September 20 New Moon. Wag More.

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“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

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“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.

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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

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“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!

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“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

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“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.

June 24 New Moon. Make Art Not Anxiety.

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“Love of beauty is taste. The creation of beauty is art.”
– Ralph Waldo Emerson

June 24 New Moon the polite, kindhearted, clever Ram enters the Zodiac stage. Sensitive, affectionate, creative with a love for beauty, the Ram is predisposed to taking good care of loved ones , creating domestic bliss and they love to make art. Epicureans of good taste, it is quite natural for a Ram to decorate their sanctuary with style and complete it with luscious comfort.

The thunderous yang energy of the Horse has rather left all of us panting and wanting to catch our breath. Ram’s calm influence can help you unwind this month in the arms of your home. Use the yin energy to irrigate your aesthetic nature and make art not anxiety. Steep yourself in your “creative vision” super power. Let it wash over all your affairs and don’t resist when your right brain percolates out-of-the box ideas. These may very well lead you to soul satisfying solutions for your career, relationships and reflective time.

Ram is connected to the season of Earth. It is the time of transition, transformation and harvesting your ideas. Will you make art this month or will you generate anxiety? Rat, you are not in accordance with the Ram. You may expect hindrances, scoundrels, illness and loss of wealth. Perform the BTB “Golden Cicada Sheds Its Shell” the first lunar day of the month to dispel bad luck and disaster. Ox: you and the Ram are in direct conflict this month. Misfortune and missed opportunities with some obstacles may trip you up. Take precaution in all your activities. Guard your wealth. Pay close attention to your health. If you are in a romantic relationship now is not the time to make any decisions. You too can benefit from performing the BTB “Golden Cicada Sheds Its Shell” the first lunar day of the month to dispel bad luck and disaster. Tiger: your fame will be on the rise and your career will climb. If you have been doing good deeds, your endeavors will show up in your prosperity and fortune will smile upon you. Take advantage of opportunities and work diligently for your future. Beware of unexpected trouble and take precaution against illness. Use your keen intuitive sense when dealing in business, there is cause to be concerned. Rabbit: this is a Three Harmony month and your luck is going well. The stars are highlighting where you work. Accept praise with graciousness. You may receive a promotion and a raise. Be assertive now in making progress and seek other opportunities. Dragon: you can expect both good luck and misfortune. Watch out for scoundrels maligning your good name. There could be arguments and disputes among relatives, friends and colleagues. In all endeavors step back to have a clearer idea of the big picture. Snake: you will enjoy success in your business but it is advised to keep a low profile. Do not give scoundrels the opportunity to do you ill favor. Horse: auspicious stars shine on you this month. There is a chance of marriage and the entire household will be blessed. You will have lots of good fortune and your investments will pay off. If you are in a government position or managerial role, good news will arrive from afar. Women will progress in their career and their reputation will rise. Stay away from spreading gossip. Ram: there are both gains and losses this month. Financially you may be taken advantage of. Emotionally you may often be distressed. Practice the BTB “Inhale Exhale Breathing Exercise”. Keep to your tasks and you will be paid off in the end. Monkey: this month everything is running smooth. There will be harmony in the family. At work, helpful people will be helping you. Know when to call it quits. Rooster: a month to observe the rules and mind the law. Don’t do anything illegal and you will have a good conscience. Refrain from getting into arguments or acting irrationally. Be careful with your money, you could lose it. Dog: it is a mutually offensive month. You may feel like it is one step forward and one step backward. But it can be dealt with and resolved. Pay attention to family members’ health and harmony in the home. Pig: it’s a month to feel uplifted as everything is working out for you with helpful people coming to your assistance. Just like the clear sky after the rain expect to receive profits from previous investments. Refrain from making investments in stock. 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.

