West Meets East©

By Caroline Patrick BorNei

In Search Of Imbalance, What’s Going Wrong!

I have long been interested in finding other objects which can be used for Feng Shui adjustments. Not all clients wish to use Chinese décor to adjust the Five Elements of their living and working spaces. I must admit this seems to be a major complaint of my Western clientele. All living things on Planet Earth need Water, Wood, Fire, Earth and Metal to survive. The cycle of life relies on Water nurturing Wood, Wood feeding Fire, Fire making Earth and Earth creating Metal. When this process reverses due to our selfish indifference, the planet goes into distress. A domino, downward motion, spirals out of control, and the life-giving Elements destroy one another. Metal begins chopping Wood; Wood heaves up Earth; Earth obstructs Water; Water puts out Fire; and Fire melts Metal. Yikes! “So what does this have to do with me and my house?” you might say? It means everything. If you want to create a peaceful atmosphere, don’t mess with Mother Nature!

There are nine sections to consider when “putting” your house and life back in order. When something goes terribly wrong in one, two or more of the nine sections, some aspect has started “eating” away, or destroying itself. To restore balance, the culprit must be identified. Remember also that each section, or one of the nine pieces called Guas, has not only a ruling Element or a related Element, but a color, an aspect, a body part, an energy, a direction, a shape and lots of other energies you probably don’t want to be bothered with at this point, but – please stay with me – an object, picture, or piece of furniture can enhance and lift the Chi or energy of a lifeless part of your house.

Starting at the front door, we find the first of these nine houses or Guas of your dwelling. The front door is considered the entry of Chi and the Breath of Life. This area affects your Career opportunities. Next, going counterclockwise, we find Knowledge to the left of the front door, or maybe your door is in the Knowledge section. Traveling upward and to the middle left lives the reflection of Family interaction, communication, the color green, striped fabric, Wood items and plants, and the body part of feet. If this section is nurtured by the shape, colors and energy of Family, things should be going good in your family life. If not, check for plumbing leaks (water), cramped and cluttered rooms, hallways, too much red (fire) or white (metal) color. Water, Fire and Metal, when out of balance, can destroy Wood or your Family Gua.

When the Wood Element needs adjustment, I suggest bamboo flutes. This adjustment is very powerful in the Chinese Culture, as bamboo can build bridges or flow in the wind. It brings flexibility and support to the generations. They are the symbol of uplifting joy, protection and support. Placing two flutes above pictures of your Family, from great, great grandparents to the newest babies, will bring balance and peace to Health of the Family and bless those in the pictures. Make sure they are placed with the root side down and the mouth piece upward, according to Black Sect Feng Shui methods, slanting in this manner, / /, turning more inward at the top.

For Westerners, they could place these powerful flutes under a curtain, camouflaging their appearance. Paintings of forest or real plants in the left middle part of the house or any room will strengthen the Family Gua. Carved wooden objects, statues, wooden desks, baskets made of wood, curtains in tones of green, green leaves, green towels, a window herb garden or patio with plants, all support the Element of Wood and bring strength to Family life. If you find this area decorated with too much white, too much Metal, too much red or a huge fish tank, leaky faucet, and cranky people in your house, you might experience loss of money, feet and leg problems, congestion, bladder and kidney imbalance, rashes, anger, frustration, lack of communication and children who disregard family traditions. (More to come on “cures” for all cultures.)

Join us for a lifetime experience in China with James Jay, September 21, 2009. The tour is filling up quickly! Email me at caroline@fengshuiartistry.com for details!

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.