ANNUAL AND MONTHLY CLASHING STARS!

FENG SHUI  8 MANSIONS

ANNUAL AND MONTHLY CLASHING STARS!

What effect do the Annual and Monthly Flying Stars (numbers) have on each other when they meet in a Palace of the Luo Shu Grid?

Flying Stars Feng Shui sees these stars 'fly' between Palaces in 20-year,  Annual and Monthly cycles.  This flight even goes down to Day and Hour cycles however these are generally only used for very specific requirements. 

The flight follows a set sequence as such:

Centre->North West->West->North East>South->North->South West->East->South East->Centre.

Remember South (9) is at the top centre and North (1) is at the bottom centre.

Each of these stars represent one of the Five Elements and how they interact will influence the Element of the sector which is identified by superimposing the Luo Shu Grid over a plan of your property. 

Star 1 represents Water, Stars 2, 5 and 8 represent Earth, Stars 3 and 4 represent Wood, Stars 6 and 7 represent Metal.

Supposing Annual Star 1 moves into the East and the Monthly Star 2 pays a visit, what are the effects?

The East is a Wood location and when the Annual Water Star 1 enters it 'feeds' the Wood.  If Earth Star 2 enters as a Monthly Star we have some work to do.  Wood controls Earth in the Controlling Cycle of the Five Elements and Earth controls Water.  It is this combination we need to focus on.  An Earth and Water combination of Stars can produce muddy water which may influence the health of the residents of an East Palace.  However the time of year will have a bearing on how much of an issue this may be. 

If this combination occurs during the Winter season Water and Wood are strong and Earth is hard therefore unable to exert its influence.

If this combination occurs during the Spring season Water becomes weak, Wood is strong and Earth is hard.  It is rather like a stalemate, one element will have difficulty influencing another.

If this combination occurs during the Summer season its all change.  Water cannot feed the Wood as it is trapped in Summer, Wood is weak and Earth will reign supreme.  This is one time when Water and Earth could combine causing potential illness for those in the East of a property.

If this combination occurs during the Autumn season Water again becomes strong and Earth becomes weak so illness could still result .  Wood will be ineffective against Earth.

It is always a combination of the innate Element of an area combined with the elements of the Annual and Monthly Stars that are considered before making any conclusions.

To the fulfilment of your dreams

LynC

www.fengshui8mansions.com

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PERIOD EIGHT AND THE YEAR OF THE YIN WOOD GOAT

FENG SHUI  8 MANSIONS

PERIOD EIGHT AND THE YEAR OF THE YIN WOOD GOAT

When looking at the annual chart for 2015 it struck me that there is more to this year than initially meets the eye.

Remember Period 8?  From 2004-2023 we are in Period 8 of 9 20-year Periods. This 8 White Earth element Star is associated with wealth and has its home in the central palace of the Luo-Shu Grid for the entire 20-years.  It is worth remembering that it will have an influence on each Annual Chart. 

On this 2015 Chart particularly it meets with the Annual Star numbers in the Centre, Northwest, East and Southeast Palaces to create He-Tu combinations.  What does this mean?  They create new elements that will have an impact on the Palace concerned.

Beginning in the Centre.  The 3-8 combination creates Wood.  The Annual 3 Jade Wood Star is related to disputes/disagreements/arguments making the centre of any property/area/country/or the earth prone to dispute.  The 3-8 combination will serve to strengthen the Wood element making disharmony more likely in the short term.

The Northwest has a 4-9 combination which creates Metal.  The Annual 4 Green Wood Star is related to learning and romance so while this is generally a usable Star it will be somewhat overwhelmed by its controlling element of Metal.  Metal is the intrinsic element of the Northwest.

The East has a 1-6 combination which creates Water.  The East is a positive location for 2015 with the 1 White Water Star of future prosperity.  The 1-6 combination will serve to strengthen the timely 1 Water Star while at the same time feeding the inherent Wood element of the East.  This should help the eldest son in a family thrive.

