Author Archives: bette

Tis’ The Season To Get Engaged!

Posted on by

“Every once in a while in the middle of an ordinary life, love gives us a fairytale.
– Author unknown

Tis’ the season to get engaged! 40 percent of engagements occur between Thanksgiving and Valentine’s Day with Christmas Day the most popular so when my client, Loretta Rossini, Wedding Officiant, asked me to share good luck wedding customs.

Start with luck. A 1500 year old symbol must have some good juju, right? The Chinese created a symbol for marriage that is as potent today as when the first two lovers used it on their wedding day. The character for happiness is set side by side. The bottom part looks like the number “8”. In the Chinese language the number eight attracts prosperity. It’s been a long standing custom to give double happiness red envelopes with money inside to the wedding couple.

Pick your flowers. Whether a Bridal bouquet or one flower, selecting the heavenly, fragrant peony as your wedding flower is auspicious. The flower is believed to be of divine descent, no wonder it represents wealth, rank and honor. If you use vases with a neck for your centerpiece, it expresses the wish for prosperity and peace because the vase symbolizes peace.

Wear a touch of red. Red is like “a red sun rising from the East.” When it first emerges over the horizon, it is red hot. Wearing a touch of red on your wedding day (it can be hidden) is a good fortune adjustment and attracts auspiciousness. It’s the traditional color for Chinese brides.

Let the stars decide. When Heaven and Earth line up it leads to a successful marriage so start out on the right foot by selecting a lucky date for your wedding. I can help.

Choose happiness. Keep the luck coming. Whether it is a grand reception or intimate dinner for two, pick eight dishes (not including dessert) for the word eight not only sounds like prosperity but “good luck” too.

Keep your love fertile. Have plans to bring a little one into the world? A formal tea ceremony is served by the bride and groom during the wedding festivities. The reason being is the words, “lotus”, “year”, “seed”, “child”, “date” and “early” sound alike but have different meanings. Dropping lotus seeds and two dates into the tea will help the newlyweds to have a baby early and every year. The sweetness of the special tea is also a wish for sweet relations between the bride and her new family.

————————

After you’ve said your vows, kissed the bride or groom and shared sweet pleasure on your honeymoon, do something extra for your love. Create a radiant space for your hearts to grow together.

Have you decided this will be your year? “Boldness has genius”…start with one hour of Feng Shui A La Carte. Think of it as a fairy godmother for your house.

What I have discovered about our homes is that creating a heart healthy space leads to peace and contentment. The bedroom is where it begins. Start with my complimentary pdf: 27 Bedroom Concepts To Maximize Your Health, Happiness and Peace of Mind. Design your space to your best advantage. Subscribe to my blog and special offers. You’ll receive this valuable Feng Shui Guide as a thank you gift.

Highly Sensitive? Keep Your Holiday Sparkle With Feng Shui

Posted on by

“Being highly sensitive is a gift that fosters peace. Help create a kinder, gentler world by embracing it.”
– Amy Leigh Mercree

Some holiday stress is expected but if you are particularly sensitive to family gatherings you may be a highly sensitive person. Licensed social worker, Melody Wilding, defines a highly sensitive person as acutely aware of their environment. They notice details and are conscientious to a fault. They agonize over their decisions because they are concerned how it will impact those in their sphere. They have a clear intention to create harmony, yet often it comes at their expense.

Don’t get swept under the table by family stress. Well before guests arrive, please peruse this check list (below) and see if the Feng Shui in your home could be, in part, contributing to your angst. I’ve included adjustments too! Smoothing the Ch’i in our homes helps us hold strong to who we are and enjoy family, friends and festivities with all the trimmings.

A home that is too close to the street (not in balance between the front and the back yards) may create difficulties in all areas of your life, including family. One of the cures for this placement is to hang a wind chime or place a mirror, on the front of the house to deflect the ch’i.

When the corner of a house points at the house next door and if both point at each other, the families may constantly bicker. This can escalate into hostility and possibly a lawsuit. One effective cure is to install a spinning element between the two houses.

A path has an important relationship to the house. If less than the width of the front door, those who live in the house will have difficulty expanding their mind and heart. If there are opportunities they won’t be able to take advantage of them due to feeling inhibited and closed off.

Feng Shui problems in the bedroom will affect the feelings, actions, and speech of the entire family. A round mirror in the bedroom can help eliminate tension and rough talk.

Lack of command position in the bedroom and at the desk and stove affects self image. Someone can feel less than. If that is the case place a plant in the bedroom where the leaves reach upward. This will lift the person out of their circumstances.

If family members are headed in different directions, check the center of the house. Does it appear empty or is there too much going on? A strong center can stabilize a family, holding everyone together. Hang a crystal ball or wind chime in the center of the house.

