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Greening Your Landscape Feng Shui Style: Get Started With These Simple Tips

Making small landscape adjustments is a powerful way to save the planet and promote healthy energy.

Most people believe feng shui principles apply to internal spaces only; however, feng shui originated in the outside environment. Its principles rely on the forces of nature, the cyclical changes of seasons, time of day, astronomy, and land topography. Qi (energy) assessments should begin from the outside in order to determine if the environment will sustain the occupants within the structure. Powerful landforms are paramount for sheng (healthy) qi to propagate in the environment and fuel its occupants.

Soil Integrity
When deciding on a particular property, look for land containing sandy or high organic soil base with minimal compaction. The more soil is compacted, the less ability it has to absorb water. This will, in effect, trigger excessive watering and work against preserving natural resources. Avoid water-filled clay-based soil at all costs. As Russian engineer Georges Lakhovsky discovered in 1929, this type of soil is unable to fully absorb the sun’s radiation and, as a result, a secondary radiation is emitted into the environment that can cause health problems.

Vegetation
Strong and healthy vegetation suggests that land is fertile and sustainable. Good support to the rear and sides of the building, with an open front, allows qi to navigate the land properly. Preserving all trees and plants during construction and/or remodeling stages maintains the integrity of the soil base and internal qi of the land. By honoring the natural landscape and using indigenous plants, you can keep natural bacteria and fungi at proper levels for healthy soil and qi.

Xeriscaping
The fundamental idea of xeriscape design is water conservation. Creating terraces in the natural contours of the land will add visual interest and help reduce soil erosion. Replacing a good portion of green turf with gardens and hard, permeable scaping saves on water usage and adds visual appeal. Keeping these gardens at least 24 inches from the foundation prevents potential mold growth. Layering the landscaping with height variations is aesthetically pleasing and good for proper soil PH. For example, start with a large canopy tree, then move to a lower tree, add shrubbery, herbs, root vegetables, ground cover and vines. Be sure to use appropriate plants that are native to the region and the direction planted. For example, for hot, dry areas with south and west exposure, choose plants that need minimal water. For north and east areas, choose plants that like more moisture.
Water Cisterns, Rain Gardens and Water Chains
Instead of using a hose to water your gardens, be creative and build rain gardens into your landscape. These gardens can be natural or manmade shallow depressions designed to capture storm-water runoff. Cisterns or water chains work on the same principle but are either a container (cistern) or decorative chain with cup pouches that capture water runoff from the roof. The water chains have the added benefit of providing a soothing sound quality every time it rains.

Natural Pesticides
Pesticides kill the natural bacteria and fungi needed for healthy soil. Besides planting various complementary forms of vegetation, incorporate biological pest control. This is a method of controlling pests via their predators. It’s not only natural but also safer for the environment.

Sacred Gardens
The circle is a sacred symbol as it represents infinity, perfection and eternity. This is a powerful shape that you can bring into your garden space. Embellish it with natural elements, incorporating different flowers, rocks, spheres, garden art, or a pond or stream. Make sure you add an enclosure so you get the feeling of a sanctuary. This can be done with natural materials to emulate the Garden of Eden. Consider creating a garden that will attract wildlife, as this will bring in the elements of sound. Birdsong provides a lively, yet reassuring soundscape to any environment.

Water in the Garden
Water is of great importance in feng shui and symbolizes the accumulation of qi that is synonymous with wealth. One of the first things to keep in mind when constructing a garden pond is the size in relation to the size of the home and its proximity to the home. Bigger is not necessarily better. Everything in the garden should blend in with the existing landscape features. Try to incorporate natural materials and use curving designs, as these dynamics are in alignment with nature. Make sure there are rocks or ledges to help small animals safely navigate the pond.

Shape
An irregular shape is ideal to create the look of a natural pond. The more irregular the shape, the more plants and wildlife will thrive in and around it. A pond that is perfectly round tends to move the energy too quickly and those that are square tend to shoot energy off the edges. Albeit regular shaped ponds are easier to install, just make sure you soften the structure with more plants around the edges.