The Southeast has a 2-7 combination which creates Fire.  The Southeast has the 2 Earth Illness Star in place for the year and the 2-7 combination will serve to strengthen its effects as Fire creates Earth in the productive cycle of the Five Elements.  It will also weaken the intrinsic Wood element of the palace.  Care should therefore be taken to avoid this area if you are prone to ill-health.

During February all the Luo-Shu numbers return to their original home thereby doubling the effects of these combinations.  For example in the centre there is Period 8 combining first with the annual 3 and secondly with the monthly 3.

The combinations between Palace and Annual, Period and Annual as well as Annual and Monthly Charts are all different.  This is what makes the study of Feng Shui so fascinating and individual analyses so unique.

To the fulfillment of your dreams

LynC

www.fengshui8mansions.com

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FIVE ELEMENTS IN ACTION

FIVE ELEMENTS IN ACTION

The Five Elements in Feng Shui (wood, fire, earth, metal, water) have three cycles; the productive, the exhaustive and the controlling*.

*This cycle is also sometimes referred to as the destructive cycle.  This indicates that it destroys the element it is opposed to.  In reality 'controlling' is less final.  Controlling means its opposing element is kept in place rather than destroyed.  It is only when there is an excess of control that it becomes a major issue.

When using the Qi of the Five Elements to resolve or improve a difficult situation the Yin and Yang polarities as well as the element being used will determine the speed with which change is likely to occur.

What exactly does that mean? 

If your consultant has recommended placing water in a certain sector for example and you have been given a suitable date and time to carry out this procedure, how quickly will it take effect?  Yang water is active, moving water and if it has been recommended to strengthen your growth prospects it may mean placing it in a wood (growth) area.  Water feeds wood - but how quickly?  Yang wood is represented by tall and straight trees and the East.  Even in ideal conditions they will take their time to grow.  Yin wood in contrast is the grass, flowers, vines and bushes and the Southeast.  In ideal conditions they will grow quickly.  So placing a water feature in the East is likely to take more time to take effect than in the Southeast. 

Metal is often recommended as a solution to a negative sector such as the East or Southeast (this is a controlling relationship between metal and wood).  Yang metal is generally machinery, moving metal and is hard and unyielding so how quickly will it control wood.  Something like a chain saw can cut down the tallest tree quickly but would have minimal effect on grass or flowers so its effect in the East would work quicker than it would in the Southeast.  Yin metal is small metal items, coins, small knives, fine jewellery - how quickly would that impact the wood of the East?  In the Southeast however a small knife or a pair of scissors would be more effective at controlling the wood than in the East.

There is no instant solution to Feng Shui recommendations and looking at the Five Elements in this way shows that some changes will take longer to implement than others.

The interaction of the Five Elements is not the only solution to negative situations and your Feng Shui Consultant will find the best possibly answers based on your individual circumstance.

To the fulfillment of your dreams

LynC

www.fengshui8mansions.com

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WHAT ARE FENG SHUI COLOURS?

FENG SHUI  8 MANSIONS

Feng Shui colours are included in the Ba Gua as a means of identifying the Five Elements.  Water is black and blue, Wood is green (jade green and forest green in the East representing the strong and upright image of trees and the lighter, brighter Spring Green in the Southeast representing grass, ivy and flowers), Fire is red and orange, Earth is yellow and ochre and Metal is grey, white and gold. 

Is this significant in the practice of Classical Feng Shui?  

Classical Feng Shui makes no mention of colour, it is the elements associated with shapes and their effect on the Feng Shui of a building that have more significance.

There is no doubting that colour does have an effect on us.  Some colours inspire us and some make us feel warm or cold, happy or sad, extrovert or introvert.  However this is more of a psychological effect rather than anything else.  There is nothing wrong with using colours that inspire, motivate or relax you however  doing it in the name of Feng Shui is somewhat misleading.  In addition, not everyone likes every colour.  If you practice Contemporary Feng Shui and you feel it is necessary to display a certain colour because it is relevant to an area how is that going to make you feel?  The purpose of Feng Shui is to make you feel good about your life and your living space, using a colour you dislike is unlikely to produce the desired effect.

