West Meets East©

By Caroline Patrick

Autumn Feng Shui Tips

Weekends are special on the Puget Sound. Turn your head in any direction and it is a “picture-postcard view,” as my mother used to say. The upper Northwest corner of the United States is one of the most beautiful places on earth. Thousands of tourists board Washington State Ferries each year, which wind through the many San Juan Islands of this region. Some of the larger islands have small villages while others are privately owned and permission must be granted to beach a boat or use their docks. I have had the opportunity to visit some of both since my friend’s brother runs a water taxi service. Each island has its own personality, energy and port of entry. Whether the trips are for Feng Shui purposes, a wildflower tour, or to enjoy a sunset dinner cruise, it is an unforgettable experience. Trips to Victoria Canada are daily most of the season until the waters turn green and cold. Fall skies turn golden and pink as the evening sun meets the dark waters of the North Pacific. The summer tourists have gone home and now it’s time for the locals to celebrate!

Apples and pumpkins are harvested and being carried to “Pumpkin Patches” across the open fields on the mainland. Horses are hitched to polished wagons and new hay bails are tossed upon the flat open surface for seating. Hayrides are offered for children while adults polish off summer’s last ears of corn, boiled in large vats of steaming water. The corn on the cob feast is ready! Hot butter drips from the golden treats as they are passed out to those standing in line. Trees turn red and yellow, and their leaves sprinkle the environment with insulation for the coming winter. Autumn has officially arrived and the land begins its annual cycle of sleep and restoration.

I take in these visual scenes as I travel west to our island retreat. Approaching the last small town on the mainland, I check the ferry schedule for the next run. Since the summer’s tourists have retreated, the small island’s population returns to its approximately 600 residents instead of 1200. With autumn’s arrival, chances for catching the ferry have improved. My grandchildren live up the hill from the landing, and out of habit I turn my head quickly to see if they might be running down the road to catch a ride. “They must have slept in,” I decide. Waiting for them is impossible. I am flagged ahead quickly onto the small vessel which transports me to one of the closest islands off the coast. “The kids must already be at the house or they will arrive on the next ferry crossing,” I surmise. The car is filled with groceries, frozen items and birthday treats to be stashed away for upcoming celebrations.

The Feng Shui of this island is very good. Joining Wind and Water together in a balanced way is a good thing! The island home is built up the hill from the channel of water flowing in from the Pacific. Ships come and go which symbolizes the energy or Chi flows toward the port of entry or front door of the city across the straits. The house sits in an “armchair position” not too far or too close to the Water. Green lush pines, cypress, fruit trees and wild life are abundant. A small village sits up the hill. A post office, grocery store, church, meeting hall and tiny library spread up the road in a patchwork of structures huddled near the water’s edge. The rest of the island’s residents are scattered along the high or low banks, while other houses hide off in the woods.

The squirrels are happy to see me and scamper across the open decks. Groceries are carried inside and put away. Soon the next ferry brings the grandchildren and we take a walk in the yard. Large wind chimes face the water view and sing as the cool breeze sweeps up the hill from the open body of water. Beautiful blue flowers creep around the fountain inviting new opportunities with their color of Knowledge. The land slopes gently behind the garage to the large open space above the house. This is our playground. The children and I play volley ball, kick ball, tell stories, pick berries and have winter camp fires on this upper prosperity. We talk to snakes, eagles and each other. Be one with nature and teach children how to live with the environment.

I have not always lived in beautiful places, but have tried to make living spaces beautiful. Whether you live in one room or own an island, you can create a loving and gentle room which feels like a paradise. Hang pictures of places you want to travel or live in the immediate right front side of your home or room, known as the Helpful People and Travel section. Place flowers and fruit on tables or counters to improve Health and vitality. Invest in nine gold fish swimming in a large bowl to improve prosperity and bring in money. Moving, living things such as fish and animals increase movement in your life. Clear out anything under the bed to remove blockages in your body. Give away half of your clothes. Plant an indoor garden with lights. Create a Zen garden. Hang round faceted crystals in long hallways, above the center of your bed for health, above your desk for clarity or between the bed and bath in an open bathroom-bedroom design. This new open plan can cause big Health issues. Use wind chimes to give “sound” to a space, (they don’t have to be in the wind to work). Place blinking lights around an indoor tree. Use imagination to improve your surroundings with Feng Shui and give yourself permission to live your dreams anywhere in the world!

Caroline is a Feng Shui consultant, artist, herbalist, newspaper columnist, businesswoman, author and teacher. She has conducted over 3500 Feng Shui consultations. She has taught art for over 35 years. Her weekly column West Meets East can be viewed on her website moongateschool.com. Caroline’s advice is only considered suggestions and she is not responsible for any problems relating from her suggestions. Please consult a physician for any diagnostic evaluations concerning your health.

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Caroline Patrick Caroline's Feng Shui Concepts Mt. Vernon, WA 360-424-1501

caroline@fengshuiartistry.com

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