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Feng Shui is old. Some of the writings go back 2000 years or more. But this powerful system seems more valid today than ever. It's principles can help us create an environment that supports us rather than one that drains us. The concepts may have come to us from ancient times but their value can be stated in modern terms of better quality of life, more balance, and reduced stress. Feng Shui is old but it is more useful than ever.
The Chinese noticed early that not every one was born with a silver spoon. They noticed that some who were born poor rose to power and others who were born poor stayed poor. They wondered why and more importantly they wondered how they could change or even control their own destiny.
They also saw that some seeds fell on rocky ground, in shady areas, in dry places and they did not flourish. And other seeds fell on good soil, in sunny places where the rain fell and they grew tall and strong. The farmer saw he could improve his crop if he removed the rocks, removed what was blocking the sun, and watered the plants. The seed still needs knowledge of which direction to grow to find the surface and it still needs to work hard to break the seed shell to grow and thrive but the farmer added luck by creating a good place for the seed to land. The farmer changed the environment and thus changed the luck. Feng Shui is about altering your environment to bring you luck.
In the beginning Feng Shui was used to find the best grave site. A happy grave site would inspire the ancestors to send blessings to the still living family. Later these principles were used to build palaces and temples and then people's homes and businesses. Today the financial powerhouse that is Hong Kong is built to Feng Shui rules and every year it prospers.
At the heart of Feng Shui is the concept of Chi. Chi is an energy that exists in all things. It is in the earth, in the mountains and rivers. It is in the cities and towns and villages. It circulates in our houses as well as our bodies. Chi energy, the balance between Yin (the female, yielding energy) and the Yang (the male, penetrating force) winds it way like a river through everything around us. Sometimes this energy moves quickly and is strong. Strong chi can create mountains, forests and prosperous cities. Sometimes the energy is weak, diluted and wanders. It creates valleys, deserts and closes down businesses. Feng Shui is about locating Chi energy, attracting it to where you want it to be, letting it pool and reaping the benefits of that collection of good energy. In Feng Shui we also are aware of bad Chi (Sha Chi) and how it can affect our health, relationships and wealth. By finding the Chi, determining the quality of the Chi, and adding to the quantity of the good Chi we can affect great change in our lives.
In Feng Shui it is a combination of the wisdom and experience of the Master along with a few tools unique to this art that creates the change in your environment. Feng Shui relies on Astrology to determine how people connect to their environment, and how the energies mesh. Astrology, either Western or Chinese is an invaluable tool in the Feng Shui Master's tool chest. But there is more. There is intuitive Feng Shui where the Master themselves feel for the energy and guide the Chi through the use of cures (objects that attract good chi or deflect bad chi). There is Compass School Feng Shui which uses a round compass with rings of writing set in a square plate and with this tool the Master can locate the sources of chi and determine weaknesses in chi. There is Dowsing, using a pendulum or dowsing rods to determine laylines, energy vortexes and other signs of chi. And there Form School Feng Shui which ascertains by the topography, surrounding buildings and other architectural features the level and quality of the chi around. All the schools are valid. Like the different schools of Martial Arts each has a wealth of valuable ideas that are worth exploring.
When beginning your application of Feng Shui principles it is best to start close to your own heart by applying the concepts in your own home. This allows you to feel and experience the effects for yourself. Feng Shui is very powerful, if it's not working you are doing it wrong. But don't worry, a poorly placed cure can be moved. When using the tips you find here and there, in books, on websites, or in classes, try them with the results you want in mind. If you don't see changes in a week consider moving the cure or trying another type of cure. Tools like Astrology, the Compass, and the Pendulum can help you determine the right place, but if you are not skilled in these tools and no Master is available consider the trial and error method until you have found the right spot.
Reprinted with permission from Donna Stellhorn, author of Feng Shui Form. For more information visit her website: www.fengshuiform.com or contact her at 1-800-918-2689.
Feng Shui Tip:
If health is the most important change you would like to make then we start in the kitchen. Hang a prismatic crystal in the kitchen window to attract health energy. Clear out the clutter in the kitchen so you have clear counters. Place in the kitchen a representation of health such as decorative herbs, a health Buddha, a green plant, or a bowl of fruit. Picture yourself healthy and being in the kitchen preparing healthy food for you and your family. Each time you enter the kitchen see your health representation and remind yourself that you are heading toward total wellness.
COLOR YOUR WORLD!!
According to Feng Shui color can have a great impact on your mood and surroundings…here are some tips to help you choose colors that will work best for you.
RED stimulates brain activity and increases heart rate. It is a good color to wear when we have colds or poor circulation as it awakens us physically. Wearing red emits power and confidence. In your home you can add red accents like pillows or ceramics.
ORANGE is the color of joy and wisdom. It gives an energy, stimulates appetite. Wearing orange emits fun and creativity. Display a bowl of fresh oranges to invite cheer and optimism into your home.
YELLOW energizes, relieves depression, improves memory and stimulates appetite. Spiritually, it is the color of wisdom. Wearing yellow emits cheerfulness and happiness. Try using yellow dish towels or hang yellow curtains in a place where you want to be uplifted and encourage creativity.
GREEN has a calming effect and balances the nervous system. It is soothing, mentally and physically relaxing. Spiritually, it is the color of love. Wearing green emits nurturing or earthiness. Houseplants are a great addition to any room…or what about a thick green area rug??
BLUE is also calming and cooling. Spiritually, it is the color of health. Wearing blue emits calmness and serenity. Choose blue curtains, bed linens or carpet in places you are trying to create a sense of peace and hope.
PURPLE is the color of cleansing, strengthening, and awakening. Spiritually, it is the color of faith. Wearing purple emits uniqueness. Add some purple candles or artwork in a place you want to encourage wisdom and intuition.
BLACK/GRAY is actually not a color but a shade as it absorbs all colors of the visible spectrum and reflects nothing back. Wearing black emits invisibility, professionalism, being conservative.
WHITE is the reflection of all of the colors of the visible spectrum. Wearing white emits a desire for brand new beginnings (thus the white wedding dress). |
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