Doors represent a mouth and an adult’s voice. All doors need to work suitably for our voice is what speaks of our longings and passion. “Arguing Doors” bump up against one another when they open. The bumping creates contention. When they are at the front door conflict may spread throughout the house. Re-hang the door or doors so they do not touch. Or Perform the Arguing Door Cure (red envelopes requested).

“Biting Doors” are misaligned doors. When they are misaligned by one half, may cause verbal and physical fighting. A family member may leave and not come home. Hang a crystal ball between the doors to lift the Ch’i and the hearts of the family.

An “Empty Door” is a door without an actual door. This strongly suggests lack of communication. If an empty door is in the Family gua, there may few loving words or meaningful conversations. Install a door or paint the trim with color.

Many doors in a small space can be “noisy” because all the doors are talking at once. Listening may be difficult at best. Hang a crystal ball or a light fixture with crystals on it in the center to quiet the voices. It will help harmonize the guests at the holidays.

“Piercing Heart Doors” are three or more doors through which you could walk in a straight line. This design is like an invisible obstacle through the house which creates separation between parents, parents and children and between siblings. Over time communication breaks down as each family member is focused on their own desire and achievements. A different color in each room along the path works well to dissolve the obstacle.

A highly sensitive person may be prone to stomach ailments. When a door is at the end of a long hallway there can be digestive upset and distress. A simple comment from family or a friend may having the HSP recoil and demonstrate behavior that is out of proportion to the situation. Place a mirror on the outside of the door.

A dining room too close to the front door may send friends and family out the door. The colors pink, green and blue stimulate the appetite and may invite guests to stay longer for dinner parties. Or hang a crystal ball between the front door and the dining room.

Interested in more design suggestions for the holidays? Savor Thanksgiving Dinner With Six Feng Shui Trimmings. How to mix tinsel and soul and magic: 10 Feng Shui Decorating Ideas That Can Stay Up After The Holidays.

Have you decided this will be your year? “Boldness has genius”…start with one hour of Feng Shui A La Carte. Think of it as a fairy godmother for your house.

What I have discovered about our homes is that creating a heart healthy space leads to peace and contentment. The bedroom is where it begins. Start with my complimentary pdf: 27 Bedroom Concepts To Maximize Your Health, Happiness and Peace of Mind. Design your space to your best advantage. Subscribe to my blog and special offers. You’ll receive this valuable Feng Shui Guide as a thank you gift.

Feng Shui Tips That Keep Your Head Above Water

Posted on by

“Never bend your head. Always hold it up high. Look the world straight in the eye.”
– Helen Keller

October 20 new moon, curious, passionate, humanitarian Pig stepped onto the horizon. Amazingly patient and strong willed, they root through challenges without fear. When they put their mind onto a troublesome situation they stay with it until resolved. A shui (water) animal their keen resilience and survival instincts help them persevere in difficult situations.

Natural disasters have overwhelmed our trust in the future but we have a champion to lead us into new territory. A super curious zodiac sign, develop your super power of curiosity, in particular, the pursuit of new knowledge (a favorite Pig pastime). Look around. Look under the rocks. Creative people are making positive change with inventions that are of service to humanity. Compassion and commitment are calling upon us to make a difference. Will you accept the challenge? Enjoy the month!

Chinese winter will begin November 7. Nourish your Ch’i until February 16, 2018 (Chinese Lunar New Year of the Dog) with Feng Shui tips that keep your head above water.

Stay hydrated. Eat dark foods like black beans, black sesame seeds and black walnuts. Include foods from water like fish, shellfish, seaweed and kelp. Eat soup or drink broth. The Kidney is your natal battery and the root that fulfills your deepest needs: survival and reproduction. When Kidney Ch’i is strong, you are clear and able to articulate your thoughts and feelings. Life’s transitions are more easily processed.

Address stress in your life. Kidney Ch’i becomes easily depleted by stress. Practice any one of the following: Tai Ch’i, Qigong, yoga and meditation. Making time for water activities like a quiet bath will benefit your Kidney Ch’i and restore your equilibrium.

Confront life situations where you are fearful. Fear is the lower emotion of Water/Kidney Ch’i. Journal daily. Examine where you feel you need to be right. Make a commitment to live consciously and in the present moment.

Balance rest with work and daily activities will boost your vitality. Adequate sleep nourishes your Kidney Ch’i. Arrange the Feng Shui in your bedroom to help your body let down and rejuvenate. Place your bed in command position to the bedroom door. Remove unnecessary electrical equipment to eliminate electromagnetic energy. Choose bed linen colors that are health sustaining like green and soft blue.

Add nine plants to your front entry. Plants are life force and vivify your Ch’i. In Feng Shui, the front door, the mouth of Ch’i, represents your career, reputation, Helpful People and health. 

