, taking unsolicited calls from salespeople on your home phone and that's not even counting the everyday demands put upon you by your work, family, household chores and if you have a second to spare - then try to cram in some "leisure time".

Is it any wonder your nerves are feeling jangled and frayed!

We are all guilty of trying to do too much throughout the day, constantly piling on the pressure with unfulfilled personal expectations just adding to stress of just getting through the day.

There is some good news...

You can restore your energy, recharge yourself and release tension by utilizing Feng Shui to create a home that is a sanctuary.

The principles of Feng Shui can help you create an environment to attract and direct positive energy. You may not be aware of how many different ways your physical space is affecting your well-being. Feng Shui provides help to identify the issues in your environment. If learning about Feng Shui sounds like one more project in an already busy life, consider this is one project which will lighten your load, provide relief and enhance your energy, rather than drain your internal resources or tire you out.

Making the pursuit of Feng Shui knowledge a worthwhile use of your time.

If your energy and your efforts are hindered, if your environment is increasing to your sense of restriction because the Feng Shui is out of balance, your stress only gets worse. Too much stress on the body has been demonstrated time and again as negative for your well being. The overproduction of stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline put extra strain on all the systems in your body. These hormones contribute to chronic conditions, like heart disease for example which plague society.

Excess stress wears down the immune system and leads to increased susceptibility colds and other illnesses.

One of the keys to restoring energy and relieving stress is getting enough rest. Using Feng Shui to arrange your bedroom will help you get the fitfull sleep you need. Feng Shui will guide you in selecting the right room to sleep in, the right placement of your bed and the elimination of unwanted items - like mirrors in the bedroom.

All of which will contribute to the quality of your rest and your waking energy.

Anxiety and stress trap and deplete energy. Correct use of Feng Shui optimizes energy. An environment which employs proper Feng Shui principles contributes to harmony, balance and well-being. The Chinese believe Feng Shui helps create the conditions whereby you can excel in your life and your relationships.

Feng Shui restores your energy because the objective of Feng Shui is to allow you to reach balance with your surroundings. You will learn how to place items and arrange space so as to assist the flow of positive Chi energy. You will learn to leave negative energy at the door and fill your living space with good energy. With Feng Shui you can give yourself the positive pleasure of a harmonious, planned home environment designed to increase your well-being.

Tracy O'Brien is a long time student and practitioner of the ancient art of Feng Shui. She is also the founder of FengShuiAstrology.com

For more Feng Shui Tips and a FREE Feng Shui Astrology Personality Profile, visit: www.fengshuiastrology.com

 

The Time of Day Using Feng Shui: Can you REALLY get more time out of your day using Feng Shui

 

Time. There is never enough in the day. I see people every day rushing to get everything done at work, rushing in and out of stores on their way home to pick up dinner or necessities and weaving in and out to trying to get home as fast as they can (though did you ever notice you almost always see them at the next traffic light?).

Rushing home to rush through dinner, rush cleaning up, putting the kids to bed, straightening up and rushing to get ready for the next day to do it all over again. I wondered if there was a way using some Feng Shui Principles if we could actually save some time, slow down a bit so we could actually create in our lives what we are supposed to have, namely a balance in life. Of both work AND play.

Of course the first topic I cover with clients is Clutter. My definition of clutter is simple: if you don?t need it, use it or love it, get rid of it! If you need it somewhere down the road, believe me it will come back to you. We ask our clients to declutter because we can?t ?let the new in? when we have so many old things around. And clutter relates to the mind as well, a cluttered environment gives us a cluttered mind that doesn?t think (or work) quite as efficiently.

Certainly, if we took the time to clean up, get rid of the things we no longer need or use and spend some more time organizing what is left, we would be more efficient, particularly in a work environment. Perhaps we don?t want to take the time to do this but think how much faster (and clearer) you?ll work when you?ve finally organized and cleaned up your desk and your entire workspace. A place for things and everything in it?s place was an old saying and still works today. We can find things, our thoughts are not cluttered and in the end, we could potentially save a great deal of time.

I thought about the Elements we use in Feng Shui and remembered a very important principle one of our mentors stressed to us over and over again. Red is the most auspicious color of Feng Shui and we were told to use the color to enliven and stimulate a room or ourselves, for that matter. We were told that on days of low energy to wear the color Red as it helps gives off the energy it emits. I not only wear it on my days of low energy, I have splashes of it around my desk and in every room. Does it actually save time? Well, when you are feeling energized you can certainly accomplish a lot more than on days you are tired. And with energy, you actually DO work faster simply because you feel better. After the clutter goes, add Red around your work area; red tassels, silk flowers, money envelopes. And wear Red when you?re not at your usual energy level to save some more precious time.

I speak often to large and small groups and always go over the Bagua with them. Although all the areas are important, I focus many times on a section called ?Helpful People.? These are the people we know and care about in life, the kind of friend or family that will bring you back or send you a gift ?because they were thinking of you.? I happen to believe (possibly because I?ve seen it so often!) that helpful people can help you in just about any area of your life. Need a job? Looking for a new partner? Enhancing helpful people adds more helpful people more to your life. These people certainly can help you save time, often people are more then ready and willing to lend a hand---when you attract more into your life you will have even more. Funny thing about helpful people is you often don?t have to even ask them, they will offer to assist you with something. Take them up on it; it will save you more time and someday likely you?ll be able to return the favor.

It?s an old principle (and not a Feng Shui Principle) but it works. Using a ?To do? list and feeling a bit of accomplishment every time you can put a check mark down (or, as I like to do, cross it off) saves time. Time remembering what you have to do, who you have to call and where you have to go can save a lot of time. Having numbers ready as well often helps as well as putting the errand, chore or call you Least want to do FIRST and getting it out of the way helps a great deal. When the biggest hurdle of the day is over and done, the others seem to flow more smoothly. Try it, just a few extra minutes at night will save you more time the following day.

We use items in homes many people don?t often use and we use them for different reasons. One item we use quite often is Crystals. The help diffuse energy, circulate energy and crystals are actually said to help promote Clarity. Hang a crystal near or over your work space or on your computer if you spend a lot of time on it. Clarity when working is essential to get our work done as quickly and efficiently as possible, saving us both time and energy.

I do think the Chinese and many other people have been onto something for thousands of years in their use of Ginseng. I personally wouldn?t start my day without it. We follow the guidelines of Feng Shui and we help ourselves promote and maintain our own energy level through many ways. This is a good one; if you haven?t tried it, it?s unlikely you?ll be without it once you do.

Envision your day. A minute in the morning before you get up or just before you go to bed to actually visualize your day running smoothly can work wonders. Feng Shui uses Intention in everything we do and every change we make. The laws of attraction are always in place with like attracting like. Use visualization to SEE your day going well, having more time, finishing early. And seeing ourselves having more of that precious time we all need and want so much.

Now that you?ve got more time, remember one more Feng Shui Principle. We always seek to strive balance in life (using the symbol of Yin/Yang should remind you of that). And you know what they say about all work?.. Spend some of that precious, saved time on playing to create your balance. Maybe we actually CAN save time with Feng Shui in place.

Feng Shui Expert

Moving to Your New Abode A New Life Feng Shui

 

The move to a new home or office is exciting. It holds promise for all kinds of new experiences and opportunities. We may well think in advance that new space will not have much impact on the lives or us and loved ones. But think again. Once we occupy a different space in the universe our lives and events are inextricably changed that is hopefully for the better. It is as if different geography affects our very karma.

What to do? First of all it is most important to start with a clean slate. There is something drawing and inviting about a new place. It is like a vacuum waiting to suck in all the adjacent influences. We can see this opening as the very spirit of our own potentialities.

This is what makes moving into a new space so vital and important in itself. Exploit the vastness of this potential to its very core. Get into the right mold by making actual conscious as well as the resulting "intuitive" " that it just feels right " subconscious choices as well. Moving in a deliberate thoughtful manner will help you to make sure that good karma comes and remains. Feng Shui.

