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The China Trip

I have spent many hours in airports during my life waiting for those magical flying machines to take me places in hours, compared to weeks and sometimes years it would have taken our ancestors to journey. We have become a society of impatient spoiled beings who want immediate results. I decided to use the current airport delay of eight hours for some needed R&R. I would shop, dine, rest, read and visit, and exchange news with other Feng Shui colleagues from the Bay Area, who were also waiting on one of the most exciting trips to where Feng Shui roots begin over 5000 years ago.

Leaving for China via San Francisco was a decision based on my visa and passport temporary misinformation, as my first name is Mary, and this can be a source of confusion at times on legal documents. I needed to be at the point of departure with the tour guide to claim I was the same person on both documents. I also figured there must be another reason I was meant to leave out of that airport, and that the importance of this side-tracked direction would unfold in due time.

When living in the San Francisco area for over 15 years, I never had time to actually get to know other practitioners devoted to the Art of Placement as we were all running separate directions with our businesses.

Travel_Caroline_and_GrandmasterMy first surprise was to recognize one of the original students and disciples of Professor Lin Yun, Master of Black Sect Tibetan Buddhism Feng Shui in the world. She has been chosen by His Holiness to record and keep records of all of his teachings. I call Katherine Metz, Keeper of the Secrets. Her upcoming book on Feng Shui will certainly be a bestseller as she has devoted her life to listening with a golden ear. Katherine is currently living and working in New York City and teaching Feng Shui is unique ways, in person and correspondence.

Katherine was visiting with her family who lives in San Francisco, so was flying out of this famous California city. Soon Catherine Dawson, with healing energy and compassion and a smile to go, rolled her suitcase into the circle of pioneers. Marina Lighthouse, our delightful musical upbeat lady of Feng Shui, also has a practice in THE CITY. We have both worked with Deborah Gee, who produced the popular PBS Feng Shui special with Professor Lin that has aired for the last three years during pledge drives in the Bay Area. Stay tuned for Marina’s new musical CD coming soon. Steven Post, a 30-year devoted figure of world religion and knowledge and head of the GEO school of Feng Shui, joined the waiting group. His lovable side emerged as his Feng Shui jokes later became the talk of the bus!

Excitement filled the airport lobbies as other well-known authors and teachers such as David Kennedy and others hugged friends and acquaintances. An immediate bond of good karma brought together a combined abundance of Feng Shui experience to be shared during our three weeks as “a family.” It was soon apparent why I was to use San Francisco as my base as the days progressed. Friendships grew as like minds shared in their experiences, as practitioners, doctors, nurses, lawyers, therapists, teachers, world business leaders, realtors, artists, and professors joined the growing tour.

There were many times safety was involved, and we knew instinctively if any one was missing from the bus of 30-plus travelers. Two buses held over 70 people, and we were of one mind as the itinerary of the journey begin.

Finally the aircraft was in the sky. It was 9 p.m. Pacific Time and we were on our way to the other side of the world. I was delighted to find I not only had an aisle seat, but two more vacant seats next to my tired body. “God was surely in favor of this trip,” I surmised, “he gave me two vacant seats as a gift, wasn’t that proof enough?” I fluffed up my jacket and purse, leaned over and went quickly to sleep. “Only 11 hours to go!!!” I whispered to myself.

Soul Gardens

Spring is the season of promise, hope and rebirth. Using gardens to attract new energy into your space is one of the best ways to see nature in action. Whether you choose wild flowers to stimulate an outdoor space, herbs to attract healthy wild life or lush green gardens of fruits and vegetables, the environment will flourish when tended with loving hands.

Feng Shui gardens are a delight to behold. Use colors of the Bagua or the eight-sided Art Wheel I have created helps to understand why certain shapes and colors entice Chi into your outdoor landscaping. Clear clutter from your properties to promote luck in Career and Wealth. Place tools in a tidy covered shed. I have seen too many wheelbarrows, shovels and dangerous hoeing objects outside the house in the Partnership Gua, all symbolizing “marriage must be work.” A bench or swing for two placed under a fruit-bearing tree with pink blossoms can visually encourage a couple to sit a moment under the umbrella and remember what brought them together in the beginning.