Chinese winter “Li Dong” begins November 7. Celebrate with dumplings and if you eat meat, prepare a dish of chicken, duck or fish. As you make ready for the cold months that lie ahead, this astrology guide can help you in your decisions and actions. Rat: you will worry as much as you are joyful. Be mindful of being overly proud and refrain from being arrogant in the happy occasions in your life. Don’t be greedy. Stay clear of gossip and dispute. Ox: this is a mutual offensive month. All your endeavors will be one step short of success. Examine your motives if you are being competitive or overly calculating. Stay away from gossip. Focus on relaxing your mind and you will be free, free to attract what you desire. Tiger: this is an auspicious month of three harmony. The stars are favoring your every move. Be humble and amicable, know your place and be content. By keeping your restraint in check and exerting caution, you will attract luck, peace and auspiciousness in all areas of your life. Rabbit: this is a six harmony month, you have lots of lucky stars guiding you. Helpful People will be at your side. You will have good timing and opportunities. Peach Blossom Luck is favored with the opposite sex, be mindful it does not turn into Peach Blossom Menace. Dragon: this is a “direct conflict” month and luck is scarce. Look around, stay aware, be cautious and mindful in your transactions.  Watch out for scoundrels. Stay away from gossip and rumors so as not to be blamed for something you did not do. Snake: there is an undercurrent flowing beneath the smooth surface. Accept negative circumstances with grace. Don’t blame yourself for circumstances. If you are suspicious of others it will be counterproductive. Avoid quarrels with your beloved this creates a vacuum for a third party. Horse: there may be unfortunate circumstances embedded in good fortune but don’t lose heart. Take care of your personal relationships. You will feel more supported. Don’t over think as it will cause worries about gains and losses. Ram: your plans are not going you planned. In your personal relationships try not to read too much into the behavior of the other. Relax and go with the flow. Watch for disasters. Host a celebration to ward off inauspicious events. Monkey: exercise caution with your money and finances. If you are seeking new friendship, be selective. Be patient when you face adverse situations. Rooster: the luck of the month is “mutually offensive”. Events in your life do not go smoothly. You may end up taking the blame, avoid that attitude. There is interpersonal disharmony among those you work with and your family. When you have confrontations, chant The Heart Calming Mantra. Dog: prosperity will be high this month where money is coming from common and uncommon sources. Try to hold on to it, you need not spend it because you have it. Don’t start gossip and don’t get involved with it. Pig: your luck is not favored this month. You will find not all of your plans will go as you expected. With your partner you may find your relationship has stalled. Be patient. This month don’t get trapped by details and lose sight of the big picture. If you request a cure from this forecast, I will ask you to honor the red envelope tradition. Have a great month, Zodiac friends! 

Thank you to Khadro Crystal Chu, Black Sect Esoteric Buddhist Feng Shui for your unfailing command of Feng Shui and Chinese metaphysics.

Have you decided this will be your year? “Boldness has genius”. Start with one hour of Feng Shui A La Carte. Think of it as a fairy godmother for your house.

What I have discovered about our homes is that creating a heart healthy space leads to peace and contentment. The bedroom is where it begins. Start with my complimentary pdf: 27 Bedroom Concepts To Maximize Your Health, Happiness and Peace of Mind. Design your space to your best advantage. Subscribe to my blog and special offers. You’ll receive this valuable Feng Shui Guide as a thank you gift.

Men Like Feng Shui Too!

Posted on by

“It’s not just a girl thing, men like Feng Shui too!”
– Bette Steflik

Delivering this opening remark at a networking event brought a chuckle to the room. There is a myth that Feng Shui is a girl thing yet in my 18 years of consulting nearly as many men as women have hired me for a consultation. They are equally savvy when it comes to improving their real estate. Here’s the rest of the story, I hope you like it too.

Gary’s home could have been set into the fairytale ‘the house that Jack built’. The building looked like it was constructed on a whim, rather like a design with Alice in mind after emerging from the rabbit hole. Though it had adorable idiosyncrasies that worked for my client, Gary was wise to get Feng Shui advice to tame its wild parts.

Not long after we began, his wife joined us. She politely listened while he asked questions, learned Feng Shui lingo and took notes. When we finished she gave him a big appreciative kiss. She said it was the best birthday gift ever! I give him credit for summoning the courage to forge into unfamiliar territory and find out how those pesky details were causing his marriage trouble.

Since that day I’ve met many Garys who want to nurture their relationship. I have selected eight not-so-common Feng Shui design features that I have seen cause a partnership to grow apart. Correcting invisible elements in the home that cause conflict frees partners to experience unlimited potential with each other. 

A tall building or tall house may handicap the Ch’i of a smaller house adjacent to it. The personal development of the residents may be suppressed. Partners particularly may find their issues never are not resolved due to an absence of compassion and wisdom.
Correction: one adjustment is to install a convex mirror on the side of the house facing the taller building. It turns the taller building’s image upside down, divesting it of its power.