Feng Shui Miracles

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“Always throw split salt over your left shoulder, keep rosemary by your garden gate, plant lavender for luck and fall in love whenever you can.”
– Unknown

Eighteen years ago Feng Shui opened my eyes to a world of energy that lies below our awareness yet has the power to impact our environment, our relationships, our attitude and our future. It also produces miracles when nurtured. How do I know? Barbara’s story tells it best.

Barbara had fallen in love with a craftsman style home here in Portland and wanted to get started right away on aligning the energy with her lifestyle. Before the sale was finalized she requested a Feng Shui consultation. I gave her ideas about her home’s design but before I left we stepped into the backyard. I saw the entangled Ch’i from the previous owner’s neglect: the dark, overgrown vegetation; broken, rotting fence and the presence of hungry ghosts.

Aware of how it looked she wasn’t aware of what it meant and when I shared this, her eyes got very big. Instead of reacting Barbara dug in (literally for ten months) to do what she needed to create the paradise she envisioned. Once she moved she asked me to return to perform space blessings. I brought my ceremonial bowl, rituals, mantras, prayers and she supplied the high proof liquor, the rice, the special powders and the intention to bless her property. Together we made what we call in BTB Feng Shui “sacred food” to feed the “hungry ghosts” because Barbara was determined to start on the right foot.

We walked the property, chanted blessings and offered sacred food all the while asking the spirits to be well fed and leave, or stay and be helpful friends. Pretty uneventful until we stepped into the backyard where I tripped on “air”, the bowl flipped out of my hands and the rice went flying. A trickster hungry ghost had no intention of leaving. Fortunately we retrieved most of the rice, I got my composure back and we persevered. It nearly happened a second time. This was definitely a tenacious spirit. After we completed the ceremonies, I suggested that Barbara perform this same one over the next two days to strengthen the work we had done.

Before I continue I believe it’s important to share a synchronous moment prior to my arrival. As I was driving to Barbara’s home a crow flew alongside my car at my head height for a good distance. After I left the consultation, I consulted the I-Ching and shared with Barbara what I had received: Hexagram 27, what Willhelm Baynes calls“The Corners of the Mouth” (Toltec I-Ching calls it “Trusting Intuition”)
The Judgement explained:
The corners of the mouth.
Perseverance brings good fortune.
Pay heed to the providing of nourishment.
And to what a man seeks
To fill his own mouth with. 

Crows are shape shifters, their presence helped us shape shift the land. Barbara replied. “There was a really big energy shift right after I finished the last ceremony yesterday and in the morning crows were in in my front yard eating the rice! I got the sense they were taking it to another dimension, helping to shift and transform the energies.”

Over the months Barbara and her husband nourished the land with blessing ceremonies, cleared gnarly areas, removed invasive species, installed a new fence, met with the neighbors and planted their dream garden. Throughout they resolved to keep their hearts in the right place, be good stewards and be a positive influence for the neighborhood. 

And it worked!
Ten months later here are a few of what Barbara calls her “miracles”and what Feng Shui  would call “good fortune”. “We felt a huge shift once we put the plants in the area where the blueberries are. We met the owner of the apartments and it turns out we have a lot in common and he’s very much on board for cleaning up. During the time we were out of town, he removed the trees along the fence line and cleared out the brambly mess. He thought he might put up a storage shed but also mentioned selling the property. He told us it was his health that has kept him working on it. Another miracle: is before we moved here I wished that a yoga studio would be walking distance from my house. A new yoga studio opened nearby! And so far, I’ve liked every teacher. And it’s a few minutes walk from my house!”

I never underestimate the power of Nature to communicate and that all we need to do is open our hearts to Ch’i and listen with my eyes to discover miracles.

Happy Summer Solstice! May summer hold miracles for you.

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.

May 26 New Moon. Horse Sense.

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“When your heart speaks, take good notes.”
– Judith Campbell

May 26 new moon the friendly, passionate Horse came to the forefront of the Chinese zodiac. With a zeal for life, those born under the Year of the Horse are warm-hearted, fervent and generous. Horse is a loyal companion and consistently there for their friends. Patient when it comes to hearing out what other people have to say, they excel at resolving conflicts, their own and most everyone else’s. Their independent nature and unwavering vitality are key characteristics that help them survive obstacles. Interestingly these traits are the bulwarks that support their rise to the top of their career.

