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By Room Feng Shui, China’s ancient balance and harmony system was introduced to the United States during the 1980’s. This science of "seen and unseen" forces in our lives and how it affects your body and living environments has been widely accepted for bringing about a more serene atmosphere. Feng shui, the art of placement, is all about creating a living space that supports who you are and what you do. Choosing location, type of structure, wall colors, rugs, fabrics, textures and cookware says something about your personality. Learning about yourself, your family’s likes and dislikes can be a challenge or it can become a project. Working with clients on the design of their homes is one of the exciting aspects of being a feng shui consultant. After laying out the 8-sided octagonal grid called a bagua over the floor plan of the dwelling, I can map the house to the 9 sections needed to adjust the space. Each section allows me a color, a shape and an element to work with. For example, the family area of a home or business allots the color green to be used in various shades. In your house this grid of the bagua might be aligned to a bathroom, guest room, office or den. Next I check the shape of "Family". Columns can enhance the room, such as trees or bamboo, column-shaped tree trunks, striped wall treatments, coverlets or dust ruffles for a bed. Curtains with a forest theme, or maybe a painting depicting a rich forest scene. Be sure to add other elements of the bagua to balance the green tones, such as yellow throw pillows, red apples for fire energy in a green kitchen and maybe a touch of black or blue to insure the suggestion of water to symbolically feed the wood element, representing family flow and growth. If the family is not getting along, I go deeper into the reasoning of current and past relationships. An example of using the "family area" for good intentions corrections has proved successful many, many times in providing a closer understanding between children (runaways, behavior problems, in-laws and out-laws) and parental communication. A trained eye for blockage situations in the home can influence attitudes and hamper resolutions regarding the current dispute. These disruptions are usually traced to the destructive element cycle set into motion by using the wrong elements in the wrong guas, such as water paintings in the health or earth center causing "flooding" or washing away of good health. Why would the home have any effect on your job opportunities, love life, poor health or the ability to hold onto money? The Chinese view of wealth is more philosophical than westerners. Wealth is not only about big bank accounts, IRA’s or Wall Street markets. It’s more like a set of values by which we can live. Wealth to some cultures is good health, education and family love. Harmony, mentors and the ability to help others in need mentally, physically and spiritually is considered a wealthy asset. And last but not least it’s about being grateful to auspicious ancestral luck. Each section of the bagua gives the consultant rules to abide by. Created centuries ago to ensure all the necessary elements needed for life on the planet earth, we are a combination of water, wood, fire, metal and earth. Vitamin and mineral tablets offered at stores contain balanced ingredients of these elements. Herbs are another example of plant intelligence using balanced forms of nature to bring harmony to the body. During a consultation I check the compiled map for clues to unresolved issues. Walking from room to room I analyze the gua, correspond the element, color and shape. What needs adjustment? Furniture placed at wrong angles, sharp points or arrows causing stress. Sleeping problems, divorce, or health issues can be relieved by "lifting or softening" a beam or angled ceiling. Changing colors, mirror placement and missing corners bring an exciting challenge to the feng shui designer. Your property, business, car homes past and present and body all hold secrets to unlocking your future. What does your future hold? Fear, procrastination and the words "but, can’t and because" can cripple your dreams. Use simplicity, to start, Empty a drawer, clean a closet. Give away, throw away or sell excess. Try the ancient system of perfect design. Using the feng shui tool called a bagua, along with textured fabrics, rich color combinations placed in the correct areas for activation. Will the doors of destiny and success easily swing open? Keep only items you love, for they are loaded with positive chi, surround yourself with the breath of life. Come in to the shoppe at 129 First St for your feng shui needs. Caroline’s Arts is open 1 — 5 p.m. daily closed Monday. Barbara, Paula or Caroline can answer your feng shui questions or make appointments. Consultations by fax, phone, in-studio or onsite are available. Check the website www.fengshuiartistry.com and www.moongateschool.com for art and feng shui workshop schedules or call (707) 748-1127. |