From another perspective, if you are having a Feng Shui Consultation and it is recommended you paint your main door or your living space a certain colour is that it?  Will that colour be relevant for all time?  When the Qi changes will that colour still be auspicious?  In the practice of Flying Stars Feng Shui the numbers (known as stars) 'fly' from sector to sector in the Luo Shu Grid, does that mean you have to change the colour to match the star number? 

When there is an excess of one element in a particular location a Consultant may recommend displaying a certain colour as a piece of artwork or a wall hanging and even a lamp shade.  However this is likely to be a short term 'fix' and because it is mobile can easily be moved once the Qi moves on.

Qi (energy) is constantly in motion, it is constantly changing.  From long term (20-year period) to short term (annual, monthly, daily and even hourly)the elemental Qi will be different.  Logically then that would mean the colours would be changing by the same degree.

Colour is an important part of our lives and our feelings about it will influence its effect on us.  To feel creative, try green; to feel uplifted choose red or pink, to feel grounded choose yellow or magnolia, to feel focused choose white and to feel meditative choose blue or lilac.  Choose colours you like and make you feel good in your living space without worrying that you will be attracting negative Feng Shui by doing so. 

To the fulfillment of your dreams

LynC

www.fengshui8mansions.com

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Feng Shui and Flying Stars

"In addition to the Flying Star Chart of a home there are annual, monthly and daily Flying Stars.  These 'fly' from sector to sector in a set pattern which is known as the Lo-Shu Path."

Feng Shui practitioners and enthusiasts are aware that every year there is a change in energy caused by Stars 'flying' from one sector to another.

This Lo-Shu grid shows the original location for each of these Stars which also represent one of the Five Elements.  1 is Water; 2, 5 and 8 are Earth; 3 and 4 are Wood; 6 and 7 are Metal; 9 is Fire. 

It is the flight from one sector to another that affects the quality of the Feng Shui of any property and its occupants.  It also affects the energy on a larger scale which is why some parts of the world have better fortune in certain years than others.

Knowing the interaction between the Five Elements allows you to better understand why some areas are positive in a particular year and some areas are negative.  As an example, the combination of Wood and Metal is a controlling one and while the level of that control depends on many factors, it creates conflict when they meet in a sector. 

Annual and monthly Flying Stars (daily Flying Stars are generally used for specific purposes such as Date Selection) are short term, you know there will be an end to the good or the bad.  The Flying Stars of your individual property based on its completion date is long term.

In addition to the nine Flying Stars there are also annual stars (both good and bad) that visit certain sectors.  Stars like the Dragon Virtue; Fortune Virtue; the Sun and the Moon fly into an area to bring specific types of assistance to the residents.  The Sun Star, being Yang, is particularly helpful to males and it can ease the effects of having inadvertently activated one of the negative Stars.  The Moon Star, being Yin, is particularly helpful to females and can help with communication. 

The 3 Killings, the 5 Yellow and the Grand Duke Jupiter are well-known negative Stars.  The 3 Killings, when activated, brings with it three different types of negative Qi and each year it resides in one of the primary compass locations.  The 5 Yellow, when activated, brings with it five types of misfortune such as general bad luck or at its most malevolent, serious health or relationship issues.   The Grand Duke always occupies the location of the animal of the year affecting the fortunes of the animal directly opposite around the compass.  For example in 2014 the Grand Duke occupies S2 (Horse) making N2 (Rat) exposed to his displeasure.  In 2015 the Grand Duke will reside in SW1 (Sheep) making NE1 (Ox) vulnerable.

