Creating Health, Harmony, and Prosperity in Your Life

Are you or is someone you know:

• Experiencing a downward shift in health?

 • Searching for greater prosperity?

 • Looking to sell or purchase property?

 • Having difficulty attracting romance?

 • Seeing productivity or creative levels decreasing?

 • Experiencing more arguments and stress?

 • Planning to decorate, re-model or new construction?

 • Noticing more delays in projects or collections?

Classical Feng Shui, the ancient 5000-year-old Chinese art of placement, can promote good health, improve relationships and enhance prosperity. It works with the physical aspects as well as invisible energies in relation to direction, time and space. Just correctly positioning appropriate colors and elements around your home and office helps you receive optimum benefits while fitting into any style and décor.

Classical Feng Shui is the traditional, time-honored Chinese discipline, developed and refined over 5,000 years of studying the environment in which we live. Unlike Western versions of Feng Shui, which use mirrors, flutes and crystals as remedies, Classical Feng Shui works with the subtle energies of time and space, using a special compass and the Five Elements in nature.

The sages of ancient China were so tuned-in to these subtle currents within the environment that they were able to develop a system which continually created tremendous improvements in their lives. Using this system, they actually determined how to schedule crops for best yield, as well as how the energy within and around a structure, such as their homes, would affect those living and working inside. 

Practitioners of the popularly-known Western Feng Shui are known for the use of a basic Bagua grid where characteristics are pre-determined and placed in a set fixed position according to the location of the front door only, which, for example, determines that the prosperity corner is always in the far back left hand corner of a building.

The Bagua is a nine-square grid representing the basic 8 directions, plus center. While most Feng Shui books and practitioners stop right here, a Classical Feng Shui consultant knows this is just the beginning!

In Classical Feng Shui the Bagua grid is used to define one of 216 possible different energy patterns, mathematically determined in part with the use of a traditional Feng Shui compass called a LoPan. The precise energy is determined by one of not four but 24 compass directions, plus factoring in the astrology of a building by the year the roof was put on.

Numbers within the Classical Feng Shui Bagua represent subtle characteristics of Chi, or Life-Force Energy. Once analyzed, the Five Elements of water, wood, fire, earth and metal are used as remedies to harmonize the space.

In addition to the environment and the directions, referred to as the space, there is also the effect a space has in time. The Chinese discovered that the quality of time changes every 180 years, every 20 years, every year, every month, day and every hour. One aspect of time presents the potential of being “locked out” of prosperity or good health for a 20 year period, meaning it becomes nearly impossible to make positive strides without knowing the proper cure. This shows how our environments can really shape events in our lives. In fact the Chinese believe that Feng Shui has more affect over us than our own hard work or karma, ranking third only to our destiny (determined at the moment of our birth), and luck.

This time - space factor creates a complex formula that mathematically specifies identifiable characteristics of any given space. Classical Feng provides the kind of analysis used to build empires.

So how do you create balance once you have that information? Many believe that it’s with crystals, mirrors and little Chinese trinkets that just don’t fit into our American decorating style. While studying Classical Feng Shui in China, I discovered that these items are really just folklore remedies. The ancient Feng Shui Masters simply used the five elements of water, wood, fire, earth, and metal to balance each environment individually, just as an acupuncturist would balance the human body. Correctly placing these elements within and around a structure harmonizes the environment so that life simply runs more smoothly.

Once a space has been balanced, be it a home, business, or land, usually all that is needed to maintain the balance is an annual "tune-up". However, many clients call whenever there are changes in their lives, remodeling, new employees, money or relationship issues, disharmony of any kind, and Classical Feng Shui comes to the rescue.

One client said, "Ronda has come in and basically switched everything in both companies from bad to good, from not flowing energy to what a wonderful place for us to work. It helps most with people getting along with each other, with negative energy in the office that is attached to computers and so much electrical equipment, and with our clients who don’t pay on time. When we bring Ronda in she balances the energy, making things a lot easier and a lot more positive in the environment."

It is very empowering to uncover the hidden potential of your environment and receive the optimal benefits it has to offer. Sometimes it means clearing the clutter, or adding a color or element, and yet other times an Energetic Space Clearing is required. Whatever the issue, once the space is brought into balance the occupant comes into greater harmony.