A lot with uneven sides may bring good luck and fortune to only one partner. When you stand on the lot and look out to the street, the right side is the female side and the left is the male side. If the female side is shorter, all the females in the family may be skimmed of their fair share and vice versa. If it’s the male side, the males may suffer setbacks. An imbalance like this can ravage a relationship. A wife may develop a more successful career and her husband may feel threatened. A wife may fall into despair as her husband becomes more successful and busy and is constantly away from home.
Correction: one adjustment is to install a light in the short corner which shines to the highest point of the house.

A house missing the Partnership gua. Correction: one adjustment is to paint the color of the gua on the wall adjacent to the missing piece. This can push the wall out to give back the missing piece.

If you or your partner work most of the time. Check to see if the home office is in Partnership. If you spend long hours working, it can destroy your relationship.
Correction: one adjustment is to place a picture of the partner who does not work excessively into the partner’s office in the Partnership gua. They may then be reminded how much they love their partner and they may want to spend time with their partner. Also hang a mirror to pull the office into another position in the house.

An Empty door is a door enclosure without an actual door. The door is symbolic of the voice of the adult, an Empty door can mean a lack of communication. In Partnership, partners may not be able to share their feelings of love, regard, displeasure, doubt, eagerness and need. Good communication is often is the top attribute to a successful partnership.
Correction: one adjustment is to hang a door, if not possible hang a wind chime or crystal from the ceiling at the entry of the Empty door.

A Master Bedroom on a slanted wall suggests unexpected events for the occupants. Partners may experience an unexpected tragedy which may dissolve their relationship.
Correction: one adjustment is to hang a crystal ball on the inside of the door.

A bed on the edge of a “cleaver shaped room” suggests partners may speak with cutting and sharp words.
Correction: one adjustment is to install a mirror on the appropriate wall to “complete” the shape; the “cleaver” becomes a rectangle.

A bed in command to the bedroom door (or make the adjustment), you and your partner will face the world from a place of stability and power.

Have you decided this will be your year? “Boldness has genius”… start with one hour of Feng Shui A La Carte. Think of it as a fairy godmother for your house.

What I have discovered about our homes is that creating a heart healthy space leads to peace and contentment. The bedroom is where it begins. Start with my complimentary pdf: 27 Bedroom Concepts To Maximize Your Health, Happiness and Peace of Mind. Design your space to your best advantage. Subscribe to my blog and special offers. You’ll receive this valuable Feng Shui Guide as a thank you gift.

September 20 New Moon. Wag More.

Posted on by

“Those who teach the most about humanity, aren’t always humans.”
– Donald L. Hicks

September 20 new moon, the Chinese Zodiac Dog chased the stars to be the star on the horizon. Warm-hearted and genuine, Chinese Canines are smart, frank and courageous. One of their finest qualities–loyalty–defines their excellence at completing a job and perfectly. It is their magic too! Caretakers of secrets, they are trust-worthy avatars and astute problem solvers. Fall, the Metal season, is a time of refinement, closure and finishing. When you adopt Dog’s super powers of play and magic, let these help you balance hard work with wonder, awe with steadfastness and you’ll cultivate a healthy curiosity to chase your dream even in difficult times.

Prepare for the shorter days . Practice conserving your energy for when the temperature drops. Discover what the month holds for your Zodiac animal. Rat: let patience be your guide as there is equal misfortune and auspiciousness. Refrain from being picky and arguing with peers, friends and family. Disputes and gossip are likely, be mindful. If you fall ill immediately seek medical attention. Conserve your efforts along with your energy. Ox: it is an auspicious month, enjoy great luck and the aid of Helpful People. Opportunities abound: you may start a new business, relocate or travel abroad. Beware of traffic disasters, perform the BTB “Walking on Red Carpet Secret Cure” before you go on a trip. Tiger: your luck is improving this month. Pay attention to getting into fights with scoundrels then you will be safe from injury and legal disputes. Remaining tolerant and lenient paves the way for adversities to turn to blessings. Do not go into a business partnership or be a guarantor or you might lose your wealth. Rabbit: this month your sign is in direct conflict. Signs do not favor fortune but the opposite, unfavorable. Secure your home against burglary and theft. If you drive under the influence there could be bloodshed. Your overall mood could be depressed. Meditation to create a smooth flow of Ch’i. Dragon: there will be celebrations and harmony and prosperity. Children will be successful and there will be weddings. You may open a business or travel with ease, all will go as planned. This month is ideal to relocate, renovate, get married, do a remodel or build a new home and sign contracts. Snake: everything will go smoothly and as planned. Wealth is expected, you will build your coffers, effect your prosperity to soar. Always do your homework and do not rush into purchasing real estate. Horse: good fortune is arriving at your door with the prospect of a job promotion. Business goes well and a partnership shows results however be mindful this will have its ups and downs. There may be discord in the home. Focus on creating harmony to dissipate discord this month. Ram: not everything is going to be perfect, recognize when you are being too critical. When a situation arises and you don’t know what to do, you may get emotional. Look at the traits of an opportunist and watch that while dealing with your investments. It’s not a time to take risks. Monkey: Helpful People will come to aid you and you will achieve results with little to no effort. There will be merits and fame and wealth and profits. Do not believe in the slander you hear so as not to get caught up in it. Rooster: this month month fluctuate and your mood will swing with the pendulum. Plan your investment portfolio wisely, do not put all your eggs in one basket. Dog: it is a mutually offensive month, a mixed bag between auspiciousness and misfortune. Your health is likely to fluctuate, be cautious with your diet and travels. Perform BTB “Golden Cicada Sheds Its Shell”, at midnight on the first day of this lunar month. Pig: your luck is fair. Your mood swings will cause confrontations and distress with those you interact with. Your anxiety comes from your hesitation in dealing with the situation. If you request a cure from this forecast, I will ask you to honor the red envelope tradition. Have a great month, Zodiac friends!

