West Meets East©

By Caroline Patrick

In-Home Consultation

Dear Caroline,

Hello. I was wondering about the price of an in-home consultation. Does it vary according to what the client needs? About how much would it be? Basically, my girlfriend and I are moving into a somewhat tight space and we’re thinking we might feel less cramped if we had someone come in and offer advice on how to lay out our living room, etc. Thanks.

A Reader

Summer has just arrived but many families are in the middle of “College Chaos” decisions. This email question prompted my thoughts about a colleague who uses Feng Shui for dorm rooms. The same Feng Shui rules apply to small and large spaces alike. Why? Because the Bagua, or eight-sided octagonal tool, can be applied to any space large or small. The shape is equal on all sides and all eight sides have a purpose according to Feng Shui Principles. The ancient concept was designed about 5000 years ago by the Chinese to build villages, place temples, gardens, schools and shelters in an orderly fashion. Statistics were kept over the years on weather patterns, prevailing winds, plant and animal survival in certain areas. Thus Feng Shui, translated as the “balance of wind and water,” was born.

Each section of the balanced “wheel” was given a purpose, energy and body part. The middle of the tool was dedicated to the Center of all things, or the Health of the people, animals, and environment. This center of the space of land or home was called the Ti Chi, where all things were in perfect harmony. On the outer eight sections of this “wheel” life aspects were added. Starting at the front center of the dwelling was a doorway or the “Mouth of the Chi,” and its action became Career. Moving clockwise and upward we find Knowledge, Family, Wealth and Fame at the top of the octagon, then traveling clockwise we began to head downward (at approximately 2 o’clock) to Partnership, then Children and Creativity, Helpful People and Travel, and back to the Center at Health. Animal personalities were added to understand people’s tendencies and energies from their birth dates.

This popular ancient method of keeping a community, town or household, was kept secret for thousands of years and used only by the ruling dynasty to assure abundance for the ruling classes. Today acupuncture, alternative medicine and more gifts from ancient cultures’ “research” are but a bookshelf away. The science of these theories are inter woven. Understanding other cultures is our guide to world peace, and it is our responsibility to learn and have compassion for others.

Using Feng Shui as a guide to help our children during stressful transitions is easy and very affordable. Opening up small spaces with mirrors is a great way to bring the outdoors inside by reflecting nature. If the view is only a desk on the other side of the room, it is still a way to “expand” Knowledge, Wealth, Recognition or Helpful People. Over-the-door mirrors are now available at the bath stores, no screws needed.

Use color to bring in the five Elements. Green for Wood, Red for Fire, White for Metal, Black for Water and Yellow for Earth can be in the form of bedding, towels, notebooks, pencils and clothing. A Chinese zodiac will help the roommates get along, as all animals and personalities are represented on the strand (go to www.fengshuishopper.com to find one. Tell Marina I sent you to her site), a phone book with thousands of names, business cards placed in the right-hand drawer of a desk can activate the Helpful People of the student’s desk. Using my 5 Element folding greeting card can assure all Elements are used to balance a room when placed in view.

In a small space it is not always easy to have your bed in a commanding position (kitty corner from the entry). Placing a 40mm quartz crystal on the ceiling with a stick pin between the doorway to an entry or bathroom door can bring comfort to the people in the room. Wind mobiles or wind chimes are another way to invite Chi or energy into small or large spaces. Don’t forget good lighting for recognition and reputation or Fame.

Be inventive with Feng Shui in small spaces. Remember, light, sound, color and other objects can bring a feeling of calm to your young adult’s surroundings. If you have more questions about schoolrooms, tight living spaces, or how to expand learning possibilities of your children, email your questions to www.fengshuiartistry.com. You can view the 5 Element folding cards on this site.

Caroline Patrick, Feng Shui consultant/practitioner, teacher/speaker, Feng Shui artist and writer, lives in the San Juan Islands, off the coast of Washington. Her weekly newspaper article called WEST MEETS EAST is a popular Feng Shui advice column. She enjoys answering your questions, when possible. Some questions will be chosen for publication with the permission from the reader. Enjoy her new 5 Element attached-folding cards which can be used as a Feng Shui enhancement or correction in any space. Larger prints of several selected paintings are also available. For consultations, speaking/teaching engagements and art evaluations contact her at caroline@fengshuiartistry.com or visit her websites at www.fengshuiartistry.com and www.moongateschool.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.