September 13 New Moon. Mercury Retrograde and Rooster.

Posted on September 15, 2015 by bette

“What is unique about rooster is its ability to keep time for humans which leads the Chinese to the conclusion there is a divine spark in the rooster that makes it capable of this unique task.”
–Tian Rao

Heaven has a lot in store for us this month! September 13 new moon + solar eclipse, Mercury Retrograde, September 17, 2015 and August 27, full moon + lunar eclipse. Dig deep and plan your strategies for the fall. Review your goals. Beautify your home with a Feng Shui remodel or redecorate. If you need stability or to strengthen your boundaries add earth tones – all range of yellows, oranges and brown tones, you could even stretch it to mocha and chocolate. Take more self care opportunities, schedule a mini-retreat by getting a massage, going to a Nature park or sit in silence by water. These fruitful labors will yield an abundant harvest.

If you find the retrograde a challenge the Rooster will have your back. And here is why, from Tian Rao, the five virtues of the Rooster: “The Rooster dons a crimson cap, a mark of literary sophistication! It claws its enemies, what martial prowess! It calls to its cohorts when food is available, a creature of compassion! It fights to the death with its nemesis, what bravery! And it never fails to keep time, a trustworthy soul. What is unique about rooster is its ability to keep time for humans which leads the Chinese to the conclusion there is a divine spark in the rooster that makes it capable of this unique task.” How might your life change if you eliminated some of these characteristics? Kindness being the top of the list. Doors would open as if by magic.

What do the stars say about your Chinese zodiac animal in the Month of the Rooster: Here are soundbites to help you stay out of harm’s way. Rat: your romance area is going marvelous but career and finances are tipsy. Be patient and refrain from being extravagant. Ox: luck of the month is gradually getting better. Look in the mirror and pinch yourself, wealth and romantic luck are getting better and you have warm glow radiating from you. However beware of entrances and portals to your home. Tiger: travel this month for your career and helpful people will show up in spades. Enjoy Peach Blossom Luck but don’t let it develop into Peach Blossom Disaster. Do good deeds but also find ways to equip yourself. Rabbit: you might want to plan a lot of time in bed. Conflict is likely the entire month with your sign in confrontation with Rooster. Its a time to practice diplomacy and reserve. If you must and if you can take long retreats – that’s the silver lining. Dragon: smooth sailing – career prospects will improve and financial fortune will follow accordingly. As you ascend stay focused on your path and not others’ affairs. Do good deeds daily. Snake: Three Harmony Luck! You will receive good news on all fronts. If you are in a romantic relationship, marriage is highlighted. Career prospects are outstanding so don’t sit back and wait and don’t hesitate. Horse: you will experience many gains in both fortune and happiness. Be conservative, don’t spend beyond your means. Be cautious when you speak so those who have an axe to grind cannot distort your words. If a family member gets sick, seek medical advice promptly. Ram: not so lucky this month. It will feel like your endeavors are thwarted. There might be a death in the family. Avoid visiting people in the hospital, if you do go carry nine round orange peels. Monkey: help and guidance surround you. Be careful of conflict in interpersonal relationships. People could be gossiping about your. Handle it calmly and don’t let it disrupt your work. Rooster: good and bad luck play out this month. Beware of blood shedding incidents, traffic accidents or minor surgeries. Chant the Five Thunders if you go to the hospital to visit or be admitted. Dog: a confrontational month, there could be turmoil, disputes and betrayal. Boost your luck with the Golden Cicada Sheds Its Shell. Pig: try, try again and you will succeed and your luck returns. Financial picture is bright in the second half of the month. Invest into savings or establish a new business partnership.

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

Have questions about your home? Design it with vitality and beauty plus feel at ease with Feng Shui A La Carte.

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.

For Back-To-School Success, Begin With Your Child’s Bedroom Design.

Posted on September 1, 2015 by bette

The whole purpose of education is to turn mirrors into windows.
–Sydney Harris

You want what is best for your child. Your child dreams of being happy. Let your child’s genius out with good Feng Shui design. It helps them gain a positive outlook, develop a curious intellect and build self-confidence. By nurturing these beneficial habits of character you fulfill both your dream and theirs. In truth, Feng Shui is fundamental, insomuch that it creates a favorable environment for your child to go back-to-school feeling focused, cheerful and enthusiastic.

Where to begin.
Your child’s bedroom is their personal realm to sleep, study, play, entertain their friends and discover who they are. Because they spend a good portion of their time here, creating a meaningful and personal arrangement will help them access their talents and enjoy a positive school year experience.