First of pack early and pack often. Get started as soon as the moment you know events are chain. Secondly you should clean as you go. Clean your items before you pack them. Not everything is meant to be moved. A good rule of thumb is that if you have not used the item in the last year you are unlikely to use it in the next year. Donate or trash what you do not keep. Someone else at the local value village may be just thrilled at your throwaway. As for sentimental items best to keep only those items that impart good memories. The others - why let them drag you down.

You will need packing supplies. Plan ahead to buy on sale. Packing tape, duct tape, scissors and exacto knives are always necessary. You can never have enough boxes when you need them. Plan for double the amount of cardboard boxes you need.

You may want to hire a professional services to clean the space ahead of time or you do it yourself if funds are limited. A good time frame is 2 to 3 days ahead of the move in.

What else can you do to Feng Shui your move? Prepare your move with welcoming items for the new home such as beautiful flowers or plants, music and special items to make you feel welcome and loved. Next you can buy new mops and brooms. Why sweep away the past with the past. A new life needs all the help and the less drag it can afford.

It cannot be stressed enough the importance of picking the correct date for your new move. With a suitable Feng Shui astrological calendar pick a suitable personal Feng Shui moving date.

Lastly be ready for that big day. Prepare your arrival. Buy your house a gift. Have all your legal papers including your closing real estate documents or lease. Make sure you have a first meal there with friends and family whose company you enjoy.

Stand at the threshold of your new home. Enter that threshold. Open the door and begin your new life full of all its potential and vitality. Feng Shui your new home.

Amy Goodmann Senior analyst frxforex@yahoo.com www.tratfor.com www.forexforexforexforex.com.

BEFORE You Feng Shui - Things you MUST know before a Feng Shui Consultation

 

Feng Shui is a Healing art. It is meant to inspire, transform, help and assist out clients to achieve their goals. I don?t believe it was ever intended to instill fear, make people uncomfortable in their own homes or worry about changes they make. And yet, that is exactly what I have been seeing lately.

A case in point: On a recent visit to a client I was dismayed to enter a beautiful condo unit and find complete and utter lack of attention to the home. By lack of attention, it had clearly not been cleaned in a very long time as the grime was built up on everything; the entire unit was cluttered with things lining both the furniture and couches. The kitchen went unused and it was almost impossible to step into the bedroom due to the clothes and debris all over the floor. Something had gone horribly wrong and we cleared off a space on the floor to sit and discuss her life and issues.

She was an intelligent, beautiful accomplished person who had previously been both a model and a singer in a band and was now on disability due to a recent accident. She told me that several years ago she still hadn?t found the right partner and had called a Feng Shui consultant for some help and advice on her relationship issues. The consultant pointed out problem after problem with the layout of her home, with her bathroom, with the direction of the front door----the list goes on. In short, she was told by the consultant to move, that this previously lovely condo would never support her nor would she ever have good luck while she lived there.

Flash forward to today and my visit. She had given up she said; what was the point? She did not have the money to move and truly believed there was nothing she could do to help enhance her life. Powerful and absolutely devastating words from someone she went to for advice and inspiration. Now her mindset was and had been misery. She no longer had friends over, certainly had not even opened herself up to the possibility of a relationship and was having a series of misfortunate ?accidents.? She had given up on her home and her life.

Trying to change her mindset after so many years was a daunting task. I showed her all the good points in her home and gave her easy, inexpensive things she could do to change the energy, starting with cleaning up and getting rid of the clutter. I addressed each room with a positive point of view and if something wasn?t ?politically? Feng Shui correct, showed her simple things to change it.

Sadly, I have been seeing this more and more in my consultations. While I truly believe in the many methods to use Feng Shui, I am always mindful to do no harm. In someone?s home or in their Mind. Yet I am finding client after client who has been told their front door faced the ?wrong? direction, the steps in the center of the home would mean constant health issues and everything negative while only providing their clients with expensive methods such as renovations or telling them the house will never support them at all.

I visit Real Estate offices quite frequently to speak on Feng Shui and Home Staging and honestly there hasn?t been one I have been in that wanted to work with a Feng Shui Consultant. Why? For one thing, Feng Shui Consultants never seem to find the ?perfect? home for their client; sometimes it?s the numbers on the door, sometimes it a misplaced bathroom, sometimes there is a ?negative? space and a complete area of the house is missing. Feng Shui consultants, I am told, point out only negative issues.

I am grateful that I attended classes in Feng Shui by such a wide spectrum of the very best teachers and mentors in the field who were able to provide me with a variety of inexpensive and easy to implement ?cures? for all these problems. When we look at a space, we see it through what is called ?Feng Shui Eyes? but these eyes can be positive in nature and instead, show a person or family how the home will support them and how to ?fix? a missing piece, show them the positive aspects of the front door and how to look at Feng Shui through a positive perspective.

We were taught to be healers in every aspect of the word; we are often challenged ourselves with clients who are so hurt and worried about homes they have been told can?t be fixed, that will never support them that their lives have changed so dramatically in a downward spiral.

Look for a Feng Shui Consultant to inspire you, give you the positive, use the beautiful transcendental cures and blessings and simple and inexpensive methods to change your environment for a more beneficial flow of energy. We are, as the wonderful Pamela Laurance inspired in us every day, to be Mindful, to help, to heal, to transform.

Certainly, finding a consultant who has been well trained in a variety of methods and practices from a positive point of view won?t get you ?stuck? in believing you need expensive renovations or that it?s time to move. They are the ones that will be able to transform, to help and heal and inspire. The positive aspects you put into your thoughts are, ultimately, what will provide you with exactly what you are seeking in every area of your life.

Feng Shui Expert

Feng Shui Practice

 

This article which you are about to read has been written because of a growing interest in this subject all around the world, and I hope that by reading this you will have a few of your questions answered.

A belief, a system or a dogma that has existed, survived and is still in popular use today is worth taking a second look at. To dismiss them would simply be idiotic as many already have, and have proven nothing aside from making it known that they do not cotton onto the obvious.

There will always be the skeptics and believe me, they have had their share of helping issues to be advertised freely and more forcefully since once they have committed their emotions into fighting against something it happens that they become even more vocal than the adherents. It is true with religions, ideologies, new inventions and discoveries and yes, even Feng shui.

And so again, what is Feng shui and for centuries now, why has it survived?

In a nutshell, it is the result of the persistence of man in trying to live with his environment through harmonizing with it so that he gathers the positive forces and influences of nature to improve his wellness. Not a bad idea at all. In fact it almost sounds like most of the precepts in all the major religions except that it is not a religion. It is a practice. A belief system developed since the ancient times in China. Feng shui has persisted and spread, to almost all the known parts of the world. Unbeknown to many cultures, many Feng shui principles are already being practiced by them although with different connotations and justifications.

The practice of Feng shui has taken a prominent consideration in building designs, selecting sites, locations, decorations, business, personal practices, interrelationships, houses, rooms, pathways, medicine, you name it. It could be applied to almost everything and yes even the contour of a face and the force of character and vision in a person is said to be contributors to gaining good qi (pronounced as chi, a kind of energy from which life emanates) or not. Almost everything could be drawn to gain good Feng shui or bad Feng shui. It could have thousands of applications, from womb to tomb.

It is not exactly known when and where Feng shui started. There are very few written accounts of Feng shui prior to the last century. The practice then was to hand over the knowledge by word of mouth, from master to the student.

Even with that, the practice continued and improved. One thing that it owes to is that Feng shui is intuitive in nature and is practical. While it has often been dismissed as superstition, a bull and a crap, by those who are against it, its longevity could be traced to the benefits of all those who applied its principles. This proves as always, that the best argument is never good enough when it is aimed against success.

Feng shui holds so much validity for the Orientals that there were Chinese emperors who had their experts executed for fear that the knowledge could be used against them. In the 19th century, the Chinese government had control over the distribution of charts, numerical data and diagrams that were included in the almanacs that it released to the public.

