Tag Archives: winter

A Winter Wreath To Bless Your Home

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“When something nourishes you and brings you joy, make room for it in your life.”

A tiny bell on the front door welcoming the owner into her home; a bird bath inviting wildlife to refresh their thirst while invoking Heaven’s help.
A mirror that moves worry from a couple’s mind who are trying to conceive a child. These are not only decorative objects that
bring beauty but enchantments that light the way for the Ch’i to enter and expand the home into wholeness. They transform the everyday into
the extraordinary and bring the bigger gifts of peace, success and happiness. And so it is with the holiday wreath.

In nearly every culture the front entry protects us from the outside. It is the entry to our sacred space.  It invites what we want into our homes.
What we place on our front door influences what enters our homes. In Celtic traditions fresh garlands are hung around or just instead the
threshold. A winter wreath is one type of garland and the circle is the key feature of a wreath. A winter wreath blesses, unites and insures harmony.
A winter wreath is a circle and the circle suggests inclusion, enclosing our home with the sacred.

Natural wreaths have the most anima of the season. Autumn leaves with hops, nuts and gourds; bittersweet or dried rose hips make beautiful fall
wreaths. Winter Solstice and Christmas wreaths are generally made with evergreens. Conifers and evergreens lend their ongoing vitality and so
we are casting a field of protection during the cold winter months. Evergreens like pine, spruce and firs represent eternal life and thought to
restore the sun made sick by the winter.

May the season of light lay a might blessing upon you.

A by-note: 25 -30 million real Christmas trees are sold and discarded in the United States every year. When an acre of trees are cut down, the daily
oxygenneeded for 18 people is destroyed. If you put up a live tree consider one of the following: rent a living tree that is delivered to your doorstep
in a pot. Or plant a tree in your yard and on Christmas you can gather around the tree and celebrate with hot cider and songs.
(resource from Raeanne Rubenstein)

Do you have  a great relationship with your home, family, your job or partner but looking for something more to enhance your life? I would love
to help see your house with new eyes.  “Your House Is Talking” is a full consultation service and Feng Shui A La Carte offers a taste of
how Feng Shui can work for you, Let’s chat.  503-232-2543 or bette@shenmenfengshui.com.

January 17 New Moon. Trust The Magic Of Beginnings.

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“And suddenly you just know it’s time to start something new and trust the magic of beginnings.”
–Meister Eckhart

Many cultures believe that birds are a symbol of eternal life and the link between heaven and earth. So I’ve chosen to highlight the Swan instead of the current Chinese Zodiac animal for the January 17 new moon because they walk on the earth, swim in the sea and soar into the sky. In essence they demonstrate freedom and that best describes my decision. I’ve enjoyed bringing Heaven’s message every month but this is my swan song new moon blog. I say adieu and trust the magic of beginnings as I trust you will too. 

Bite Into Spring! Lichun starts February 3 this year. The “Chinese 7-11’s are serving up chunbing, otherwise known as “spring pancakes,” chewy tortilla-like wrappings that are filled with fresh seasonal vegetables (ike luobo, radishes and jicai, shepherd’s purse). The snack is traditionally eaten on Lichun, a holiday that falls on the 4th and 5th of February, and marks the beginning of spring. The expression “yao chun” isn’t just savvy 7-11 marketing—it’s a traditional saying that refers to both embracing spring and using vegetable nutrition to prevent illness. It’s believed that once you “bite into spring,” you won’t feel tired for the rest of the season!”
– Juling He, The World of Chinese

February 4, 2018, make sure you have your radishes handy! Rat: it’s an auspicious six harmony month. Everyone in your household besides you will experience safety and auspiciousness. You have lucky stars and there will be joyful celebrations bringing good luck to your doorstep. You will have lots of Helpful People come to your aid. If you are in politics or actively employed expect a promotion. All your endeavors will be smooth and prosperous. Ox: misfortune and auspiciousness are of equal proportion this month. Events will not turn out as you planned but do not be demanding, this will only serve to increase your trouble. Be law-abiding and know your position while acting in accordance with karma then peace and abundance will be yours. Tiger: there will be a change in your political rank and elevation in social status. Wealth luck is abundant and you may expect a career advancement. There is an opportunity to start a new business. On the other hand there may be conflict in your interpersonal relationships and disputes within the family. Rabbit: be patient over cranky this month in waiting for a favorable time to boost your fame and fortune. Be conservative and maintain a conservative profile at work and in your investments. Do not make drastic changes. Perform one good deed a day and you will accumulate prosperity and virtue at the end. Dragon: it will be smooth sailing both domestically and in foreign places. Don’t be greedy nor arrogant. Modesty will lead you to success. Enjoy the good times but remember the bad too for balance. Be prepared for rainy days. Snake: it’s a three harmony month as well as wealth and blessings and all the things you desire. Be careful of financial loss and traps laid by scoundrels. Plan, treat people with sincerity and perform one good deed each day to enjoy the sweetness of the final result. Horse: it’s a confrontational month, be aware of unexpected disasters. Remain quiet and low key during this time. Maintain a calm mind and a harmonious outlook to avoid getting into arguments and disputes. Ram: the luck of the month is in direct conflict. Be safe, do not travel. Watch out for burglaries, traffic accidents and unexpected disasters. Monkey: good times are expected this month. Happiness is written all over your face. Make investments, start a new business, enter into a partnership or business with people. Seize the opportunity to achieve your life time goal. Rooster: you have a lucky star shining above you at last. You will enjoy auspiciousness, prosperity and blessings which will bring you fine and bright mood. Remember the Chinese saying, “If there is harmony in the family, everything can be accomplished.” Dog: there is equal auspiciousness and misfortune. Be careful of scoundrels! Maintain your objectivity and good judgement. If another person’s opinion make sense, adopt it. Don’t think you are the only smart person in the world. Pig: good-bye misfortune, hello auspiciousness! Your luck is changing for the better however  your body and mind are not in a harmonious state, you are easily troubled by trivial matters. To soothe you mood and Ch’i, it is advisable to chant The White-Robed Kuan-Yin mantra.