What to arrange.
Placement of your child’s bed influences their ability to wake up clear headed and start on the right foot. “Command position” places the bed in the opposite diagonal corner to the bedroom door with the door in clear sight. This key concept allows for an overall view of the space and gives your son or daughter a sense of control. This arrangement nurtures relaxation and feeling safe and protected.

Quite often overlooked but very important is the space under the bed. Ch’i needs to circulate. A bed on the ground conducts yin Ch’i and the potential for unexplained illness to occur.

If you have a designated area for your child’s study time and their desk faces a wall, their back is to the door. This shifts their attention to what is going on behind rather than on the homework in front of them. The distraction can be remedied by placing a clear, one piece, framed mirror on the wall in front of their desk. It will give them a sense of focus. This mirror placement also expands the space and reflects back self assurance. Oh and be sure when the light goes out for bed the computer is covered.

Why keep the space in front of the bed clear?
The space in front of your child’s bed represents their future and should be deep. Remove tall footboards, chests, chairs or couch. This establishes, at an early age, trust that the future is bright and promising. Keep this area clear as much as possible.

Which colors work best.
If you want your child to feel calm yet energized, light blues and greens and are soothing, restful colors. Green specifically stimulates growth, health and focus. Your child can look at green for a long time and not get eye strain. Blue emits a sense of well-being. It cools down energy. If your child is unable to settled down before going to bed or they are prone to feeling frustrated or angry, paint the walls soft blue or add accents in their room. Earth tones too help your child’s emotions come to rest if they experience mood swings.

How to encourage a positive outlook.
Electronics are an inevitable part of modern living but they can be minimized and they should be because long exposure to a young, developing brain can affect a good night’s sleep and create mental stress plus nerve damage that leads to more serious consequences. A distance of four feet reduces the effect of harmful EMF energy (electromagnetic field). If you want to be completely electronic free you can purchase a kill switch that turns off all electronic devices.

Assign a space for child’s achievements by hanging up their awards and certificates where they are easily visible and can be enjoyed. Admire their artwork with them. Place a poster board where it will be seen upon entering the room for your child to pin their artwork, display their cherished posters and photos with friends from favorite events.

Poison arrows are corners and angles that point at your child when they enter the room, study at their desk or sleep in bed. They are stress producers. They can bring up feelings of being criticized. A faceted crystal will soften a sharp corner. Should the corner of their desk be directed at your son’s or daughter’s head while he is sleeping, you can place a scarf on it or a trailing plant. A philodendron is a good solution. In addition to modifying the effect, you teach your child responsibility in plant care with regular waterings and feeding.

When you change your child’s bedroom design.
You’ll receive A+ for your efforts when you see the look of radiance and enthusiasm in your child’s eyes when they excitedly tell you, “I want to go back and learn more.” Ring the bell! A genius sprouted, a dream come true.

If vitality, beauty and balance is what you seek, check out Feng Shui A La Carte.

August 14 New Moon. Ghost Month and Monkeys.

Posted on August 14, 2015 by bette

Some traditional Chinese beliefs can be scarier than the Flying Monkeys but if you perform the rituals of this Buddhist/Taoist tradition that honor the spirits, be rest assured you will ghost-proof your life (and improve your luck) during the 7th lunar month aka the Ghost Month.

Dish up good food to keep the spirits happy.
On the first day of the 7th Lunar month, King Yama (the King of Hell) opens the gates letting all the spirits and ghosts ascend from the lower realm. The dead are welcomed into the family home and shrines are decorated with candles, incense, food and red paper lanterns. The spirits are given sumptuous meals to eat, a chair to rest upon, old photographs to admire, burned josh paper or hell bank notes to take with them while incense (stands for prosperity in the Chinese culture) and prayers bless the time spent together. Giving the ghost these necessities they believe will enable them to live comfortably when they go back their own world. Josh paper is burned the first lunar day outside the family residences. Families may prepare a basin of one hundred flavors and five fruits for the ghosts to feed upon with the belief that they (the ghosts) won’t do something terrible or curse them after eating their sacrifices and holding their money, only good fortune and luck will come of it.

Throw a parade for long, lost relatives.
The peak of this Buddhist and Taoist tradition is the 15th day of the Lunar month (August 28th). It is also the same time as the full moon and the fall harvest. The Chinese believe that on the days of Ghost Month and especially on the night of the full moon there is more of a bridge between the dead and the living, so they must take precautions or honor the dead. Chung-Yuan, the Chinese Ghost Festival, is celebrated with a parade and decorated lanterns that ride atop decorated floats. The procession finds its way to a river, pond or lake. The lanterns are lit and released. This is meant to give direction to lost souls and help ghosts and deities find their way to the food offerings.