Feng shui is an old practice that has developed through the centuries. In fact it is a part of the Chinese philosophy. The earliest formal account though is through the writings of Chu Hsi who lived during the Song Dynasty around 1126 to 1278. His writings then became the foundation of the practice of Feng shui. But as already mentioned, it goes a long way back.

But, you may be asking, is it of any use to me today? Well the answer is yes, it is, but you will only discover its secrets by conducting some methodical research yourself.

Where can you turn to for help in your research? For a start, visit your local bookstore, and you will be amazed at how much information they have on Feng Shui. Then you could try your local library. Also, look out for some helpful Blogs on this subject, and finally, the internet will provide you with a wealth of information.

john savage has a helpful Blog called Feng-Shui Secrets which you will find very revealing.

Feng Shui And The I Ching

 

The I Ching (pronounced E Ching - aka "The Book of Changes") is perhaps the most ancient known of the classic Chinese texts (these texts date from the pre-Qin era - the Qin Dynasty ruled during 221 to 207 BC) and also one of the oldest texts known from antiquity.

The I Ching describes an ancient system of cosmology along with a philosophy at the very center of Chinese cultural beliefs still firmly in use today. The crux of this philosophy deals with the dynamics apparent between yin and yang and also how both yin and yang interact upon each other in opposing yet paradoxically complimentary ways.

Yin represents the still, the calm, the mellow whilst yang represents the exact opposite movement, frenetic activity and stress!

At the core of the I Ching are eight iconic depictions known as Trigrams. Each trigram is comprised of yin and yang line elements. The origin of these trigrams is attributed to the figure "Fu Hsi" some 5 millenia ago.

More information on the history of the trigrams and the Lo Shu can be found here:
http://www.fengshuiastrology.com/LoShu.html

The I Ching uses two trigrams, one placed upon the other to form a Hexagram. The different combinations of the stacked trigrams give rise to some 64 different I Ching hexagrams - each of which when used in combination can give valuable insights to the answers sought by divination practitioners.

Many people look upon the I Ching as purely a system of divination whereas others see it's contents as teachings - full of the wisdom of the Chinese ancients.

It's title throws up a profound view of it's contents:

"I" when used as an adjective means "simple or easy" but when used as a verb means "to change".

"Ching" means "classic text" but the original meaning is one of "persistence" or "regularity"

A popular translation of this title is "Book of Changes" but it is also known as "Classic of Changes" - a title growing in use of late.

The underlying message within the I Ching recognised by many is one of "the ultimate way" or truth - no matter what time the reader comes across the contents, the information contained within will still be as fresh and applicable as the day it was written.

If the information is understood, applied and followed - you can enjoy the easiest of paths through life.

The I Ching is one of the foundations of Feng Shui (or as it was known in antiquity "Xiangdi" - meaning the observation and appraisal of the earth). Before the Qin dynasty (approximately 475 to 221 BC), Feng Shui Experts poured over the I Ching in great depth and used it's teachings to influence the fundamentals of Feng Shui as we know it today.

Along with the I Ching, Feng Shui has it's roots firmly steeped in the philosophies of Taoism and Confusianism as well.
Tracy O'Brien is a long time student and practitioner of the ancient art of Feng Shui. She is also the founder of FengShuiAstrology.com Visit now for more Feng Shui Tips, FREE Feng Shui Astrology Reading and more information on Feng Shui And I Chinghttp://www.fengshuiastrology.com

Feng Shui and Chi

 

Feng Shui is an ancient discipline which shifts the chi (life force energy) in your home to improve your life. Children are indeed a blessing and add joy to one's household. In ancient times, a family was regarded as incomplete without children. Many methods were utilized so that couples could be successful in their bids for children. However, like many young things, children can get out of hand sometimes. Applying Feng Shui can help you enhance your relationship with your children, understanding their needs and so strengthening family ties. If you wish to enhance your relationship with your children, sleep with your head pointed at your Nien Yin direction. You can find this direction using your Kua number Sleeping in this position will help bring you closer to your children and strengthen family ties.

If you have been trying for children or your offspring are getting out of hand, check if there is any offending man-made structure that is sending out harmful poison arrows towards your main door. To boost up romance, play smart with lighting. Yellow, white and red lights are just appropriate to set the mood for romance. Use soft romantic shades in your room like pink. Ideally windows should have direct natural light.

According to the 8 Life Aspirations, children and descendants are governed by West. The element of West is Small Metal and the colors are Gold, Silver and White. Metal is produced by Earth and is destroyed by Fire. Avoid having any major Fire or Water element in this section of your home.

If you wish to enhance your relationship with your children, sleep with your head pointed at your Nien Yin direction. You can find this direction using your Kua number Sleeping in this position will help bring you closer to your children and strengthen family ties.

Add trees, plants or upward lighting to raise energy. Plants are signs of life, but they must be kept healthy, dead or dying plants or even dead leaves are bad Feng Shui, as they represent death and decay.

Clear your clutter. Not just the obvious junk lying around, but also old books/CDs/DVDs that you don't like anymore, old clothes that are too big/too small, stuff that's accumulated in random drawers/closets. Even your garage should be a tidy place to store things, not a mass of boxes and random stuff.

Don't make your house a storehouse of old useless things. Maintain cleanliness and throw away what is not required or what has become obsolete. Its important to make way for proper ventilation so that old energy can find space to go out so as to let new fresh positive energy get in. There is a need for some relocation of furniture. Even if you move your furniture just by an inch or so, it will generate positive energy.

If the West section is missing in your home, you can install a bright light or a mirror to partially remedy this problem. You can also activate the West section of your bedroom as well.

Energize the East section of your home. East represents Health and Longevity - the colour of East is dark green and the element is wood. If the East section of your home is located in the living room, dining room or a room that is not used as a bedroom, place some live potted plants or furniture made of real wood to activate the corner.

Water is good in the wealth areas of a home, but never in the bedroom. Add fountains to increase the flow of Yang energy or a fish tank for a double bonus of Feng Shui, water plus a living animal is excellent Feng Shui. To counter a large, imposing fireplace, place a picture of a waterfall directly above the fireplace, or put a fountain next to it.
 Rob Daniels is a long term practitioner of Yoga and Pilates additional articles available at Pilates Shop http://www.pilates-shop.net and Yoga Store http://www.yoga-store.net

Ba Zi And Feng Shui

 

Ba Zi can be literal translate as 'Eight Characters'. Basically, Ba Zi is derived from birth date: the year, month, day and time you were born. Each consists of a distinct pair of characters, hence making up the eight characters. From these eight characters, thousands of combination is possible. Ba Zi is derived from four pair of character, thus, sometime people refer to it as the Four Pillars or Si Zhu as well.

To the Chinese, a period of sixty year is known as one Jia Zi. In ancient China, from experience and by observing the nature, the Chinese discovered a phenomenon. A cycle of climatic or chronology event seem to repeat every sixty year. Meaning if year 2000 is a full of rainfall, the climate for 2060 would be similar. With this knowledge, prevention can be make. Especially, since the weather has an impact on the agriculture, economy and health.

The eight characters are make up of Yin and Yang variation of the Five Elements: Yang Wood, Yin Wood, Yang Fire, Yin Fire, Yang Earth, Yin Earth, Yang Metal, Yin Metal, Yang Water and Yin Water. By analyzing the combination of these eight characters, the personality, destiny of a person can be determine.

With a deeper understanding of ones own personality, you can open up potential and maximize growth. Have better emotional control and decision making. With the knowledge of upcoming influence forces, you are more ready to react and bring out the best performance and avoid unnecessary set back. Knowing your destiny does not mean "That is it. I am fate to be..." This knowledge should be view as a guidance, a map, a motivation booster.