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.

December 17 New Moon. Be The Difference.

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“Anything is possible if you’ve got enough nerve.”
– JK Rowling

December 17 new moon, enter Ox. Ox folks embody endurance, honesty and diligence. True to their strength, they take on hardship anytime and anywhere. We have the opportunity to glean from their Tao of resilience and fortitude for our own winter survival. And though we may be distracted with new year anticipation, let’s keep the tempo with Ox advice this December 17 new moon: keep your focus and be the difference! Always generous, Ox is gifting us with super-strength for our super power because as Ox would say, “The difference between who you are and who you want to be is what you do.”

In January we struggle between leaving holiday mode and new year work demands; it’s possible to be caught in a clash. But before you end up in bed this December 17 new moon try this cure to strengthen your immune system. Within a 99 day period change the furniture three times. Or rearrange the furniture every 27 days, for three consecutive times. When you do it that way it will take a total of 81 days. It wakes up the Ch’i and removes any stale or blocked energy. And if you are already drained from a difficult work environment try this method. Before going to bed, peel an orange in one piece. It gets you to breath deeply and focus so you don’t break the peel. After this visualize the room is filled with the scent of the orange. Oranges signify abundance. The citrus aroma cleanses your etheric field and releases stale Ch’i. The transcendental meaning: oranges bring good luck and good fortune for it (chéng zi) sounds like gold (Jin) in the Chinese language. Everyday for nine days, peel one orange and leave the peel somewhere in the room. At the end of nine days you can dispose of the peels. You can eat the fruit everyday. You can also do the cure in your car if you are distracted a lot of the time and your distraction created an automobile accident. Do it in your office to avoid petty people coming around. Put the peels in your office drawer. And always, always set your intention.

Happy New Year! Live your dream in 2018!

Chinese Lunar New Year aka Spring Festival is February 16. Until then we are steeping in winter so protect your 7th vertebrae (in Chinese medicine where illness enters your body) with a scarf and mind what’s happening to your Chinese astrology. This December 17 new moon take a fresh approach to work, enjoy! Rat: it’s a month of challenges, you might say, adversities. What you plan may not come to fruition. For the next 30 days be cautious when driving. Do not make investments either. Put extra effort into your work and you will see advancement. It is a time to focus on peace and harmony in the family. Ox: a lucky star shines on you, it is a six harmony month. You will find wealth comes easily and your plans will come to life. With the assistance from Helpful People your relationships will be flavored with auspiciousness. Perform one good deed a day and you will gain additional fortune and merits. Tiger: you will have on one had disaster and the other auspiciousness. You have a lucky star that will eventual transform any disaster into peace. Perform a good deed a day and both prosperity and wealth will exceed your expectation. For those who are trying there is a chance to conceive. Your interpersonal relationships will be harmonious. Planning will go smoothly. Rabbit: your luck is mutually offensive. Avoid disputes, this gives scoundrels an opportunity to undermine you. Monitor your spending with your income. Do not visit the sick and the bereaved and watch your mental and physical health. Dragon: this is a three harmony month. Expect good results in your business endeavors. If you are a employed you will receive get promoted and receive a raise. If you are an official your future looks bright. If traveling any distance, perform the BSTB Feng Shui cure “Walking on Six Feet of Red Cloth”. Snake: your talents and skills are being recognized. You are riding high because events around you are bringing in good luck but all the same be mindful and do not let your guard down. Instead strive for a higher achievement. Horse: this is a direct conflict month. You luck is on the low end. Though you may work faithfully and not complain, there may be expressed resentment against  you. Your emotions may be low this month. It is advised to practice, BSTB “Inhale Exhale Breathing Exercise” to relieve pressure and avoid physical harm. Ram: the luck of the month is most confrontational. There could be one stressful event after another. Be mindful of your health, there may be illness and injuries. Your emotions may be in turmoil too. Do not act on impulse and stay clear of disputes. Monkey: the clouds have parted and the sun is shining bright. Helpful People will come to your aid and your endeavors are moving with ease. Your mood is improved and you have a bright future ahead. Rooster: there is the possibility that you will be confronted with situations, meet them head on. Face it with openness when it doesn’t go your way. Don’t make a big deal out of it. Also don’t be impetuous or quick to judge. Dog: misfortune is dissolving with the clouds. Helpful People come to your aid and wherever you look, there is prosperity and harmony. During this time that your life is running smoothly focus on harmony indoor interpersonal relationships. Pig: the light at the end of the tunnel is in sight. Your endeavors are going smoothly and your future looks bright. Cheer up!