To the fulfillment of your dreams

LynC

www.abundance-chi.com

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Feng Shui-Yin and Yang-Wood and Earth

Wood is the only living element in the Five Elements of Feng Shui.  Its energy (Qi) radiates growth and expansion and brings new life.  What is it that nurtures that life?  Earth.  It is the sustaining element of life.  Its Qi expands outward to embrace all living things. 

Earth is one of the trinity of Heaven, Earth and Mankind each of which influences one-third of our life on this planet we call home.  Within Earth is the practice of Feng Shui; it is where we live in the world; how we use what is available in the natural environment to allow us to live in harmony.  Earth is a storehouse of riches; it hides crystals, minerals and metals until man finds a way to harvest and use them to improve life in a multitude of ways.

In the Controlling Cycle of the Five Elements Wood is said to control Earth.  How does the Wood element 'control' the Earth element?  How do the Yin and Yang characteristics determine the effectiveness of this control?

Yang Wood are the trees that grow straight and tall; they seek the warmth and light of the sun.  This would not be possible without a base that allows it to send roots deep down and outward.   Do these trees grow on Yang Earth?  Yang Wood sends its roots deep to give it the strength and stability to grow strong and true.  Can it do this in Yang Earth? 

Yang Earth represents mountains and large rocks; it is unyielding, unmoving and protective.  It is not without reason that the Earth is also known as Mother Earth, Gaia, who nurtures and sustains us.  In the Eight Mansions formula of Feng Shui the Southwest is an Earth element location and it is also the location of Kun, the ultimate Yin, the nurturing mother figure of the family.

Like Kun, Yin Earth is the soft and yielding soil and the sand beneath our feet.  It is the Yin Earth that gives life to our trees.  Yang Wood relies on Yin Earth to give it life.  By providing this life Yin Earth becomes weakened when the roots of the trees push their way down and out; it makes the Earth prone to sinking and movement.  Even in an urban setting the roots of trees will find a way to expand and grow.

Yin Wood is flowers, vines and plants grown to feed us.  They are flexible and will bend with the wind; they 'go with the flow.'  Like Yang Wood, does Yin Wood rely on Yin Earth?  Mostly it does, but seeds carried by the wind and by birds and animals are often dropped into the crevices between Yang Earth rocks and boulders and somehow they find the means to root and grow, bringing life and colour to a harsh environment.  This also feeds birds and animals who choose to live in such inaccessible places.  Succulents, both large and small, find a way to thrive in the heat and dryness of the Yin Earth of a desert.  Plants will always find a way of living in apparently harsh and inaccessible situations, whether it is Yang or Yin Earth.

Earth is both a support and a provider.  Without it life as we know it would not exist.  Its Qi spreads sideways  allowing the growing and expanding Qi of the Wood element to thrive, whatever the circumstances.

To the fulfillment of your dreams

LynC

www.abundance-chi.com

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Feng Shui: How to Use Yin/Yang and the Five Elements

Two of the fundamental principles of Feng Shui are the Five Elements and Yin and Yang.

Each of the Five Elements has a Yin and a Yang aspect, how do you use this knowledge to harmonise the energy in your home and workplace?

Yang Water is the sea; it is dark, deep and mysterious.  In Feng Shui water is a powerful force and should always be used with care.  Scale is all important.   Outside, water features are better in front rather than at the back.  Water at the back creates a feeling of instability; at the front it is an attractor.  Water signifies wealth, and a flow of water signifies a flow of wealth.  The flow should be coming towards the front door of your home or your workplace.  Having it flowing away, or flowing past signifies lost wealth and missed opportunities.  Indoors, water features or aquariums are best placed in the North, East or Southeast and they should never overwhelm the available space.

 

Yin Water is the morning mist.  In your home or workplace it is a spray of moisture on your plants.  It is the nourishment that keeps your plants alive; it is subtle and vital.

Yang Wood are trees.  Planting trees in the East of your garden will support your health.  Pine trees and bamboo are a symbol of longevity.  If you have no room in your garden a picture or painting of a lush forest in the East of your living or work space is auspicious.

