West Meets East

West Meets East©

By Caroline Patrick BorNei

Where Should We Put the Christmas Tree?

Dear Caroline,

Where do you think the Christmas tree has to be placed inside the house? Which sector? And I wonder what about to place another Christmas tree outside of the house...where?

Thanks in advance, I enjoy and I agree with the Western School. I couldn't find the answer in your website...

A Reader

Dear Reader,

Christmas has always been my favorite time of year. Magic fills the air as people celebrate the birth and renewal of life. Under the cold forest floor or beneath the frozen snow, new life is forming, pushing upward toward the promise of light as the seasons and cycles circle once again like the spinning wheel of the Bagua. Each slow movement brings a new energy into your home as the aspects of life are recorded in walls, floors, ceiling and rooms. Using Feng Shui to direct those energies improves the celebration. Yes the type of Feng Shui you are referring to is very efficient and easy to understand.

First, give the house a boost of Chi by giving away excess. Give to food banks or “adopt” a child or senior citizen. Giving to others and doing good deeds will create new opportunities in your life. But back to the value of lights adding cheer and uplifting Chi to your home and property. As you know, some people leave their Christmas decorations up year round. Why? Because it makes them feel good, at least for a while, until dust finds every last one of the little sparkles and coats the room with a Yin cloud of darkness. The Yang energy from your holiday lighting will instantly bring Chi to any triad or Gua, inside or outside a home.

There are various ways to add energies to your home or business.

1. SOUND: Hang bells on the door knob or install a doorbell that play a tune every time someone comes through the door. Play music!

2. LIGHT: Make sure all bulbs are working in every room and outside. Add battery powered candles. They are safe and can light up any corner. Round faceted crystals expand a circle of harmony which can be felt through out the year.

3. WATER: Plug in a new beautifully lit water fountain, inside and outside the house or business. Or add my favorite, a large water scene painting. I just completed a 8' x 16' mural of land and water for a New York client to enhance the Water Element of her home. (I am also creating nine new paintings for 2009 as cures and corrections for homes and businesses; email for more information.) Her stagnant Career immediately took off that very day. Make sure the water in the painting is serene so your money will come in slowly and steadily.

4. LIVING PLANTS: Place your holiday tree in the Gua which needs a boost, or you may want to Feng Shui the room separately by placing the Bagua or template over the room with the entry to the room as the Career Gua. If money is the problem, place the tree in the far back left corner of that room. Remember “money trees” and bamboo plants are also good “cures” for Family issues and other Wood-related problems.

5. COLOR: Color brings vitality and awakens the spirit. Use color on walls, clothing, lighting, and through artwork.

The scents of pine needles, the cooking of traditional foods your family enjoy, and a tree to celebrate the growth of life that is to come. Our lives and the lives of those who came before us set traditions of the WOOD ELEMENT. The WOOD sector or Gua that holds this Green energy is located to the middle left area of your home when using the front door of the house as the starting point, looking inward. Any healthy lush tree or plant is a natural choice for symbolizing flexibility, health, and strength of the FAMILY Triad.

Other sections to consider placing the Christmas tree are the CAREER, KNOWLEDGE, or HELPFUL PEOPLE AND TRAVEL areas which are all located at the front third of the home, which is usually the living room. Another special choice is the far back middle space called the FAME Gua. This is a natural space for the pine tree, as the cone shape of the tree represents FIRE and the color is Red. Red is used extensively is the Chinese traditions as the color draws the Chi to the powerful bright color and promotes luck and blessings to those who wear this auspicious Chi enhancer. Or why not a purple tree with purple bulbs in the WEALTH GUA for far back left corner of the house to attract money to the household.

Choose any space to place your trees just as long as pathways in the home aren’t blocked. As a child I was allowed to cut a small tree for my very own room. My dolls sat in chairs around the gaudy delight, and I tried to round up all our dogs and cats and “make” them enjoy my celebration by bribing them with treats to stay long enough to see my creation.

Make memories that will bring joy to others. Your children will remember each holiday as a measuring stick and an example of how to celebrate to treat others. Don’t be cranky and spoil others’ happy creations. Think happy thoughts. It is time to light up the dark of winter and bring peace to our homes. Remember the world right now needs all the help it can get. Each of us is responsible for the future. May your tree provide light and warmth filling every space of your dwelling.

Note: Caroline Patrick BorNei (pronounced Bornay) is Caroline's Chinese name give to her by her Master Teacher His Holiness Grandmaster Lin Yin.

DEPOSITS for THE CHINA TRIP ARE NOW DUE! spaces are limited, please call (360) 424-1501 for details, or go to www.fengshuiartistry.com and click on travelogue for flyer.

Traveling is in full swing for fall of 2008. August traveling to OKLAHOMA, September 17-October 1st, teaching ARIZONA Workshops in Watercolor, Oil Painting and Feng Shui including a visit to Diamond Mountain Buddhist University, ALSO a workshop on Feng Shui in Phoenix...November BOSTON, teaching in NEW YORK 1st week and KANSAS CITY. 2nd week.... REDDING, CALIFORNIA the 1st week of December workshop on Feng Shui. CHINA TOUR MARCH 2009 WITH CAROLINE, SIGN UP BEFORE JANUARY 1^st. For schedules & contact info go to www.fengshuiartistry.com

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.