Rockeries
To balance the yin component of the still pond you can add the yang energy of rocks. This combination reflects the mountain and lake formations so important to the study of feng shui.
Here are a few basic tips on choosing rockery:

1. Use an odd number of stones.
2. Bury the stones at least 1/3rd into the soil.
3. Place stones according to their graining.
4. Use a flat stone next to an upright one.
5. Choose the most weathered part of the stone to face forward.
6. Keep in mind that rockeries should mirror the natural world.

Water Flow
There are many theories in feng shui on how water should flow. The major, common sense rule for water placement is that it should not flow quickly towards the home in case of flooding. It is auspicious when water trickles towards the home, as it symbolizes wealth rolling in. According to the flying star feng shui method, it is also auspicious to have water trickling in from the southwest for the next eleven years, as this symbolizes future prosperity.

Productive Feng Shui Garden
Many of us enjoy homegrown fruits and vegetables. You can actually turn your whole garden into a productive feng shui garden. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

1. Think about adding a large circular bed to the center of the garden, subdividing it into four sections. Three of the sections can be used for vegetables while the fourth section can be used for fruits. Consider incorporating a decorative trellis or pergola in the center of the bed, allowing climber plants to grow up the sides. This will act as a wonderful focal point for the garden.

2. Create winding pathways to the garden. Make sure you use different materials for the path such as brick, stone, slate or gravel.

3. Add a decorative gate at the garden entrance. The direction of the entryway will dictate the best material to use for the gate. For example, a western entry would work well with a lovely arched wrought iron gate.

4. Plant herbs in the eastern quadrant of the garden; choose a variety for healthy home-cooked meals for the family. Just make sure you are using organic soil and seeds. This is also a lovely area to place a wooden table with chairs to enjoy that home-cooked meal.

5. In the southeast region, you might add a birdbath, fountain, or pond. This will give birds a place to frolic, and fish a place to swim, both moving life forces of energy to stimulate wealth. You may even attract a few frogs, which will act as natural pest control for your garden.
6. The southern portion is the perfect setting for an outdoor fire pit or barbecue to enjoy friends and family gatherings any time of the year.

7. In the southwestern portion of the garden add some red blooming flowers and place a romantic stone statue or a bistro table for two to create a little romantic get-away. Burn a few incense too while you are relaxing together.

8. The west is all about fun and a perfect area to add that croquet set or even the kids’ play gym. Whatever hobbies you enjoy will find a comfortable home in this direction.

9. The northwest is the perfect area for a sundial or weathervane. Add a large sitting stone and relax while contemplating these age-old symbols of time and wind direction.

10. Create a straight pathway in the north to wake up sleepy qi or perhaps a water feature with a metal accent to bring yang energy to an otherwise yin direction.

11. The northeastern portion of the garden is a great place for the compost. A productive garden will produce plenty of waste material that can be reused to keep the garden healthy. Another option for this area is to create a zen-like feel with gravel and a spiritual stone sculpture.

Designing a landscape for your home or business using the fundamentals of feng shui is a satisfying and uplifting experience. By following the steps I’ve just outlined, you can create a beautiful and peaceful space that brings joy to its inhabitants without harming the environment.

Mary Jane Kasliner – Feng Shui Master & Yogi

www.fengshuiyoganj.com

August 1, 2013 | mjck

Feng Shui Tips

Feng Shui and Cinnabar

The ancient tradition of Feng Shui draws on many sources to heal and benefit people. Colors, minerals, movements, and many natural elements are used to bring balance to the yin and yang, and encourage positive energy. For over 3000 years, it has been utilized, first in the East and recently in the West.

One of the important minerals used in Feng Shui Products is cinnabar. Cinnabar is a naturally occurring mineral, found around volcanic activity and hot springs. Also known as vermilion, cinnabar has a rich red to red-orange color. Red is the most yang of colors making this mineral very masculine and positive, but with potential for destruction if allowed to run wild. Cinnabar is recognized as mystical due to coming from the very heart (blood) and heat (fire) of the earth. It has the ability to expel bad chi and evil forces while bringing in good fortune. Cinnabar is often used by Feng Shui practitioners to open the doors of opportunity and prosperity while putting to rest the negative experiences of the past.