BaguaRead further for more ideas using The Art of Placement for “Gardens of Change.”

The ancient art of Feng Shui, translated as the balance of wind and water, examines the relationships between persons and their environment. This discipline examines how a place will be experienced emotionally and physically. Feeling at one with your home brings harmony. Discord seems to exist when sections of the house are missing. One suggestion I recommend is filling this missing Gua, or piece of the eight-sided, octagonal-shaped grid placed over the floor plan of your home, to become a garden. We usually consider a ‘garden’ a small or large space filled with flowers or vegetables. The garden I am suggesting is a more detailed ‘room.’

This outdoor room comes with walls of climbing vines to ceilings of wisteria. This gathering room which is created outdoors should include line, color, touch, sight and smell. All of these aspects have inherent messages that can transport us towards contentment. What type of soul garden fits your needs?

As a child, playing outside year round was a delight for me. One side of the property belonged to my grandparents. Their stately house stood tall and proud with Greek-shaped columns supporting a large veranda. This porch extended from the master bedroom. Children were not allowed on this balcony. Having said that, you can imagine the temptation and secret joy I received while sneaking out on this ‘tower’ above the world. I could see three houses down if I leaned over the railing just so.

AngelsLooking over the tall, steep edges, I could see and smell mints, lilacs and climbing roses. The fragrance seemed to lift up my body over the mass of blossomed bushes, bunched together forming “rooms” and secret hiding places. Hiding in these masses of trees and bushes, I could eavesdrop on my brother’s latest plan to kidnap me and return me home for spying. His buddies listened intently as he dictated my future.

What childhood memories do you fondly recall? Colors, sights and fragrances bring memories of those innocent free times, which can be interwoven into your future.

This week’s workshop on Feng Shui landscapes and gardens became a wonderful network of like-minded people, listening to many ideas for special gardens. In planning for outdoor rooms, there are several aspects to consider. What memories brought you joy? Which trees, flowers, colors, smells and sounds soothed your mind? Did birds and butterflies live in your outdoor world? Do you want open spaces or privacy, or both? A child’s garden should provide joy, freedom, adventure and protection – tree houses, forts, swings, logs to walk on, hideouts; maybe a tree to climb, space to run and a water feature. Whether a garden hose or a wading pond, I notice water always calms my grandsons.

Maybe a meditation space is what you want. Choose a place of peace and tranquility. If neighbors intimidate with staring eyes, put up a three-sided lattice fence, add jasmine, hops, or favorite climbing plants to cover the wood to give this spot a special feeling. Peace and tranquility are the aim. Use a pond, boulder or circle for focus. Pathways create a journey for your entrance. Walk over lush grass to the hideaway. Stepping stones of tile, bark, gravel or crushed nutshells give your feet a sensory treat.

Another suggestion is a Lovers Garden. Privacy is #1. Enter through a threshold made from wood, metal or braided limbs to form an arch. Place a bench for a secret rendezvous.

Power gardens are used for self-esteem, reclaiming your self-worth. An elevated vantage point is necessary. A deck, balcony, upstairs window or a chair will give you the advantage of focusing on the center or heart of a round or Bagua-shaped garden. The center could contain a tree, boulder, gazing ball, crystals or sculpture.

Healing gardens for new health can replenish, restore and change your life. Provide a ceiling or arbor with a comfortable setting arrangement on the ‘floor’ of the very small room. This womb-like size will caress and support the body. Light should shine into the structure. Hang a crystal, mobile, or wind chime at the entry. These focus points bring balance into the mind, body and soul.

What will your garden be like? Plant flowers and shrubs in colors of red for energy; blue for self-esteem, mystery and knowledge; green for growth and tranquility; and purple for higher concentration. Pink provides a love vibration, while white is for the metal element and yellow is for intuition and health.

Give to yourself a gift of spirit. Think, play, relax, feel and love. Extend the sacred spaces to the outdoors for a new and free feeling. To choose a special space, walk around your property and see what feelings are evoked.

Animal Symbolism

Recently I read an article on animal forms and their symbolism by Kathleen M. Karlsen, MA. Her consulting business incorporates the principles of Feng Shui into design and fine art decoration. Color, sound and the impact of imagery create powerful effects for human wellness.

