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The
Symbols of a Nation
I’m not usually at a loss for words, but ever since early Tuesday morning, September 11, 2001 I prefer the safe haven of silence. I seem to have trouble responding to simple questions. Answers have temporarily lost their meaning. As we all try to make sense of a senseless, beyond violent, act of terror to our loved ones, words aren’t enough to explain our feelings. Individuals always recall where they were and what they were doing when tragedy strikes. Hopefully we equally remember all the joyful times in our lives and record them in our minds as well. My day on Tuesday, September 11 started out as usual. A feng shui consultation was scheduled several miles away and I began early to map out the destination not wanting to be late by being lost. Opening the California map and unfolding it to the proper section, I absent-mindedly clicked on the television. By the looks of the image, another disaster movie filled the screen with skyscrapers exploding. An airplane made a quick turn tearing a building in half. Flames filled the air in a huge ball of destruction. "Well, that’s cheerful," I thought as my finger clicked the TV control to change channels. The image appeared again and again as I flipped through all the channels. This continual picture certainly got my attention. The rest is history. The world was changed in an instant on this September morning. Quickly the New York scene became real. What cruelty has taken over the world my mind screamed! Taking quick mental notes of loved ones whereabouts, I placed my daughter in Atlanta, Georgia — my son and his family in Arizona — my husband in California. Who knows where all the brother-in-laws and sister-in-laws could be I thought. Next friends and neighbors travel plans came to mind. One friend is vacationing in Hawaii. Oh my God, one acquaintance is in New York. My attention focused in on her. Where did she say she would be? I’m sure you all witnessed a similar experience that day. Later listening to all the stories relating to this crisis from local tales to overseas experiences we realize the world is very small and connected. Everyone knows someone related to this recent chaos. One day before this unbelievable act of terror, I purchased a world and a United States map — in order to demonstrate to students taking the October 27 and 28 feng shui workshop in Burlingame- the entrance to the United States. The entrance zone to your home, property, business or country can be found at the front door. In homes and businesses this career or job opportunities section is located at the entrance or the architectural placement of the front door of the structure. Countries can also be feng shui’d — How? By determining the entry. This placement can change over the centuries, but since the 1600’s the east coast of the US is our career location. Every civilization uses symbols as meanings. From the written word to an eagle chosen as the American symbol for freedom, almost every image or item we see, feel or touch has a story. Feng shui as a science gives us symbols to improve our quality of life. Each section of the 8-sided octagonal shaped symbol recognizes another aspect of perfect balance. As humans to live on this planet we need some sort of career, next we need knowledge to get the job. Family is the third necessary unit we need for security and love. Wealth or money is used as an exchange for purchasing necessary and unnecessary items. Reputation is a must to carry on a successful business, so the fire energy called fame represents reputation. Partnership is the faithful devotion of a couple needed to discipline and also teach offspring or children, giving them the knowledge to carry on the human race. Helpful people are needed to help everyone with everything. From the policemen, firefighters and all the heroes connected with this current tragedy to the postman and carpenters helping us to live easier lives. Neighbors, friends and loved ones; encourage us to overcome grief in these crazy days ahead. The last aspect of ourselves is health. We must get sleep and eat correctly to stay strong for our families. How does feng shui fit into this scenario? Placing the bagua over the US, we find the water element, which represents career fills the rivers to New York with job opportunities for all peoples coming into its harbor. Its famous statue of liberty welcomes everyone of every race into its safe harbor for equal opportunity for success. The twin towers provided the symbol of family life for all, with its huge column-shaped buildings resembling tree trunks and the roots of family generations. High in the sky on top of one of the skyscrapers stood the pointed shaped sphere tower. This symbol provided the world with flame energy or fire of fame and reputation o f the United States of America. New York entices chi or the breath of life to bring new opportunities into the country. These strangers to freedom, hoped to cripple our economy and life support by attacking our self-empowerment areas. Next the towers of "wood" or family lives were chopped by the symbolic metal action of the airplane, like an ax castrating the towers or male fire energy of the nation. I mentally positioned the mathematical equation over our country. Los Angeles became the wealth zone. Our family area was the southern states. Fame was California. Washington state represented partnership, while northern states and Canada rested in the qua of children. The next few days I watched the services held at the National Cathedral. Muslims, Jews, Buddhists, Catholics and other Christians stood in prayer for the world. The camera focused in as one leader stood behind a podium. Looking downward, I realized this holy person stood in the middle of an inlaid stone bagua or octagon. A perfect balanced energy surrounded his being. The camera continued to view the inner sanctum of the church. There in the stained glass artwork in the window was the image of Mary and Jesus, encased in an aura of blue. Eight equal circles containing symbols of life supported the masterpiece totaling nine energies of perfection. I decided turning off the television was a good thing. Too much. I needed space to assimilate the overwhelm of the news coverage. "Running errands will distract me," I decided. Returning overdue books to the library might be helpful also, I realized looking at the past due date. Leaving the library, I noticed a tree placed in the center divider. "Was that cement shape a bagua?" I asked myself. Turning the car back into the traffic circle again I could see the 8-sided form. Yes it is. I could see the perfect octagon in the design. Hopefully this national tragedy will help everyone put his or her priorities into perspective. Freedom is the only option I choose. Balance and harmony are certainly lacking in parts of the world. Everyone is responsible for its restoration. Have you missed a weekly column? Here’s something new: Check the website www.fengshuiartistry.com and click on moongate school to view archives of West Meets East. Come by Caroline’s Arts and Feng Shui Shoppe at 129 First St. to pick up your brochure for our upcoming Feng Shui Intensive Weekend. Registration is beginning now for this fabulous weekend getaway. Saturday, October 27 and Sunday, October 28, 10 a.m. — 5 p.m. at the beautiful Embassy Suites in Burlingame. The nine story plant filled atrium will be the site of our luncheons. A special overnight room rate is available on a first come, first serve basis. Early bird registration fee $399. Call for more details (707) 748-1127. Other Fall classes include: Watercolor Greeting Cards — beginners and advanced students welcome. All supplies included. Saturday September 22 , 9:30 a.m. — 12:30 p.m. Location-Location-Location — How does your location affect your life? This class will be held at the McBride Center in Vacaville. Call 469-6671 to register. Special fee of only $30. Saturday, September 29, 6:30 — 8 p.m. Feng Shui Secrets to Prosperity — the best office locations in your home or building and feng shui power placement of your desk and office equipment — business success. Register with the McBride Center in Vacaville 469-6671 for Thursday, October 11 10 — 11:30 a.m. Caroline Patrick is an artist, herbalist and feng shui consultant. She combines these three talents into a unique practice. Herbal suggestions are suggestions only. Please consult a medical doctor for treatment of disease. Check out the website: www.fengshuiartistry.com |