While cinnabar has many positive qualities, it is important to handle it carefully in its raw or powdered form. This mineral has high levels of mercury so can be toxic if ingested, inhaled, or placed on an open wound. After touching or using raw cinnabar, it is important to always wash the hands well. It is quite safe to handle when in the form of jewelry or other Feng Shui Products, such as bracelets or Cinnabar Eggs.

Due to its connection to red and the blood of the earth, Cinnabar is also used to heal and purify the blood. It helps to keep the immune system healthy and encourages fast recovery from injury and blood loss. This beautiful red mineral is also said to help encourage abnormal cells to return to normal health, making it a favorite for the healing of various forms of cancers and helping with mixed results from cell tests.

Cinnabar is known to increase fertility and aid in a healthy pregnancy. With its ability to open the doors of opportunity, it can aid in conceiving. Once the mother is pregnant, cinnabar can encourage a healthy placenta and keeping the blood flow between mother and child harmonized. It can also be beneficial after birth to help recovery from blood loss and returning the blood flow to normal.

On the more spiritual level, cinnabar is good for removing negative energies and drawing in wealth and abundance. Many Feng Shui practitioners encourage keeping a Cinnabar Egg on the work desk to help dispel and protect again stress and negativity while encouraging creativity and good fortune.

July 13, 2013 | Test1234

Feng Shui Tips

The Importance of the Feng Shui Kitchen

Feng Shui is an ancient Chinese discipline that incorporates the balancing of male, yang, and female, yin, energies or “chi”. Feng Shui is used for developing and maintaining a certain chi which can have drastic influences in everyday occurrences and situations. Having a feng shui kitchen is extremely important in maintaining prosperity and overall good health. In fact, the kitchen is the most important rooms when dealing with feng shui. There are several things that you should take into consideration before you develop your Feng Shui Kitchen.

It is a good practice to keep your kitchen open and spacious. Try not to overload your counters with an excess of gadgets and appliances because that will affect the way energy travels in your kitchen. Having clutter in any room, especially the kitchen, will disrupt your positive chi and possibly invite negative, harmful chi in.

The kitchen is always active with two elements: water and fire. Since, fire plays such an important part in the kitchen, try to steer clear of fiery colors, such as, orange and red. Steering clear of fiery colors will create a balance between the elements and between the chi. Instead, choose soft colors like green, blue, or white to add the balance of energies. For centuries the color yellow has been linked with the digestive system, so it is often a perfect choice for kitchens.

The addition of live plants and flowers can add a tremendous amount of good energy to any kitchen. Try adding a window box full of live, ready-to-be picked herbs. This addition will not only add more energy and provide you with nutritional herbs that you can pick from your window. You can also generate good energy by hanging crystals in your windows. During the day, the light will bounce off of the crystals and add movement to your chi or energy.

The kitchen has been thought of at the heart of a house for centuries. The ancient Chinese believed that using these fung shui tips in the kitchen could bring them posterity and improve their overall health. Using simple fung shui tips can turn any kitchen into a happy, functional room. Not only does fung shui put emphasis on making energies follow in a room, but it also puts a great amount of emphasis on making the room more organized and clutter free. Just the simple act of removing clutter from a room has the power to clear foggy brains and uplift moods.

July 12, 2013 | Jim

Feng Shui Tips

Astrology 2013 July to September

Elliot Tanzer is a dear friend of ours at Feng Shui Emporium and Feng Shui Directory. He specializes in Astrology and Feng Shui Consulting.

Quarterly, Elliot releases his Astrology findings in PDF format. If you would like to read July to September please download it here:

ASTROLOGY July – September

If you would like to receive the newsletters from Elliot directly to your email, find him at: www.elliottanzer.com.

