Blacks, reds, blues, greens, purples, pinks, grays, yellows and whites complete this spectrum of healing. From science to folklore we now understand the importance of these colors. Each vitamin and mineral contains ingredients derived from plant or earth material. Each necessary microcosm has color, shape and action. This action is how planets are born. This energy or chi flows throughout the universe, creating new life on earth and throughout space. Bringing a little of this heavenly energy into your homes and businesses has become my occupation.

As a feng shui consultant I teach you the aspects of life according to this ancient knowledge.

Using the bagua or map placed over your property I can determine the good sections and not so good missing areas of space. Many people think they should wait until the perfect house is purchased and then call me. Please call before the design phase!

Whether your living space is one room or you own land all over the world, I’m sure prosperity is the main goal of your life. The purpose of prosperity is giving and receiving. Having excess gives you the opportunity and choice to help others. Happiness allows peace to reign.

Starting at the street entry to the property we first check on the beauty of the landscaping. Make sure the path leading into the house is clear and inviting, this first section of the bagua or 8-sided tool placed over the structure is named Career. The element assigned to the area is water. A running fountain placed in the front yard symbolically brings money into the home. Round flowers in bright colors of reds attract the passing chi. Like a magnet, the water element nourishes. Using lavender to the left side of my house and wormwood plants to the right. I provide energy for learning new things in the blue triad called knowledge and the gray plants on the helpful people and travel areas. These front 3 guas are called self-empowerment.

Next check the middle outside sections. To the left middle we find the green wood family area. Are you having problems with close or extended family? The sacred plant called bamboo is my number one suggestion inside and outside. Clutter inside the home or overgrown neglected landscaping will trigger family chaos. Pay special attention to this family gua. Plant fruit trees or use this space for family reunions.

Crossing over to the right middle side yard we visit the joyfulness of youth called children and creativity. White plants and metal activate a special family garden with hide and seek bushes and trees. Children’s swings and play tables for endless mud pie and craft making. Herb gardens with chamomile beds to lie upon and watch clouds dance in the sky. Flowers of every color swaying in the breeze. Chocolate mint and feverfew herbs standing next to purple Echinacea or purple, white and yellow yarrow for fevers or gray and lavender lambs ear for play bandages taped onto play-like doll wounds. Fairies painted on playhouse doors and dragonflies in transformation as day wears into star-time.

Sit under the trees and read stories and participate in unplanned tea parties, for time gets away and before you know it, those little ones are gone and creating children of their own. Use this area for the potting or tool shed. Creation is the action for this right middle side.

These middle zones cushion the house and outside, buffering us from worldly woes.

Step lightly as we travel. We are now in powerful feng shui country! The back yard. From left to right and also the middle this territory is the power force which runs the house and ourselves. At the left backyard and inside the house we have the Wealth gua. Take care of this triad like gold. For it is the gold section. Money is its purpose. Whether it’s your 401-Ks, stock market investments or your children’s piggy banks, this special space "hides" our assets. Do you have an unused hot tub, fountain, swimming pool or last year’s dead garden looking back at you? Time for clean up! Make this place spectacular. Purple flowers, Zen garden, money plants, curving pathways toward magnificent trees and purple bushes. Herbal gardens for teas and tinctures, nettles and mullein for strength and lavender, catnip and oat straw for calmness during stock market fluctuations.

The middle back Fame or fire zone should be a home for the barbeque cooking. Pointed trees, plants and lighting ensure your reputation in the community.

Last but most important we find the power section of partnership. The strength of this special place depends on how you discipline others in the family. This far right quadrant is the home of your mate. Some single people from choice, death or divorce of spouses tend to neglect this piece of property. I’m not interested in another mate. My reply — then keep it balanced so you’ll always have choices.

Keep the dog run, children’s play equipment, hot tub or stagnant pond out of this area.

Two healthy trees, a statue of two same sized animals, people or gardens is helpful. A lovers lane could be created with a special hidden bench for two or maybe an outdoor bedroom for honeymoon stargazing nights.

The ideas are endless. Implement new changes. Clear out the clutter.

Now I’m taking a tea break. My herb gardens are numerous. Over 50 herbs live in the outdoor spaces my husband and I have created around the house.

Today I’ll choose a tea of lemon balm for comfort, lemon grass for flavor. Mints to provide a boost of energy. Nettles full of every vitamin and mineral and dandelion to cleanse the liver.

Invite the colors and elements into the indoor and outdoor spaces of your environment. Embrace your surroundings and experience the essence of heaven chi, animal chi, dwelling chi and luck chi through feng shui.

Come by Caroline’s Arts and Feng Shui Shoppe at 129 First St. to pick up your brochure for our upcoming Feng Shui Intensive Weekend. Registration is beginning now for this fabulous weekend getaway. Saturday, October 27 and Sunday, October 28, 10 a.m. — 5 p.m. at the beautiful Embassy Suites in Burlingame. The nine story plant filled atrium will be the site of our luncheons. A special overnight room rate is available on a first come, first serve basis. Early bird registration fee $399. Call for more details (707) 748-1127.

Other Fall classes include: Zen Garden — create an individual desktop zen garden, all materials provided. Saturday September 15 10 a.m. — 12 p.m.

Watercolor Greeting Cards — beginners and advanced students welcome. All supplies included. Saturday September 22 , 9:30 a.m. — 12:30 p.m.

Location-Location-Location — How does your location affect your life? This class will be held at the McBride Center in Vacaville. Call 469-6671 to register. Special fee of only $30. Saturday, September 29, 6:30 — 8 p.m.

Feng Shui Secrets to Prosperity — the best office locations in your home or building and feng shui power placement of your desk and office equipment — business success. Register with the McBride Center in Vacaville 469-6671 for Thursday, October 11 10 — 11:30 a.m.

Caroline Patrick is an artist, herbalist and feng shui consultant. She combines these three talents into a unique practice. Herbal suggestions are suggestions only. Please consult a medical doctor for treatment of disease.