Destiny can be change. But you have to put in a lot of hard work, a lot of perseverance, a lot of determination. There is no free lunch. For example, you have a Ba Zi which indicates that you will be rich. Each day passes by, you dream about what you are going to do when you are rich. You dream about how you are going to spend the money. BUT, you do nothing to make your dream come true. You say to yourself "I am fated to be rich one day... it does not matter if I work hard or not ..." Soon, one day, when your are too old and weak, you will find that you are not rich at all, instead, you are in debt, facing bankruptcy!

What does Ba Zi got to do with Feng Shui? You might ask? Think of Ba Zi as a map, with road sign and indicators to guide you along your life path. Feng Shui becomes the tool that would help you to overcome any obstacle and let you have a smooth journey. For example, if your Ba Zi indicates that you are a hot-tempered person and you find that your relationship with others is not too good. You are constantly angry and it seems like everybody come looking for a fight. The Feng Shui consultant would analysis your Ba Zi and might advice you to wear a sapphire ring, for example. Slowly you would find that there is a change to your life. You find that you have lesser argument with the people around you. You feel good. You can focus on your personal growth. You can do the things that truly resonate with your heart.

Qi Yuan Feng Shui offer feng shui, palmistry, face reading and selection of auspicious date consultaion for individual, businesses and residential clients. Check for more info at http://www.qyfengshui.com or feel free to drop us a mail at enquiry@qyfengshui.com.

Feng Shui Organizing: Use the "Natural Forces of the Universe" to Organize Your Life

 

What is Feng Shui?

When translated into English, feng shui means "the way of the wind and water" or "the natural forces of the universe." People all over the world practice a form of feng shui. Europeans call it "geomancy," while Hawaiians and Native Americans practice their own form of feng shui. To organize your life using feng shui, it is helpful to learn more about the elements of our earth as well as the basic principles of feng shui.

Using the Elements

The Chinese believe everything in the world belongs to one of five elements--they are: water, wood, fire, earth, and metal. The easiest way to use the natural forces of the universe when you organize is to incorporate as many of these elements into your design scheme as you can. Decorating with items such as small fountains (water), candles (fire), plants/flowers (earth), and chimes (metal) helps you integrate these elements into your home and/or office and calm your soul.

Using the Principles

Clutter is trapped energy that has far-reaching effects. It affects you physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. As you organize each room of your home, it is helpful to keep the Ten Basic Principles of Feng Shui in mind (Rich, 279). They are:

• Clear the Clutter. Clutter takes up not only physical space but mental space too. Clearing out your home literally makes space for your future.
• Keep the Front Entrance of Your Home Well-Maintained. Did you know that according to feng shui, your entry point is where all the energy flows into your home? Keep this area clean and well defined.
• Allow Energy to Flow Freely. Clutter and awkwardly positioned furniture can inhibit the flow of energy throughout your home. Energy ushers in good health and harmony.
• Contain the Energy. Using wind chimes, plants, and mirrors in your home will help you redirect the flows of energy. For instance, if your front and back door are directly aligned, wind chimes will redirect the flow of positive energy. Area rugs also anchor furniture groupings--helping the energy flow from one space to another.
• Make Sure Everything Works. Maintaining your home and/or office directly affects your clarity. For instance, according to feng shui your home's plumbing represents your body's digestive system and the electrical system corresponds to your neurological system.
• Check Out Your Home for Negative Energies. Distortions in the electro-magnetic fields of the earth can impact your home and mental clarity. Placing a fountain in front of your home is an excellent way to attract flowing money energy since the water element is the universal symbol for wealth and prosperity.
• Be Aware of the Images and Symbols in Your Home. Your choices represent messages from your subconscious. Be careful to select accessories for your home and office that reflect what you want from your future.
• Create a Quiet Sanctuary Within Your Bedroom. Your bedroom needs to be a haven of peace and tranquility--promoting restful sleep. For example, avoid using this place to work. Unless of course you find your work peaceful.
• Make the Kitchen a Center of Calmness. Most kitchens are the hub of family life. Creating a calm atmosphere in this room affects the quality of the meals you provide for your family.
• Love Your Home and It Will Love You. Your home should be thought of as a living entity. Caring for it properly allows you to feel supported, safe, and nourished.

Bringing It All Together

Just by practicing these few basic principles and incorporating the natural elements into your home, you will be able to clear the clutter out of your home and out of your life. If you need a little help getting started, don't hesitate to contact me. Sometimes all we need is a friendly professional to jumpstart the organizing process and get us going in the right direction.

Sheri McConnell is the President of the National Association of Women Writers (http://www.NAWW.org). She helps women writers and entrepreneurs discover, create, and profit from their intellectual knowledge! Free reports for writers available with subscription to NAWW Weekly. Sheri lives in San Antonio, Texas with her husband Seth and their four children. Contact her at naww@onebox.com or her toll free number at 866-821-5829.

Reduce Stress With Feng Shui

 

Reduce Stress With Feng Shui

For more than 3 millenia, Chinese people have used the ancient wisdom of Feng Shui to bring greater prosperity to themselves and to their environment. In the modern era, we are constantly being bombarded by stress.

Whether you're blowing your horn in a traffic jam, trying to wade through the spam emails clogging your inbox, taking unsolicited calls from salespeople on your home phone and that's not even counting the everyday demands put upon you by your work, family, household chores and if you have a second to spare - then try to cram in some "leisure time".

Is it any wonder your nerves are feeling jangled and frayed!

We are all guilty of trying to do too much throughout the day, constantly piling on the pressure with unfulfilled personal expectations just adding to stress of just getting through the day.

There is some good news...

You can restore your energy, recharge yourself and release tension by utilizing Feng Shui to create a home that is a sanctuary.

The principles of Feng Shui can help you create an environment to attract and direct positive energy. You may not be aware of how many different ways your physical space is affecting your well-being. Feng Shui provides help to identify the issues in your environment. If learning about Feng Shui sounds like one more project in an already busy life, consider this is one project which will lighten your load, provide relief and enhance your energy, rather than drain your internal resources or tire you out.

Making the pursuit of Feng Shui knowledge a worthwhile use of your time.

If your energy and your efforts are hindered, if your environment is increasing to your sense of restriction because the Feng Shui is out of balance, your stress only gets worse. Too much stress on the body has been demonstrated time and again as negative for your well being. The overproduction of stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline put extra strain on all the systems in your body. These hormones contribute to chronic conditions, like heart disease for example which plague society.

Excess stress wears down the immune system and leads to increased susceptibility colds and other illnesses.

One of the keys to restoring energy and relieving stress is getting enough rest. Using Feng Shui to arrange your bedroom will help you get the fitfull sleep you need. Feng Shui will guide you in selecting the right room to sleep in, the right placement of your bed and the elimination of unwanted items - like mirrors in the bedroom.

All of which will contribute to the quality of your rest and your waking energy.

Anxiety and stress trap and deplete energy. Correct use of Feng Shui optimizes energy. An environment which employs proper Feng Shui principles contributes to harmony, balance and well-being. The Chinese believe Feng Shui helps create the conditions whereby you can excel in your life and your relationships.

Feng Shui restores your energy because the objective of Feng Shui is to allow you to reach balance with your surroundings. You will learn how to place items and arrange space so as to assist the flow of positive Chi energy. You will learn to leave negative energy at the door and fill your living space with good energy. With Feng Shui you can give yourself the positive pleasure of a harmonious, planned home environment designed to increase your well-being.

Tracy O'Brien is a long time student and practitioner of the ancient art of Feng Shui. She is also the founder of FengShuiAstrology.com

For more Feng Shui Tips and a FREE Feng Shui Astrology Personality Profile, visit: www.fengshuiastrology.com

How to apply Feng Shui

 

How does feng shui work? I don't mean getting a compass, drawing up the floor plan and creating a bagua, I mean, how is it applied?

The Five Element Theory is the key. It doesn't matter if you use the compass method, the flying stars method, or the black hat method. To properly apply 'cures' or solutions to feng shui issues, you use the five element theory.

