|
 MAKING
WAVES WITH FENG
SHUI
Bells, Boo-Boo's And Buddhas
by Dennis Fairchild
The ancient philosophy
called Feng Shui (pronounced “fung schway”) believes that everything
surrounding us, impacts us – color, decor and more – and embraces
astrology, folklore and un-common sense in helping to design one’s home
and workplace. Let’s search through this month’s metaphysical mailbag.
Dear
Dennis,
I
recently developed a passion for statues of Buddha. There’s many types
sitting on the floor and bookshelves – some figures are laughing, with
kids, others are real fat and some are slim. My question is about the
proper placement for good vibes.
Harriet; Rochester MI; internet
Hara Harriet,
One general rule is never
place a Buddha on the ground; keep it at knee-height or higher and,
preferably, atop a piece of clean cloth (usually scarlet or royal blue).
Yep, there are many varieties of the Big Guy. The “Smiling Buddha” (or
Laughing) is highly regarded in wind and water lore. In most situations,
it’s best to position him on a high shelf (at least 3-5 feet from the
floor) so that he is angled to face your front or main door of home or
business.
When placed in the eastern
part of the living or main gathering room, it’s said that Buddha will
bring improved health, especially in the throat, mouth and shoulder
area. In the west, luck is bestowed to family members who have moved
away. In the Southern sector of a main room, he helps one gain
self-esteem and stick to their diet better (even though he’s a chubby
character).
Buddha statues are best
used at main gathering entrances or dining rooms rather than bedrooms.
Try to obtain a chubby one that features a gourd by his feet or a bag
around his shoulder to insure good luck (the bag/gourd will attract and
contain your troubles and worries). Golden-toned statues are better than
red resin types, by the way. – And, be sure to stroke his belly. Buddha
loves that!
Dear
Dennis,
I love
Feng Shui and my husband. However, he collects swords and knives and
other assorted hunting paraphernalia. I don’t like it. Any Feng Shui
comments?
Holly;
Ferndale, MI
Good golly, Holly,
Displaying knives and
swords is a no-no (especially in a bedroom). Ditto with scissors: keep
them hidden and pointing away from entrance of home. If you must hang
them on a wall, it’s best to keep them in their scabbard cover and point
downwards, never upwards.
Of course, kitchen knives
are different, but should also be hidden from sight in order to prevent
arguments and disagreements amongst dwellers. It’s not a good idea to
hang swords/pointy objects over a doorway as it’s said to “cut” short
one’s life or adversely affect health. Be clever and creative if you
have these objects and want to make a positive Feng Shui point.
Dear
Dennis,
My
friend bought me two bagua mirrors from a store because I have some very
loud next door neighbors who stay up all night. One mirror-gift is
convex and the other is flat. Should one be situated in a different spot
than the other?
Gary
R; West Bloomfield, MI
Dear GR,
What are called bagua
mirrors (see
www.fengshuiemporium.com) are most frequently used to hang above a
main door entrance facing the street, especially if neighbors are loud
or buildings are taller than yours. Those which feature flat mirrors are
not as powerful, shiny door knockers included.
A convex mirror-feature
(like a beer-belly “pushing out”) are said to keep away negative energy
from entering one’s home or apartment. And, indeed, they can be just as
powerful when placed in a window facing the offensive energy.
Unfortunately, I don’t think it’ll make the sound of the heavy metal
music diminish. But it may curb its length of play; so, give it a try.
Dear
Dennis,
I’ve
been reading your phenomeNEWS column and understand that “music” and
tinkling sounds from bells present positive, auspicious vibes. Recently,
a Malaysian couple moved next door. As a house-warming gift, I gave them
a nice bronze bell. She was very uncomfortable by my gesture. Did I make
an insulting Feng Shui boo-boo?
Kelli;
Farmington MI; internet
Cool Kel,
Remember the classic song,
The Bells Are Ringing For Me and My Gal? Church bells toning from high
steeples? Bells are ring-a-ding divine in many contemporary Feng Shui
circles. However, not as a welcome gift to many Asians. The word bell (joong)
is also a Malaysian homonym for “end” or “conclusion.” The ringing of
temple bells at funerals in China, much like the Western custom of
ringing a town’s bells for a funeral, is not a happy thing. Thus,
methinks, her apprehension.
Bells are especially Feng
Shui-fine when chosen by the home-owner (only) and hung on the outside
door or doorknobs of the entrance of a house or business. Choose bells
that are new; brass, patina and silver-colored bells are best but must
be appealing to y-o-u. Therefore, gifting another with a bell doesn’t
ring well. (This also applies to metal windchimes; always choose them
yourself.)
Antique or
previously-owned bells that have been used in temples or churches are
not advised to be brought into your house as they have “absorbed” the
energies of the populace who have come to the temples to seek absolution
of their transgressions. Therefore, their “sins” remain in the metal.
Your Malaysian new neighbors may view your generosity as akin to giving
them a pair of scissors or a knife – both Feng Shui no-no gifts as they
symbolize endings rather than beginnings.
Pleasant high-pitched
tinkling bells activate the yang – positive, Heavenly, vigorous energy –
of a home or business. Again, especially when placed at “mouth of ch’i,”
which is main entrance. Traditionally, a series of one-to-three bells in
or decorated with a red string or ribbon is best and a great gift
(again, assuring that bells are virginal). These can be placed on the
inside and side of main entry; ideally, they should be hung outside a
business. Regardless, bells are best located/hung in the what-is-called
metal areas of the home – the west, northwest or across from main
entrance – and never in the east or southeast (both Wood areas; as metal
axes “chops” wood).
Dear
Dennis,
What
color candles would help me gain fame and fortune?
George; Allen Park, MI
Dear George,
In addition to talent and
sweat and auditions, Feng Shui suggests placing red, blue or
purple-toned candles in the South to stimulate celebrity and reputation;
refrain burning candles in the (what-is-called metal sector of the) west
or northwest area of your largest room.
Dennis Fairchild is a
Royal Oak-based author and tarot card-astrological consultant. For
information about his intuitive or Feng Shui sessions, please call (248)
546-6912 or e-mail
DenFairchild@aol.com. If you have a Feng Shui-question for a future
column. Dennis will be doing a presentation at the upcoming
Body•Mind•Spirit Festival at the end of the month. |