Yin Wood is leaves on the trees; grass; ivy and flowers.  Displaying flowers in your home and workplace brings in the beauty of the natural world.  The East and the Southeast are the location of wood however displaying flowers anywhere in your living and working area will bring the beauty of nature along with them.  Choose colours that match the area.

  

Yang Fire is what keeps us alive.  Indoors you still benefit from the awesome power of the sun however during the winter time when the sun is lower in the sky enhance your living and working spaces with lights.  To keep warm in the home there is nothing like the roar of a real Yang Fire. 

Yin Fire is the dying embers of a log fire; it is the light from a candle.  To bring a touch of romance and intimacy into your home the gentle flickering of candles is hard to beat.  Scented candles bring both light and aroma which, when chosen carefully, create a unique setting.

Yang Earth is the solid earth of large rocks and boulders.  You benefit from the support of mountains.  Placing large rocks and boulders behind your home will simulate this support.  Indoors the painting of a mountain, without water, placed behind you at home or at work gives support and protection.

Yin Earth is sand; it is the pliable fertile soil in which crops are planted and grown.  If you have the space, create a small Zen area in the Southwest, Northeast, West or Northwest of your garden using sand and small pebbles.

Yang Metal is the solid raw metal, the ore from which large machinery is formed.  In our modern world we all rely on Yang Metal to get us around.  Whether it is your car, a train, bus or plane, without the strength and reliability of Yang Metal your life would be very different.

Yin Metal is fine and delicate.  Jewellery is Yin Metal.  From the eternal circle of the Wedding ring when you say ‘I Do’ to watches, earrings, cuff links, necklaces, male and female alike adorn themselves with Yin Metal.

Next time we will look at how Yin and Yang and the Five Element Controlling Cycle work.

To the fulfillment of your dreams

LynC

www.abundance-chi.com

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Feng Shui, Yin/Yang and the Five Elements

Two of the fundamental principles of Feng Shui are the Five Elements and Yin and Yang.

The Five Elements are Water, Wood, Fire, Earth and Metal.  These elements are said to encompass all our world has to offer; the ‘ten thousand things.’   Yin and Yang are opposite, yet complementary.  They are inter-dependent and constantly in motion.

Combining these two principles you find that each of the Five Elements has either a Yin or a Yang aspect.

 

Knowing the differences and applying them to the Feng Shui in your home and office will enhance your practice and help create harmony.  Becoming attuned to the differences and where and when to use them, will help you make auspicious choices when designing, renovating or decorating your space. 

    

Yang Water is the sea, it is a powerful river constantly in motion.  An excellent example of Yang Water is Niagara Falls, the collective name given to three separate waterfalls located between Ontario in Canada and New York State in the United States of America.  The largest of the three, Horseshoe Falls, is a major source of hydropower generation; a major source of powerful Yang Water energy.

Yin Water in contrast is a gentle fall of rain, it is mist and morning dew and the promise of rain held in the clouds.

Yang Wood are trees.  Tall and sturdy as they grow towards the sunlight; they are unbending, solid and inflexible.  An example is the Redwood which grows fast, straight and tall dwarfing everything around it.

Yin Wood is leaves on the trees; grass; ivy and flowers.  Unlike its Yang counterpart Yin Wood is pliable, it goes with the flow.  In the wind it will bend, it is yielding and yet strong, returning to its original state with no effort.

Yang Fire is what keeps us alive.  The ultimate Yang Fire is the sun.  It warms and nurtures our planet and all living things.  At an individual level, Yang Fire is also a roaring log fire providing warmth and light during the dark days of Winter.

Yin Fire is like the dying embers of a log fire; it is the light of a candle and a torch bringing illumination to the darkness.

Yang Earth is the solid earth of large rocks and boulders.  It is the rising earth of mountains providing support and security.  Yang Earth can control the spread of fire and restrain water.

