West Meets East©

By Caroline Patrick BorNei

Certified Red Ribbon Professional of the International Feng Shui Guild

Floor Plans Are Us! Check It Out!

Life-changing answers can come from a quick look at your floor plan. The Yang Fire, Fame energy that lives in California, is like no other in the nation. When the Bagua, or eight-sided octagonal tool used by consultants, is placed over the United States, the entry or mouth of Chi is located where the pilgrims first entered from the East Coast. This would be considered the Career Zone of the country for the last 300 years. That would put the Health or Earth Element in the Center of the U.S., better known as the Corn Belt. Land has always been valuable, and when moving from one state to the other, consider the energy of each section before buying. There are codes and regulations for building, zoning and weather issues. Florida, for example, put into law that doors on homes must hinge outward because of the nature of storms in that region, wind pressure, etc. This seemingly small law has altered prosperity in these regions, as Chi, or the flow of energy, is stopped at the front door Career Gua because it is fighting the natural direction of wind to the house. Interesting!!!

I receive many questions relating to land. Whether buying or selling, it is a good idea to review the property in question with an experienced Feng Shui expert before the purchase. Westerners are now recognizing the value of the ancient Chinese system used for centuries by other cultures to improve their state of mind and finances at the same time. The land around the home is just as important, if not more important, to the success of the client. Feng Shui really began when ancient villages, gravesites, and placement of temples needed perfect sites, protected from harsh weather. The LAND must support the house and its occupants. Lush green surroundings, water, climate, wind, wildlife, and certain types of landform were more practical.

Today we have many other things to consider when we purchase. Price, value, and cost seem to be today’s trio. We don’t seem to consider lush vegetation, wildlife and a river nearby. But there are some modern issues to be included into today’s buying market that do still apply. Location, location, location; next might be the shape of the plot, as a rectangle, square or a lot which is a bit narrower in the back than the front is more auspicious, as it is named “The Buddha Bag.” This shape holds the Chi or energy on your property longer as the unseen energy swirls around your property. What are the neighbors like? Many people never consider this when moving next door or a few acres away. What does the zoning law permit? Kennels are a great business, but maybe you don’t want to be a close neighbor, as the noise may not be music to your ears.

Check into the predecessor Chi, or what took place on the land before you purchased the property. Could there be a burial ground, cave or water running under the ground where the house is going to be built? Are you in the “dragon’s vein” of the mountain or gully just asking for a landslide? If there is an existing house, who lived in it before and were they happy? Energy is energy, and when I purchase a home I want to know the history of the property and incorporated birth date of the city, which gives the Element Energy of the town.

When things seem to go sour, there are some easy Feng Shui tips to try before calling in an expert, which I still suggest you do, as they can see quickly what the problem might be and save you studying Feng Shui for many years. When I last checked six years ago, there were 264 books on harmony and balance. Many publishers have jumped on the bandwagon of this knowledge, added Feng Shui to the title for a quick sale, and it has worked! Just be sure to get a qualified practitioner when spending money for a consultation.

Here is an example of the latest question I received on the problems of owning land.

Dear Caroline,

I am somewhat familiar with Feng Shui and came across a website in which your name had been referenced (for classes). Do you know of a way to influence the situation below?

My husband and I own a 9-acre plot of land (rectangular shaped) and there is an easement (access road) for the use of our neighbors who live behind us. The “intention” of this easement was “for these neighbors only.” However, over the past few years, they have accumulated 100+ vehicles a day (the traffic is for their business – for which they shouldn’t be using our land to facilitate). This has created havoc on our property as it runs right through our land.

We have begun the proceedings to take the case to land court to stop the commercial business from running through our land – and hopefully bring it back to its original intention or have the road completely shut down if the people are forced to provide their own road on the other side of their property. However, things take a long time in court. I would love to alter this, if possible. I do realize that it might be in mine or my husband’s highest interest to go all the way with it – it has taught us a lot already – but I think we have learned enough.

Can you recommend a book that would guide me through some Feng Shui techniques that could improve this situation?

Thank you,

A Reader

Dear Reader,

Hello, sorry for your problem. I can imagine the dust and interference you endure. Havoc is the word to describe your annoyance. My first question would be, are you living on a high mountain, and are you at the top? When choosing property, it’s better to let someone else put up with all the wind and rain on top of the peak and chose a lower piece of land to surround and protect you from “unseen forces.” A natural Feng Shui choice would be selecting land that is higher behind the house and with the doorway gradually sloping to the street or road. People who build at the top of a mountain do get sued often. It’s called the “King of the Hill” effect. Too much Wind and Water is not a good thing.

I assume you have tried being friendly, but with 100-plus cars it seems it would be a lost cause taking them a few brownies, although if this is done in a sincere loving way, it can be effective. Energy is like a boomerang, what goes out there swings back to face us. I recently suggested to myself to let go of some past judgment issues as I know they will show up in another form or lesson for me to reflect upon, which is not comfortable. So do you have a history of neighbor problems?

If this isn’t the situation, are there power poles close to the house? If so, use a small Bagua mirror (eight-sided octagonal mirror) six inches on up and place in a window shining toward the power box. This method creates an energetic force pushing the unwanted energy back to the source. Mirrors are the aspirin of Feng Shui as they distort/change or push back unwanted energies.

Before you start any legal action, which can sometimes take forever, try putting a Bagua mirror with the I-Ching around the outside rim with a CONVEX mirror in the center, or one which bulges outward, toward the neighbor. (You can purchase them on the Internet.) Place this mirror shining toward their property, with a note written on the back, saying, “I sincerely suggest this issue is resolved by itself with the help of only the highest thoughts and that these people move to a much better location for their business, and I wish them only abundance.” Always add a phrase similar to this, “Without any problems or complications to anyone.” A prayer of intention can be done by you as you place this mirror.

Good Luck!

If you live in the Napa, Benicia, Vallejo, Concord, Sacramento, or Redding areas, I will be giving consultations, blessings and clearings from July 30^th through August 19^th. Please call (503) 208-2960 or (360) 420-5096 for an appointment.

Caroline Patrick Bor Nei is a certified Feng Shui Practitioner and a Red Ribbon Professional of The International Feng Shui Guild. Her abilities as a consultant and artist are widely known in the US and abroad. Caroline has completed over 5000 consultations for individuals, large and small businesses. Return clients appreciate the value of her suggestions both mundane and transcendental, providing support on multiple levels. As a college art instructor for many years, Caroline understands the power of color; its symbolism and the visual effect images have on individuals in their surroundings. Her home base is Portland, OR where she continues to write, teach, paint, do illustrations and give herbal medicine making classes. She is available for Feng Shui consultations; Feng Shui art consultant, advises builders, architects and mentors a few serious students.

Call (503) 208-2960 or email caroline@fengshuiartistry.com.

Any suggestions given in this column are only for entertainment. Please contact your physician for any medical or herbal advice or diagnosis. Caroline Patrick is not responsible for any misuse of her advice or suggestions.

Caroline’s “West Meets East” weekly newspaper column can be read from archives on her website www.fengshuiartistry.com.