I agree 100%. She goes on to say there are three major types of animal forms: domestic, wild and mythical beasts. Domestic animals are indicative of conscious cooperation with nature through positive interrelationships between man and animals. Wild animals depict untamed nature and man’s own untamed desires. Mythical beasts exist in the realm of the imagination and are especially compelling in their graphic representation of future potential and magical, unlimited resources.

One way to make friends is to acquire a domestic pet and go for a walk. Meeting new people won’t be a problem. This little ball of fuzz or a short-haired 200-pound dog will draw energy or Chi to you within minutes. These cute or scary partners become attention magnets. People stop to inquire about your pet.theguardians

The untamed wild kingdom might include lions, tigers, birds or tortoises. Images of any animal can be used in the fame or fire section of the home located at the middle back area of the house. The wild nature of these beasts is used as protectors. Fu Dogs (Chinese lion dogs) or English-type lion statues might be at entranceways to the property or the front door of the dwelling. These visual pieces are symbolic of strength, flexibility and courage. The dragon and bird-like phoenix complete the third dimension to this animal symbolism.

As a child, my mother and father took me to see the famous movie, The Wizard of Oz. Not wanting to show my mounting terror as the horrible, wicked witch unrelentingly chased Dorothy from Kansas, I glued myself securely to the back of the movie theater seat, held my breath in silence and turned white. Since my parents considered me a fearless child, I wasn’t about to let them know I was actually terrorized. From that night on, sleep became impossible. I wiggled to stay awake and counted the repetitive gaudy patterns of red, yellow and gold autumn leaves dancing on the walls of my room. The wild colors of Mom’s newest decorating feat left me awake until I fell into exhaustion. Using colors that are too Yang can keep the child’s action button caught in the “on” position! The Feng Shui of my bedroom didn’t help the situation!

My bed position was a big Feng Shui no-no, directly placed under a window, giving me a feeling of floating and abandonment. Poor Mom. Her instincts were way off base in her latest attempts to bring cheer to my environment. I loved the action colors of the room during daylight hours, but as night approached, I began acting out. I tried to escape the Oz dreams by hiding under the bed. This was the storage area for games, books, tablets and my favorite Crayolas. I snuggled securely into the clutter and fell asleep hiding from the witch.

During Feng Shui consultations, I caution parents on negative uses of color and bunk beds which make the child on top feel “confined” and the child on the bottom feel powerless. Under-the-bed storage gives no circulation and flow of life-giving Chi, and beds lined up with the bedroom door suck or drain the person whose feet are in line with the doorway. Angled ceilings cause pressure on the head, and a child’s bedroom located over a garage gives the child a feeling of “no support” while unseen fumes flow upward from paint, chemicals or resting vehicles. Another overlooked cause of sickness can be from a bed backed up to a bathroom on an adjoining wall, causing a downward tugging-motion to the brain! What are we thinking, folks? Now add a computer, radio clock, TV and a few more electrical items, and we have a toxic room for our children to grow and learn.

Animals are a natural cure to many rooms, as they love to lay in places which are toxic to help transmute the environment for us. Watch where your cats love to hang out as they are more able to “repair” a “bad” spot. A feline can feel the energy running under the ground, and some dogs are negative Chi busters. If your children are allergic to these live, furry love balls, let them choose a few stuffed animals which make them feel safe and secure. My grandchildren fall into this category, and the choices are endless to find just the right creature to snuggle down with on those winter nights and keep some circulation under their beds for a better night’s sleep.

Can A Floor Plan Cause Strain?

Can A Floor Plan Cause a Strain On Health and Career?

According to the readers of my weekly Feng Shui column in California in the Benicia Herald, you find the question and answer articles helpful for adjusting your own homes and offices.

Here is a complicated one. Please follow along, grab a cup of coffee or Chinese green tea, my personal favorite. (After visiting the tea orchards in China, I have learned the best type of green tea to buy. Choose an expensive brand, one which claims they are Chinese green tea tips from spring harvest. They do not export their finest spring tea, keeping it only for themselves. What we buy is a 3rd or 4th picking. The difference for taste and medicinal purposes is obvious.)