The feng shui elements are essentially different phases of chi, and are represented by physical characteristics such as shape, color, or material. There are five kinds of chi: Water, Fire, Wood, Earth, and Metal. These are the five elements, and shouldn't be confused with the actual elements. They are different phases of energy, and there are three different flows: destructive, supportive, and draining.

The supportive (or creative) cycle of the five elements is where each energy 'feeds' the next.

The destructive cycle of the elements, obviously, is where the energies destroy one another, and the draining cycle calms an element that may be out of balance. Here is a summary:

Water supports wood, destroys Fire (if Wood is weak) and drains Metal. Wood supports Fire, destroys Earth (if Fire is weak) and drains Water. Fire supports Earth, destroys Metal (if Earth is weak) and drains Wood. Earth supports Metal, destroys Water (if Metal is weak) and drains Fire. Metal supports Water, destroys Wood (if Water is weak) and drains Earth.

If you have an overabundance of the feng shui element of Metal in your home, you can use objects that represent either Water or Fire, depending on just how much Metal you have. If you don't have enough Soil, then use things that support Metal as well as Soil.

If you are having relationship issues (or just wish you had a relationship to have issues with), then you do need to draw up the floor plan, and decide which method you are going to use. The bagua used in Black Hat is not the same as the one used in the Eight Mansions.

If you use the Black Hat method, and you find that your Relationships area is in the bathroom, maybe you are flushing that type of energy down the toilet. Now, the element that is active in the Relationships is Earth. The Earth element will destroy the Water element, unless you use some Metal to support it. Metal element objects are round or spherical, made of metal, and are metallic or white in color. A round white porcelain bowl with chunks of pyrite would do it (and no rust). A round mirror would be okay.

In the Eight Mansions method, the bagua is the same as far as shape and number of areas, but there it ends. There are eight different baguas, and the one you use depends on what direction your house sits in. For every bagua, there are four auspicious directions, and four inauspicious directions. There are no designated aspirations in the Eight Mansions; but you still use the five elements to balance out the lucky and unlucky areas.

Let's use the Gen trigram, and say that your bedroom is located in the Disaster location, which here is in the South. This location promotes disputes and legal issues, so you really just want to calm the chi that you find here. To do that you would use objects from an element that either destroys or drains Fire, the element that is present in this spot. Looking at the chart above, we see that you can use either Water, to destroy it, or Earth, to drain it.

Only in rare occasions do you actually want to destroy an element. So I would suggest artifacts from the Earth element, such as painting the walls in earth tones, or carpeting in those tones.

Use squat furniture, like a futon, pictures of mountainscapes, and maybe a cotton quilt.

You do not want to use any Wood element here, as Wood supports Fire, and we already have an issue with that element being too strong here.

I hope that this helps you figure out how to apply the principles of feng shui, at least a little bit. Check out www.western-world-feng-shui.com for more information.

Raelynn Manitz began studying feng shui in 1999, and runs a website for feng shui advice at www.western-world-feng-shui.com

Bedroom Feng Shui

 

Feng Shui is an ancient Chinese art, where placement of objects in a room depends on the movement of chi or natural energy of our environment. Based on the patterns of nature, a Feng shui master will tell us where to place every individual object in our home or workplace. A master will also provide advice on how a building should be positioned on a property. Feng Shui shows us how to support the flow of energy in our lives for better health and prosperity.

The best location for a bedroom, according to Feng Shui is in the rear of the home. This is where it is said that all "restful" energy lies. In order to preserve this energy the bedroom should have only one door connecting it to the rest of the house. It is best that the bedroom is not located over a garage. If it is, to preserve a restful sleep, one must use heavy solid objects on the floor or hang a mirror on the garage ceiling so that it will reflect the image of the car away from the bedroom. If a kitchen is located over the bedroom, place a mirror on the ceiling of the bedroom reflecting downward, sealing off the bustling activities occurring in the kitchen.

There should always be a door connecting the bedroom and the bathroom, and the door should always be kept closed. Feng Shui recommends not having a television in the bedroom as it causes less interactions between couples. If one is present, it should be covered when not in use. A work station in the bedroom is also discouraged as is exercise equipments because these release opposite energies than that of restful energy.

Mirrors in a bedroom can be a problem as they are said to reflect one's negative energy when one is sleeping, thereby causing nightmares. This principle applies to any object that reflects like paintings, computer screens or metal surfaces.

Feng Shui recommends that a person sleep with legs facing away from the door because such a position is referred to as the "coffin" position. Colors in the bedroom should be subtle, as should the colors of bedroom furniture. Clean up clutter in the bedroom including closets for good energy.

Bedrooms are rooms to go to for peace and relaxation. To distract negative energy Feng Shui encourages a good circulation of natural energy and plenty of fresh air.

Bedrooms provides detailed information on bedrooms, bedroom furniture, bedroom sets, bedroom accessories and more. Bedrooms is affliated with Antique Bedroom Furniture.

A Touch of Feng Shui in the Garden

 

From the beliefs, culture and mythology of China, Feng Shui was born.

It is an ancient belief in the art of placement.Literally translated, Feng Shui means wind and water symbolizing the two major forces of nature. Feng Shui promotes a scientific and philosophical approach to design and site a home, public building and spaces to maintain harmony with the nature. This harmony is believed to allow light from the spiritual realm to shine upon those who believe and adopt the principles to their home and environment.

Interpretation of this belief has expanded into many directions. Over the past few years, Feng Shui has swept through the Western world/ culture according to what's practical, adaptable and suitable.

This is the wonder of Feng Shui- it allows for differences, and innovation according to the beliefs of a particular culture. It inspires personal perspective and creativity.It fosters harmony between man and his environment.

Adapting some of the principles of Feng Shui encourages a gardener to create a place which radiates more than beauty to please the eye. It is the visual attraction of a garden that draws people to it. But be aware of unseen and subtle energies taking place in the garden.

Today, a garden is an extension of the living space of a person or a family. It offers a place to entertain, a respite from the busy and chaotic world, a private space to relax and reflect, at times, a place to seek healing.

Sans the tools, a touch of Feng Shui, can enhance and actually generate positive vibrations outdoors and into the inner sanctum of the gardener.

With intuition, common sense and dedication,simple rules of Feng Shui can be applied. It promotes a garden that is friendly to Nature and ultimately infuse creative and vibrant energy and ensures the positive flow of chi.

Balance

Balance is a very important aspect of Life. It is the Yin/Yang in practice. It is opposing yet complementary.Tidbit: public parks exhibit the yang space, a private garden shows the yin.

A garden design that incorporates a balance of plants, ornaments and furniture is appealing to look at. If it's visually attractive, and it feels good, it is a gardener's pride and joy. The energy must be vibrant.

The Elements in Feng Shui

A little attention to the elements in a garden provide an atmosphere of peace and harmony.

Fire Color: red, and purple Plants with pointed leaves Structures/ornaments: pyramids, obelisks,lights trellis/ support for plants This is a powerful element, don't let it dominate the area.

Wood Color : green. All plants are wood element, it is the shape and color that suggest other elements. Trees and shrubs strongly represent wood element. Structures/ ornaments: decking, planters, logs, and furniture

Earth Color: yellow, orange, and brown Structures/ornaments: soil, rocks, stones, walkways, fences A walkway or fence that dominates the garden slows down the flow of chi.

Water Color: dark blue, black Structure/ornaments gravel, meandering paths, water features, glass.

Metal Color: white, silver Structure/ornaments: bowls, domes, and hammock.

Working with the elements

The natural world beckons. Gardening has ignited passion for creating a magical world of plants, colors, ornaments and design, with Nature as the canvas for the artist. A garden fills a space that would otherwise be void and saturated with stale energy.

It is with the shapes, colors and garden ornaments and structures that spells balance and introduce the elements to bring out positive energy.