June 19, 2013 | Jim

Feng Shui Tips

9 Important Questions To Ask Before Hiring A Feng Shui Consultant

Feng Shui, which originated as an eastern ‘geomancy’ but transitioned into western exercise, fashion and spirituality, has thousands of applications and disciplines worldwide. One of the most common applications translates Feng Shui’s unique interpretation of energy and chi into therapeutic and fashionable results. Professional Feng Shui consultants help clients transform the chi of their personal life, business practices or even surrounding office and home environments to better conduct the flow of positive energy. Historical examples of Feng Shui find similar use in the practices ability to orient buildings for aesthetically and spiritually pleasing results, frequently hiring practitioners to observe the building, construction and decoration of tombs and other buildings of substantial significance, and this remains the closest parallel to modern day implementations.

Hiring a Feng Shui consultant largely depends on the aspect of Feng Shui the consultant services, and the western popularity of Feng Shui has streamlined this diverse practice into nine distinct interpretations and practices that should be thoroughly vetted before any agreement is signed or money is exchanged. Feng Shui consultants can service businesses, personnel or individuals through the unique channeling of their practice’s spiritualism and sensibility broadly used to both diagnose and solve various mental and spiritual ailments, including those contributing to stress and productivity.

Although some people might be weary of Feng Shui’s association with some less than reputable practices and practitioners, the inner workings of the practice are actually extremely pragmatic, dealing with an understanding of the colors, spaces and atmospheres of rooms, offices and even the makeup of a person’s personality that might make negative contributions, and uses fashion, psychology and only peripheral helpings of spirituality to alleviate those problems. This can be as simple as clearing up a cluttered office space to improve the space, improve upon any cluttering psychological feelings that could be caused by the messiness, or as complicated as redecorating and redesigning an entire building to better communicate a positive, industrious and welcoming atmosphere that will rub off on both employees and customers in order to create a more successful business venture.

Interested people need not concern themselves with any misunderstandings about Feng Shui’s purposes or the mislabeling of Feng Shui as any manner of religious, new age or exclusively spiritual practice that employs techniques certain people might find off-putting. The truth of the matter is that Feng Shui uses fashion and aesthetic sensibilities to achieve their desired results – the philosophy, mysticism and history of the practice remains important and substantial, but need not be the center of focus for people who are interested in hiring a Feng Shui consultant.

The following sections will explore the nine important questions to ask any prospective consultant, each of which are centered on exploring and qualifying the nine distinct sensibilities of modern Feng Shui in the western world.

The Nine Feng Shui Questions

There are nine modern disciplines any Feng Shui practitioner will be focusing on, and the following questions are designed to casually and comfortably bring out an explanation for those areas.

What is your Feng Shui?

The term Feng Shui has been adopted as a popular term used to refer to a person’s aesthetic, stylistic or personal preferences, and in a sense that’s not a wrong way to approach the opening question. Asking about the consultant’s personal sensibilities is exactly the kind of question that people would be all too eager to ask a professional stylist or decorator, but it’s also perfectly reasonable to bring up to any worthwhile Feng Shui consultant. Due to the practice’s reliance on communicating with the most positive aesthetic design of a surrounding area, the practitioner’s sensibilities are essentially their Feng Shui pedigree. This question will help to discern the aesthetic discipline of the practitioner, and also give people time to discover whether or not their views are compatible.

How can your Feng Shui benefit me?

If these questions are beginning to sound like a job interview, that’s good – Feng Shui consultants are being hired for their services, and it’s not inappropriate to inquire as to those services before deciding whether or not the consultant is a good match for the job. Due to the flexible nature of Feng Shui as a practice of design, Feng Shui is able to communicate through every single space that desires any kind of feeling or atmosphere, whether it’s one to promote productivity, relax employees, welcome customers, soothe, excite or even encourage a more profitable future. Young and old, new business or old mainstay – Feng Shui should be able to benefit any situation, and a consultant who isn’t able to clearly explain those benefits is not worth the time or money.

What is your discipline, and how would you employ it?

This is the first question that deals specifically with the consultant’s personal Feng Shui discipline, but it’s meant to serve as an introduction to what the consultant brings to the table and how the consultant plans to change that table based off their own personal outlook. While the first two questions concerned themselves with specificity, inquiring as to the discipline of someone’s Feng Shui stands a gesture for every consultant to make a handy example of. Ask for demonstrations about what the consultant would do to change the chi, flow of energy or aesthetic design of the surrounding environment, and let that demonstration explain their discipline in surer terms that uncertain Feng Shui terminology likely would.

