West Meets East©

By Caroline Patrick

The Rhythm of the Five Elements in All Aspects

The power of nature can be gentle or forceful, and the seasons change no matter how hard we try to hang on to summer’s long days and dreamy nights. They vanish quickly here in the Northwest. Vacationers sigh and marvel at the crisp air, scenic views and lingering sunsets of the San Juan Islands in the Puget Sound. Experiencing the Wood and Water Elements of this area brings Family ideals, new growth of spirit, and business expansion to the forefront.

Wherever you live you can combine these Elements in a home, in a business or in landscaping. Water is necessary to make things grow, and so the combination of green and a blue-black color in your own home or business can nurture a new project or bring abundance when used in the right way. Balancing of the Elements is necessary to maintain health of the body and the environment. If anything becomes unbalanced such as the environment, the government, weather or personal behavior, look to see if the Elements are in a constructive or destructive cycle.

The natural flow of seasonal cycles begins with spring, followed by summer, autumn, winter and then returns to spring. If the Wind and Water, or Feng Shui, of the planet become disturbed you many find these Elements jumping across the circle, which could cause disasters. If spring jumps directly to winter, crops freeze and rot. If winter or summer reverse, we have melting when it should be freezing. There is a time for each Element to play its part.

I usually don’t enjoy summer, as fall is my favorite time of year to study, read, write, give classes and travel, but a lot of things happened this summer, which I had visualized through intention. I wanted the family to become closer. I placed pictures of relatives in the Family Sector or middle left side of the living room to activate the Wood energy of Family life as you can treat any room with an individual Bagua, which contains all of life’s aspects. I placed three fairly large bamboo potted plants next to the picture arrangement, giving growth to the section of Wood.

To review the Feng Shui template, start with the main door to the living room, called Career, which is ruled by Water. Next, walking left from the room door is the area of Knowledge. Continuing upward is the Family Gua (in the middle of the far left wall), followed by the money corner of Wealth to the far back left corner of the room. And so the aspects continue onward and around the octagonal shape of the Bagua with eight equal parts nurturing Fame, Fire, Earth and Partnership, Children and Creativity, which is the Metal Element, Helpful People and Travel for Heaven’s help, and a Center called the Tai Chi.

Suddenly, out of the blue, my daughter came for an extended visit, just to be with family, get to know her nephews better, see her brother and have long talks about the “good ole days.” I found this comforting as well as revealing. She took care of the properties while we cruised to Alaska with the grandchildren, found a part-time job, and began enjoying the Northwest and its people. My brother, who is 71 years old, dropped by for a chat, revealing more unknown family secrets, and looking like a magazine model. I have been jealous of his lifestyle, his looks, his houses throughout the world, his zest for life and his figure most of my life, but as with all things, his ways, come with a price! Next my husband’s brother and wife invited themselves and we were on yet another ferry boat, giving them a tour to the islands. Bringing attention to the Family Section of my home brought Chi to that intention and family to my home.

The summer zoomed by quickly with two workshops by Lillian Bridges, famous face reader, who will be in San Francisco giving classes on October 6th and 7th. (There may be a couple of seats left, if you hurry.) Google her for a schedule or call me. Next came a painting class in Victoria BC, which I had accomplished by activating the Helpful People Corner of my home and office. The funds came quickly by way of some jobs for realtors who couldn’t move stale properties. Interest in my Five Element paintings started up once again. I sold several prints for Home Staging to provide Living Color of the Elements of homes to sell and also a few originals for home cures and enhancements. Wow ... I am still amazed at the power of Feng Shui and the journey of using the Elements to fast forward your desires. For help with these mysteries of nature, call me.

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