Ponds are popular features, Perhaps unknowingly,ponds represent the lake, rocks and pebbles stand for the mountains. Water symbolizes wealth and a good collector of chi, so long as it is not stagnant. Careful choice of ornaments can create a balance of the elements in a pond.

Take a cue from Nature- it tries to achieve balance between shape and color. Whatever feature you add, proportion is important.

There are ways to remedy existing structures. Add some pots along a straight walkway to give it a feeling of meandering. Add a splash of colors to make it look interesting.

Appeal to the senses

Sight A visually attractive garden touches upon the sub-conscious .It is leaves an impression that can impact deep into the psyche. Clutter anywhere is annoying. It hinders the flow of chi. In the garden, it is important to keep it free of debris and clutter.

Arrangement of plants, mixing plants with a variety of color and blooming periods, and giving thought of the flowering season adds balance to a garden.

Sound No one wants to live in a noisy neighborhood.There are sounds in the garden. Bees and birds bring about welcome sound. Gurgling water can be soothing. A bamboo wind chime sends out gentle sounds resembling the rustle of leaves.Leave the leaves for a little while and listen as you crunch through in the fall.

Smell The natural sweet scents from a garden is superior to the most expensive perfume.Enjoy the fragrance from your garden wafting through the air, especially with the evening breeze.

Touch My four-year old great niece fascinates me when I see how carefully she touches things around the garden- from the little animal ornaments the leaves.and flowers. She does not pick the flowers, she tries to feel the softness with her little fingers. I have little colored stones at the bottom of a bowl that glimmers under the sun, she approaches these quietly as she timidly dips one little finger to feel them.No, nothing bites her little finger. She does this with so much concentration that anyone who watches her has to experience the sensation of "touching."

Other suggestions:

For focus, use smaller potted plants in a group or one large pot For abundance, fountains and water features

For illumination, lights for particular features

For stability use urns, large pots, rocks and stones

Show off your achievement or passion with art collection

Wind chimes to stir up energy and create movement

To receive gifts of the earth and the Universe, empty pots, dishes and urns.

This article barely touches upon the basics of Feng Shui. But, it's a start.

Bonnie Moss writes to inspire and motivate her readers to reach deep within their hearts and soul to find more meaning to Life .Visit her website: http://goldencupcafe.tripod.com

The History of Feng Shui

 

Feng Shui is an element of the Mysteries of China, but ultimately, it?s transcendent; its inspirational sources are the archetypes of the noumenal realm and its medium is the Tao ? the Way of Heaven: the principle of wholeness, and rhythmic balance through cyclic change. Feng Shui acts as the interface between the invisible noumenal realm ? ?Kan? (Heaven),, and the phenomenal realm ? ?Yu? (Earth). Previously, Feng Shui was called 'KanYu' ? ?between Heaven and Earth?.

In pre-dynastic times, the antecedent of Feng Shui was Xiangdi. This practice helped the Chinese determine the most appropriate site for settlement and the location of shrines, temples, and fertile lands.

The two most seminal elements of Feng Shui, however, are the ?River Chart?, and the ?Lo Writing?. The ?River Chart? (Ho T'u) was a diagram borne from the Yellow River on the back of a dragon-horse during the reign of the legendary Fu Hsi. Of whom it is said:
"He looked up and contemplated the forms exhibited in the sky (the constellations), and he looked down contemplating the processes taking place on the earth. He contemplated the patterns of the various habitats and places."

The ?Lo Writing? (Lo Shu) also emerging from a river - the Lo River, inscribed on the shell of a tortoise. Referred to as the ?Ba Gua? or ?magic square?, it?s an arrangement of numbers reflecting the cosmological order of the seasons, directions, and 8 trigrams.

Integral to this was the Five Element Theory, having its origins in the dynamics of yin, and yang, it depicts their evolution into five fundamental powers, agents, and phases of change: wood, fire, earth, metal, and water. The exposition of which was outlined in the Nei Ching, a medical compilation c. 400BC.

From the 11th century BC to 246 BC, divination, and astrology were practiced using oracle bones, and also for determining solar and lunar eclipses. Zhan Bu elucidated the mechanics of water movement, and that of underground streams.

From 475 to 221 BC, the I Ching began to exert a significant influence on Feng Shui. The Form (regulating the Qi), or Mountain Top School focused on landscapes, studying topographical features, soil quality, and watercourses. It located the the Feng Shui or power spots, and mapped the dragon pathways or energy lines of the Earth. Contemporaneously, Taoism and Confucianism, especially the concept of the ?superior man? (ch?n-tzu), began to profoundly influence Feng Shui, introducing the concept of decisive intervention in terrestrial events inspired by the archetypes of heaven.

The next phase of Feng Shui evolution was inspired by Guo Pu's the 'Book of Burial (276 -324), and Form School principles of siting became well established in Chinese literature.

Between 960 ? 1279 AD, Feng Shui bifurcated into two major schools -the Form and Compass Schools. The Compass School (Regulating the form of energy), used a form of Ba Gua compass to dowse the Feng Shui of the environment. During the Song Dynasty, the Book of Yin Yang Celestial Poles was written by a Feng Shui master, Wu Jin?Luan, who persuaded Yang Yun-Sung to establish one of the first formal schools of Feng Shui in Take Jingo Province.

These are the major elements in Feng Shui?s development.

Feng Shui careers

 

"Deal with things in their state of not-yet-being put them in order before they have got into confusion" The secret of Feng Shui Tao Te Ching, Ch 64

The craft of Feng Shui being multi-faceted affords great scope career-wise. But it also subjects one to the rigours associated with the Martial Arts, and the timeline of a medic. Ultimately, it should have 10 stages of progress, each increasingly more difficult, yet bestowing wider responsibility and wisdom with each accomplished step, paralleling the progress of the sorcerer's apprentice.

The Feng Shui training program: initially, some form of yoga, T'ai Chi and meditation to gain physical discipline, concentration, sensitization and insight. Next, a lifetime study of the I Ching, the quintessence of Chinese wisdom and Jin-Shu, the biographies of famous Feng Shui masters.

After which Kanya, the study of heaven and earth, the combined study of geography and astrology in relationship to man. Following which, mastering the Compass School -, the use of the Ba Gua diagram and the Lo P'an compass featuring the 'twenty-four directions' or 15 degree zones of the magnetic circle to help determine the Feng Shui of the situation, and the use of astrological charts and numerology to measure the auspiciousness of a dwelling.

Following this a study of the tenets of the Form school such as Dimai, the dynamics of mountain ridges, valleys, and rivers, and of the arteries of the earth - the 'Dragon Veins'. The examination of the Classics detailing the interrelationship between water, mountains, dwellings and agriculture such as the Water Dragon, which relates the optimum landscape-water interaction e.g. an ideal site, should nestle among watercourses, or the Shui Jing delineating the waterways of China, giving a wealth of information regarding harmony between buildings and landscapes. A general course in human and colour psychology, then perhaps specialization in the use of the I Ching for divination, or Chinese alchemy.

Thus equipped one should be able to offer one's services as follows.

Siting a home

Auspicious siting Banishing sha qi - negative energy Diverting water lines and neutralising other forms of geopathic energy Dowsing and harmonising the dragon veins Diverting 'spirits'

Harmonising the home

Apply the Ba Gua diagram for orientation purposes Interior d?cor and the optimum psychological colour combinations Choosing the best fabrics, and materials Advice on water devices, wind-chimes, crystals, aromatic oils and incenses Avoiding angles, enhancing the circular Placement of fish and plants etc.

Harmonising relationships

Individual and synastric (relational) astrological analysis Yin-yang profiling Taoist philosophy.

Individual destiny

Using western and Chinese astrology, its stems and branches, and numerology to delineate destiny and life paths. Finding the best burial place

General counselling

Using the I Ching and the Lo P'an compass for divination and advice.

