Feng Shui:

One Path to the Harmonious Home

Feng Shui, pronounced Fung Shway, and literally meaning "wind and waters," could be described as the Chinese art of placement. You can find practitioners who are very traditional in their interpretations and choices of materials and those who have sought to universalize the principles of this art. We lean more towards the latter approach.

We'd like to make it clear that we aren't experts or consultants; we've learned from personal study, experimentation, and some consultations with professional Feng Shui consultants. What we offer here is an overview and some suggestions for beginners.

Feng Shui (like work with crystals, Bach Flower Remedies, or Reiki) is based on the idea that everything is made up of energy. When we work with these modalities we can train ourselves to notice when the energy in an office or home (or in ourselves) seems to be flowing freely and when it feels blocked.

With Feng Shui we learn how to further the smooth, effective flow of energy (called chi in Chinese). This ancient system teaches the appropriate placement of objects in particular areas related to important aspects of our lives in order to bring those aspects of life into balance. Although crystals (both natural and Austrian) are among the most important energy conductors used in Feng Shui there are other helpful things, such as chimes and fountains.

A New Way to Look at Space

The following chart shows how the Feng Shui system divides a space (which could be a room, a house or apartment, a plot of land, or the surface of your desk or altar). Your space(s) may not look exactly like this, and you can approximate the proportions. If a room or house has more than one entrance, consider the primary entrance the one you use most.

Imagine each house as wedge-shaped, with the exception of house 5 which is a circle in the center of the room. The lines of the other eight houses end at the circle.

4	9	2
3	5	7
8	1	6

Doorway

Each of the numbers stands for an area (called house in Feng Shui). Below we describe them and list some of the crystals and other objects which can enhance the energy of each house. Please note that these lists aren't definitive. In working out placements in your own home you may intuitively be drawn to put a certain crystal or object in a particular house, even if it makes no sense. Follow your impulse; this is part of intuitive Feng Shui.

As you go through this list, keep in mind that you only need to pay attention to and create new energy in the houses which represent difficulties/energy blockages in your life. In other words, if you are completely satisfied with your career, for example, make no changes in this area.

Chrysocolla Sphere

1. Water (The Journey). On one level this relates to career; on a deeper level this area symbolizes the ability to flow through your life enjoying the journey and being clear on where you' going. All images relating to water are appropriate here; water-colored crystals such as aquamarine, turquoise, and chrysocolla, images of frogs, fish, dolphins, whales, and fountains.

2. Earth (Relationships). This area symbolizes all relationships: business, romantic, teacher/student, etc. In its deepest sense it signifies receptivity, which to us means unconditional appreciation of others. Paired objects are appropriate here: two candles, gemini crystals, a pair of pillows (which also stand for receptivity). If you' working on attracting, deepening, or healing a love relationship, place rose quartz here. Images of turtles (which represent the earth and grounding) or animals which mate for life (such as wolves) are helpful.

Mini 8 Chimes

3. Thunder (Ancestors). As thunder precedes rain, so parents, teachers, bosses, and other authority figures in a sense precede us and deserve our respect. Often forgiveness must precede respect. This area relates to issues with the past and with authority. Appropriate stones include smoky quartz (to release negativity associated with the past), azurite (for understanding the past), and rose quartz (forgiveness). Since Thunder is sound drums and table chimes are good here, as is a power animal or any image which for you symbolizes your spiritual lineage.

4. Wind (Fortunate Blessings). Wind blows new energies into our lives, which can be those of material blessings. We focus on prosperity in this area, but it may also stand for professional acknowledgment, health, and other blessings. Citrine and emerald are helpful for prosperity. Aventurine can help with health issues. Wind chimes help to draw energy here. An image of a buffalo is appropriate, or a bear or frog for healing. Aromalamps are appropriate here.

Spiral Wind Chime

Quartz Cluster

5. Tai Chi. This area symbolizes the center and the reconciliation of all disharmony. This is an excellent location for clear quartz or an aromalamp.

6. Heaven (Helpful Friends). Heaven represents the spiritual energy which creates matter. This energy is a gift, and this area relates to the gifts of kindness and assistance we both receive and give. Crystals, as images of spirit (or light) in matter, are especially related to this area, so all crystals are appropriate here. A particularly nice one for this spot is aqua aura (for self-expression through service to others). Images of angels, our heavenly helpers, belong here, as do those of eagles, for Spirit. This is another good location for your favorite power animal.

Kwan Yin in Meditation

Dolphin

7. Lake (Creativity) True creativity comes from the depths of our being, a source as invisible as the bottom of a lake. This area also relates to children, both in the sense of their being our creations, and to the playful creative spirit of a child. Malachite and carnelian enhance creativity, and this is another good location for a fountain. Dolphins are often considered symbols of creativity.

8. Mountain (Contemplation) This area represents our relationship with our own spirituality, our ability to withdraw from the world and gain strength from our inner spirit. This is a good place for stones which promote peacefulness and tranquility, such as amethyst and chrysocolla. An image of a cat (sleeping?) may also be appropriate. Decorative boxes and vases are also suitable (to symbolize the empty, receptive nature of meditation).

Amethyst Cluster

Amethyst Candle Holder

9. Fire (Illumination) This area symbolizes inner fulfillment (as differentiated from trying to create self-esteem from the opinions of others) and the ability to share one' sense of enlightenment. All stones with fiery, pulsating energy, such as carnelian, ruby, garnet, belong here, as well as smoky quartz (for self-esteem). This is a good location for candles.

All-purpose Helpers

Both clear quartz and Austrian crystals are appropriate for all houses. Other crystals will help in terms of the specific issues connected with the house.

For example, for communication issues with a parent or boss work on Thunder/ Ancestors, with your children work on Lake/Creativity, with a spouse or partner look at Earth/Relationships. Consider crystals for communication such as blue lace agate, blue topaz, chrysocolla, turquoise; you can narrow your choice by reading about the specific areas of communication they relate to. Then place the appropriate crystal in the house.

If you are feeling anxious about the issues connected with a given house place rhodochrosite in it; if you are impatient, rhodonite. You can also program a crystal for the changes you desire in a given area and place it in the corresponding house.

Enjoy redesigning your home. And, remember, with Feng Shui even housecleaning can be fun (maybe).