West Meets East©

By Caroline Patrick BorNei

Happy Chinese New Year's Eve to Everyone!

I wanted to send you this message on one of the most auspicious nights of the year. At midnight when Yang energy shifts to Yin, millions of people will be celebrating the beginning of The Earth Ox Year.

Remember I told you I would be getting back to you on a China Trip, and this is the new news. I have been waiting for Helen and James Jay to announce their fall “Study Feng Shui in China.” In my opinion, they are the best of the best to take us to China. James has been in touch with me and has now set the dates for the end of September, which will be great for me and hopefully for you. James and Helen have made this trip many, many times and will take us to the very best places. Helen and James are devotees of His Holiness Grandmaster Lin Yun and have dedicated their lives to his teachings as I have. I have wanted to travel with Helen and James since 2000, and now is the time. This experience will change your life. They are also experts using Joss Papers, and I personally want to learn these techniques and incorporate them into my practice.

Please ... if you do anything for yourself this year ... this is a must. I will be sending in my deposit next week to hold my spot. There is an early-bird rate. Please check the attachment James sent to me tonight along with the video on www.fengshuidesigns.com. (Scan down to China studies and click on the video.) When registering, give my name, Caroline Patrick, so they can keep track of “my people” and also send me an email to confirm.

Below is a quick review of today’s celebration that I wanted to share with you.

Today my family gathered for a New Year’s feast. The grandsons helped cook noodle soup, with long noodles to ensure long life, and steamed rice covered with stir-fried whole green beans. Sugar-toasted almond slivers topped the beans and sparkled under the red lantern hung above the table. The kids decorated the dining table with a red cloth, painted chop sticks, Chinese soup spoons, and Zodiac napkins, designed with all twelve Chinese animals running this way and that way. I also picked up spring rolls at the grocery, which are yummy and pretty. Bright red flowers filled an Asian-type vase in the center of the table. The red and gold of the room activated life-giving Chi.

Sealed red Chinese envelopes with a large gold dollar coin in each one (used for “seed money” for the coming New Year) were placed at each person’s place sitting. Paper dragons were also placed at the boys’ dinner plates, as party favors. Everyone enjoyed the food, and we ended with watermelon and banana pudding. Before leaving Guemes Island, we burned Joss Papers, praying for good health, luck and abundance for the coming year.

Tonight I will do more ceremony at midnight, a good time for intentions to be presented. Professor Lin Yun has taught us over the years to give up old notions, shed old ideas and not-so-nice behaviors. As Professor once told me, “Begin again at the beginning,” a good mantra for a new year. I wish you could join me, maybe next year?

Thank you for your continued support, and I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Fortunate Blessings,

Caroline

Caroline lives in the Northwest Region of the US, called The Puget Sound in Washington State and is an experienced Feng Shui Practitioner, writer, author and artist. She gives workshops in Feng Shui, Elements of Art, private mentoring for serious student, lectures, does book illustrations, art demonstrations for Daniel Smiths Art Supplies and writes a weekly newspaper column for the Benicia Herald in California and other publications. Call (360) 424-1501 for her availability for speaking, teaching and consultations in the U.S. and abroad, or email caroline@fengshuiartistry.com. Visit her websites: www.fengshuiartistry.com to view her special Feng Shui artwork designed especially for cures and corrections and enhancements of the 5 Elements (some for sale) and www.moongateschool.com for West Meets East archives.

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.

Note: Caroline Patrick BorNei (pronounced Bornay) is Caroline's Chinese name give to her by her Master Teacher His Holiness Grandmaster Lin Yin.