One could pursue this occupation on a freelance basis, professionally or corporately. It would be advisable, at regular intervals, to take refresher courses, degree courses, or specialize in order to become a consultant, or councillor. Your level of remuneration would depend upon which one of the 3 employment tracks above you followed. Alternatively, if you were part of a Chinese medical consortia or astrological consultancy, your income would rise proportionally

Significance of Colors in Feng Shui practice

 

Have you ever wondered what feelings do you have when you look at bright red rose in the garden? Can you imagine if a garden that does not have colorful flowers but only the green foliage? Early in the morning when you see a newly opened flower in your garden, your heart is filled with joy and happiness. Each flower in the garden has a different color and hue that affects you differently. While the white lily touches your soul for its serenity, the red rose with its vibrant energy elicits a feeling of love and passion. The feeling is different because the flower is reflecting a different color and Feng Shui uses this natural magic of colors to transform your life.

A rose is red because it reflects red color and Feng Shui makes use of this reflected energy to create a balance between yin and yang energies that suits your personality or your environment.

You may be aware of two types of energies (yin and yang) that the colors in Feng Shui represent. You can think of yin energy as like a plant growing from the earth. It comes from the soil, raising itself upward and moving toward the sky. As yin energy moves up to the sky it becomes diffused and dissipated. Yin energies have an element of dreaminess about them and the colors like blue, white, green and purple according to Feng Shui are believed to have yin energies.

If your home office is full of creative and dream-inducing objects or colors, Feng Shui may ask you to get rid of them (at least some of them) and introduce in their place more vibrant colors that will help you get in the right spirit to do some work and be enthusiastic.

Every association you have with a color contributes in some way to how you are. That is why colors play a meaningful role within the practice of Feng Shui. It is very essential for you to understand why toning down or playing up certain Feng Shui colors in your home will help you to achieve the goals you have set for yourself in your life.

The guiding principle in using Feng Shui Colors should be to achieve balance rather than excess. Whether you are planning the color scheme of your home, office, garden or personal appearance, the following characteristics of the colors in Feng Shui practice will give you an insight into how they can be used in Feng Shui design.

Yin Colors & Feng Shui

Yin colors according to Feng Shui are the colors which bring about healing and relaxation. The relation between colors and Feng Shui can be better understood by taking the example of some colors as given below.

Blue: Blue color according to Feng Shui has yin energy and it is calm and soothing. This color has great significance in Feng Shui as it reflects love as it heals and relaxes. Blue creates a feeling of peace and trust. Since it is the color of the sea and sky, Feng Shui associates it with adventure and exploration. Navy blue it the color of intellect and wisdom.

Black: Black color in Feng Shui symbolizes money and income, black is great for careers, especially when combined with metal. It is the Feng Shui color of emotional protection and power.

Purple: Purple, the color which lies at the end of the spectrum, has a great significance in spiritual Feng Shui. The color is excellent for physical and mental healing and Feng Shui associates it with spiritual awareness.

White: The color in Feng Shui represents poise, confidence and purity. Because of its yin energy, Feng Shui uses this color mostly in combination with gold or silver to generate an atmosphere The other yin colors of Feng Shui are pink and green which also have their individual properties that are used in Feng Shui practice.

Yang colors and Feng Shui

Yellow: Yellow color in Feng Shui is considered to be as auspicious as red. Yellow represents sunbeams, warmth, motion, cheerfulness and friendliness. However, according to a noted color Feng Shui consultant, prolonged exposure to large amounts of intense yellow can cause anxiety.

Orange: With a lot of yang energy the orange color has great significance for spiritual Feng Shui practice as it strengthens your concentration. You might use this color when your creative well runs dry. Orange color in Feng Shui is used to give you a sense of purpose. Orange is the color of organization.

The other yang colors of Feng Shui are Tan/Beige, Brown, Red, Mauve, Maroon and lavender and gold. Each color has its significance such as money, luck or romance. These colors can be used in different combinations with Feng Shui elements for balancing the chi of your Feng Shui home, Feng Shui bed room, or Feng Shui office.

Colors & Feng Shui also have a lot to do with the direction in which your home sits. There are different colors that Feng Shui defines for the use in exterior facades of your house. Exterior colors of your house in Feng Shui practice can be used for matching or enhancing the basic house type that you have.

For example if your house is facing towards the south, painting its exterior with white, grey or blue enhances the flow of chi in your home. For houses facing towards East, the colors in earth tones or metal tones are thought to be of much use for enhancing the positive energies of the house.

The above article has been written with the sole aim of introducing you to the significance of relationship between colors and Feng Shui. But in actual Feng Shui practice there are many other factors which need to be given importance, it is very essential for you to understand the core of Feng Shui.

Once you know what is Feng Shui, you are in better position to understand the significance of Feng Shui tips. Remember that opening your heart to universe is more important than knowing meaning of colors and Feng Shui practice, because it is from there that you allow the healing energies to flow in your heart and living environments. The book on The Spiritual Feng ShuiTM has been specially written for Feng Shui study for beginners to bring home the significance of spiritualism for Feng Shui practice.

The author is an expert Feng Shui Consultant - http://www.thespiritualfengshui.com/feng-shui-color.php

The Ten Most Important Feng Shui Design Tips

 

The Ten Most Important Feng Shui Design Tips

If you wish to learn how to manage interior design according to feng shui design guidelines, there are some major tips you must know. We wish to help you achieve a balanced and harmonic feng shui design for any environment you wish it to be. Read the next paragraphs and learn the feng shui design most important tips.

1. Feng shui design should always be done having the people who will be in it in mind. People's comfort must be a priority, and all you do must be done thinking of that.

2. You should be guided by the bagua map and the areas it indicates within that space in order to distribute objects and furniture in it.

3. Make use of the main feng shui elements. An interior design uses furniture and objects which may contain the different elements. These elements should always be in harmonic quantities and according to the bagua map indications.

4. You should choose colors according to what they symbolize and represent. Different colors represent different elements and have different symbolisms.

5. Good feng shui design does not allow dark spots in it since that doesn't allow chi flowing properly.

6. You should choose carefully the shapes of the objects and furniture; different shapes provide different feelings as well as tend to balance in different ways.

7. Couches and chairs should always be placed in a way that allows those who sit on them to easily look at the door.

8. According to feng shui design guidelines beds should not be right across the door and ideally should have a wall at one side as protection.

9. Mirrors should be placed strategically, thought according to the light amount wished as well as which objects you wish it to reflect.

10. Correct feng shui design would allow people to feel good and comfortable in that interior without really noticing it has been carefully thought of. It should be natural and balanced, providing comfort to those occupying it.

Jakob Jelling is the founder of http://www.fengshuicrazy.com. Please visit his website and learn all the feng shui tips you'll ever need!

Feng Shui for Singles: How to Attract a New Love to Your Life

 

Despite successful careers, loads of money, fantastic looks or physique, the truth is even the most seemingly perfect single people will tell you that they would be happiest if they had someone to love. It is said that there is someone for everyone, it is just a matter of finding that someone. Ay, and to quote Shakespeare, theres the rub.

If you talk to a scientist, youll hear that meeting someone is just a matter of numbers. If you can raise your exposure to a greater number of potential candidates, then you raise the likelihood of cupids arrow hitting the mark. Well, most single people I know are surrounded by thousands of people everyday at the grocery store, at the office, in airports, at the gym, etc., etc., but they havent met the person that pulls their heartstrings.

Maybe you have tried singles mixers, speed dating at the local sports pub, or even resorted to having your friends set you up with eligible singles. And what if all that turns up zero? Then maybe its time to see if your house, your office, or your business could be undermining your efforts to gain a suitable partner in love. So, what exactly are the key elements for singles to look for when determining if the energy of their space is killing their romantic prospects? You are about to find out. Now, get ready to make a serious assessment of your space to open your life to a new love!

1. Is a man or a woman missing in your life?
You could be without a special someone because you are missing a NW or SW corner! Every space must have a NW and a SW corner. These are the cornerstones of a space, and in feng shui thought, the two most important sectors. The NW corresponds to a man and the SW corresponds to a woman. So, if you are a single woman, you need to activate your NW sector, or a single man, the SW sector. By the same token, both single men and women need to activate the SW sector because it is also the sector of marriage, romance, and relationships.