Once balanced, the environment is like a breath of fresh air. You can then breathe. Breathe into the space, into your life and breathe the connectedness to all living things. Once harmonized, the environment will feed the occupants the vital life force energy needed to keep them grounded, on purpose, and in vibrant wellness. Aligned with Feng Shui you can have inner harmony. JUST BREATHE.

Happy Chinese New Year of the Rabbit

Happy Chinese New Year of the Rabbit. In Feng Shui, the 2011 New Year doesn’t actually begin until February 4 at 12:32 pm. This is the exact time between the winter solstices and spring equinox using the Chinese solar calendar.

There are actually two different Chinese calendars; the lunar (yin) calendar and the solar (yang) calendar. The lunar calendar is the best known and most popular of the two: It's the one that is frequently celebrated with lots of pageantry. This year the lunar celebration is on February 3rd, very close to the solar New Year.

The lesser known solar calendar was developed by meteorologists to gain insight into the cycles of seasons. It is used in the form of Chinese astrology known as Four Pillars as well as for Feng Shui. The solar year is divided into 24 solar terms, each lasting about 15 days. The concepts are derived from the Yi-Jing, the Chinese Book of Change.

When considering Feng Shui the thing to remember is that if you were born on February 4th or 5th then you need to look at the Chinese Ten-Thousand Year Calendar to accurately determine the birth animal you are associated with.  If born before that time you belong to the animal of the previous year, if after then the current sign.

Each year ushers in a new animal, which is used to characterize the type of energy that influences your life. The Chinese call this “the animal that hides in your heart.” The cycle of 12 animals (or earth branches) repeat five times to make up a sixty year cycle. Each time it comes in the animal will also be characterized by a different one of the five elements: metal, water, wood, fire and earth. 2011 is a year to birth metal Rabbits like those born in 1951. The animal influences not only the year, but the month, day, hour and minute.

Now, don’t confuse your branch association with your element according to the East/West School of Feng Shui system.  Here you are associated with one of eight elements, subtle chi characteristics, which add another layer to your magnetic preferences.  As you can see Chinese Astrology and Feng Shui influences are quite complex; but lets get back to the year of the Rabbit.

According to Master Sang of the American Feng Shui Institute “If you were born year of the rabbit, then in 2011 you will have abundant opportunities; in career it is best to cultivate flexibility.  Although the Rabbit may prefer security and stability to uncertainty and change, this year you need to embrace the unknown to achieve your potential.  You can achieve success if you venture abroad, whether for studies or emigration.  Career and money prospects are at their best during the summer and autumn….”

When you order a Feng Shui Report or annual "Tune-up", you will be given insights into the particular influences affecting your coming year, month by month.  If you haven’t ordered your "Tune-up" this is the time to act.  If you haven’t had a consultation for your home and/or office yet, this is also the perfect time to set yourself up for a truly Happy Healthy New Year! 

A house that supports a healthful well-being.

The results of an introductory quiz given to the students who attended my Feng Shui class last month opened my eyes to what Midwesterners know about the Ancient Art of Placement. One question asked: "Which sort of house promotes a more healthful well-being?" A house made of bricks, a house built on a level lot, or a house built on a hilltop. How would YOU answer this question?

You might be interested to know that 70% chose "A house built on a hilltop". Perhaps those living in the flat lands find the view from a hilltop novel and appealing. Perhaps they are thinking in terms of a fortress. It does sound like a good idea, like a child's game "King of the mountain".

Over 5000 years ago, one king in China known as the Yellow Emperor, had the foresight to study the effects nature has upon us. His sage-scientists would record the effects over time in the fields, observe the astrology in the heavens and even how people were affected living in a particular house. They kept meticulous records over generations of time. This science of the effects of nature is called Feng Shui.

The oldest study of Feng Shui developed "Form School". By observing chi (life force energy), a better understanding of the effects physical space has on us was gained. The ideal position is to have support behind you, vast space in front of you and protection on either side. Originally Feng Shui was used to orient graves, as it was believed this would support future generations.

This theory also applies within a house, as when you are at your desk. So many today because of space restrictions and desk design put the desk up against the wall. This position leaves no space for beneficial life force energy to collect, gather and nurture you. It's much better to have your back to the wall giving you a sence of security and a vista in front of you opening you up to new possibilities.

