First, Feng Shui is about the energy flow in your home. A good Feng Shui consultant will have you set clear intentions as you clear, arrange, or enhance your areas. This is a key factor in Feng Shui. It's really about getting you aware of the effect your surroundings have on you and using intentions to change it. I think more and more practitioners are becoming aware that to really make a difference you get to address the inner world as you are changing your outer world.
In Feng Shui, there is a map called a Bagua that you place over a room or building. Although the most popular maps have nine areas, originally this was an octagon they placed over the space. The eight directions came to a unified point in the middle. To make it easier, they put the eight areas to the outside in boxes and then added a middle section that is about health and unity. I think it's based on the idea that you will be in good health when all of the areas of life are balanced.
Traditionally, the Bagua was placed with the bottom of the map over the east wall. If you have studied any Native American cultures and other old tribal cultures, you will find a similar idea. The Navajo Hogan is traditionally supposed to have its door to the east. When someone dies in the Hogan, they board up the door and cut a door in the back to remove the body through. The east is the rising sun, new life to a new day. The sun “dies” in the west. Similarly, new energy comes from the east, which is why ancient Feng Shui used the east wall.
Now, we use the wall that the energy enters your home or room; the front door or room door. It won't matter which direction you face your home. If your door is on the west, you place the bottom of the map with the door wall. The door can be in any of the three sections at the bottom of the map.
For myself, I usually take a slightly different approach. If someone needs the Bagua, we use the Bagua. If someone is more intuitive, I'll guide them to make their own. I'll ask them what area in their room represents money. When they have their own map made, they'll apply it to their house. Remember, intention is a key factor so either method will work great. The important part is that you intentionally change the energy.
One of the things that I don't agree with in Feng Shui is how they use colors and elements. The colors were chosen by a culture that has white as a color for mourning, whereas we use black. This is where I think intuition really needs to come into play. What color represents money for you? If you were to add one of the five elements wind, water, fire, earth, or metal which you would associate with money? You could then use colors or elements in that area as you feel inclined to do. The same goes for symbols. Traditionally, China has a color and symbol that means money. The question is, does it really mean the same to you? Find your own symbol that represents wealth for you.
One thing I do love about Feng Shui is the recognition that all things have a chi, which is really energy. Each item has a story to tell and for you, that story could be a blessing or a curse. This is a part of why clutter is such a problem. If an area of your home is bogged down with clutter, it will bog down your life. Stepping into a world where everything around you makes your soul sing, will create a life that makes your soul sing.
If something doesn't make your soul sing, there are choices. Let it go is just one way. Another way is to clear the energy. This is a lot of what I do with homes. I have already shared a few posts about how I do it with everyday items. Things you can do for yourself, or you can hire someone like myself to help you out.
Whether you choose to follow the Feng Shui map or not, there are many things you can do for your home with clear intentions. Ask yourself where the different areas are represented and then take time to clear them out, intentionally decorate and plan the space.
Is there too much red which is often associated with fire? You may feel like you're burning the candle at both ends. Bring in some other elements to balance out that red fire. Are you feeling stuck in your life? Check out the energy flowing in and out of your home. Does it come in through a clean entrance, inside and out? Does it have a way to flow out? So many questions and solutions are available as you look at what your room, home, or even work environment are telling you.
If you need help with what to ask or even an outside perspective or guidance, this is one of the things I offer. Of course, I'm always thrilled to clear out the “chi” as well. 😊
With love from my heart to yours,
Michele