Thank you to Khadro Crystal Chu, Black Sect Esoteric Buddhist Feng Shui for your unfailing command of Feng Shui and Chinese metaphysics.

Have you decided this will be your year? “Boldness has genius”… start with one hour of Feng Shui A La Carte. Think of it as a fairy godmother for your house.

What I have discovered about our homes is that creating a heart healthy space leads to peace and contentment. The bedroom is where it begins. Start with my complimentary pdf: 27 Bedroom Concepts To Maximize Your Health, Happiness and Peace of Mind. Design your space to your best advantage. Subscribe to my blog and special offers. You’ll receive this valuable Feng Shui Guide as a thank you gift.

Feng Shui Cures To Recalibrate After The Storm

Posted on by

“You have no silver linings without a cloud.”
– Angela Carter

Harvey’s devastating blow to Houston. Irma’s ferocious pounding upon the islands and Florida, raging fires in the west have left us feeling vulnerable, toppled and tested by the forces of Nature. Now we are being asked to further tap into our reserves, pull up our sleeves to clear the debris and pull out our handkerchiefs to wipe away our children’s tears.

But there is a silver lining after a storm – resilience. But it takes time, time to pause, reflect and to feel into what to do next.

I have a Feng Shui bag with a deep pocket for times like these. It empowers the spirit and smooths the Ch’i. It contains Feng Shui cures–rituals–that support your psyche, restores your faith and reawakens your confidence. For performing ceremony or placing a cure is the pause between action and non-action. It creates a focal point to help you tap into your reserve and recalibrate your energy, enabling you to stand on solid ground again.

Adjust your home.
Invite Auspicious Ch’i.
If the front door is rarely opened, the Ch’i of the house will be unhealthy. This is the point of entry for human Ch’i, wealth Ch’i, health Ch’i, spiritual Ch’i and all types of Ch’i. Let the auspicious Ch’i flow in. If you do not open the door but enter through the garage, for 27 consecutive days, nine times a day, open the front door. You are reawakening the Ch’i.

Take Command.
Place the master bed in the command position. If the bed is not in command of the bedroom door there may be a sense of danger, lack of opportunity, anger, mood swings, anxiety, headaches, restless sleep and heart trouble.

Calm your mind.
Begin the healing by activating the center of the bedroom or the center of the house. Hang a 40mm or 50mm faceted crystal from the ceiling in the center of the room.

Adjust Your Ch’i
Exhaustion. Gather Energy. Beat the Heavenly Drum
Rub your hands together with sincerity nine times, creating warmth in your palms. Cover your ears with your palms. Your fingers will meet at the back of your head (at the occiput, the ridge). Put your forefinger on the top of your middle finger on each hand and slide the the forefinger quickly down onto the head. It creates a thump or snap (like beating a drum). Repeat eight more times for a total of nine time. This exercise may give you more mental alertness.

Panic Attack. Release Agitation. Inhale Exhale Breathing Exercise
(red envelopes requested)

Insomnia. Transform The Inner Dialogue. Tapping The Head
In those times when you cannot catch your breath, your heart is racing or you have trouble sleeping. Use all ten fingers and tap on the head, 108 times. You can begin at the forehead and go to the base of the neck or visa versa. If your worry persists, you can tap 324 times (three sets of 108 times). It draws restricted Ch’i from your inner brain cavity to the outer skull and out to atmosphere to be released.

Worry. Invite The Aid of Helpful People.
Reduce worry in your life by adjusting the Helpful People in corner of your lot, or home or bedroom. Benefactors and mentors are ‘those who make life easier’.