Is your Feng Shui discipline religious in nature?

Not all consultants will come with the spiritual side of their practice, but there are still some practitioners who sell both a service and a belief system. People who are curious about the religious side of Feng Shui, or oppositely people who have no interest in the religious side of Feng Shui, should understand how those expectations meet the consultant. All Feng Shui practices employ artistic sensibilities and scientific assumptions about the ways environments influence a person’s psychology, but some will be more balanced – or imbalanced, depending on your perspective, than others.

How long will Feng Shui take?

Feng Shui is not only a practice, it is a process. How long the transformation of an office space, building or personal room will depend more on the practitioner than anything else, so people should always go out of their way to get a clear schedule for the process before making assumptions about any generalized time frames; in Feng Shui there are none.

How extensive is the process?

This is not the same question repeated twice, but rather a distinction made between the initial Feng Shui transformation and any subsequent changes the practitioners will employ. Feng Shui is not a static process, unlike the erecting of a building. Similar to professional decorating services, Feng Shui may change the appearance of a room, home or space several times in the same month depending on the needs of the people living there.

How will Feng Shui help my relationship?

Depending on why the consultant is being hired, Feng Shui may be employed to help with employer employee relationships, employer and customer relationships, inter office relationships or even personal and intimate relationships when employed in a home setting. Feng Shui is designed in part to effect people through designs and aesthetics and spatial sciences, and part of this effect can be emotional and psychological.

How will Feng Shui help my business?

Similar to the question above, it’s important that people make practitioners get specific about how their practice intends to transform the environment. There are particular styles and designs used to increase the productivity of the people in the room, or alternatively to help develop the relationships thereof, and it’s important to make sure the practitioner not only specifies this difference, but explains it clearly and concisely.

What variations, if any, do you intend to employ?

Feng Shui is a flexible practice, but it’s important to make sure practitioners don’t take too many liberties with this flexibility and lose focus on the goal of the transformation. Asking a practitioner about the variations they intend to use for a particular room, office or building will not only help to reveal an impromptu lesson plan, but also introduce the practitioner’s own unique outlook and manner, both of which will factor heavily into the actual execution of any proposed remodeling.

May 22, 2013 | Jim

Feng Shui Tips

One Feng Shui Product For Prosperity, Weath and All Around Happiness

After the last newsletter was released (The Yin and Yang of Your Home), I received an email from Janice. She wanted to know how to solve her dilemma. She said she has several feng shui cures around her house and she is constantly trying to remember what they mean. She’s getting confused and wants to know how to simplify her life. I replied saying I would be happy to follow-up in my next newsletter… so Janice, this one’s for you.

What is one Feng Shui product that can be used to bring prosperity, wealth and all around happiness?

I honestly do not know of one single product that does everything. With that said, I broke the problem down into two parts that would allow for only one product, the solution. As far as products go, I’ll answer that specifically in a few moments.

Outside The Home

I would look at the five elements on the outside of your home’s property. Work from the outside to the inside when addressing the elements and where they need to be placed in order to produce the most energy.

Find these locations on your property: Fire in the South… Water in the North… Earth in the Southwest, Center, and Northeast… Wood in the East and Southeast… Metal in the West and Northwest.

Note: wealth and prosperity is brought to you from Earth and Fire. Work on all of the elements as one helps the other (in certain order). Remember, balance is necessary.

Formula: Work on Fire and Earth equally. Then, work on Wood a little more. This increases Fire naturally thus Fire increase Earth. When you want more wealth, increase Wood in the East and Southeast (also increase life and education)… you see?

A classic feng shui consultant can help you with these elements. You simply need to spend the Spring and Summer working in your yard to enhance the energy of your home.

The Classic Feng Shui Experts tell us that 70% of the Chi (Qi) comes from outside our home. We need to make adjustments in the yard to greatly maximize our home and personal energies. Plus it keeps us health and happy to work and see such beauty.

