West Meets East©

By Caroline Patrick

A Home's Personality

I have lived in many different houses and each one has its own soul and sense of personality. There are happy-feeling houses and lonely-looking ones. Some are cute, while others are regal. Others are comfortable and cozy but need some TLC. Our current house feels like a home. With family running in and out and little children giggling, the dwelling takes on the energy of its owners. Predecessor Chi is an important element of Feng Shui, the ancient Chinese system of determining harmony and balance.

When choosing a new or used home, look at the neighborhood, the land shapes and where the entry to the home is placed. Stand at the curb before entering. Look, listen and smell. Take in the feel of the property. Before buying our island land, I looked at the gradual sloping driveway to the house. An “armchair” effect is best when analyzing the placement of the structure on the plot, and this home was placed in the center of four lots overlooking the water. Our current house sets back from the water about 1000 feet, and the gradual slope up to the building site gave it a protective feeling of security and privacy, but a comfortable distance from our sparse neighbors.

The doorway faces south, which is not a necessary formula when using the Black Sect type of Feng Shui, but was a bonus, nevertheless, as money flows on easy-moving water, and the warm winds from the south are certainly valued in colder country. Wind and water factors were in balance, which provides good Feng Shui. The lush green forest of 200-foot Cyprus trees surrounds the home and gives a feeling of comfort and ease. The Wood Element view from any window in the house is a visual delight and stirs the senses.

The personality of the house was not quite “me,” but my husband took to the energy quickly. I find the energy comfortable, but I’m always looking for ways to make the house mine. The colors were stagnant. A dull white covered the walls and a beige carpet consumed most of the floors. Using the “Five Elements Controlling Cycle” to correct a too white environment, or the Element of Metal, I chose rich dark red curtains with up-growing green subdued stems and off white flower design for the curtains. I added two red-covered Chinese-patterned chairs for accents in the room, red throws, green plants, cream colored white couches, gold pillows, bamboo furniture and paintings with the subject matter of Water and Wood. A turquoise throw rug brought some Knowledge to the Wisdom Gua or section of the living room while adding some “Water” to the Earth carpet, and a large mirror over the fireplace balanced Fire and Water.

To explain the Controlling Cycle, I used Fire or red to melt Metal or white and brought in Wood or plants and bamboo to balance the Metal from “chopping too much Wood, and some Water in the artwork and rug to bring harmony in the room. A few books here and some family treasures there complete a more comfortable, lively room where the Chi can dance and play.

Remember, in the Controlling Cycle you can use color and objects to change a room or building without tearing out walls or ripping out good carpet. WOOD CONSUMES EARTH, EARTH BLOCKS WATER, WATER EXTINGUISHES FIRE, FIRE MELTS METAL AND METAL CUTS WOOD.

Use any good Feng Shui books to understand the basics of this cycle which is opposite of the Nourishing Cycle we usually use. The fun of trying this system comes from using some of the colors already in an apartment or new home without disturbing the current paint and carpet, thereby working with what is already there. This gives your home and those of your clients a look you and they can live with without having to spend a lot of money.

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 2007 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