Living on top of a mountain gains you a vista but it also positions you to lose much of the beneficial life force down the hill. My home in Carmel Valley, CA was like that, having lovely views of soft-topped mountains. Although I wasn't on top of a mountain I did have a drop off in the back yard just 20 feet from the house. Over the course of 22 years living in that house prosperity and relationship issues ensued. I did as much as I could to keep the chi or life force energy from flowing away. Built fences, gates and archways. Poured cement pads, put in ponds, planted lavender bushes and fruit trees. As remedies went in life improved but nothing seemed to completely remedy the drain. The forces of nature are strong. It's hard to argue with Mother Nature or "Form School" Feng Shui. The correct answer is "A house built on a level lot".

There are many contradictions found in the variety of Feng Shui styles used out there and many other considerations to take into account when positioning a house or designing a room. That is why it is best to seek the advice of a highly trained professional Classical Feng Shui Consultant whenever possible.

Thank you for your interest in Feng Shui! Please feel free to share this blog with others, as long as it is unaltered.

How may I be of service to you?

Best direction to sleep!

It has been fun and exciting to teach Classical Feng Shui in the Midwest this month. The results of an introductory quiz I gave to the students to find out what they already knew about this Ancient Art of Placement, was very interesting.

Half of the students already realized that having their head facing north is not necessarily the best direction for them to sleep, but then didn't know which direction was. During the class I explained to everyone how to calculate which of eight directions is best for each of them, in order to enjoy the most rejuvenating sleep. Then, I had the class do the calculation.

One student emailed "Thank you for a really nice presentation. I did switch my bed to head pointing north yesterday and enjoyed a restful sleep (waking up well before my alarm)." Frank discovered that north is the best direction for him since he is associated with the water element, number one.

Of course there are a lot of considerationa when positioning a bed. For example having ones feet heading out the door is considered bad luck in China since this is the direction they carry out their dead.

Many discovered that their best sleeping direction would put them at an uncomfortable angle in their room. But did you know that it is also not particularly good to have a bed across a corner if the space behind the bed is open? This promotes excess chi circulation, which would disrupt restful sleep.

If your room is large enough to handle this arrangement, Feng Shui would recommend blocking off this open space. A curtain could be hung floor to ceiling behind the headboard to prevent the negative influence. Others might choose to just sleep at an angle across the bed for their best nights sleep.

Another confusion might be if two people in the same bed were suppose to sleep different directions. The usual rule of thumb is that the main breadwinner of the family has priority. I like to choose a direction that will accommodate both whenever possible.

There are many contradictions found in the variety of Feng Shui styles used out there and many other considerations to take into account when designing a room. That is why it is best to seek the advice of a highly trained professional Classical Feng Shui Consultant when ever possible.

Thank you for your interest in Feng Shui! Please feel free to share this blog with others, as long as it is unaltered.

How may I be of service to you?

What is Feng Shui anyway?

     Some of you may be pondering this question.  Yet I bet most of you have heard Feng Shui referenced on TV, talked about in advertising and are aware that it is practiced by top international companies such as Trump, Walt Disney and Sony.  Feng Shui is often overlooked in this country as folklore and hocus-pocus when in fact the ruling Chinese have hidden this valuable secret from the lower class and the rest of the world for nearly 6000 years.  
     Feng Shui is actually a "Natural Science" that has been growing in popularity in the US since the early 1980's.  Literally it means "Wind and Water"; it has to do with how subtle energies affect us.  Feng Shui is the study of "how Qi (chi) travels on the wind but stops at the waters edge".  It is a system based on keen observation of the heavens (astrology or time) and the earth (interior and exterior spaces) forces and how the energy of each interacts.  Using Feng Shui principles one balances these forces to achieve better health, wealth and relationships.  The correct balance of all the elements opens the pathway to success.
     In a practical sense Feng Shui is a way to design the home from the inside out.  It provides solid reasoning when choosing a color family for particular areas of the house, a bed direction and the position when building a house.  It also determines what elements are needed to balance a space: such as a metal sculpture, plant or water feature.
      If you are still confused about what Feng Shui is and how it might be beneficial for you today, then I hope to inspire you to delve a little deeper.  I invite you to come back to this sight to see how you can make life more fulfilling, harmonious and stress-free.  I hope to support your search with helpful hints for creating harmonic spaces, space that allows the soul to speak to you, places where you get out of your own way so that the natural order of the universe supports you, to help you find the peace-filled and successful life that you seek, a happy healthy home.