West Meets East©

By Caroline Patrick

Symbols Used to Enhance Living and Working Spaces

The world of Feng Shui is assisted by the use of objects which have special meanings. This ancient method of balancing the home and inviting harmony to your life can be accomplished using items which you already own and love. A picture passed down over the years which has special meaning to the family can be used as a Feng Shui adjustment. When doing a Feng Shui consultation, I am always checking how the flow of the house or business coincides with the Bagua, or the eight-sided octagonal grid used in the art of placement which fits over the floor plan. After mapping the home, I am able to suggest the proper placement of these loved possessions. The major mistake I find homeowners making, which cause illness, loss of money, career problems and marriage or partnership shifts, is using objects in the wrong rooms. Learning the basics of Feng Shui is a benefit to any household or business. Many people don’t want to be bothered learning the rules of this science. That is where the consultant comes to suggest these changes. When choosing a consultant, always check their lineage, school of thought and their experience. (Check moongateschool.com. for past newspaper column on consultants.)

The reason this ancient system is finding new popularity in the West is that we are beginning to experiment with other cultural positive healing methods. Incorporating the old with the new brings a feeling of comfort, as we look to our homes and working spaces to provide a haven for creativity.

The Bagua is a simple but complex tool used to locate different energy sections of a floor plan. The first major entrance for the breath of life to visit your haven is the architectural front door. This entry is called Career and is activated by the element of water. So as a rule of thumb, a water picture, a water fountain or a fish tank could be used to bring more power to a career. Red is the action color to bring attention to your house or business, so these colors are used at the entry in the form of images and objects. If you don’t mind bring a Chinese influence to your décor, a three-legged coin frog might be an excellent choice at the front door. There are legends connected to every item as in any fairy tale. Learning about these personalities is a study in itself. Wavy patterns on floor tile entries will help suggest the action of water.

Located to the left of the dwelling is a place known as knowledge. Sometimes this is the area of the front door. Placing a bookshelf or a picture of Jesus, Buddha, a crane, elephant or using this room for an office shows the world you are a very knowledgeable person. Please use the proper arrangement for a power desk or study station. Your back to a solid wall while using your computer can bring a solid foundation to your achievements. Although some clients argue this point with me, I have the data of the more successful business owners and home-based offices to prove my advice. It is your choice, of course. I’m only giving you the best Feng Shui advice when I visit your base of career.

Next we find Helpful People and Travel located to the right of the career zone. Ninety-five percent of the time all three of these Guas face the street. If your home has a side front entry, many times I will adjust the Chi’s direction into your home or will determine that the house Bagua is different from the property Bagua. I have given many classes on mapping the home, so many of my students have learned the proper way to handle this more private entrance. This type of floor plan is usually chosen by a quieter personality. Placing a phone book in this corner of the home can get you started in the right direction as you are setting up what I consider the most important section of the house for setting the tone of getting books published, finding great day care, taking a trip or looking for a plumber. Angel figures, bells, or Kuan Yin, the goddess of mercy and compassion, a personality of Chinese culture. She listens to women and protects children. A Madonna could be your choice, as prayers for children are said to be a priority in heaven and the prayer of a mother shines a light higher and brighter than any other requests. I like to think this is so. I painted a scene of angels many years ago. It is still a best seller as it appeals to all cultures.

The middle of the home is an earth area. A large mistake of builders is to place a large staircase in this section. I have this arrangement in my house. A large lush up-growing plant is a natural correction for this “waterfall.” The staircase becomes an invisible waterfall washing money out the front door. The color yellow brings harmony to the Tai Chi, or center of the home. This Gua contains the health of its occupants. Using tiles, textiles, pottery and earth colors gives the feeling a solid foundation for the family’s health. Another cure is the lead crystal hanging down the center of the stairs, or sometimes after the width of the staircase from the entry is measured, a lead crystal is used between the stairs and front door. Sickness can be avoided by placing bathrooms out of the middle area of the home. With so much “water” in the center of the dwelling, mucous diseases are numerous.

These four sections are vital to your success. What are your goals, where are you going in life? Paired ducks or cranes mate for life. Lights, candles, crystal pyramids, mobiles, animal paintings and diplomas can be used in the fire zone at the far back center of the business or home. Each room can also be Feng Shui’d, especially if it is a child’s room or an office. Bamboo is a sacred plant used in many cultures for up-growing, strong spring energy. Round shapes, square shapes, columns, pointed objects and pairs all have a place in your home. Used in the proper place, unblocked energy can be restored to your living spaces, giving them new life and bringing change to your environment.

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 suggestions as information in treating the body, home, business, land and or properties.

Caroline Patrick Caroline's Feng Shui Concepts Mt. Vernon, WA 360-424-1501

caroline@fengshuiartistry.com www.fengshuiartistry.com www.moongateschool.com