Dear Caroline,

My husband and I built a new house late last year. Ever since we moved in, the family has been sick (with me having the fewest illnesses). My husband has had shingles and was misdiagnosed, so it’s gone on longer than it should have, my 3-year-old has had bronchitis, ear infections, etc. – even the cat is on antibiotics! We have two dogs, one has had seizures and the other has a rotten tooth and some muscular back issues. It’s almost eerie! We’ve joked about the house being “cursed” – because of this I’ve done some Feng Shui reading. It also “feels” weird – I can’t explain it, and it may be because it’s still so new, we don’t feel yet that it’s home.

The house faces north and is on a corner (so there is nothing but a house facing us on the west side), neighbors in all other directions, and the stairs and the main hallway are in the middle of the house (the Health sector?) The stairs are a little to the right of the door, but they are visible when you open the front door, and they are not spiral stairs, but rather, bi-level (leading up to a landing, turning and leading to the 2nd floor.) We keep a baby gate on them since the toddler tends to want to climb them, and there’s a powder bath next to the stairs with a shower. I understand our house is also “L-shaped” (the garage juts out on the back of the house, southwest).

On the other hand, I’ve gotten a promotion and my husband is interviewing for an excellent job. My daughter began preschool in the fall and is doing splendidly. So, there must be some auspicious Chi somewhere? Anything I can do about the health issues and not destroy the good career energy?

Thank you!

A Reader

Dear Reader,

To begin, a corner lot is a good value money-wise, as corner lots are considered prime. For Feng Shui purposes, the energy produced by all of the traffic flow brings confusion to the peace of the occupants as the people going and coming day and night emits a yang Chi or high energy force. To avoid the constant intrusion, plant bushes and/or add a fence (without pickets or arrows on the top) around the area most prominent to the street.

Many times children are afraid to sleep near the front or side of the home that receives this excess energy bombardment. If this is the case, change the bed away from the window. Add a round lead quartz 50mm crystal between the child and the traffic. Bed headboards should be against a wall, but not against a wall with a stairway or bathroom or electrical wiring or pipes draining downward. All of these energies can disturb sleep and cause sickness. Watch out for TVs, computers, detail clocks, etc. in any bedroom, or any excess electrical appliances in any sleeping space.

Staircases are convenience and a necessity, but should be built to the sides of a home away from the front door. Any stairs in a series are considered a waterway, as they mimic a waterfall when the energy is pulled by the gravity of the earth downward. Having one line up with the entry or mouth of Chi washes money out the door. Having them over to the side is in your favor, so the next clue to your sicknesses is, yes, the center of the home that contains the Earth element, which is related to Health. Yellow is the main color that should be used in the staircase to “soak up” some of that “waterfall.” Shades of yellow are the first choice. I have seen this correction work time and again to shift health problems.

Lighting up these staircases is a must. I have recommended lights, lights, and more lights in split-level homes for cures. Another no-no is hanging pictures in a downward spiral, increasing the flow of “water” energy. Use paintings of Earth scenes or herbal and garden growth or harvest pictures with earth tones in yellow matting, lining the tops of the frames together to form a line between heaven and earth.

Always check under the house for any water leaks, standing or running water, another big no-no in Feng Shui principles. I have witnessed water leaking above and below the home which causes health problems.

What color of clothing does your family wear, as too much blue and green in the winter times can also lead to mucus diseases. Yellow sheets on the bed along with yellow pajamas keep your liver functioning properly. Other questions are, how old are your mattresses, are you sleeping on a water bed?

Don’t use the space under the bed for storage, as the bed needs to “breathe.” Keep the powder room door closed, toilet lid closed and a picture of, or up-growing bamboo plant, on the back of the toilet. Is there a bathroom directly above in entryway? You will need to contact me personally if you need a correction for the configuration, as it takes an experienced consultation to advise on this problem. Career problems can occur.

The Shape of the Home

BaguaThe shape of the home, as you have described, is missing the Wealth Gua and the garage is to the back far right or SW? If this is the case, make the Wealth area beautiful inside and outside. Place a fountain in the far back left side of the home inside or outside and keep it running unless you take a vacation, as when you turn them off, the money situation slows down.