Not Thinking Clearly. Cultivate Clarity.
At the front door wire the electrical so automatically a bright light comes on or a clear sound is heard.

Making time to pause the Ch’i will rise to meet you. The strength of this yin yang relationship creates the space for rock solid stability and ample mental acuity to deal with your past and confidently envision the direction your life is meant to go.

Have you decided this will be your year? “Boldness has genius”…start with one hour of Feng Shui A La Carte. Think of it as a fairy godmother for your house.

What I have discovered about our homes is that creating a heart healthy space leads to peace and contentment. The bedroom is where it begins. Start with my complimentary pdf: 27 Bedroom Concepts To Maximize Your Health, Happiness and Peace of Mind. Design your space to your best advantage. Subscribe to my blog and special offers. You’ll receive this valuable Feng Shui Guide as a thank you gift.

August 21 New Moon. Ghost Month Customs To Make Any Hungry Spirit Happy.

Posted on by

photo credit: David W. Ray

“…what we take from the spirit world is only a reflection of what lies inside ourselves.”
– Charles de Lint

If  you thought the Great American Eclipse was an experience, gird your loins, it’s Ghost Month where restless spirits soar from Hell’s gates. Often compared to Halloween, The Hungry Ghost month is a time when family honors their ancestors. They bid their spirits welcome with colorful shrines decorated with brightly lit candles, chrysanthemums, red paper lanterns and burning incense (symbolizing prosperity). Elaborate meals are prepared, a special chair is given to the wandering ghost to rest from its weary travels and hell bank notes (burned josh paper) will be in the spirit realm. The Chinese believe these alms enable the spirits to live at peace when they return. These customs are performed with sincerity but the underlying motive is self preservation. Families believe that if they feed the ghosts, they won’t curse them and good fortune will come their way. These traditions also raise a mindfulness about looking after those who are marginalized. It is an opportunity to teach children about easing the suffering of others as it is believed some ghosts who come back have no family to visit their grave and others have died due to unfortunate events.

On the 15th night of the lunar month, Taoists and Buddhists hold, Yu Lan, the Hungry Ghost Festival. It The full moon and the fall harvest are celebrated too. The evening is filled with rituals–a parade with floats of lotus-shaped lanterns riding on top. The procession makes its way to a river, pond or lake. It is said that the lanterns give direction to lost souls plus it helps the ghosts and deities find the food offerings left for them. To ensure your good luck for the reminder of the year, check out the do’s and don’ts  in “Ghost Month and Monkeys” for more Hungry Ghost customs.

Chinese fall: we enter the Metal season. Drawing in, recalling the stories of the year and stocking up on supplies for the upcoming winter. Discover what the month holds for your Zodiac animal. Rat: it’s a Three Harmony month for Rat. Bad luck that has followed you is now cleared away. You are feeling your best. Wealth and happiness are coming. Go with the flow and all will go your way.  Ox: expect adversities along with auspiciousness. Be cautious this month with friends and being a guarantor. Don’t put all your eggs in one basket when it comes to investing. Once you’ve made your profit withdraw otherwise you may suffer a big loss. Tiger: you are in a Direct Conflict this month. Watch out for scoundrels behind your back and be mindful of driving as a traffic accident it likely. Disaster could befall you in blood shed or money loss. Use extreme caution or your efforts could go down the tube. Rabbit: there will be misfortune along with good fortune. Overall life is unclear. Be careful who you spend time with and avoid vain and materialistic pursuits. Be practical over trying to grasp for instant success. To be safe and healthy is a blessing indeed! Dragon: it’s a Three Harmony month. You will be blessed with a promotion and good fortune opportunities. Though you will experience financial good luck, exert good judgement when investing. Be mindful of your health. Perform good deeds. Snake: this is a Six Harmony month. Be mindful when traveling. Do all your mundane and transcendental cures. Think twice before you sign the dotted line. Promotion and academic advancement are slated for employees and children. Horse: your luck is good but be cautious and mindful when traveling. Avoid dark paths and dangerous places. Evade risky activities and water. (Ghost Month and Monkeys). Ram: someone in the family may be sick. Seek immediate medical attention. Coworkers may be in conflict and family causing disputes. Recite the Calming Heart Mantra frequently. Monkey: not a very lucky month. Legal disputes, financial loss and unexpected disasters may come calling. Watch out for misfortune, scoundrels and health issues. Keep your children away from water as well as dangerous activities. Rooster: your luck will be fairly smooth. With the Ghost Month secure your home against burglary. Be mindful of your family and keep them away from water and dangerous activities. Dog: keep a low profile this month. If you are already suffering from illness or bad luck, unexpected disasters might befall you too. Stay away from water and dangerous activities. Pig: the month is Mutually Offensive, and Confrontational plus it is a Ghost Month – double trouble! Safety should be first on  your list – home, travel and physical. It could be very stressful this month. Watch out for family members’ physical and mental health. If you request a cure from this forecast, I will ask you to honor the red envelope tradition. Have a great month, Zodiac friends! 

