Feng Shui Flowers That Whisper Good Fortune

Posted on May 23, 2018 by bette

“Hear blessings dropping their blossoms all around you.”
– Mawlana Jalal-al-Din Rumi

If we wish to attract what is good for us, flowers are a direct path to enhancing our feelings and elevating our sense of well-being. Nancy Etcoff, Ph.D., of Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General. Hospital and her research team investigated the effects of flowers in the home and they concluded 1) flowers influence people emotionally; they foster compassion and kindness. 2) people feel less negative around flowers. Looking at them first thing in the morning dissipates anxiety or feelings of depression. 3) having flowers at home can carry over to work creating a frame of mind for happiness and enthusiasm.

In the right place flowers in your home whisper their message, be joyful and blessings will fall like blossoms all around you.

Flowers have a long held importance and cultural significance in Chinese culture. They believe they communicate positive messages.

Here are five of my favorites that I give as Feng Shui adjustments and personally display during the Chinese seasonal festivals.

Peony Their elegant, full blossoms and delicate fragrance make them a favorite of bride’s bouquets and with good reason. The Chinese hold the peony in high esteem because it symbolizes prosperity and nobility. It also represents wealth, rank, female beauty and honor. Yellow and purple varieties are the most desirable. According to Feng Shui tradition, cultivate affluence by hanging either an image of a peony in a vase or placing an actual peony in a vase in the living room of your home. Either one expresses the wish for ‘prosperity and peace’, because the peony represents prosperity and the vase is a rebus for peace.

Orchid We all want someone special who is just right for us. The orchid represents integrity, friendship and nobility. Confucius compared the orchid to a virtuous man. In BSTB Feng Shui tradition to attract a refined and cultured partner place a pink orchid in your Relationship corner. The nuance to this relationship adjustment is visualize you are attracting the perfect person for you.

Lotus The Chinese believe the lotus symbolizes purity, long life, humility and honor. In Chinese Buddhism, Quan Yin is depicted seated on a lotus flower because it rises from the mud in beauty and symbolizes perfection and purity of the heart and mind. Mud represents a meaningful part of the lotus flower’s development. In Buddhist teachings, we humans are born into suffering, it is a vital part of our experience. The sacred lotus grows in the deep mud, far away from the sun. But sooner or later, it reaches the light becoming the most beautiful flower ever. If you’ve struggled to accept your fears. If you’ve felt your burdens have not brought you redemption. If despair reminds you that you feel you’ve failed, it may be difficult to see that these muddy waters make you the exquisite human being that you are, but you are.

Chrysanthemum The ninth day of the ninth lunar month is the Double Ninth Festival also called Chongyang Festival (this year it is October 17, 2018). Nine is a yang number (symbolizing forever). Celebrating the double nine brings auspiciousness to the household. “Double Ninth” is pronounced the same as the word “forever” so ancestors are also worshipped on that day. Chrysanthemum is a Chinese word derived from “Chu hua” meaning “October flower”. White chrysanthemums represent nobility and elegance and attract good luck to the home and a life of ease. It is revered like the orchid, bamboo and plum. Displaying chrysanthemums in the home and eating Chongyang (double yang) cakes (cake sounds like height so they are regarded as lucky) are popular customs honoring this festival. They lift the Ch’i of, not only individuals, but families and communities too.

Narcissus Narcissus is known as the “water goddess”. It is said this flower can rout out evil spirits. At Chinese New Year (The Year of the Water Pig is February 5, 2019), the Chinese believe daffodil and Narcissus bulbs when in bloom bring good fortune and luck to a home. The modern take: enliven your Ch’i through the sense of smell. This adjustment calms the nervous system and promotes a sense of well being.

The Flower Cure Many times the most unlikely Feng Shui adjustment has the greatest affect. If the valve between the stomach and the esophagus is not opening and closing properly and there is acid reflux, H.H. “Professor” Lin Yun suggested this cure (nine red envelopes requested). The essence of this cure is how the sense of smell affects the body, mind and spirit.

Photo credit: https://www.quitecontemporary.com/2017/01/diy-ceramic-vases.html

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.

The Year of the Horse IS The Year of the Heart!

Posted on January 14, 2014 by bette

Get connected to the great things that make you great!

“The Year of the Horse” as “The Year of the Heart”. It is an act of faith kind of year. A year to move from head centered decisions to heart centered action, to wildly embrace creativity and make outrageous choices, especially when there isn’t a formula for the outcome. It’s time to move. Find your rhythm and dance. The only way you can stake a bigger claim for your dreams is to let your intuition take the reins of your life. Yes, a little scary, but believe me it will bring fulfillment.

I want to share a brief review of the last two years because it’s important in talking about a course of action. The Water element shaped our intellect to hold the idea of an underground river where you could sit by the water’s edge and reflect. It was a golden opportunity to balance activities in the world and time to be alone in deep listening. Those who did, emerged from this phase a bit wiser and with an expanded consciousness to embrace energy conservation, personal and the planet’s. This preparatory stage provided the means to access a hidden reserve. To recognize burn out before it happened. And to step back into solitude to charge our batteries, either with walking in Nature or seated meditation to reconnect to intuition. Because the Wood element is riding on top of the Horse, things are going to heat up and speed up, for this action oriented year and you will need to have practiced balance or learn it quickly.

In the Five Element constructive cycle, Wood feeds Fire but in this arrangement Fire is sitting below. Scenario: Wood being consumed readily by the hungry flames of Fire. This might bring explosive opportunities, countries going to war (911 happened in a Horse year) and for you personally a fire being lit underneath you if you’ve been procrastinating these past two years.

Wood sitting on top is inflexible. That will be our greatest challenge. But this is the year of the shift. Human evolution is dependent on this cycle–and we’re set with the task to move our seat of consciousness to where it belongs–in the heart, the place of noble, intuitive action where love reigns unconditionally. Inflexibility is just one example of the intractable, head centered, eccentric realities we have lived, fought about and have destroyed large tracts of the planet over. Win-win takes practice. Practice patience, practice caution, practice flexibility whenever confronted with a tall tree of resistance. In a moment of conflict, you can swallow your saliva three times. This qigong method has the ability to prevent an argument because it gives you time to think about your response. (You can find the remaining four methods in my article, “Yes, But!” Living Feng Shui Magazine. These methods address inflexibility and encourage thoughtfulness in a natural way.). Cultivating a Yin Yang balance replaces an aggressive attitude with compassion which could save a dear friendship, loving marriage or one’s beloved country.

Wood atop fire is a “symbol of optimism and enthusiasm for new innovations and progress”. We’ve come a long way since the the first color TV was manufactured by RCA. You may hold the key to inventing a life style change that could influence millions or discover a break through in social communication. Don’t hold yourself back from thinking you are limited in your potential to affect the world.

The last Wood Horse year was 1954. Rock and Roll became popular. If you are struggling with your feelings, feeling stuck or can’t feel your body, untangle your thoughts with a tango lesson, go contra dancing or salsa under the stars. Connecting to your body integrates all the centers: head, heart and tan’tien. These three cauldrons are ready to cook, serve and deliver what you need. Place your hands over your heart and see how you feel. You’ve brought your mind and body into coherence. Now watch how your life moves.

On a health note be mindful of blood circulation and inflammation. Because Horse is clashing with the Rat which represents the Kidneys and our immune system, there may be more chances of virus attacks. Supplements can help and forms of exercise like qigong and yoga. Examine your diet, add fish rich in Omega 3 or add fish oil like Omega 3 oil, vitamin C and vitamin E to check cholesterol plus balance the excess fire which is heating up the kidneys (Raymond Lo).

Horses have a superior intuition, they are physically powerful and they love to play. What an aesthetic balance of opposites and beautiful image to hold as we dance through the year.

Gong Xi Fa Cai! May you experience good health, bountiful luck and many fortunate blessings this year.

Want to know what is going to happen to your Chinese Zodiac Animal in the Year of the Horse? Read my companion piece, Year of the Horse Predictions: Fortune Telling or Practical Strategy?

January 22, 2014, I’d love for you to join me at Kiva Tea • Café • Spa 6-8 p.m. Learn joy luck cures and master strategies to gather in wealth, health, fame and happiness to fulfill your wish list. I will share the Golden Cicada Sheds Its Shell and Changing the Chi of the House. And a meditation to enhance your Ch’i and clears the slate so you can connect to deep joy. Register at Kiva.

Can’t make JoyLuck and Master Strategies but want to participate in lucky New Year’s traditions? I have put together the main ceremonies in “Three Lucky Feng Shui Secret Traditions Packet”+ Three Bonus Cures with a special lucky cure and the Three Secret Reinforcements (body, mind, speech) to amplify your intentions. Cost: $36 + nine red envelopes (allow time for mailing the red envelopes to me).

Perform these good fortune traditions on Chinese Lunar New Year’s Eve (Year of the Horse in the US is January 31, 2014), along with thousands of others and your collective wishes strengthen each other’s intentions, empowering your actions.

Welcome the Wealth Gods

Bring the Wealth Gods right into your home with this midnight tradition. Fortunate blessings, safety, protection, better health and prosperity accompany their blessings for the year to come.

The Golden Cicada Sheds Its Shell

Remove all work problems, relationship problems, all the things that are not going well in your life, health problems and bad luck. In this ceremony you are peeling them off like the shell from the egg. Your true self, your good chi can surface from the crust of life’s difficulties and you can attract what you desire with a clear heart.

Changing The Chi Of The House and Transforming The Fortunes For Individuals and Residences

Space clear and bless your home. Eliminate the residue of old patterns, negativities and resentments. It wakes up the house with fragrance and invites new beginnings and happy chi (which by its nature attracts good health, abundant wealth, fame and prosperity).

Bonus, The Scoundrel Cure

Someone giving you a hard time but you still have to relate? Change your relationship to one or several persons who bring you challenges and turn them into a helpful person. Works every time.

Bonus, Cure For Uncomfortable Fluctuations

Ceremony for when business and personal life are going up and down, up and down. If your health or finances are swinging from bad to worse.

Bonus, Sun Moon Mirror Meditation

With the power of the Universe, this mirror can offset difficult situations with the balance of the sun and moon, yin and yang. If can clear a space of inauspicious energy, add vitality to your day or strengthen a gua that already has a cure.

Secret lucky cure, The Red Slipper Cure
It can stop with the occurrence of bad luck. If you are at the end of your rope this maybe the perfect cure for you.

Three Secret Reinforcements

The main amplifying tool for any cure or adjustment in the Black Sect Tantric Buddhist Feng Shui. It is a ritual way of adding extra strength to any cure. It is an active blessing that combines three mystical ingredients of body, mind and speech.

Contact me via email: bette@shenmenfengshui.com to order your packet.

One thing 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.

Year of the Horse Predictions: Fortune Telling Or Practical Strategy?

Posted on January 14, 2014 by bette

Either Way, Your Luck Depends On It (See Your Prediction Below).

-painting by Keith Gunderson, Fine Art America

The Chinese participate in cultural traditions because it makes for good business decisions and harmony in the family. Now Americans are taking notice of their Asian neighbors good fortune, prosperity and abundance. And when multi-millionaire, Donald Trump, reported his New York real estate sales sky rocketed after hiring a Feng Shui master, eager westerners sought out palm readings, facial analysis, Feng Shui consultations and Chinese astrology predictions.

Well then how does something you can’t put a finger on like good luck, fortune telling, fanciful festivals, setting off fireworks, family celebrations, eating lucky foods, painting front doors auspicious colors, displaying beneficial offerings and sharing red envelopes work?

4000 + years of wisdom. China was an agrarian culture. Nature was an intricate process that required keen observation. To meet the hardship of survival, a calendar system was compiled during the rule of legendary emperor, Fu-hsi (2852 B.C.) in an effort to create a plentiful harvest. Seasonal changes, the sun’s transit and the moon’s lunation influenced crop production. Farmers needed to know when swelling tides would flood fields for an abundant rice harvest and on what day the vernal new moon rose to plant delicate seedlings. The Farmer’s Calendar (almanac) is a lunisolar system that not only documents the passage of time but is also a tool that contains exact information that predicts a person’s future – fortune telling. The calculations of year, month, day and hour are represented by the Five Elements – water, wood, fire, earth and metal. These are believed to be the basic components of everything in the Universe. Predictions based upon the relationship of these elements in any given year may amplify a person’s good luck (buy stock in March, get married in June) and help minimize their risks or bad luck (no travel in August, don’t party in September). Because the calendar was intended for popular use, in the Chou period, it was revised. Another phase was introduced to the Five Elements. The twelve earthly branch characters came to be associated with a particular animal: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Hare, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Ram, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Pig and thus the Chinese Zodiac arrived.

4712 marks the year of the Wood Horse. January 31 begins the celebration. The Chinese uphold that prosperity is an outgrowth of living naturally, in accordance with the seasons, one’s true nature, in peace, unity and harmony with one’s family. These right actions improve one’s fate. To help you avoid pitfalls and to know when to take advantage of the good luck coming your way, here are 12 brief, Year of the Horse Predictions for of each Zodiac animal.

If you don’t know your Chinese Zodiac Sign, here’s a calculator.

Every zodiac animal will benefit in Leap Lunar September. October 24-November 22, the signs of the year and the month are in a “Three Harmony” relationship. In a leap month what you attempt will have support. It is a good month to make financial decisions regarding real estate, make investments, move to a location you desire, switch jobs, get married, entertain, have a grand opening and finalize deals.

Rat Your luck is greatly minimized by the direct conflict relationship with the Tai Sui, Year God (Horse). There is an absence of lucky stars this year that makes for more bad luck than good. However performing the Golden Cicada Sheds Its Shell and Changing the Chi of the House will minimize the stress directed at your efforts. A few highlights. April 29-May 28, July 27-August 24, December 22-January 19. Adversity will transform into auspiciousness however keep an eye out for misfortune. Perform good deeds daily to offset bad luck coming to you. Volunteer your time to charitable organizations and this generates abundance that will come back to you.

Ox Because of your position on the zodiac, you will find clashes with the Tai Sui, Year God (Horse). A Chinese Folk saying: “White Horses have always been afraid of blue oxen.” (source Yun Lin Temple calendar). The road will be bumpy. The good news is this bad situation will be offset by lucky stars. But be mindful. Watch your step and proceed with caution. Perform the Golden Cicada Sheds Its Shell and Changing the Chi of the House to avert any disaster. Highlights this year: January 31-February 28, April 29-May 28, July 27-August 24, December 22-January 19. In these months your endeavors will be smooth. Good fortune and joyous celebrations will be available however the Chinese always advise when things look good to be aware that your luck could change. Do not go over the top.

Tiger All adversities will turn into blessings and you will mostly enjoy prosperity from your endeavors. There is potential for advancement in your job and career with wealth coming in. Be careful of scoundrels wanting to cause arguments. Even though this will be a smooth year watch out for legal trouble. Perform the Golden Cicada Sheds Its Shell and Changing the Chi of the House to add to the beneficence of the year but also pass through any unforeseen danger with safety. Highlighted months this year: January 31-February 28, March 1-30, May 29-June 26, June 27-July 26, August 25-September 23, September 24-October 23, November 23-December 21, January 20-February 18. Wow! Being amicable can bring riches and success. Whatever ‘disaster’ aka difficult circumstance comes your way, if you are righteous and sincere you can transform every encounter into a blessing.

Hare (Rabbit) You are in a slightly offensive relationship with the Tai Sui, Year God (Horse). You will experience wealth and luck, however scoundrels will be causing trouble behind your back. Luck for female Hares is fair while the males watch your love relationships, be above board and you will minimize your trouble. Perform the Golden Cicada Sheds Its Shell and Changing the Chi of the House and adversities will be transformed into blessings. Highlighted months this year: May 29-June 26, September 24-October 23, October 24-November 22; a year to be conservative and cautious. The months mentioned endeavors will run smooth with wealth luck coming your way. The lunar month of July guard against robbery and burglary at home. Over all watch your opinions as they may be damaging to your fame and any gains you have made. The harder you work the more rewards you will get.

Dragon Vitality, fame with helpful people coming to your assistance can be expected. If you are quick witted it is time to show your stuff. Opportunities are abundant but it is how you approach them (with caution and a down to earth attitude) that will guarantee your success. Refrain from visiting friends in hospitals and those with recent death in the family. Perform the Golden Cicada Sheds Its Shell and Changing the Chi of the House; you will avert adversities and attract wealth and blessings. Highlighted months this year: April 29-May 28, May 29-June 26, July 27-August 24, August 25-September 23, October 24-November 22. Since Dragon and Horse “form a energetic and vigorous pair”, any bad luck will for the most part be offset by the Horse. Caution is a quality to have in your back pocket. Keep a broad and open mind and you will find delight in your interpersonal relationships.

Snake Make new plans and you will set new records. You will find your luck is in power and influence. If you go into business many helpful people will come your way. Fame, wealth, official rank, and honor will be greatly enhanced. There may be relationships difficulties with your partner, whether married or not. You could experience obstacles in your endeavors. Proceed with caution to avoid failure. Perform the Golden Cicada Sheds Its Shell and Changing the Chi of the House; you will avert adversities and attract wealth and blessings. Highlighted months this year: March 1-30, July 27-August 24, August 25-September 23, October 24-November 22, December 22-January 19. Career, wealth and fame will be fruitful but also during these times do not boast about your success. Be conservative to keep the ch’i happy.

Horse You are sitting on top of the the Tai Sui, Year God (Horse). Your luck will be in the extremes. Inauspicious stars make this a more difficult year than what lucky Horse is use to. Watch for behavior that could lead to legal battle. It’s possible for unexpected accidents to occur. There could be blood shedding or disaster for women. Perform the Golden Cicada Sheds Its Shell and Changing the Chi of the House so that you can safely pass through the crisis. Highlighted months this year: January 31- February 28, March 31-April 28, June 27-July 26, July 27-August 24, September 24- October 23, October 24-November 22. These months will offer opportunities for advancement in reputation and wealth, perhaps go into partnership. Remember to help those who are in need or who are weak and perform good deeds often.

Ram (Sheep) The saying, “Rams together with Horses, give great auspiciousness.” (source: Yun Lin Temple) Your luck will be on top, the best the year can offer. If you’ve been working on your career you can expect advancement. Money luck will be quite good too. If you have been working hard, expect fruitful results. Watch out for the behavior of friends, relatives or scoundrels who try to make life difficult for you. Take precaution against lawsuits. Helpful people will come to your aid doubling your efforts and your reputation will sky rocket this year. Perform the Golden Cicada Sheds Its Shell and Changing the Chi of the House to avert disasters and bring wealth and blessings. Highlighted months this year: March 1-30, March 31-April 28, April 29-May 28, May 29-June 26, October 24-November 22, November 23-December 21. Happy Ch’i is coming your way. Career choices are good. Wealth luck make financial decisions easy. During this year take serious precautions against lawsuits. Inauspicious months demand patience. During those times of stress, act passively and you will see better results.

Monkey The luck is very good for Monkey this year. You will experience reward in your progress, it will be a step by step process. Recognition will come to you in foreign places. Think about expanding, your career, your household, your family. Pay attention, disasters could befall you, money loss too. Be mindful of the physical and mental health of your family members. Do not plan major construction or renovation. Perform the Golden Cicada Sheds Its Shell and Changing the Chi of the House to avert disasters and bring wealth and blessings. Highlighted months this year: March 31-April 28, April 29-May 28, May 29-June 26, October 24-November 22. Happy Ch’i is written all over your face. Your discipline to work will bear auspiciousness. There is opportunity for travel in May and prestige and helpful people can be found in foreign countries during that month. If you do good deeds during the year, prosperity and honor will be gained.

Rooster Your animal sign is in a mutually offensive relationship with the Tai Sui, Year God (Horse). The good news is that you have lucky stars that alleviate this difficult position this year. Happy Ch’i, Wealth Ch’i, Advancement Ch’i, fame and fortune are achievable. There will be joyous events in your family. Wedding bells are possible. You find you will have to work hard and be distracted with details that may force you to run around and get exhausted. There could be unexpected disasters. Perform the Golden Cicada Sheds Its Shell and Changing the Chi of the House to avert disasters and bring wealth and blessings. Highlighted months this year: March 31-April 28, April 29-May 28, May 29-June 26, June 27-July 26, October 24-November 22, November 23-December 21. In July the matrimonial star is on the ascent, a wedding will take place in the family. Joy will come, do not be greedy. Success, fame and fortune are at hand. Career decisions and work situations will go smoothly. During this year practice modesty and being amicable, for he who has great tolerance will have great blessings.

Dog Those born with the Dog as their animal sign will enjoy a ‘Three Harmony’ relationship which affords you good fortune, fame, career advancement and happiness. Your endeavors will be auspicious. Life will indeed be bright. As with any time of good luck, there can be adversity within. Watch for money losing ventures, disharmony at home and health issues. Perform the Golden Cicada Sheds Its Shell and Changing the Chi of the House to avert disasters and bring wealth and blessings. Highlighted months this year: January 31-February 28, March 1-30, April 29-May 28, May 29-June 26, October 24-November 22, November 23-December 21. Lucky stars make for Earth luck. Follow your bliss and wealth and fame will follow. Your hard work will yield favorable results. In August if you must travel, take extra precaution, carry an enhanced Buddha for protection. Refer to my blog, Unexpected Death And Feeding (One’s Own) Hungry Ghosts for the Orange Peel Protection. In this year there could be nerve racking events, learn to be calm, do not over calculate, perform good deeds and negotiations will be win-win.

Pig You may enjoy twice the results of this year with only half the effort. That is good news for Pigs who suffered difficulties in the Year of the Snake. Lucky stars will make wealth, happiness and prosperity easily attainable. There will be luck and enjoyment in your career and fame. Watch your health for illness and your family members for unexpected medical emergencies. Perform the Golden Cicada Sheds Its Shell and Changing the Chi of the House to avert disasters and bring wealth and blessings. Highlighted months this year: January 31-February 28, March 1-30, March 31-April 28, June 27-July 26, October 24-November 22. You will feel rejuvenate in the month of March. In general during these months helpful people will offer guidance and you will experience favorable results from your hard work. Use your available energy to do good deeds. You will gain from this on many levels, in many life times. In January 2015 a family member may experience ill health. Host a joyous celebration to dispel the sick ch’i and bad luck.