If your NW or SW corners are missing, or afflicted by a toilet, kitchen, storeroom, etc., then you begin to see what the problem is. How do you correct this? If you are extremely serious about finding someone, then moving might be an option. However, less drastic measures are also available. Use these tips to guide you.

If the NW or SW corner is missing: Place a mirror on the wall where the NW corner should be so that it visually expands. Outside, where the missing corner is, try to delineate this space with a light pole, a heavy rock or object, or create a fenced area or garden to put back this missing area.

If the NW/SW corner has a toilet: Make sure this room has a mirror in it. Keep the door closed. You can also try the following remedies of placing a heavy rock in the NW toilet, and candles and red objects in the SW toilet. DO NOT make the mistake of putting candles or red objects in the NW or a stone in the SW because this will make things much, much worse!

If the NW/SW has a kitchen:
In the NW, this is a very bad placement. Kitchens in the NW are not good. You can try to add stones here, such as geodes, or whatever strikes your fancy. You can also paint this room a beige color. This will help strengthen the NW energy with the earth element of the beige color. Avoid water or fire elements in the NW kitchen as these hurt the precious NW energy.

In the SW, add pairs of objects here, such as setting a place for two at the table, even if there is only one dining! You can also had a stone object here or paint the kitchen beige to add more earth energy.

2.Tap your personal marriage and romance direction.
Orient the bed or sleep with your head pointing in your marriage and family direction based on your kua number. Move your desk to face this direction (although, you should make sure you do not ever have your back to the door). Eat facing this direction, and enter doors from this direction.

Here are the orientations for both men and women:

NumberOrientation
1South
2Northwest
3Southeast
4East
5Northwest (male)
West (female)
6Southwest
7Northeastearth/fire
8West
9North

Besides using the doors according to your kua number, sitting, eating, and sleeping, you will also want to energize the corresponding areas in your living room.

3. Fake it until you make it.
Make your bedroom appear as if a couple lived in it. So be sure to decorate it in a gender-neutral manner (no fussy flowers and pastels or severely masculine rooms). Make sure there are pairs of lamps (one on either side of the bed), and pairs of objects in the bedroom.

Put lots of romantic images in here! Display pictures or figurines that say romance to you. Pictures of couples kissing, holding hands, anything to inspire your loving feelings. Some people intentionally remove any pictures of romance because they dont want to be reminded that they are lonely. Wrong. You need to be reminded and inspired because it will work to activate you more to seek out a new partner.

4. Activate the man and woman in your space.
You should activate your home, your bedroom, your garden, your desk, and your office, and any other space you occupy to increase the influence of the NW and SW energies.

FOR WOMEN ONLY:
To activate the MAN area (NW) in your space:

Desk: Put a phone or fax here, add a radio, or put the computer on this corner of your desk, place a picture of a handsome man here, or add a moving metal sculpture; (metal pendulum clocks are great).

Home/Living Room: Put your television or stereo in the NW sector (unless it is the bedroom). Or, you can put manly objects in this area if it is your bedroom. Objects such as books a man might read (or your ideal man would read!), the sports page, or a picture of a handsome man (or men? Chippendales calendar, maybe?) in this location is good.

Bedroom: A CD player with romantic music that you listen to nightly would be wonderful in a NW corner of the bedroom.

Yard: Place a shepherds hook here and hang a windchime on it. Anything metal would be excellent here.

Office: Gold windchime with a fan gently blowing to make it tinkle softly. This is also a good idea in the living room.

FOR WOMEN AND MEN:
Remember, both women and men want to activate the SW corner of their homes, bedrooms, living rooms, offices, and desks! Thats because the SW corresponds to romance, marriage, and women.

To activate the WOMAN and ROMANCE area (SW) in your space try these ideas:
Desk: Place a beautiful stone (such as rose quartz) or a beautiful vase in the SW corner of your desk. You can make a copy of the double happiness symbol and place it on this corner; its believed to make married men out of confirmed bachelors. Add red items in this location, crystal objects (a crystal pendulum clock would be wonderful here!), or red crystal paperweight is also a perfect addition. You will also want to place a copy of the Double Happiness symbol here.

Home/Living Room: Make sure the SW sectors of your home and living room have love objects appropriate to the SW corner. This can be a terracotta or porcelain vase, candles, picture of a mountain, such as Ayers Rock, would be especially auspicious.

Bedroom: A CD player with romantic music that you listen to nightly would be wonderful in a SW corner of the bedroom. Place a lamp in this corner and make sure it stays on at least 3 hours a day. Better still, keep it on the entire day while you are out!

Yard: Place a large boulder or group of boulders here. Or, place a cement bench in this location. You may also wish to put a statue of a couple in this location, or plant some red or pink flowers here.

Office: Add a picture here of a mountain (provided it is not directly in front of you), or some other romantic scene that is tasteful. A lamp in this location is also a good idea.

5. Eliminate the old to bring in the new.
If you have pictures of old boyfriends and girlfriends hanging around, then theyre still there! Get rid of the pictures and mementos. Make sure that you have new sheets, too, to sleep on. Old energy can linger in the bed as well.

One single woman (she was divorced) had pictures of her ex everywhere and wondered why her love life was poor. What man wants to compete with a former boyfriend or worse, an ex-husband.

6. Employ some magic.
Some feng shui stems from Chinese folklore and superstition. But if it helps you draw Mr. or Ms. Right, who cares, right?

Rainbows for love.
Hang a crystal in the SW windows. Then, let the suns rays shine on the crystal to create rainbows in the SW sector of your house for extra romantic energy in your space.

Use a magic box.
This is said to draw a spouse to you. Purchase a silver box, either round or square shaped. Write your deepest desires for a spouse on a piece of paper. Place this box in the SW or NW corner of the house, in a cupboard or out of sight. A square box should be placed in the SW and a round box in the NW.

Kathryn Weber is the publisher of The Red Lotus Letter a FREE weekly feng shui ezine. Log on to www.redlotusletter.com for your free subscription.

Feng-Shui enhancers and cures for your relationship

 

Although fate, may help you to find a suitable partner, feng-shui can certainly have a strong influence on how your relationship turns out.

When moving in with someone, often the nature of a relationship changes in totally unexpected ways. Areas of your life such as career, family or health, might change for no apparent reason. If both partners move into a new home, then both may be affected.

If the partnership feng-shui is placed correctly and stimulated then the happiness and longevity of the relationship are enhanced and chances of either partner embarking on an outside relationship will be limited.

Feng-shui can cause problems as well as solve them. One of the classic simulators of chi is the fish tank or fountain, but if this is placed on the right-hand side of the main door, it can increase the sort of energy which attracts other women to the husband. It is for reasons like this that the manipulating of feng-shui should be done carefully or get the help of an authentic feng shui consultant .

Good feng-shui in the bed room.
Traditional symbols of romance such as red roses or heart shapes, in the south west sector of the bed room is beneficial. Red is symbolic of fire and fire produces earth. The south west sector is the earth sector, so the color red will help produce more earth and stimulate this sector. It follows that red lights or anything red, particularly in pairs is useful.

Things to avoid
No mirrors over the bed. It will create a double image of the relationship.
Keep the space beneath the bed free of clutter so that the chi may flow freely.
Do not place the color green or live plants in the south west sector. Green is symbolic of the wood sector and destroys earth.
Remove all mementos of past relationships from the room.

Applying these principles of feng-shui will lead to positive changes in your relationship.

Mrs. Lynn Ristich is a Psychic and Feng-Shui consultant,for more than 25 years. http://www.asklynn.net
Author and lecturer, seen on CBS Morning News. Writer of Ask The Psychic in the Chicago Suntimes,and recently published in "Crain's Chicago Business".