Thank you to Khadro Crystal Chu, Black Sect Esoteric Buddhist Feng Shui for your unfailing command of Feng Shui and Chinese metaphysics.

Have you decided this will be your year? “Boldness has genius”…start with one hour of Feng Shui A La Carte. Think of it as a fairy godmother for your house.

What I have discovered about our homes is that creating a heart healthy space leads to peace and contentment. The bedroom is where it begins. Start with my complimentary pdf: 27 Bedroom Concepts To Maximize Your Health, Happiness and Peace of Mind. Design your space to your best advantage.

Subscribe to my blog and special offers. You’ll receive this valuable Feng Shui Guide as a thank you gift.

Secrets That Maximize The Great American Eclipse

Posted on by

“Success is meeting every challenge from your calm center within. Seek strength and guidance intuitively in your inner self.”
– Swami Kriyananda

In less than five days a breathtaking, bucket list eclipse will darken the skies of midland America with millions flocking to watch. Concurrently completely weird anomalies will happen as a result. Stars and planets will be viewable in the middle of the day; a 360 degree sunset will be visible around the moon; corona rainbows are likely to appear. With the change in light, the temperature will plummet. Birds will think it is dusk and begin their evening song. Roosters will start crowing when the sun reappears. With this confusion in time and space as day turns to night, how might you maximize your experience when the sun drops out of sight?

Many ancient cultures believed eclipses were a bad omen. In China, they thought a celestial dragon was eating the sun. The Greek word ekleipsis from which eclipse is derived, means abandonment. In India, food is considered tainted during an eclipse. Fasting is observed before and after. Maybe the ancients were on to an important concept, that it is a vulnerable time on this third rock from the sun and it is better to be mindful than frivolous.

Contrary to what scientist and astronomers purport, that eclipses do not have an effect on human behavior and health, a celestial event such as a solar or lunar eclipse can affect you physically, emotionally and intellectually. And yet it has the potential to amplify your emotional intelligence, mental expansion and spiritual cultivation. Yogis and spiritual masters use it as an opportunity to retreat indoors and perform pujas. It is an excellent time to cultivate a spiritual practice if you do not already have one. If you have decided to sit (literally) out the Great American Eclipse, here are action steps you can take to minimize the effects of the solar eclipse and maximize your experience.

The electromagnetic fields of animals and humans lowered during an eclipse, thus inhibiting concentration and focus.
Don’t look at the eclipse.
Don’t engage in day to day activities.
Don’t make important decisions.
Don’t initiate important projects.
Don’t eat food 12 hours before. Specifically do not eat or drink water during the eclipse.

An eclipse is a powerful time to accelerate your spiritual development. The pituitary and pineal glands become rewired. The cosmic channels are open and spiritual practice allows you to receive downloads that will increase your awareness.
Do set your intention of exploring your spiritual essence.
Do take an orange peel bath to cleanse your auric field prior to the start of the eclipse.
Do chant mantras (Om Mani Padme Hum, Gate, Gate…).
Do meditate.
Do perform yoga or qigong.
Do journal or creative writing.

Have you decided this will be your year? “Boldness has genius”.. start with one hour of Feng Shui A La Carte. Think of it as a fairy godmother for your house.

What I have discovered about our homes is that creating a heart healthy space leads to peace and contentment. The bedroom is where it begins. Start with my complimentary pdf: 27 Bedroom Concepts To Maximize Your Health, Happiness and Peace of Mind. Design your space to your best advantage. Subscribe to my blog and special offers. You’ll receive this valuable Feng Shui Guide as a thank you gift.

July 23 New Moon. Leap For Joy!

Posted on by

“In Kenya you’ve got the great birds and monkeys leaping through trees overhead. It’s a chance to remember what the world is really like.”
– Joanna Lumley

July 23 New Moon shines with brilliant opportunities with the potential for big change. Our best shot is to glean from Monkey’s intelligence, eloquence, adaptability and flexibility so these boons fall easily into our lap. Monkey is Metal (Jin) which signifies brilliance and perseverance.  It serves up the qualities of finesse and the focus to complete projects. According to Chinese zodiac analysis, Monkey folks always have smart, agile and active characteristics. With the approach of the August eclipse, agility and adaptability are indeed super powers to have in your back pocket. Implementing them will help you maneuver around setbacks and take full advantage of the good luck offered.

In the lunar calendar there is a big leap year every three years and a small leap every five years. All the zodiac animals are encouraged to take advantage of this time to: relocate, get married, start a new career or business, purchase real estate, break ground and commence construction.

