West Meets East©

By Caroline Patrick

Feng Shui Gardening

There are several things to consider when using the art of placement called Feng Shui for creating special sacred spaces. The universe is composed of constantly changing patterns of energy. From the moment the sun rises in a burst of flaming yang-fire golden light across the horizon in the morning to the time the moon changes places in its yin glory, the planet earth dances with universal precision in balance and harmony. Blending the powers of yin and yang with the five Elements of the Earth's forces profoundly enhances your living and working environment.

By altering the interior and exterior of your home and property you can invite health, wealth, love, wisdom and family unity by planting lush gardens of color, design, texture, shape and form. Creating and transforming your surrounding space attracts positive energy or Chi to the indoor and outdoor properties. People, animals and all living creatures are pulled to the source of the radiant Chi as the flowers and trees pull energy in and around your gardens. Just as positive Chi flows easily, stagnant energy sticks in pockets and corners of unkempt and overgrown planting.

Dead trees and plants should be removed quickly as they can cause missed job opportunities, family squabbles, money problems and no time for leisure trips. Cutting and removing trees require a blessing before the tree is removed and after it is taken down. A prayer of thanks for its former beauty and shade might be a way to open the space. Add a potted plant to the stump as a symbolic replacement of a growing object. You can attract or repel energy by reflecting the environment surrounding your properties. The ancient Chinese cultures formed beautiful gardens of color. Knowing each plant had certain energies, colors, shapes representing aspects of life, planting power gardens, sacred gardens, children's secret gardens and love gardens was a way to invite the Chi to flow in and around their home and keep it healthy.

Using the eight-sided Bagua or template used thousands of years ago, we map the home and exterior properties to find the entrance of the Chi and how it comes into your front yard. Facing the Front Entry of your house, the Career zone lines up with this entrance. Whether your doorway is to the right, left or middle of the floor plan, this still gives us the first space to enhance. This Gua or section is brought to life by the element of Water. Since water is a liquid, it flows within a contained space. Think of ways to represent this wavy pattern. A flowing pathway of rounded stepping stone with low growing herbs such as thyme woven in between the stones might be a lovely way to create this pattern. Outdoor art and statuary in the forms of sea creatures such as turtles, fish or black, and blue black ceramic pottery with plantings of lush red flowers attracts, birds, and butterflies.

A round or wavy water garden, water feature or bird bath placed near the front entry will also increase money opportunities. Be sure your water fountain or river-shaped enhancement is facing the front door, allowing the water to flow Wealth into the home. Rock gardens ground the energy of the Gua or area in which they are placed.

Using metal hollow wind chimes in any garden attracts good Chi, as the sounds sing in the wind, creating vibrations of color and musical notes. The hollow tubes of the wind chimes pull Chi upward, raising the energy of the place. Fruit trees have long been used in Chinese and Japanese Gardens. Each fruit bearing variety has a special message assigned to its size, shape, and color of blooms, flowers and taste of its fruit. Orange trees are always welcome in any garden, as they represent gold money, blessings, joy and more.

Next we find a special area where knowledge and wisdom are included into the Bagua. Look to the front left property of your yard. Plan a garden for learning. This special area is good for a statue of an angel, Buddha, temple, bench for reading or fairy garden. Planting blue flowers, herbs in a spiral, circle or labyrinth shaped garden draws the spirit of learning to your home. Place shades of blue mosaic stepping stones in spiral forms, or plant a forest of black bamboo in wooden barrels. Place magic in every nook and cranny as the bamboo whispers messages from the elders in the swishing and swaying of its flexible yet strong branches and graceful leaves. This gracious plant is a power house of longevity, family health and medicinal properties. Its characteristics are sacred and useful in many cultures.

These are just a few ideas to enhance your property, but remember to save the far back right side of the property for a romantic walk, talk or partnership garden. A swing for two, a table setting for two only, a scenic view or maybe a bench for moon gazing. Keep all toys, children's equipment and barbeque out of this section, unless you want to encourage child-like behavior in your mate. There are seven other Guas or areas of your property to place swing sets and tree houses.

What does your face have to do with your environment? I will be in Benicia on the evening of April 16th, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., to tell you! Join us at the Faerytale. Call (707) 745-2024 for seating; to book a mini-consultation on the 17th use same number. I still have some openings for on-site consultations, April 16th through 22nd. Call (360) 424-1501 to schedule an appointment.

WHAT IS CUSTOMIZED FENG SHUI MENTORING?

· It is for those wishing to study with me privately, with the experience of over 4500 consultations. ONE ON ONE, starting where you need to start.

· A six-month commitment is necessary.

· A monthly mentoring date is set for at least one to two hours of phone conversation, at different intervals.

· Packets are sent for you to study each month. Emailing and faxes will be part of the course as we go over floor plans.

NEW CLASSES COMING IN 2008……… THE YEAR OF THE EARTH RAT!

Please visit www.fengshuiartistry.com and click on www.moongateschool.com for current local and out-of-state class schedules in Feng Shui, Art and Medicine making with Herbs. Caroline is available for teaching and speaking engagements.

Caroline lives in the Northwest Region of the US, called The Puget Sound in Washington State. She is a Feng Shui Practitioner, writer, author and artist. She gives workshops in Feng Shui, Elements of Art; private mentoring for serious students lectures and writes for newspapers. She combines teaching and traveling to other locations, here and abroad. Her 2008 schedule includes workshop and classes in the Northwest, Southwest, Midwest and Alaska. She is available speaking, teaching and consultations.

Please consult your physician for physical problems as this article only gives ideas and suggestions. Caroline is not responsible for anyone using these suggested plants or advice for cures or healing any problem either medical or Feng Shui claims. This column and article is for entertainment only. Please seek help from a qualified physician, naturopath, herbalist or other certified person for treatment.

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

caroline@fengshuiartistry.com www.fengshuiartistry.com www.moongateschool.com