In the Chinese zodiac Horse rules the time between 11:00 am and 1:00 pm. In Chinese medicine this time is ruled by the Heart. 2017 has posed challenges for humankind. Our collective heart is speaking. It is saying spread more love and compassion. Call on your super power, compassion. Give away your patience, your ear, your time and  your heart. In spreading good deeds, acts of compassion form a shield against arguments and tension. Negative energy cannot incubate in an atmosphere of kindness.

It is Chinese summer. The fruit is ready. What delectable harvest might you enjoy this month? Rat: you are in direct conflict with the sign of the month. Set the dial high on your radar. You may encounter unexpected lawsuits and accidents. Best advice: maintain a low profile and be conservative. Ox: you and the Horse are in the most confrontational relationship this month. Pay attention to your health. Be aware that disasters could come out of nowhere. Err on the side of caution and be conservative rather than taking big steps. Tiger: you are in the Three Harmony this month. Helpful people will be assisting you. Revel in the glow of prosperity in your wealth and career. Ride the wind, let things flow and good fortune will find you. Rabbit: luck is not good this month. You may find that matters will be difficult to navigate. Wait for better timing. Chanting the Heart Sutra mantra morning and night will help you maintain peace and a serene frame of mind. Dragon: helpful people will assist  you in attaining your goals. Not only career,  you can expect to gain profits and expand your wealth. Be mindful of partnering with zodiac signs who are not compatible with your own. Conflict will likely show up later. Snake: your luck is laser like this month. Be mindful of business relationships with new friends, you could be taken advantage of and lose money. Horse: best to see things with a philosophical perspective. Safeguard your home and household. Be cautious, be conservative, do not be careless. Think before speaking and avoid vanity and greed. Ram: the month is a six harmony month. You will have the best luck of the year. Stay the course in all your endeavors. Watch for illness and accidents. Monkey: good time for your affairs to fall into a routine. Be cautious and modest and you will avoid scoundrels. Rooster: a month to turn your gaze onto peace and tranquility. Take the high ground and do not gossip or put your nose into other folks’ affairs. Advice: chant The White Robe Kuan Yin mantra. Dog: your persistences pays off, helpful people will back you, luck is at its best. Don’t let trivial things nor petty people bother you. Take more time to relax. Pig: concentrate on your career. Changing jobs is not recommended at this time. If you become sick, seek medical attention immediately. Avoid attending to the bereaved or going to funerals. 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 yourunfailing 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.

Luminous Wisdom, Sophia Empowers

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“Luxury is not a necessity to me but beautiful and good things are.”
– Anais Nin

Dreams come true. It’s been my dream to help women feel empowered, uplifted and confident so when Sibella Publications, emailed a heartfelt request for an article submission for their upcoming online magazine, Luminous Wisdom, Sophia, of course I was going to write an article. Within two weeks I received the confirmation email. “Your article has been accepted! The editors, loved it! Their comments were: gentle – yet skillfully passionate art forum (dance, weaving) used in and between her words and phrasing – clear and heartfelt message.  She expressed herself clearly without being overbearing. We feel that readers will be open and very intrigued by her words of wisdom.” A month later, they asked if I wanted to be on the premier cover as the featured writer, I replied “Yes! Yes! Yes!”

Words do empower. 50 passionate women, including myself, want to connect with you in the most profound way. We have good and beautiful things to share with you, words you can take anywhere on your journey, ideas that will uplift and inspire you and stories of courage about the feminine spirit. We want you to revel in the beauty and goodness of being a woman. Please join every month at Luminous Wisdom, Sophia where I will share my article submission. Subscriptions are available at Sibella Publications, celebrating 10 years of successful publishing – “Original Written Works For Women By Women Since 2007.”

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.