Let’s leap for joy! This is indeed a special month. Have a great one, Zodiac friends! 

Thank you to Khadro Crystal Chu, Black Sect Esoteric Buddhist Feng Shui for your unfailing command of Feng Shui and Chinese metaphysics.

Have you decided this will be your year? “Boldness has genius”.. start with one hour of Feng Shui A La Carte. Think of it as a fairy godmother for your house.

What I have discovered about our homes is that creating a heart healthy space leads to peace and contentment. The bedroom is where it begins. Start with my complimentary pdf: 27 Bedroom Concepts To Maximize Your Health, Happiness and Peace of Mind. Design your space to your best advantage. Subscribe to my blog and special offers. You’ll receive this valuable Feng Shui Guide as a thank you gift.

Declutter Your Inner World

Posted on by

“When many voices are speaking at once, listen to the one most quiet and gentle. That’s the one worth listening to.”
–Miranda Linda Weisz

Crisis, illness, challenges sometimes life comes at us fast. When we are blindsided by a work situation, a family argument that becomes a feud, an accident that sends us to the hospital, it can feel like the ground beneath our feet is giving way. We become anxious and unsure what to do. Stress builds and we may feel the only solution is to try to out run the disaster. But we do have options. One of those is to slow down, return to the present moment and breathe, for in this place we are empowered and can listen.

Chaos initiates change (if we allow it) and change awakens life affirming gifts within us: trusting in the unfolding of life. Breaking the habit of worry. Connecting to our core to hear our inner voice, that quiet, wise one, whose perfect wisdom protects us against the storms that thunder through.

Want to know what simple steps will connect you to your inner voice? I have composed a list of wellness methods from prominent practitioners in the fields of metaphysics, health and nutrition. These easy exercises will give you a jump start on de-cluttering your inner world because your quiet, gentle voice is the key to your happiness and success.

Ground
Remember what it feels like after a summer rain? You can get that feeling by walking barefoot on the ground. Nutritionist, David Wolfe purports that when we take off our shoes and plant our feet on the earth, within five minutes the atmospheric static electricity that has collected in our body discharges. Performing this easy method counteracts the positive charged electricity that breaks down our immune system. When we touch the earth we absorb its negative ions and they charge up our immune system. Studies report that there are measurable health benefits with grounding. Gaining a few ions does wonders for your frame of mind.

Reflect
Doreen Virtue extols spend time in Nature reminds us of the infinite abundance that we see all around when we walk along a path or in the woods. As we get in touch with Nature we get in touch with our own nature and our creative ideas come forth. Disconnecting can be a responsible investment where you access a new idea, a new way of doing things…maybe a time saving way of doing things, your new book emerges or you may invent something that helps the world.

Stabilize
Smoothing your nerves soothes your mind. The sound of a bell or the radiance of a light inside the front door gathers in pause, refreshment and mindfulness to the beginning and ending of each day. The cure is such: when you open the front door create an automatic response. Either wire the light (make it bright) so it goes on when the door is open or a clear sound is heard like that of a bell or chime. Set your intention so your nervous system is smoothed out and see yourself responding completely and with clarity to your environment.

Breathe
When we breathe, we inspire and fill our lungs and body with pure Ch’i. Oxygenating our brain stimulates, motivates, encourages, influences, energizes and arouses us. Measured breathing, breathing in deeply and exhaling at the same rate, slows our thought processes down to a still point where we begin to access our inner voice.

Listen
Meditation according to Abraham Hicks allows you to expand to the fullness of who you are and resonate with the Source that is within you. Taking five minutes for a Yin meditative practice clears the blockages of frustration, worry and doubt. The Supreme Yoga Section One meditation quickens your good judgement; improves sleep and health; and helps you recapture your natural power and balance. A nuance to all BTB Feng Shui meditations from H. H. Lin Yun is before any nourishing method we begin with:
Rubbing your Palms
Rub your palms back and forth nine times so that they become quite warm and they if they don’t become warm after nine times. Back and forth is one time. If they are not warm after nine time then you might do 18 or 27 times. You want your palms to be really warm.

If you would like a copy of Supreme Yoga Section One Meditation please email me, bette@shenmenfengshui.com. The red envelope tradition applies.

I would love to hear how you stepped back into being and what you did to get there.

Have you decided this will be your year? “Boldness has genius”…start with one hour of Feng Shui A La Carte. Think of it as a fairy godmother for your house.

What I have discovered about our homes is that creating a healthy space leads to peace and contentment. The bedroom is where it begins. Start with my complimentary pdf: 27 Bedroom Concepts To Maximize Your Health, Happiness and Peace of Mind. Design your space to your best advantage. Subscribe to my blog and special offers. You’ll receive this valuable Feng Shui Guide as a thank you gift.