Yin Earth is sand; it is the pliable fertile soil in which crops are planted and grown.  It absorbs water rather than restrains it and fire will travel over it with ease.

Yang Metal is the solid raw metal, the ore from which large machinery is made.  It is weapons, knives and axes.  Unyielding, strong, sharp and powerful are attributes of Yang Metal.

Yin Metal is fine and delicate.  It is polished metal from which jewellery, treasured adornments, accessories and the finer things in life are made.

Next time we will look at how to use Yin and Yang and the Five Elements.

To the fulfillment of your dreams

LynC

www.abundance-chi.com

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Feng Shui and the Three Killings

The ‘Three Killings’ or Sarm Saat (Cantonese)/San Sha (Mandarin) occupies a huge 90^o of the compass.  In any given year it only ever resides in one of the four primary compass locations of North, East, South or West. 

So what exactly are the ‘Three Killings?’ 

It translates as three types of negative energy affecting wealth, health and general well-being.  It has been described as bringing losses through robbery, injury, money loss (Jie or Robbery Sha), accident, mishaps and illness (Zai or Calamity Sha), obstacles and setbacks (Sui or Annual Sha.) 

Something to bear in mind:  There are also MONTHLY Three Killings as well as annual and they make an appearance more than once within a month.  These are three consecutive days when first the Robbery Star, then the Calamity Star and finally the Annual Star make an appearance.  While troublesome, their effects only tend to last for the month unlike the annual Three Killings whose effects will last the entire year. 

During 2013, the year of the Water Snake, the Three Killings is in the East (45 ^o -135^o.) This coincides with the location of the Trinity of Spring; the Wood animals of Tiger, Rabbit and Dragon.  It is in conflict with the Metal Trinity of Allies; the Snake, Rooster and Ox.   If your animal signs are either the Tiger, Rabbit or Dragon the Three Killings will have a negative influence on them.

The eldest son of the family may also experience some of the misfortune associated with the Three Killings during the year if he spends time in the East.  The East is the location associated with the eldest son so it is beneficial to have him stay out of the area during this afflicted year.

Because all the numbers in the Lo-Shu Grid have returned to their original homes during 2013 this has the effect of strengthening the intrinsic energy of each location, something which only occurs every nine years.  The Three Killings can therefore said to be even stronger than usual.   

It is a Wood element affliction in the area of Big Wood so your large plants are best removed from the East for the year.  Even more important is to ensure there are no Water features in the East.  Water feeds Wood in the Productive Cycle of the Five Elements; not something to be recommended when Wood is sending out such inauspicious energy.  

Being a Wood location the Fire element can be deployed to weaken the effects of the Three Killings.  Bright lights or red décor in the East will exhaust the Wood.   If you prefer physical cures, the three images traditionally used to offset the negative effects of the Three Killings are the Pi Yao (a mythical hybrid animal resembling a winged lion) said to protect against loss of wealth; the Fu Dog (a popular protector outside the home) who protects against accidents and the Chi Lin (Kei Loon or Dragon Horse) displayed to protect against the harmful effects of the Three Killings.  Place these images in the East facing the affliction head on.

Knowing where the Three Killings are located in your home, your office or your workplace is important to ensure you are not inadvertently activating their malevolence.  This is especially so if the East coincides with your main door, your living room, your bedroom or your office.  Keeping the area as quiet and undisturbed as possible is essential.  Any decorative work; renovations; digging holes or noisy maintenance work are best left for another year to avoid upsetting and therefore activating these negative stars.  This applies whether it is in the East of your garden, your entire home, your living, sleeping or working areas.  Outside, downstairs or upstairs, the effects will be the same, you will be activating the destructive force of the Three Killings by disturbing them.

Another essential consideration is to ensure you do not sit, sleep or work with your back to the Three Killings.  This symbolises being ‘stabbed’ in the back.  Facing or ‘confronting’ the Three Killings is like standing up to them; not being intimidated by their power.  Knowing your good and bad directions is important here.  If the West is your most auspicious direction this is the year to think carefully and consider which of your other three auspicious directions is beneficial to face as an alternative.  Facing the West and having your back to the East will cause you more trouble than it is worth.