I’m sure the garage is in perfect order, as this is the romance section. If life gets boring, open the garage door and have a romantic dinner back there! Or camp out for a mini vacation in the area without the kids. All kidding aside, keep the swing sets and toys in the other sections of the yard for more harmony in the marriage. a checks-and-balances system to continually check my progress with life aspects. The house is YOU!

When homes floor plans are lacking or missing parts some parts, the body lacks energy. I spoke for The AMA Surgeon General’s spouses in San Francisco on Mapping the Home a couple of years ago and explained to the group, you are your home and the home is you. They were very interested in the concepts of the home and body interconnection.

Last but not least, read Louise Hay’s book “Heal Your Body” for other physical and metaphysical clues for better health. Good luck. Let me know if any of these suggestions help.

Caroline

Chinese Antique Door

Chinese Antique Door and Its Origin

From the beginning of time, man has recorded his life. Whether it be the walls of a cave or a priceless painting in the Louvre, creativity is a part of the human experience. Furniture, panels, window coverings, stone walls, tiles, flooring, jewelry and pottery are but a few of the materials that hold man’s nature. Forms, shapes, colors, wood, metal, stone and clay have been used to carve, mold and retain words and feelings of the artist. Ancient buildings in most countries display magnificent artesian creations, from fountains to the roof tops. These pieces speak symbolically of the past and hold energy from the makers and the owners. Using pieces in your home that have a positive past are a welcome addition.

Here is an email from a person who recently purchased some beautiful huge double doors. They are works of art and he/she would like to more know about them. The pictures sent by email reveal over one hundred metal half pieces on the panels. Some of the large ones are set in rows in horizontal lines across both doors. Other features are metal wording, dark wood and two round ring handles, which are probably the openers to the heavy doors. Here is the correspondence.

QUESTION:

I was advised that you would be able to give me information about this door. I would like to use it as an entry door for my house. I have searched in books and also the Internet, no such luck. Can you kindly help?

I am hoping you can give me information on this particular door. With this email is an attachment file, with pictures of the door. I had purchased it at a consignment store in California. I have searched the Internet to get more information, but all I find are reproduction doors, but not anything like this particular door. I thank you in advance and appreciate any information you can provide.

I was told the following information when I purchased this door. Origin: Shan Xi, Qing (Ching) Dynasty Circa: 200 years old, 1634-1911 Material: Elm Wood with Wrought Iron Measurements: 96.5′ x 26.5′ x 6

Sincerely,

A Reader

ANSWER:

Please don’t take my word on this, as I am no authority on antiques. There are places on the internet which you might search and experts in San Francisco who could help you on your research regarding your purchase of doors. So, in saying that, I do remember my Master Teacher talking about the raised, large half circles on doors we saw in China, and that they reflected the owner’s importance, adding you could add the same type of decoration to your doors if you want to retain or add status in the community. Certain numbers are auspicious and bring good luck, so the amount of “decorative knobs” in certain areas in a row would tell a story of sorts about the person who lives in the house.

I would also think they are for protection, as they represent the METAL Element in the 5 element theory system and are convex. No “evil” can stick to a rounded protruding surface, and I see the door ring handles are guarded by Mystical Dogs. You might find a site which might give more insight as to the characters. They look wonderful and I hope they bring you abundance.

The Metal Element in a constructive cycle will “make condensation” which in turn makes WATER, and WATER is the Element which is associated with job opportunities. The mouth of Chi is the front door, and so Chi flows through the front door bringing Knowledge and Helpful People to assist with those unseen opportunities!

The pictures of the doors are beautiful and mystical. I would try to find out what part of China they came from and if the owners were prosperous, which in turn, would help you be prosperous, as well. This is called predecessor Chi. The energy continues to help or hinder the next owner. Remember, keeping things around that are loved will bring good luck, while keeping old, mean, Auntie DoDa’s rings and desk is only asking for you to inherit her “Cranky Chi.” Yikes! And why are you keeping the china from a horrible divorce and the china cabinet or, God forbid, sleeping on the same mattress you shared with this person? Every time you pass the display cabinet it is a silent reminder of the culprit.

Please let me know what you find out about the doors. If you have no luck I will try to find a friend who can help you.

Could you share who recommended me for this advice?