West Meets East©

By Caroline Patrick

Self Evaluation, Endings and Beginnings, Using Feng Shui


The circle of life is powerful symbol for many cultures. It doesn't matter what race you are or what religion fits your beliefs, humans as well as all living creatures and nature are programmed to live and die. This is the natural outcome for all physical manifestations. Some humans are programmed to live on this planet to the age of 100+ while other humans live only briefly on Earth. Though no one really knows the "meaning of life," there seems to be a "wheel of stages"; each creature is pre-programmed to learn, grow and be of service.

The Great Wheel, as we could call it, is filled with life cycle stages. Each culture I have studied symbolizes the phases somewhat differently, but the meanings are quite the same. The Chinese circle of stages is very unique. There are twelve steps that are very involved. They are Long Life, Bath, Capping, Getting Official Position, Imperial Prosperity, Decline, Illness, Death, Tomb, End, Fetus, and Nourishment. I am now is my 5th cycle of 12 years, going toward the 6th. 5x12 is 60 years old to 6x12 is 72 years old. If you would visualize this circle as a clock, 11 p.m. or a.m. would be given the title of Fetus, and 6 p.m. or a.m. would be Decline. This seven-year gap would coincide with the biblical interpretation of seven years good luck and seven years bad. I can hear my mother's warnings of this phenomenon occurring, along with, "if you don't wear a hat or scarf over your ears, they will get infected and the doctor will have to cut them open and it will hurt bad!" She seemed to be right on both points, I did get a lot of ear infections from continuous summertime swimming under water, and while reviewing my life up to this point, it did seem financial problems, weird weather patterns, including tornados, and family strife, did occur in seven-year cycles. Was this just superstitious energy she flung to all four corners of the house, city and nation, or do things naturally seek balance and harmony, cause in the end, Mama was usually right on all counts.

Moving on into this portion of my life, a new cycle is definitely in motion. I have been in a "stillness" phase, which involves realignment. My stages up to this point have been Fetus, Birth, Infancy, Capping (going to adulthood), marriage, Getting Official Position, or working, Prosperity or peak of luck or the opposite which can be what I call, King of the Mountain Syndrome. When you are at the top of your profession or life's work and become recognized or famous, there are those waiting to backstab. You attract problems, so your Fame is a double-edged sword! Take a peek at what is happening to our movie stars and political leaders, or those who have done great works. The saying is "watch out when you are at the top of the mountain." This is where good Feng Shui is a must!

To use this ancient knowledge at these crucial times is necessary to back up your luck with Feng Shui adjustments. Nothing stays the same. Every instant, things are changing. The cures I might have given you as a client last year, might need adjustment this year, as every year the main yearly energy changes. This year is called the Earth Rat. Earth is a stable Chi and the Rat is a busy guy, so this all looks good on the surface, but to look deeper into Chinese theories, this little guy has Water undermining his progress this year. Oops, earthquakes, floods or any movement under that supposed stable Earth. There is an upward and then downward motion to energy patterns.

Not only does energy change every second or less, it changes in days, months and years. I am now between middle age and death! Yikes, so I must get busy to create the best luck I can. Plants in certain corners of the house and placement on your lot could be all you need. Thorny plants at the front of the house can cause arguing with clients and family members. A bedroom at the top of a staircase can cause bankruptcy and strange illnesses. I continue to learn all I can from my Master teacher Professor Lin Yun, as he is now 77 years old and is giving cures we have never heard before. I have learned why a city collapses and how to help bring life back to its citizens and city center. A city also has cycles from the date it is incorporated. Are you getting married, giving birth, wanting to conceive, needing a divorce or experiencing sickness from unknown causes? Feng Shui is more than home décor; it is the breath of life and involves all energy set in motion.

I love traveling and so will take on some new projects with teaching, and I have just completed all the illustrations for a children's book. The client is thrilled with the pictures and more ideas move into my mind's eye as I clear the clutter from the house and my mind. Old files are being deleted, books sold and given away (over 300). I am thinking of moving, who knows. I will clear out my old life's projects, giving the universe the "room" to bring me new energy and new ideas. Yesterday I took some furniture to the Goodwill store. They were so overwhelmed with donations and furniture, they were closing the gates. We are a nation of excess. No wonder the Powers That Be are in motion to rid our nation of overindulgence. We are all guilty. Please stop buying things to make you happy. Find the root of your problem. It may be your personal growth cycle wheel is throwing you off the top of the hill. Use a Feng Shui consultation to find the clues and get activated NOW for the future.

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 2008 schedule includes workshops and classes in Washington State, Oregon, Northern California, Arizona, New Mexico and North Carolina. She is available speaking, teaching and consultations. Currently her illustrations for a children’s book entitled “The Six Paramitas” have been delivered to the client for publication. “It is based on characters designed on the universal prayer OM, MA, NE, PAD, ME, HUM and is the most delightful and precious assignment I have ever done.” If you want to know more about the book or the creations, please contact Caroline.

WHAT IS CUSTOMIZED FENG SHUI MENTORING?

· It is for those wishing to study with me privately, with the experience of over 5,000 consultations. ONE ON ONE, starting where YOU need to start.

· A six-month commitment is required.

· A monthly mentoring date is scheduled for your convenience.

· Study packets are personalized containing Feng Shui information, YOU choose to study. Email is not necessary but is a valuable asset for quick questions and answers.

· This material contains current material from my Master Teacher which he calls "secret of secret"!

Please visit www.fengshuiartistry.com and click on www.moongateschool.com for current local and out-of-state class schedules in Feng Shui, Art and Medicine making with Herbs. Caroline is available for teaching, speaking engagements, art illustration and Chi-Enhancing Artwork.

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 BorNei
Caroline's Feng Shui Concepts
Practitioner, Speaker, Artist, Writer
(360) 424-1501
www.fengshuiartistry.com
www.moongateschool.com