To the fulfillment of your dreams

LynC

www.abundance-chi.com

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Feng Shui and the Lo-Shu Grid 1-3

The nine numbers of the original Lo-Shu Grid from the north following a clockwise cycle are 1, 8, 3, 4, 9, 2, 7 and 6.  The numbers opposite one another around the grid always add up to 10 and with the number 5 residing in the centre any row up, down or diagonally will add up to 15.

Each of these numbers and their associated direction has an element, colour, shape, family member, aspiration as well as more intangible aspects such as body parts or musical notes.  We will look at the fundamental parts of each number and how they affect us all.

All odd numbers represent yang energies and all even numbers represent yin energies even when the area itself may be the opposite. 

Number One (1) – This is the number of the north. It is one of the auspicious white stars of Feng Shui and is synonymous with career luck. One represents new beginnings, creativity, independence and self.  The north represents water; the colours blue and black; its shape is wavy. The middle son (Kan) has his home in the north and it signifies dark, winter, an excess of yin energy.  Water and the number 1 are both yang.  If the north represents the back of your home avoid placing a water feature here, especially a pond, pool, waterfall or swimming pool.  Water at the back can suggest lack of support in your endeavours. 

Number Two (2) – This is the number of the southwest.  It is a yin number which represents the yin energy of big earth and its shape is the even-sided square which represents a solid base; loving and nurturing energy.  Two represents a couple, balance, yin and yang; it signifies co-dependence, partnerships and co-operation; it invites choice. It is a number representing interaction with others, and unity.  Its colours are earth colours such as ochre.  The southwest is a vital area to care for as it represents the female, the mother, caring and nurturing, love and relationships in its many and varied forms.  Love and relationships between a couple, between family members and between friends.  This is predominantly a yin area (Kun) the receptive, the yielding.  

Number Three (3) – Three is the big wood area of the east and it signifies communication.  The number three is a yang number that signifies the trinity; in this instance father, mother and child and also time represented by past, present and future.  It also represents Heaven, Earth and Man which are the basis for Feng Shui practice.  It indicates pleasure achieved through creativity. The shape of the east is rectangular. 

This location represents the eldest son of the family (Chen) and signifies new life and upward growth.  Its colours are the darker olive or emerald greens.  Sons are known as the Dragons of the family and east is the location of the mighty Green Dragon.  If you choose symbolism an image of this celestial creature is auspicious here together with large round leaved lush plants. The east also represents health and longevity.  Growing bamboo, which is one of the many symbols of longevity, in the east of your garden is auspicious, however take care of the variety you choose as they grow fast and can take over if not controlled.  Other symbols of longevity are the pine tree, peach and the long-legged Crane.  These are often represented together in oriental paintings. This is the place to house your larger pieces of wooden furniture. 

To the fulfillment of your dreams

LynC

www.abundance-chi.com

We hope enjoy our blogs and leave any comments below or email: crystal@abundance-chi.com visit: www.abundance-chi.com LynC

FENG SHUI and Zen

What is Zen?  Does it have any connection with Feng Shui?

One interpretation of Zen is to be fully aware in this moment.  It is a state of being that brings together body and mind in perfect harmony as when you are in a state of meditation.  It is seeing the wonder around us in reality rather than the everyday picture our mind can paint.

Zen is often described as simplicity.  Indeed the traditional image of a Zen garden space is a minimalist area with stones and pebbles swept in flowing harmonious paths to avoid straight lines or poison arrows as they are known in Feng Shui.  Planting is kept to a minimum and the area is still and quiet inviting contemplation.

This is where we can introduce elements of Feng Shui into the picture. 

The Zen garden features Earth in the form of sand, pebbles and rocks (the rocks simulate the mountain-support.)

It encompasses the calming and uplifting sound of Water to invite relaxation and tranquility.

Plants (Wood) are brought in to create life.

Lanterns are strategically placed to introduce light (Fire.)

In an authentic Zen garden the lanterns will be sculpted from granite which incorporates in it the sparkle of Metal.

We can now see a balanced blend of the Five Elements of Feng Shui combining to create a peaceful and harmonious space.

While Zen can sometimes represent too much Yin the introduction of growing Wood and lit lanterns introduce Yang elements.  

In our homes we are looking to create harmony so can take elements from the Zen ideals to integrate into our space.  The difference is that in a Yang living environment Yang elements should prevail to prevent lethargy from infiltrating our senses.

However in your sleeping space, your bedroom, you can introduce many of the Zen elements as this is ultimately a place of rest.  Introducing Zen techniques can therefore achieve a peaceful and relaxing environment* to refresh your body, mind and spirit.

*Water should never be introduced into your sleeping area as it represents instability, however you can introduce the colour of water (blue) into your décor.  Wood or growing plants are Yang so in the bedroom they are discouraged; however the element of Yin Wood in your furniture choice is ideal.  Auspicious lighting brings in a Yang element as no space should be entirely Yin or Yang.  Our previous blog on Yin and Yang highlighted the importance of balance.

Whatever the space balance is all important so although Yang prevails in your living area having too much of a good thing can cause overwhelm.  This is where the introduction of the stabilizing Earth element in the form of crystals and pebbles and the soothing Water element as a water feature or an aquarium can bring harmony and a feeling of comfort and relaxation as well as sufficient Yang to create a happy and uplifting home.

So you can see that the concept of Zen does have links with Feng Shui; it is possible to incorporate elements of it into your living and outdoor spaces.

Next time – O-Office – a follow-on from ‘Office’ part one

To the fulfillment of your dreams

LynC

www.abundance-chi.com

We hope enjoy our blogs and leave any comments below or email: crystal@abundance-chi.com visit: www.abundance-chi.com LynC

GARDENS and Feng Shui

These days any outside space can be turned into an additional room; a garden room; when it is located in the private area of your home.

This makes it ideal for treating exactly the same as you would any room within your home, in terms of creating an auspicious flow of Chi Energy throughout the space, making it the perfect spot to spend time in nature.

This is especially important if you live and work in a city or large town and are not able to spend as much time in the wide open spaces as you would like.

There are two ways of calculating the location of each sector in your garden and home.

The first is using the area around the perimeter of your land (house and garden combined) and the second is splitting your front garden, your home and your rear garden into three distinct sectors.

The first solution can be used if you have direct access from the front of your property to the rear of your property.  In this case you can split the whole of your property into nine sectors.  If your home is located in the middle of your property then the chances are you will have three sectors in the front of your home, three sectors for your home itself and the remaining three sectors in your rear garden.

	Rear Garden
	Centre of Home
	Front Garden

The second solution is recommended if you are unable to reach your back garden from the front of your home.  If this is your situation then you can split the rear garden into nine distinct areas, all based around the primary and secondary points of the compass plus the centre.

	Rear Garden
	Centre of Garden
	Top of Garden
	Home

Once you decide which of the two methods to adopt, the next step is to use the compass to establish the direction your rear garden faces.  As in all calculations of Feng Shui, guesswork is not recommended because it could create negative energies in an area rather than the positive energies you are seeking to achieve.

It can be a haven of peace; a vibrant family fun area; a party area; a Garden of Eden or a water garden.

Trees, bamboo is especially auspicious in the East, plants and flowers, garden furniture, bird feeding stations, seating areas, fire pit, ambient lighting, wind chimes and other decorative items, water features or a vegetable garden; how wide is your vision?

Your choice is limited only by your imagination, the space you have available and to a degree the direction your garden faces.


Next time – H-Health

We hope enjoy our blogs and leave any comments below or email: crystal@abundance-chi.com visit: www.abundance-chi-com LynC