Safety first. 8 taboos to scare the ghosts away.
A few thousand year old rules to stay safe this month.

Avoid wandering alone at night nor near a wall. Spirits stick to walls and play pranks and terrorize after sundown.
Forgo swimming! You won’t find someone who is Chinese dipping even their big toe in the water. Water is a medium for obtaining new victims for the ghosts to rebirth.
Rethink moving into a new home, opening a new business or signing any contracts. Best not to get into something the ghosts can potentially ruin.
Forget about getting married because the marriage will have a bad ending.
Delay construction or remodeling where you are banging on the walls.
Keep your hands in your pocket when you see found money on the street; don’t even think about bringing it home.
Leave crying for the daytime, a weak mind gives ghosts the entrée to harm you.
Stay clear of yin places like hotels (a good idea to change your travel plans right now) or cemeteries, the ghosts like to settle here.

What do the stars say about your Chinese zodiac animal in the Month of the Monkey? Here are soundbites to help you keep out of harm’s way. Rat: let the good times roll with this three harmony match. Ox: be conservative and cautious while driving. It is a good idea not to travel. Tiger: you are in direct conflict. Be careful also when traveling, instead refrain. Hare: good times and stellar results await you. Dragon: three harmony luck this month. Increased compensation and smooth progress. Snake: direct confrontation and negative spirits. Remain calm and stable. Follow the advise of the taboos. Horse: avoid impulsive decisions and avoid those who have malicious intent. Ram: the Star of Matrimony is on the ascendent. Pay attention to a family members health. Monkey: both favorable and unfavorable month. Keep calm and do not make plans. Take family members immediately to the doctor if they get sick. Rooster: remain passive, be careful of lawsuits and scoundrels. Pay attention to your diet. Dog: serious family disputes arise and alienation may happen among family members. Perhaps take everyone on a vacation Pig: luck of the month is most confrontational. You will be frustrated in most of your plans. Be cautious, there is potential for financial losses and bodily injury. Take precaution against cardiovascular disease.

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

Have questions about your home? Design it with vitality and beauty plus feel at ease with Feng Shui A La Carte.

Investing In The Wise Counsel And Comfort Of Your Kitchen

Posted on August 5, 2015 by bette

“The kitchen really is the castle itself. This is where we spend our happiest moments and where we find the joy of being a family.”
– Mario Batali

On a recent Dr. OZ segment, a financial adviser shared how as a young married man he tackled money issues “When my wife and I were first married we would have ‘kitchen table talks’. We came to an agreement that any item we wanted to purchase that was over $25 dollars we consulted the other.” The kitchen, like no other room in the house, helps us to focus on family, it is the heartbeat of the home.

Though texting while dining on fast food have preempted meal time, the kitchen, according to Feng Shui principles, still has the most influence on our good health, family harmony and fortune. It is here we prepare meals, smooth over hurt feelings, children share secrets with mom and the family enjoys happy moments. The space of wise counsel and comfort, this room invites having real conversations. The strength of this bonding time helps us to walk with our heads held high across the threshold and out into the world.

Do you feel your kitchen could use some extra love? I am delighted to share these nine fresh Feng Shui fixes (with emphasis on the stove), to help you get started on nourishing your space.

The stove is the key to family prosperity and harmony. It has a significant role as wealth generator, creating family unity and keeping us free from legal trouble. When we lovingly prepare our food it nurtures us, our lives become fuller and we manage what life delivers with ease and grace.

Stove in command position. If you are standing at the stove and facing a wall then you must turn your head left or right to see what is going on behind you. This takes you off balance. Over time your body will conform to this unconscious posture that influences your attitude where you may feel out of control and ill at ease. You may experience a downturn in finances or plain bad luck. In regards to the stove placement, you want to see what is going on behind you by placing a mirror on the wall in front of you. It should be the width of the stove and ideally doesn’t cut off the top of the tallest person in the household when you look into the mirror. Some stoves have a microwave above then place a convex mirror (which takes in a 160 degree view). Visualize your heart trouble resolving and an upswing in your finances.

Stove seen from the front door. Or is the first thing you see when you enter the house. Family problems may not be resolved. There may be accidents involving blood, blood disease or surgery.

Stove under a microwave or collection of pots. The ability to make money will be oppressed. Either remove the microwave and pots or hang a wind chime over the position where the cook stands at the stove.

Stove in line with two doors, one on either side. Members of the family may argue a lot, especially about money. And their fortune may diminish. Adjust this inauspicious placement by hanging a 40 mm faceted crystal or wind chime on both sides of the stove between the door and the stove.

Stove in a corner. The cook cannot move around the stove very easily. This affects the quality of food and family finances. The occupants may be limited in career choices and opportunities. Mirror the wall to the side of the stove and visualize that the space is expanding and the Ch’i flows more easily.

The Work Triangle If you follow this arrangement then fire and water placement do not become an issue.

Stove and refrigerator placement. Contrary to what you may have heard, the refrigerator has a motor that generates heat, it is not a cooled water element. This does not present a problem to the stove. Best placement for the sink is across from the stove not adjacent.

Kitchen placement. The best placement for the kitchen is behind the midline of the house. Too close to the front door and a parent may be eating in someone’s kitchen. This placement threatens the family’s stability.

Kitchen color. Select pleasing colors according to your home’s palette and your personal aesthetics but keep these Feng Shui and Five Element principles in mind while choosing. According to H. H. Lin Yun white is the best color for the kitchen. It shows off the colors of the food. White, the color of the Metal element, is compatible with the kitchen’s basic element fire (fire overcomes or melts metal). Avoid all black kitchens because black, the water element, destroys fire. Do not choose red or there will be too much heat and the cook will always be hot tempered. Red and black accents are fine. Apple green is a color that signifies hope and the vitality of spring.

Looking to create a lifestyle change? Feng Shui A La Carte will help you experience the well being of happiness right away. Think of it as a fairy godmother for your home.

July 15 new moon. The Month of the Ram.

Posted on July 16, 2015 by bette

“I see my life as an unfolding set of opportunities to awaken.”
–Ram Dass

Ram, the day dreamer, the peace maker, the artist of the Zodiac, enjoys the rarified air of the mountain. It’s the climb they take pleasure in. Whether to the summit with deliberation or climbing to the spaciousness within they achieve the same outcome–embracing the view that offers an awakening to opportunities. The journey also allows room for the gifts that they cannot experience anywhere but on the ascent: peace in emptiness, clarity in perspective and stability in perseverance.

The Sheep person is also content to live in their imaginings. They love to go to cultural events and be a “no holds” nurturer to their loved ones. This lunar month set aside time for delicious inner musings and use these fertile moments to nurture your creative impulse. Put a trip to an art gallery on your calendar and give your mind a breath of “aesthetic air”. Take a crafts class or pull out the sewing machine and make something whimsical. Plan to do something creative or artistic to expand the spaces in your mind that get filled up with the details of life.

If your emotions are ruling your actions and life is one conflict after the next, let Ram’s gentleness influence this impulse. Think through differences and deliver your words with kindness. In other words: when an argument is brewing–focus on peace; when someone cuts in front of you–breath in peace; when a loved one says hurtful things–emit peace from your heart. Balancing opposites is always the proposed route to maintain peace in your life when the pace seems to burn up the road.

It is a month to see the benefits of perspective and perseverance in achieving your goals. When you slow down and take a long view, the appearance of life changes and you will see that results come easy without a lot of fire and smoke.

Here are what the stars are saying about your Chinese zodiac animal in the Month of the Ram. Rat: not so lucky this month. Be aware of conserving your energy. You may be giving more than you receive. Watch your romantic life, there may be conflict that turns into crisis. Ox: watch for unexpected misfortune (ouch). Keep your head up to smell the air and be on the alert with your finances and health. The potential for accidents is far greater this month. Do not hang out with friends who demean you, in fact think about letting them go. Tiger: a little good and not so good. Helpful People abound. If you have been in a long term relationship you might be finding yourself on a plane to Las Vegas. Indeed that will create happy Ch’i. Be aware of disputes at work and rumors spread by those who wish you harm. Hare: good news! Blessings, luck, promotion and marriage are all strong candidates for fulfillment this month. Do not force things to happen, allow them their own time and you will double your return. Dragon: shall we say a little intense this month? Keep your heart open, be flexible and practice patience. Young people should avoid acting on impulse to avoid confrontations with others. Snake: good news! Helpful People are coming to assist you. There may be small financial losses but these will offset a bigger disaster. Identify channels to generate wealth. Perform good deeds daily and accumulate long-term merits. Horse: lucky you! Prosperity and happiness come easily. If you are being offered a job your application will be considered among the first so seize the opportunity to advance. Your finances are steadily improving. All in all a fortunate month. Ram: luck is not on par with what you are accustom to. Watch for people cheating you. Make efforts to understand the people you associate with. Monitor your expenditures according to your income. Beware of of your finances before you lose too much. Monkey: it’s an ordinary month. A time to prepare yourself for rainy days. Make long-term family or career plans during the month of the Ram. Rooster: a month to reflect on whether to make investments and enter into partnership. Assess these thoroughly in order to avoid financial loss. Do not quarrel or be combative. Refrain from gossiping instead go about your business and be content with yourself. Dog: stay put! Don’t be risky with investments, take to travel, start a business nor sign a contract. Consult with the best advisers you know if you must. Be cautious! Pig: life is happening around you with family members getting married and giving birth to babies. Watch your diet. You may be susceptible to stomach aches and illnesses.

H. H. “Professor” Lin would say, perform a good deed daily. This act of compassion will counteract negative energy. If you are at a loss, move your attention to helping a family member, friend, stranger, animal, the environment or cause. Reflect upon how this creates a purification for your mind. Your relationship to all things will smooth out and solutions will come easily.

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

Feng Shui touches on every aspect of life. If you want a small taste, try Feng Shui A La Carte.

Feng Shui Color Tips: Choosing The Right Hue For You!

Posted on July 14, 2015 by bette

“I found I could say things with color and shapes that I couldn’t say any other way…”
–Georgia O’Keefe

Color touches upon every aspect of life and creates a meaningful impact on your surroundings. It nurtures your health, replenishes money, captures opportunities for your livelihood and strengthens your communication skills. You can broadcast your intention with color. Refresh your body, brighten your mood, remove clutter in your thoughts or find creative solutions for your questions. Harmonizing your surroundings with color aligns you with your purpose and allows you to be free to tap into your highest potential.

Feng shui color tips and the science of color help facilitate telling a coworker how you feel; asking your boss for a raise; planning a passionate night with your partner; mending a relationship; writing your memoir and sleeping peacefully.

Basic Rainbow colors +

Red is associated with happiness, passion and prosperity. Use red to feel enthusiasm. A sensational color for your power outfit that will pull your resume and prodigious work history together is red–fire engine red, Chinese red, chili pepper red. Red in Feng shui adds courtesy, etiquette, power and strength.

Orange restores, it warms and stimulates. It is a color to help you process your ideas. If you are a writer or want to try your hand at a creative project bring some orange, tangerine or mango to the craft table or tie a scarf around your neck to stimulate your throat chakra–you will speak your truth and play more successfully with the ideas that bubble up.

Yellow boosts your self-confidence. It brightens and promotes healing. If you have had a falling out with a family member and you want to mend your relationship, wear lemon or marigold yellow. It will raise both of your spirits. It will smooth out rigidity and inflexible opinions.

Green refreshes your body and spirit. It is a common color in nature – grass, trees and vegetation – it can help you to feel grounded, creative and calm. It is easy on the eyes and you can look at green for a long time and not experience eye strain. It equalizes, relaxes and balances painful processes. Wrap yourself in a deep sage or emerald green chenille blanket. Sit quietly by candlelight in your meditation room, touch your heart with your hands, feel its pulse, and quietly focus on feeling serene.

Blue clarifies. It emits a sense of well-being. It also soothes, focuses, and cools down energy. Gums sore? That inflammation could be unexpressed anger at work. Wear a sky blue dress or blouse to get mental clarity on the underlying issue. Still need to cool down? Go to bed in a cloud of blue flannel sheets or periwinkle blue cotton pajamas.

Indigo cultivates your intuition and builds self trust. Find a world market or antique mall that carries exotic scarves from Turkey or pashminas from India. Cloak your body and enjoy the mystery of the deep inky blue. Develop your insights from the messages you receive both visible and invisible.

Purple transforms energy on a higher level. It relaxes the nervous system and has a calming mental effect (not to mention boosts sex drive). It is wonderful to adorn a space where you meditate. After a long work day, gently refocus your attention and nourish your mind, when you slip into a flowing, satin robe of deep purple hue. Feel the luxury of its abundant warmth and sensuality. And while you are contemplating your bed and bedroom, check out Under The Covers With Five Element Color to see what colors work best for your bed.

Pink inspires love and romance. Hot pink and fuchsia stimulate passion. Be playful and use your imagination. Your brain is the biggest sex organ. You can do wonders with sheer magenta fabric to lead your partner to the boudoir.

Black connects you to your wisdom. Helps access deeper thoughts. If you need to take command of a situation wear black to express your authority.

White purifies. It is recognized as innocence and cleanliness in the west. In the east, it is the symbol of death. If you have tried everything and still cannot shed those extra pounds wear all white. You will be so concerned with keeping your clothes spotless that you will be very careful about what goes into your mouth. No spaghetti sauce or chocolate fudge sundae for dinner.

Please share Feng Shui color tips of your own.

Feng Shui touches on every aspect of life. If you want a small taste, I invite you to try Feng Shui A La Carte.

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 Solutions To Create Summer Magic!

Posted on July 6, 2015 by bette

“Pick up your wand and carry on.”

We’re in the height of Wizard* season. Summer. Sun. Radiant. Transformative. Fire. It’s a don’t wait energy. It’s a build your momentum, be bold and feel inspired kind of zeal. Pull a Harry Potter movie off the shelf, pick up your wand and strap on the mantle of your imagination. When you commit to suspending your belief about the reality of your current circumstances, the moment you let go, magic enters. Begin now.

Hold That Thought!
“You must find the feeling of abundance before abundance can be yours. You must talk about how it will feel when you are living it. You must talk about why you want it and what it will feel like to live it. When you think a thought for 17 seconds, that thought has enough momentum that another thought like it will join it. And as you maintain that thought for another 17 seconds and another and another…then pretty soon you have 68 seconds of like thoughts. And then you have momentum that begins the realization process. And what happens then is thoughts will rendezvous with you. Ideas will come. Inspiration will happen and you will have fun, not just achieving manifested reality but imagining it and that is really a lot of fun.”
–Abraham Hicks

Set The Path of Least Resistance!
“The path around your home is also the path of awakening.”
–Thich Nhat Hanh

You hold the wand. You know your rockets of desire will manifest through focus and clarity (17 seconds +). Begin with a strategy to harmonize your home by removing distracting energy. Make a list of design details that affect your physical and emotional well being. Then start the transformation! Here are a few general Feng Shui solutions to create summer magic. Soften blocking walls with beautiful art work; diffuse a poison arrow with a radiant crystal; uplift your stairs with a wind chime and turn your thoughts around with a mirror at the stove. Remove mental chatter by donating furnishings that have emotional ties and drain your energy. Refresh your surroundings with luminous color and sparkling light. A wizard knows a unifying pattern creates a sense of ease, a welcoming ambiance and will train your vibration to move upward allowing the space for you to rendezvous with ideas, inspiration and fun.

Expand Your Thinking About Abundance!
Abundance is more than money Ch’i coming from the wealth corner or your career. There are six more guas that create the alchemy of abundance. Impulses can come as innovative ideas that support you (adjust Family or Knowledge). Foster relationships that build your business to a prosperous status (activate Partnership gua). Generate an ample sense of well being that provides the stamina to push on (build the Center). Develop strong ties with mentors, benefactors and clients who aid you when your luck is down (tune up Helpful People). And I am excited to share one of H.H. “Professor” Lin’s secrets that will give the Feng Shui in your home tensile strength. There are eight guas which creates four pairs. When you place an adjustment in one of the pairs, it profoundly activates its partner. Here is how they pair up: Wealth/Helpful People; Fame/Career; Knowledge/Partnership; Children/Family. If you have plans for home improvement and you are including Feng Shui, you will want to add this. And please let me know how it works for you. I’d love to hear about your process.

Recently a client shared she could best describe her Feng Shui journey as, “Fun!” She told me how she loved searching for a colorful dragon for her office. It engaged her senses and sense of play. It was her excitement about the possibility of positive change, her engagement with the process and finally transforming her space with the sacred objects she created through her heart and intention that helped her realign with her desires. “If you are are in tune with what you want, you feel enthusiasm, peaceful and satisfied with your desires. The Law of Attraction responds to this.” (AH) Indeed!

*The Five Element Archetypes: Wood – The Pioneer, Fire – The Wizard, Earth – The Peacemaker, Metal – The Alchemist, Water – The Philosopher
– Between Heaven And Earth, A Guide To Chinese Medicine

Feng Shui touches on every aspect of life. I invite you to try Feng Shui A La Carte.

June 16 New Moon. The Month of the Horse.

Posted on June 15, 2015 by bette

“The earth has received the embrace of the sun and we shall see the results of that love.”
– Hunkesni, Sitting Bull

June 16 new moon Horse strides confidently into first position of the Zodiac. Horse is bright, energetic, quick with a come back, clever, popular and adept at persuasion. They are a power house and enthusiastic and great to have on board to get a project started. But do not expect them to finish if they meet with obstacles or minor disturbances. This is a detriment as they appear irresponsible but that is an appearance. Because they are robust and gregarious they enjoy being the star attraction at social settings because they are skilled at keeping things moving. Horse might seem fickle where love is concerned. He/she doesn’t mean to be unkind it is their restless nature. Sheep and Horse enjoy the outdoors. If you’ve completed your home improvement projects during the month of the Snake, now is a good time to take advantage of the favorable weather conditions and go for outings where you can enjoy Nature. This is a healthy choice. It balances sitting at a desk or standing to serve people (nurses and doctors included) for long periods of time. Among the many benefits you store up vitamin D in your bones for the winter months.

What can possibly happen for your Chinese zodiac animal in the Month of the Horse? I have composed these sound bites to help you find your stride. Rat: in “direct conflict” with the month and this is worsened by the “most confrontational” relationship with the sign of the year. Take precautions against accidents, lawsuits, financial loss and scoundrels. Do a good deed a day. Ox: you can expect ill luck. Don’t let your defenses down. Don’t make investments, purchase real estate or change your career path. Let the yin surround you and just “lay low”. Tiger: luck is good. Go full boar! You can expect a promotion at work or expansion in your career and money comes easily. Invest some. Rabbit: there might be some family discord. Act with tolerance and be forgiving to make amends and create peace. Dragon: you are high on good fortune. Your plans will go as predicted. You could establish a business partnership. Put your effort into developing your personal relationships. Snake: your luck turns for the better. No matter how small the opportunities, be accepting and grateful for the challenge. Make a sincere effort for it can lead to better ones as long as you have a positive attitude. Horse: you will enjoy happiness and prosperity. Finances and your career make decidedly good strides. Ram: your luck is not up to speed. Only take on what you can adequately handle. The proverbial, “Do not bite off more than you can chew” applies. Do not seek quick profits or speedy results. Take precaution with friends and family who are withdrawing from you. Monkey: if you have delineated a plan, the opportunity to execute it is now. Socialize, network, make contacts and look for opportunities to invest your time and money. Rooster: you may be feeling stable but could experience feeling low because of pressure at work. Take to deep breathing, yoga, qigong and meditation to dissipate this energy. Dog: you hit the jackpot! It’s a Three Harmony month. Time to “unleash your inner entrepreneur”. Attend lots of social events. But be careful, with all the partying and networking, maintain healthy eating habits to reserve your energy. Pig: whatever you dream, it will go well. There will be a few difficulties but you can handle them with meditation and reflection.

H. H. “Professor” Lin would say, perform a good deed daily. This act of compassion will counteract negative energy. If you are at a loss, move your attention to helping a family member, friend, stranger, animal, the environment or cause. Observe how this creates a purification for your mind. Relationships smooth out and solutions flow to you.

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

Feng Shui touches on every aspect of life. If you want a small taste, try Feng Shui A La Carte.

Hot And Juicy Feng Shui Garden Tips For Living Easy.

Posted on June 9, 2015 by bette

“It’s a smile, it’s a kiss, it’s a sip of wine, it’s summertime.”

When temperatures soar the place to enjoy cooling off is the backyard! You can make summer more fun with these hot and juicy Feng Shui garden tips. I believe you’ll toast to the ambience, enjoy the smiles and entertain with the confidence that you made safe, smart, design decisions.

Love to grill? Measure the back of the house and find the center. Place the barbie there (make sure you have adequate ventilation). As a Fire element it will create a connection to the Fame gua (also a Fire element) of the house. With proper intention the two strengthen Fame and will bring recognition to your career.

Laying down pavers for the back patio? The most auspicious shape is an oval. But also natural curves are auspicious and much better than straight lines and protruding angular shapes. The Chinese discovered thousands of years ago that negative Ch’i travels in a straight line.

Where to put Fido’s dog house. The Helpful People gua (front right corner of your yard). Your dog is a helpful person to you and the family. Give him the recognition he deserves by placing his shelter in the gua that serves you both.

Yearning for a gazebo? If you are looking to transform your backyard and want to know the best placement for a gazebo, remember detached buildings can be tricky. If the gazebo is enclosed and in the far left corner of the lot, money will be hidden by a family member. If it is in the far right corner of the lot, you may find your partner eating in someone else’s kitchen. An open (no walls) gazebo in Wealth and Partnership are OK. But consider an open gazebo in Fame. This will increase your visibility at work and in your career.

Digging up the backyard for a pool? Placement is of the utmost importance. If an angle of a pool is pointing at a door or window into the house, the occupants will have:

The occurrence of an illness in the head.
Ocular diseases, especially if pointing at a window.
Gynecological diseases if pointing at a sliding door, especially to the bedroom.
Strange illnesses.

To cure: place nine potted plants between the corner of the pool and the door or window.

If you need helpful people in your life…try adding a round (vase-shaped) tree in Helpful People in the garden.

How to make your pond Feng Shui perfect. A pond should have a visible entry of water, as well as an exit, to avoid the impression of stagnation.

Need money for all of this? You earned this bonus item after buying a new grill, upgrading Fido’s dog house, splurging on the gazebo, excavating the backyard for a pool and adding a pond with koi. To cure: in keeping with the hot and juicy garden Feng Shui cures, place something associated with a wind mill into wealth. The movement will spin away any stagnant Ch’i. Remember to visualize your intention and choose an auspicious day.

Want design help with the rest of the house? Try Feng Shui A La Carte.

If you feel you’ve benefited from any of the Feng Shui garden or any of the cures I share, please send a red envelope. Email me for details.

Unraveling Your Home’s Floor Plan With Feng Shui.

Posted on May 22, 2015 by bette

“We shape our dwellings, and afterwards our dwellings shape us.”
– Sir Winston Churchill

Floor Plans might appear cryptic if you don’t know what to look for. To a trained consultant reading a floor plan with “Feng Shui eyes” reveals a rich narrative of the occupants’ lives: a twisted stairway bringing the onset of a heart attack; a contrary door blocking a flourishing career; a detached garage confirming money theft from a relative; a biting door transforming an obedient child into a bully; an empty door sending a partner packing. As truth teller, architectural details disclose the stress, the emotions, the entanglement and worry where the heart of the occupants spill forth onto the blueprint of their home. It takes courage and patience and willingness to believe in what cannot be seen. But when a client chooses to celebrate their life integrating Feng Shui principles, they create balance and renewal in their space and in their life. Their home now receives them, it feels welcoming and their dreams can breathe. What will you choose? Take a look, maybe there is a design detail that reminds you of your home.

If you need only a few questions answered I invite you to check out “Feng Shui A La Carte”. An hour could change your life exponentially.

The list will continue to grow. Please check back for updates.

Piercing Heart Doors
PHD are three or more doors through which you could walk in a straight line. They create an unseen barrier through the house. By their nature they create a barrier between husband and wife, parents and children and between the siblings. As the crevasse widens over the passage of time, it becomes more and more difficult to express love and compassion between husband and wife or parents and children.

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Stairway in the center of the house
Life can be complex and come at you fast. A strong center can hold a family or business together. If the center is weakened by a stairway, all life situations will feel like a runaway train. Your finances will fluctuate uncontrollably. Stability will be compromised leading to worry and angst. And the effects will be exaggerated if the stairway is built after the initial construction. Ch’i can leak from every room and from every occupant. Health will be particularly affected and life could feel like one pitfall after another.

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Detached Garage
If the door of the detached building is facing the main house, there are no windows in the back, and there is a light in the Wealth corner of the lot shining back to the main house, you will keep your wealth. But without the light, a detached garage suggests that one of the spouses or members of the family is keeping money from the other.

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Mandarin duck stairway
A front entry with a split stairway represents a major split, tearing apart partners, families, businesses, devastating the occupants. Every situation and relationship start to fall apart. Married couples don’t see eye to eye, children may struggle to find their place, finances fluctuate and health can be taken for a wild ride. Confusion and exhaustion are direct byproducts of this arrangement because life is constantly up and down. There may be no coming to agreement with this arrangement. When this is true for an entire company, it affects all the employees and the effects can bring the company to ruin.

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Master bedroom running front to back of the house
The master bath is inclusive of this design detail. Money and resources can leak out of the house.

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Hidden front door
A hidden front door is where the door is not visible to the street. This type of front door may find family members, or coworkers (of a business), without opportunity. A door is indicative of a voice. Your front door is your voice to the world. The occupants may not be able to speak up, their voice, in a sense, is choked. At home, “strange” ch’i (feeling/acting isolated) is a symptom of this design detail. At the office this detail is a strong indicator of loss: clientele, income, and motivation. There will be an increase in anger and melancholy.

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Master bedroom in front of the front door
If the master bedroom is outside the front door, distraction is characteristic of this design detail. One of the parents may be away from home often. It may be travel, work or that passion has heated up outside of the house.

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A front door that opens out
All good fortune may leave the home. This design feature depletes all the resources that the occupants have accrued. Many Florida homes (now by code) open out to allow for safety of exiting during hurricanes. This feature is a detriment to the occupants. Health ch’i, wealth ch’i and good fortune leak from the home.

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