Inside Your Home

So, if 70% of our Chi (Qi) comes from outside the home, then we have 30% we can work with inside the home.

Focus some of your attention on the front door. This is the mouth of your home. This is where the Chi (Qi) enters and begins to circulate.

The one type of product BTB Feng Shui would recommend INSIDE the home are the feng shui crystals. Not only do they transmit and project an amazing amount of energy, which is their purpose, but they are absolutely spectacular to look at when the sunlight projects through the prism. Rainbows explode in every direction shining beams of happiness.

We personally have 1 – 50mm crystal in the Southwest (Sunroom), to spark our relationship. We have 1 – 40mm crystal in the Northeast (front door entryway), to retain the Chi and distribute as it comes into the home. We have 1 – 40mm crystal in the Center of the home, again to slow and distribute the Chi. Finally, we have 1 – 30mm crystal in the hallway to do the same.

I really hope this helped Janice, and anyone else who pondered the question.

This email is also posted on our blog at Feng Shui Directory. If you want to write publicly on the topic, I invite you to participate. Also, you can meet some of our consultants.

Please write me at Jim@LuckyCat.com if you have a question or comment. If I can’t answer it, I know where I can find some of the best Feng Shui Consultants on the planet at FengShuiDirectory.com.

Also, if you are in need of the finest feng shui crystals on the market, Swarovski Crystals, please visit us at Feng Shui Emporium (www.LuckyCat.com)

April 24, 2013 | Jim

Feng Shui Tips

The Yin and Yang of Your Home

I’ve been spending a lot of time researching the Chinese theory of Yin and Yang and the Five Chinese Metaphysics. The funny thing is, the more I think about the energies or Chi (Qi) of Yin and Yang, the more I see it in everyday life.

If you don’t know, Yin and Yang is the cornerstone of Chinese Metaphysics. There are two main opposing forces in existence; Positive (Yang Chi) and Negative (Yin Chi – not bad, just opposite). Yin and Yang Chi exist at all levels of the Universe. From the big and unimaginable, to the infinitesimally small and minuscule, everything has an opposite.

Feng Shui Tips for Winter

Catherine Hilker

One of the many things I love about Feng Shui is the philosophy of connecting with nature and its cycles. In the Northern Hemisphere, it’s the season of winter and long gone is the fiery, yang time of summer. Winter is the most yin time of year where plants and animals reserve their energy through hibernation or slowing down. Additional yin characteristics of winter mean less light and colder temperatures. During this time, cultivating stillness and looking inward are ideally aligned with the season.

Here are some suggestions for harmonizing with the season of winter:

Create quiet rituals by lighting a candle and sitting still for a few minutes focusing only on your breath.
Consider starting or recommitting to a journal process to release your thoughts, offer gratitude, let go of old hurts, or get clear about important choices.
Regularly perform yin yoga poses which focuses on releasing connective tissue and tight muscles.
Spritz lavender, geranium, orange, ylang ylang or clary sage essential oils in your space to cultivate relaxation.
Switch your frequently used light bulbs with full spectrum lighting. Full spectrum bulbs more closely mimic sunlight.
Display art and photography that depicts winter scenes.
Add water features of any kind which represent the season of winter.
Create a cozy nook with pillows, a throw and warm colors.

However you choose to connect to the season of winter, take advantage of the natural flow at this time. Consider cutting out unnecessary activities and slowing down even if only for a few minutes each day.

January 20, 2013 | Jim

Feng Shui Tips

Feng Shui And Mirrors

Catherine Hilker

Catherine is the owner of Creating Sanctuary, a Master Teacher of Interior Alignment™, a Certified Practitioner of Feng Shui and Space Clearing, a Certified Empowerment Life Coach, artist and business woman.

Mirrors are popular in feng shui because they are energetically active, they open up spaces by bringing in more light, and they can direct the flow of ch’i. As interior designers know, mirrors visually expand a room. In addition, mirrors are used in feng shui to increase pleasant views, provide protection by reflecting what’s behind you, and to reroute ch’i.

