|
 MAKING
WAVES WITH FENG
SHUI
Feng Shui And The Holiday Season PART 1
by Dennis Fairchild
If you don’t have charity in your heart, you have the worst kind of
heart trouble in the world. Bob Hope
Do holiday gatherings drive you nuts? Do your friend and family
get-togethers beget more stress than smiles? Thanksgiving, Hanukkah,
Christmas, Kwanzaa and the Chinese New Year often drive folks crazy. The
problem may not be you, your loved ones or the same ole festive food. It
could be your house!
Feng Shui (pronouced “fung schway”) is the ancient Chinese art and
science of actively and intentionally balancing the energy in our
environment in order to create the results we want in our lives. In
other words, we take control of the invisible energies (ch’i; pronounced
“chee”) in order to produce what we want to experience in our visible
world. The philosophy of Feng Shui is based on natural principle dating
back 4-5,000 years by mystics, shamans, farmers and astrologers.
So how does one begin to fend off hassles amid the holidays? Let’s talk
turkey:
1. Banish clutter and clean up because company is a-comin’. Now’s
a terrific time to give or toss away things that you haven’t used, worn,
seen or read since last winter’s holiday season. Removing all this stuff
energizes and attracts good ch’i energy and allows it to freely dance
throughout your home, blessing all dwellers and guests. Start now and
make it a habit. Don’t wait for the New Year to make a junk-removing
resolution. Be here now.
As holiday decorations come out, some everyday items may have to be
stored to prevent a cacophony of competing objects. Only display things
you really love. Many fall into the trap of thinking that they have to
put out years worth of decorations whether they really like them or not.
When you clean away the things you do not use, love or no longer need,
you create space for something new and exciting to take its place.
Sometimes this comes in the form of opportunities, increased focus in
your life – if nothing else, you’ll gain extra “breathing space.”
2. Remember Ma Nature. Before your company starts piling in,
either burn scented candles or spritz each room with the scent of lemon,
lavender, pine or cinnamon to help relax your guests the moment they
enter your home.
Candle-wise, choose the healthiest ones, like those made from beeswax or
soy. Beeswax candles don’t suffocate a room of oxygen when burning as do
paraffin candles, nor do they create soot, but rather increase the
amount of negative ions (a good thing) in the air.
Place candles in what is called the earth directions of the southwest
(loving relationships, romance, mellowness), northeast
(self-development, personal growth, knowledge) and in the center of your
home and dining room table.
3. Let there be and not be light. Is there a dark corner in your
home? Not good, especially if it’s breeding dust-bunnies or cobwebs.
Small white twinkling lights hidden inside a large indoor plant or tree
attracts positive ch’i and makes a calming soft light which adds an
inviting feeling to an otherwise “dead” spot.
Candles emit natural Feng Shui fire (health, fortitude) energy and
supplement the relaxing effects of dim lights. Fluorescent lighting,
especially when added to the already stimulating effects of holiday
decor, creates an energy drain and should be reduced.
4. Bring nature indoors. Fresh green foliage such as spruce and
pine provides fantastic Feng Shui fragrance. The pine tree is a
traditional Chinese symbol (and smell) of longevity. Because the
east-most part of your home floor plan as well as each eastern section
of each room are governed by the wood (health, vigor) element, it is an
ideal location for garlands, wreaths and other seasonal greenery.
5. Dine at a round or oval table. The absence of sharp corners
and hard edges helps positive energy flow freely and gently through the
room. These shapes foster harmony as there is not hierarchy or rank
created by the ‘head’ of the table. Think of King Arthur and his
knights’ round table. There, everyone was equally important. By seating
your family and guests at round or oval-shaped tables, no one has to sit
at a sharp corner (called cutting ch’i – not good). If you do have a
rectangular dining table, make sure guests are not seated too close to
the corners, which can cause a Feng Shui-feeling of unease. If you have
a square or rectangular table, simply cover it with a tablecloth.
6. Mo’ food Feng Shui. Gingerbread is the modern version of
ancient Asian sweets made from honey and grain, which were offered as
sacrifices to the goddesses and gods at the end of the calendar year.
These cakes were also buried with the dead to ensure the passage of
their souls into the other world. In Feng Shui astrology, ginger is
governed by the planet Mars (great for Aries the Ram-born) and the
element Fire (corresponding to Aries, Leo and the Archer; spirit,
action). Partaking in gingerbread or gingersnap cookies is said to make
munchers healthier and more economically astute.
Pumpkin as in pie or what you carved and placed on your front porch last
month, is governed by the magical moon and the Feng Shui-element of
earth. In addition to being delicious and nutritious (remember to dry,
roast and eat the seeds) it is also said to be a money-attractor and
protector against debt. Ditto for squash, the pumpkin’s sibling. Sweet
zucchini squash bread is said to increase awareness of the non-physical
reality around us. It is a fine spirituality-inducing food and is ruled
by the sun and the fire element.
Those yummy orange tubers called sweet potatoes (like, yams), especially
when flavored and cooked with cinnamon, ginger or nutmeg and a dash of
honey is said to expand your ability to receive as well as give love.
They are governed by the element of water; its planet is Venus. Woo-hoo!
Like pumpkin, soy products like tamari/shoyu and tofu are governed by
the moody moon and is the element earth. Add soy to your foods to
protect against un-good vibes or psychic attacks and increase your
intuition to boot. Ditto with esp-protection from brussels sprouts and
broccoli, each governed by water and the moon. Cancer, Scorp and Pisces
take note.
Fruity delights like the fig (governed by fire and planet Jupiter),
mangoes (Mars-fire), blackberries (water-Venus) and the apple
(water-Venus) are said to bestow more physical strength, increase sexual
desire, fertility and promote love.
As you enjoy the sights, smells and sounds of the coming holiday season,
make a point to notice any specific changes you can capture and
re-create throughout the year thanks to the eco- and esoteric energy of
Feng Shui.
Next month: the Feng Shui meanings of holiday foods and decor.
The power of one’s virtue should not be measured by special efforts, but
by ordinary doing.
– Pascal
Dennis Fairchild is a Royal Oak psychic-astrologer and Feng Shui
specialist. For information about a private star-tarot-Feng Shui
consult, call (248) 546-6912.If you have a Feng Shui question for
consideration in an upcoming column, e-mail DenFairchild@aol.com |