If you request a cure from this December 17 new moon astrology 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”… 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.

November 18 Leave Your Comfort Zone.

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“There is no passion to be found in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living.”
– Nelson Mandela

Great things never came from a comfort zone. Nelson Mandela, South African anti-apartheid revolutionary, political leader, and philanthropist, was living proof all his life. Setting the example for acting with purpose and passion, he tipped the scales in social inequality. The November 18 new moon ushered in the quick-witted, social conscious Rat. Rats are yin water by nature. They have a refined intuitive sense about people and the workings of the Universe and they use these highly developed skills to speak up for causes that create a better world.

Clever, resourceful and eloquently convincing the Rat used these traits to win a very important race. He knew he was no physical match for the other animals so he convinced the ox to carry him. In exchange he sang to the ox. When they crossed the river and arrived onto the bank the ox honestly believed he had won but the wily Rat jumped in front of him. Rat became the first animal to win the Heavenly Gate race and become the first guard for the Jade Emperor, https://www.chinahighlights.com/travelguide/chinese-zodiac/story.htm. 

For the past year at each new moon I have selected one attribute from the current Zodiac animal’s repertoire of traits. Incorporating a new trait (even if temporary) amplifies our conduct, teaches us to be flexible and awakens our potential. Rat’s super power is their resourceful nature. It can teach us to be adaptable, humble and keenly observe what is going on around. Its can get us back on our feet when our luck is down. Winter is a challenging time in the northern climates, survival is of foremost concern. It’s the perfect opportunity to lift a spirit with your compassion and be generous with your knowledge this month. If it helps one person ease out of a difficult financial situation or leave a abusive relationship, you’ve done your work.

The Three Friends of Winter, also known as Suihan Sanyou (or shochikubai), symbolize the pine, bamboo, and plum. The Chinese observed that the pine, bamboo and plum do not wither as the cold days deepen into the winter season unlike many other plants…. Together these three symbolize steadfastness, perseverance, and resilience. Contemplating these characteristics gives me philosophical warmth when I think how they stay vital as the cold days deepen. Stay cozy and dry, Friends! Rat: Heaven helps those who help themselves. Rat, your success will be in equal measure to the time you devote to your projects. If you are thinking of getting married, this may be the time. Business luck is at the forefront in starting something new. What seemed like blocks to your forward movement  blow away and you achieve your goals. Ox: it’s a good month for the Ox and you will feel like you just emerged from a soothing bath. There is peace and safety in your home and your hard work is showing results, like the sun that comes out after a long period of rain. Keep a sharp eye on your business proposals and assess your partners-to-be with caution so that disasters pass you by. Tiger: you luck will be exceedingly good, it is a six harmony month. Helpful People are standing by ready to help. Life will be smooth both inside and outside your household. Your career will progress and if you are in politics you will see good luck there too. Throw a party, celebrate a wedding or a special event but do not go to the house of the bereaved. Rabbit: this is a three harmony month. Your health is favored. Be mindful at work and with your investments. Do not be greedy over wealth arriving from unexpected sources. Follow the proper path and all will go well. Dragon: disasters are lifted and auspicious luck has arrived. You will be successful in all your endeavors and Helpful People will be at your side. Be practical and realistic and abandon unrealistic ideas. Snake: it’s a mutually offensive month. Expect downturns among what you have achieved. Recite The White-Robed Kuan-Yin mantra to quell any inner turmoil. Horse: a benefactor will come to your aid at work, someone in a senior position will assist in your receiving a promotion. Look after the mental and physical health of your family and do not buy into gossip and rumors. Ram: say good-bye to disaster and say hello to good fortune. As the saying goes, “Behind the clouds, there’s the moon.” There may be a newborn, there may be a wedding…financial profit can be expected through conventional and unconventional methods. Use this time to secure all your future endeavors. Monkey: the luck this month is offensive and things are not running smoothly. You may be sleep deprived and make wrong decisions as a result. Pay attention to your mental and physical health. Recite The White-Robed Kuan-Yin mantra often. Rooster: the tide is turning to your favor with career opportunities on the horizon.  The situation is turning out in your favor. Try not to worry or you will feel depressed. Dog: good news, good luck and fortune are in your favor. It’s a good time to make investments and to start a partnership in business. Keep self importance and arrogance at bay and seize any opportunity to learn and improve your mind. Pig: there will be both auspiciousness and misfortune, blessings as well as disasters. Meditate and reflect on your own shortcomings rather than find fault and gossip about other’s conduct. He who starts the gossip is the one who did the deed. 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 Tips That Keep Your Head Above Water

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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