Use mirrors to open up small spaces that may feel claustrophobic, like a tiny entrance way.

Use mirrors at a workstation or desk when your back faces the door. Position the mirror so you can see behind you while seated.

Use mirrors to reflect pleasing views. For example, position a mirror that captures an outdoor garden and brings the garden inside.

Use mirrors to redirect the flow of ch’i. For example, redirect an unpleasant view or sharp architectural angle ‘shooting’ in your direction. Strategically place mirrors throughout the home to create a specific desired traffic pattern.

Mirrors are active and can be overly stimulating in bedrooms. If you sleep in a bedroom with a mirror, try covering it and notice if your sleep improves. Also, mirrors can be distracting in dining areas.

Mirrors that are broken up (like wall tiles) can be unsettling to the nervous system. Large, clear mirrors are best.

Note the placement of your mirrors. Hanging mirrors across from each other can be disorienting. Also, mirrors ‘double’ whatever is in a room so take note what you choose to amplify.

Be sure to hang mirrors so that you can see your entire head. It can be disturbing to you, your family and your guests to view themselves with their heads cut off.

Mirrors can be an inexpensive and practical way to enhance your space. They open up small spaces, bring in more light, energetically liven things up and reroute the flow of ch’i. Be creative in their use and notice the difference they can make for you!

January 20, 2013 | Jim

Feng Shui Tips

Go Feng Shui Green

Carol M. Olmstead, FSIA

Feng Shui Master Practitioner

www.FengShuiForRealLife.com

Pantone’s Color of the Year for 2013 is Emerald, the Feng Shui Wood Element color that represents rejuvenation and renewal. After a year of the Fire Element color Tangerine Tango, this year we get to see a color that represents much needed growth, expansion, and creativity. Once known mostly by graphic designers and manufacturing pros, the Pantone color matching system has infiltrated pop culture with its Color of the Year, chosen by representatives from around the world at a hush-hush meeting and after much debate. Emerald was selected as a “lively, radiant, lush green color.”

Woodis the Feng Shui Element that represents vitality in your life. Actual Wood Element objects are composed of natural wood, like wood furniture and hardwood floors, as well as plants and flowers. The colors of the Wood Element are green and teal, like tree leaves. The shape of the Wood Element is rectangular, somewhat like a tall, straight tree trunk.

In addition to wearing the color of the Wood Element, you can surround yourself with objects in the wood shape (rectangular) and composition (wooden objects and plants) to help grow your wealth. Here are a few simple ways to “go Feng Shui green” throughout the year and improve your overall well-being:

If you feel blocked, place a bushy green plant on your desk to get your creative juices flowing.
If you want to encourage family harmony, add green accents like pillows and throws to your family room.
If you want to find a new job, place a beautiful wooden box on your desk and place a positive affirmation inside.
If you need to feel energized on a cloudy day, wear a green scarf or clothes made from cotton or floral patterns.
If your family is prone to arguments at dinner, set the table with green napkins to promote harmony.
If you are surrounded by a lot of electronics, place a bushy plant with rounded leaves within 3 feet of your equipment to balance any negative energy, especially in a home theater or home office.
If you want to find a new job this year, decorate your workspace with green objects, or with artwork that shows growing plants and flowers.
If you are an author struggling with writer’s block, surround yourself with green objects for inspiration and growth.
Add green accessories to your bathroom to symbolically dry up some of the excess water in this room and bring balance.

Carol M. Olmstead, FSIA, is a Feng Shui Master Practitioner, author, and speaker who has taught thousands of clients, students, and readers the simple secrets of using Feng Shui to improve their lives. For more than 15 years, Carol has practiced a contemporary version of Feng Shui that honors the essence of its Chinese heritage, but focuses on the practical applications for our culture today. She works with clients nationally and internationally, both on-site and by remote consultation. Carol is author of two books, the 365 Feng Shui Secrets e-book, and the award-winning Feng Shui Quick Guide For Home and Office – Secrets For Attracting Wealth, Harmony, and Love, available at Amazon.com and the Feng Shui Emporium. Connect with Carol at: