Feng Shui
What is Feng Shui?
What is Feng Shui? This is a question that can be difficult to answer.
Feng Shui is an ancient art and science developed over 3,000 years ago in China. It is a complex body of knowledge that reveals how to balance the energies of any given space to assure the health and good fortune for people inhabiting it.
Feng means wind and shui means water. In Chinese culture wind and water are associated with good health, thus good feng shui came to mean good fortune, while bad feng shui means bad luck, or misfortune.
Feng Shui is based on the Taoist vision and understanding of nature, particularly on the idea that the land is alive and filled with Chi, or energy. The ancient Chinese believed that the land's energy could either make or break the kingdom, so to speak. The theories of yin and yang, as well as the five feng shui elements, are some of the basic aspects of a feng shui analysis that come from Taoism.
Tips for 2011
Love
A good way to be ready to attract more love into your life is to “spring clean”. Let go of anything you don’t need including old communications from ex partners and spouses who are not in your life including emails, letters, text messages, phone numbers and photos.
Return or throw out any of their belongings. Sell or donate any gifts you may not want. You will feel this creates a big shift in your life in general. Also you need to let go of the emotional things side of things. Try herbs or Bach flowers drops or crystals.
Cleansing your home and follow it with a spiritual cleansing or smudging. You can do this with a sage smudge stick.
To attract love burn incense or oils that have rose, jasmine or ylang ylang on a regular basis.
Pink is the colour of love. Burn two identical candles, ideally pink in colour. Wear more clothing in pink, light or fun colours and use a sensual fragrance on your body.
Wear Rose Quartz crystals and/or put them in the love corner of your home or bedroom or carry one in your pocket. When you stand at the door facing into the room the love corner is the corner diagonally to your right.
Introduce some pink to your bedroom and any romantic types of decorations. Decorations with hearts are good, a pink lava lamp or light, two swans swimming together. Also try pictures that have happy and loving scenes.
Move any pictures with large amounts of water in them, out of the bedroom and put them in another room like the lounge.
Money
The best way to look at it money is to see that it is just energy. Abundance is just another form of energy that flows into your life and flows out of your life to keep the flow going and circulating in the universe. Many people have a fear of money – this, in effect, blocks the energy (and therefore money) flowing into their life.
To create a space for attracting more money into your life do a similar cleansing and de-cluttering process as you would for love.
Get rid of any unwanted things you have been holding on to – old papers, clothes you don’t wear anymore. Fix anything that is not working in your life, like cars, or any objects in the home that are faulty. Fix any leaking or dripping taps. Make sure there is nothing in your house that is out of date, old, mouldy, stale etc.
The universe loves to fill gaps so make sure you create a space to fill in your life in all areas.
You can use crystals and a subliminal CD meditation on abundance, such as Rick Collingwood’s Creating Abundance No. 10 or Ultimate Meditation No. 19
Introduce round leaved plants such as the Jade plant or any bearding flowers or fruit.
Introduce any crystals that you are attracted to such as garnet, citrine, jade and adventurine. Put them in your pocket, sleep with them under your pillow, and put one in your wallet or purse.
Introduce opulent looking gold or shiny ornaments or decorations.
Add more yellow and orange colours into your life. Perhaps fresh flowers or a bowl of fruit.
With anything to do with money turn into your inner feeling if a choice is offered. If it doesn’t feel then don’t do it!
CD's, crystals, candles, incense and other items mentioned above are available at our online shop.
Ba Gua Mirrors
Mirrors:
All mirrors have special powers and the Ba Gua is considered the most powerful, and if misused, the most dangerous. They come in many forms and for different purposes, and should never have square corners which are believed to trap negative energy.
Standard Ba Gua: usually green, red and gold with a circular mirror in the centre which is used as a general cure externally. Only in special circumstances should it be placed inside the home or business. Normally available in 3 different sizes and the 8 trigrams surrounding the mirror must be in the Former Heaven pattern, which is believed to create an energy field to repel negative influences whilst the round mirror attracts positive aspects.
Convex Ba Gua: enhances the power of attraction of good forces whilst pushing negative away. Ideal to counter poison Arrow’s (sharp corners or angles which point toward a window or door), expand an entry to home or business, or to balance a profile.
Concave Ba Gua: the most powerful mirror to repel negative aspects and which should only be used in very special circumstances. The mirror inverts images and concentrates them centrally to their source .This cure should only ever be placed on the recommendation of an experienced Feng Shui consultant.
FORTUNE FROG
Frogs are considered good luck, because of their association with water (money). There is a special 3 legged toad appropriately titled the ‘fortune frog’ usually sitting on a Ba-Gua or a pile of golden taels, and holing a coin in its mouth. He should be placed facing directly toward the main door, usually in the prosperity corner. In a business, it should be placed on top of the cash register and facing the entrance. One legend describes Heng O, the goddess of the moon being punished for stealing the exlixir of immortality from her husband by transformation into a toad, and for this reason it is sometimes called a moon frog.
ELEPHANTS
Normally placed in pairs, and usually either side of the main entry door. With trunks elevated, they herald good news and should always be placed facing into the home. With trunks downwards, they are ready to defend or attack and so should be placed facing toward the front door.
FISH
TURTLE
Longevity and protection…
The turtle is a symbol in many cultures. Hindu myth believe four elephants stood on the shell of a great turtle/tortoise to support the world. In Japan the cosmic mountain is supported by the turtle/tortoise. In Chinese myth the turtle/tortoise supports the world, its four feet being the four corners of the earth.
MONKEY
Monkey represents health and protection from evil when placed in the area of the home closest to the west/southwest, which is its birthplace. Traditionally it is an emblem of imagination. The legend of journeys of the monkey god through Chinese culture mark it as a truly mischievous animal that aroused the wrath of gods. Known as a god, he is believed to have the ability to solve problems, especially in businesses where other attempts have failed. Placing an image of a monkey on an office desk may prevent misfortune.
HORSE
Horses represent speed, movement and endurance, and may be placed to attract travel or ensure safe journeys. Placed in the helpful people area which also represents travel, they should not face the door. 8 horses together are considered most fortunate and pictures of them may be found in Chinese businesses.
DRAGON TURTLE
One of the best representatives of longevity, and in gold it is used to attract prosperity for a business. In brass it is a special cure to prevent disaster, and may also be place:
Ø To counter heavy water chi from water reservoir.
Ø To improve relationships with those around you.
Ø In the prosperity corner of an office or business, facing towards the door.
DRAGON
The dragon is a symbol of strength, goodness, courage and endurance. The dragon is yang energy which is male. He is the emblem of vigilance and security. And also the spirit of change. In Chinese mythology the dragon is the predestined partner of the phoenix which is yin energy. Feng Shui endeavours to capture chi, the dragons breath.
EAGLE
For daring and far-sightedness. They are also used as special counter charms during negative years according to the Chinese horoscopes to protect from bad fortunes, scandal, or legal problems. Eagles with wings elevated should be placed facing toward a window or door to offer protection to the occupants, and preferably facing to a good direction for the owner. Never place pictures or statues in the bedroom of a child as this may encourage restless or disturbed sleep.
PHOENIX
BUTTERFLY
Butterflies are symbols of love and joy and are often featured on wall hangings to stimulate harmony in the home. Can be hung or displayed in a hallway or living area, but should not be close to other pictures or paintings which will constrict the freedom of positive energy. may be represented by Chinese knotting of silk from which hang tassels. (It is not considered fortunate to display dead butterflies.)
UNICORN
The unicorn: is a mythical beast, famous for its virtue, courage and strength. Unicorns symbolise purity, elegance and charm. Unicorns are also said to possess the power to grant wishes.
PEACE DOVE
Peace dove: the white dove is a symbol of peace which has spread all over the world, though its origins are from the ancient story of Noah and the ark who, during a flood, sent out birds to see if they would bring back any sign of land to his boat. The dove returned carrying an olive branch which by which he knew that dry land was ahead.
LUCKY CAT
Originally from Japan and accepted by all Asians, they should always be placed in pairs, each with one paw raised to attract good fortune and long life. Usually located in the abundance corner on a fortune table, or by the cash register in a business. They are sometimes depicted as male and female, the female with eyes open and right paw raised, the male with left paw raised and eyes closed.
WHITE TIGER
The white tiger is a symbol of the direction west and the season autumn in Feng Shui. The area of the white tiger is situated to the right of where you are looking, for example a building, or hill. The white tiger is Yin, passive and feminine. The dragon and the tiger always co-exist and are inseparable. When there is a position for the dragon there will always be a position for the tiger, even if not always obvious. The white tiger symbolises strength. In china the tiger was referred to as the king of the mountain. A delightful tale about the white tiger and the green dragon is that they were said to have mated and so created abundant amounts of cosmic Chi’, being the two great forces of the universe. It also perceived by Chinese that the tiger is one of the best symbols of protection against evil intentions from strangers.
MANDARIN DUCKS
The mandarin duck is the symbol of the essence of happiness, and are said to generate positive energy in relationships. They may be placed in a pair beside the master bed, or in the marriage corner. If being placed to attract a relationship, they should be positioned on a round mirror to stimulate calm water or a pond. To add attractive strength. Place two pieces of rose quartz as well.
GATE LIONS
Gate lions always in a pair, male and female. Stone gate lions are usually place in positions to protect the family members of the household from negative things. When facing directly toward the front door they should be placed just inside the front door. When the heads are turned toward each other they may be placed outside the door or on the gate pillars. If they are placed with heads away from each other they may not protect the home. They are looking ‘the other way’. With traditional lions, the male has a ball underfoot, the female has a cub and both usually have a ball carved inside the mouth.
ANGEL
Angel: brings us messages to guide and protect us and come with a frequency of unconditional love. There are angels for healing, learning, creativity, and many other aspects of life. All you have to do is call them and they will come.
FAIRY
Fairy: fairies are found all over the earth and are usually sweet and helpful, though they can be mischievous as well. Fairies also symbolise magic and mystery and their beautiful wings are symbols of freedom and nature-based spirituality.
BUDDHA
The fat and laughing Buddha represents all the good things in life and comes in many poses and forms. He should never be placed on the floor unless very large and standing, and should overlook the area of dining or relaxation. May be placed in the garden facing the house or the gate to bring abundance.
QUAN YIN
The female Buddha…
Quan Yin is the female Buddha. She blesses all. She is the goddess of compassion, healing and mercy. Quan Yin is the eternal protector of all children. By placing Quan Yin within a room it is said to help calm the environment of negative influences such as illness, disappointments and arguments.
GANESHA
Prosperity, success, safety & remover of obstacles…
the elephant-headed god, Ganesha, is known as the remover of obstacles and lord of beginnings. As the god of good fortune, his name traditionally invoked before the start of any new enterprise or journey. Weddings and other beginnings are blessed by him, including the New Year. His enormous belly symbolises his embodiment of a successful and prosperous life. Ganesha is also regarded as the patron of business and is the protector of knowledge, literature and education. As the god of wisdom, he is the patron saint of students who pray to him to pass their exams.Ganesha is the offspring of the goddess parvati, the consort of Shiva.
CICADA
Transforming bad luck into good luck. Children’ luck…
The cicada is considered one of the most powerful emblems of immortality. Display a cicada in your home to turn your bad luck around. You may hang the cicada from the wall by threading chord through its front legs. The cicada is a symbol of great happiness and eternal youth. Also it is a good symbol to place in a young persons workplace. The cicada is known as ‘The girl if Qi’, according to legend the queen of Qi in eastern china rurned into a cicada after her death.
MEDICINE BUDDHA
Medicine Buddha: the blue of his body reflects the blue stone, lapis lazuli, traditionally used for healing, signifying wisdom and compassion. He protects us from physical and mental illness and other dangers.
FENG SHUI FANS
Fans symbolise the circulation of Chi’ (positive energy/life-force), fans are helpful in dispersing negative Chi’ which can come from sharp corners and angels and long corridors. Useful fro dark corners or rooms which have little light input. Hang on wall in full open position. One of the celestial cures used in Feng Shui.
GOURDS
Either real or stimulated the gourd is a symbol of health, prosperity and long life. These may be carried or placed in certain areas for special cures and the number is dependant upon the problem.
SERENITY BELLS
Bells can be used in Feng Shui to symbolise the dispersal of malignant chi’ energy (sha). Bells make a delightful tinkling sound and are sensitive to any form of movement, so making them a useful Feng Shui cure. For 1000’s of years bells have been symbolic with warding off evil influences and have the announcement of good will, they are also used in temples as a tempo for prayer and mantras.
