How to Feng Shui Your Home… and Why You Would Want to [infographic]

Feng Shui infographic

 

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Feng Shui for the Home

Feng Shui is an ancient Chinese system of aesthetics which uses the laws of astrology and geography to help people achieve positive energy through the placement of items within their living environment.

Background of Feng Shui

Feng Shui has roots dating back more than 6,000 years. Translated from Chinese, it means ‘Wind, Water,’ with wind being the the transporter of energy and water accumulating it.

The original purpose of Feng Shui was to determine the best locations for tombs before later being used also for government buildings, palaces and monuments.

When China was under imperial rule from 221 B.C. until 1912, Feng Shui was a royal secret. It was a highly guarded knowledge known only to a select group of astronomers and scientists. Feng Shui masters and their families were threatened with death iff they tried to steal this guarded secret.

It was suppressed in China during the cultural revolution of the 1960s, while the Roman Catholic Church dismissed it as ‘an occult Chinese method,’ but in the present day it is practiced not only in China but throughout the Western world.

The Top 5 Elements of Feng Shui

Feng Shui is based on the colours and cycles of its five elements, each of which can atone for energy imperfections within your home. For best practice, use only one element in a particular room to maximize the flow of energy.

Fire

Associated colours: red, orange and yellow

Fire is regarded as the most powerful element and represents passion, expansion and transformation. It can be represented in the home by a candle or a red nightlight, while south-facing houses would ideally be painted in reddish colours.

Associated with: fame and recognition

Direction: South

Season: Summer

Wood

Associated colours: mostly green, some purple

Wood helps to develop creative energies such as inspiration, motivation and personal growth. It can be represented in the home by house plants, while houses facing to the east or southeast would ideally be painted green.

Associated with: prosperity and success

Direction: East / southeast

Season: Spring

Metal

Associated colours: white, silver, grey and black

Metal stimulates mental strength and intellect, making it easy to keep your mind focused and think clearly. It can be represented in the home by sculptures and furniture, while houses facing to the west or northwest would ideally be painted in grey tones.

Associated with: focus and determination

Direction: west / northwest

Season: Autumn

Water

Associated colours: blue, black

Water is directly related to the flow of money and career and helps us to either let go of what we no longer need or calmly prepare for new beginnings. It can be represented in the home by a fish tank or koi pond. North-facing houses work best with this element when painted in blue / black tones

Associated with: career opportunities

Direction: North

Season: Winter

Earth

Associated colours: brown, beige, yellow

Earth represents stability and contentment, helping us to achieve a sense of security and comfort in our lives. It can be representted in the home by stone features, thick carpets, antique pottery and old books. Houses facing northeast or southwest look their best in brown or beige colours.

Associated with: education and knowledge

Direction: Northeast / southwest

Season: late summer / early autumn

Feng Shui Tips for the Home

Bathroom

  • Keep the bathroom door closed and the toiler seat down to avoid draining energy from the home
  • Position the toilet as far from the door as possible, or partition it altogether if you have sufficient space.
  • Hang a crystal from the ceiling to attract energy away from suctions like drains or toilets.
  • Have a new set of towels in the bathroom, ideall a set to match the rug or floor area

Hallway / entrance area

  • Try to ensure that the area is open and well lit.
  • Embellishments such as an uplifting piece of artwork or a warm-coloured rug can help to enliven a plain hallway or entrance.
  • Do not leave clutter in this area, as abandoned items halt the flow of positive energy.
  • If you enter a home, you should not be immediately faced with another door or be able to see the back door.

Bedroom

  • Position your bed against a wall and diagonally opposite the door, but now with your feet pointing directly at the door.
  • If you have a desk, position it diagonally opposite the door, as this gives you a commanding view of the room and allows for clear thinking. Never do desk work from your bed.
  • If you’re an early riser, an east-facing room allows for the entry of natural light in the mornings. If you like to sleep in on your days off, you’d prefer a west-facing bedroom.
  • For bedrooms with little natural light, choose warm-coloured light bulbs that will create an ambient, relaxed mood in the room.
  • Soft curtains provide a sense of comfort that you won’t get from wooden or plastic blinds.
  • Declutter to get rid of dead energy.
  • Switch off all electric items overnight and keep them as far away from your bed as possible.

Kitchen

  • Paint the room a bright colour and allow for plenty of illumination to provide an injection of energy, as the kitchen is an active area.
  • Change the pictures and magnets on your refrigerator door every few months to keep the area fresh.
  • If there’s anything in the drawers or cupboards that hasn’t been used in six months, you don’t need it so dump it.
  • Try to position your cooker so that you have a clear view of the room when cooking or better still in a ‘cooking island’ in the centre of the kitchen.
  • Never have the TV on when you’re eating.
  • The earth element works well in kitchens – choose yellow / golden-coloured cabinets, crockery and decor.

Living Room

  • Position your sofa by the wall furthest from the door, although leave a small gap between the wall and sofa.
  • Arrange the seating furniture so that it is conducive to encouraging conversation
  • Ensure that you can enter and walk around the room without bumping into furniture.
  • If you have large windows or an unimpressive view of outside, hang curtains or blinds to keep positive energy within the room.
  • Move a treasured item to a prominent place where it will release positivity all around the room.
  • Rich colours such as red and deep blue are ideal for such a relaxed space.

Advice from Feng Shui Experts

“Avoid having too many extremes. Too much white and brightness in a space creates an overwhelming feeling in the energy, while too dark of a space creates a feeling of drowning in the energy. Aim for balance with all colours and decor.” – Mira Browler

“Start creating good Feng Shui by clearing clutter, defined as anything you don’t love, use or need. In clearing away things that don’t support you, you will be left with a space and a life that feels clearer and more open, containing only the things that nourish and sustain you.” – Ann Bingley Gallops

“Make sure to get as much fresh air and natural light in your space as possible. This single act enhances your own personal chi, making you stronger and much more likely to believe in your own power than if you feel dark, stuffy or depressed. You won’t believe the positive effect this can have on your entire life.” – Ellen Whitehurst

* The people quoted are in no way affiliated with HalfPrice.com.au

SOURCE: Halfprice.com.au

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