THE CHILD PROTECTION BELL
In Taoist literature a child epitomizes the purity and innocence of a holy sage. This bell shows Quan Yin, the female Buddha of mercy; compassion and healing. With a child standing to her left and to her right. Each child carries a Chinese gold ingot symbolising the trigram tui, which means gold, signifying that our virtues offspring shall bring great happiness and honour to their family. This child protection bell symbolises protection throughout the four seasons by Quan Yin, protector of all children its also is significant in its overall symbolism of further protection by the two bells with double dragon energy atop, which is believed to attract good sheng Chi’ and activate your Childs good fortune. This bell may be hung in the playroom or in the west which represents the next generation. in Feng Shui, meal is associated with children’s luck.
8 DRAGON COINS
Prosperity, wisdom and protection…
The 8 dragon coins may be placed on your desk at work, in your car or anywhere in your pocket or purse to symbolise abundance, wisdom, and protection. An excellent metal cure for Feng Shui. Dragon: symbolises strength, protection, wisdom and benevolence. Coins: symbolise abundance, wealth and protection. 8: in mathematics the symbol of infinity is represented by the figure of eight laid down. in china, 8 expresses the totality of the number. Associated with prosperity. Its shape is linked with the Wu Lu, The Chinese magical talisman of protection.
COINS
Replicas of coins from different dynasties are used for different purposes. 3 standard coins from any dynasty may be tied with red thread and placed in the abundance corner of a main living area. For additional strength they may be placed in a red envelope (Lai See).
LUCKY KNOT
Known as the ‘endless knot’. It is one of the eight Buddhist symbols which symbolises a long life unaffected by setbacks. Excellent to hang on door knobs to signify attracting Chi’.
OM
PROSPERITY BAMBOO
A living plant said to be doubly auspicious if growing in water and originally from Vietnam but accepted by most of the world. Best if growing in threes in water and placed on a fortune table. Also ‘Kuan Yin Bamboo’, a variegated version may be placed inside the front door to attract peace and harmony into the home. Group plantings in soil may be placed in an abundance area, or in an entry hall.
SMUDGE STICKS
Smudge sticks are used on a regular basis by native Americans, normally in the mornings for prayer and meditation. Smudging is the ancient ceremony of cleansing yourself, your home, or others with smoke from certain herbs. Smudge sticks can be used for welcoming in the new day, or cleansing the body, home or workplace. By smudging with respect the symbolism goes beyond the physical to enhance your spiritual connection.
THE FOUR BEAUTIES
The four beauties (chung kwo’k sai di mai yun) from different dynasties, they represent the epitome of beauty, and should be placed on intuition. They should be displayed in two groups of two, if possible on stands.
Yang kuei fai
Wang chao chun
His shi
Tiao ch’an
WINDCHIMES
Wind chimes attract and distribute positive energy and have multiple uses within the home or business. It is very important that the chime is appropriate for the purpose it is used as some may not be suitable. Glass chimes are considered dangerous as they may break and cause injury to the occupants. Tubular chimes ideally should have five or six and be made of either metal or bamboo, with a roof over the top. The tubes draw energy upwards and the roof distributes it evenly. Traditional Chinese chimes have five tubes which each represent one of the five blessings of life and five roofs, one for each five elements.
EYES OF BUDDHA
Eyes of Buddha: the all-seeing wisdom eyes of Buddha remind us to have compassion towards all living creatures. The curious snake like image between the Buddha eyes is actually the Nepalese number ‘one’ and symbolises the unity of all things.
FLUTES
Flutes are placed to attract and distribute positive energy, and disperse negative. They are believed to have evolved from the placement of the sword, which was a weapon of defence and usually placed beside or near a main entry, point downwards. Over many centuries, the flute became the symbol of defence against evil influences, and in fact Lan Tsaiho is always portrayed with one.
PENATCLE
Pentacle: a potent protection against evil which shields the wearer and the home. The circle symbolises eternity and infinity, the cycles of life and nature.
PAGODA
Pagoda a symbol for knowledge, fame and career, the number of levels indicative of its power. To attract any of the virtues above, place the pagoda:
A) On the bedside table to assist children with their studies.
B) To enrich a career for adults, place on an office desk.
C) On a bookcase in a study to enhance learning ability. Note that the desk should be placed so that you sit facing your ‘work and study’ direction.
GREEN TARA
Green Tara: she embodies the transcendent wisdom and compassion of the enlightened mind. She can grant wishes, eliminate suffering of all kinds, and bring happiness. The colour green is said to symbolise her quick action, and also her role as a forest deity.
SWORDS
Swords are a symbol of protection and defence, and different types have varying degrees of power and positioning. Miniature swords may be used if desired.
