I’ve been reading up on feng shui, the ancient Chinese art, and am happy to report that a clean, uncluttered home — the Zen look — is at the top of the list of must-haves for good feng shui.
Good feng shui in the home is when you have placed your furniture and objects, like mirrors and fountains, in the proper positions so that they invite positive energy (chi) into your life. If not done right — watch out! — you can inadvertently cause everything from divorce to illness.
Practitioners use the “bagua,” a road map detailing nine zones representing major areas of life, to determine how to set up a room so that it benefits from positive energy flow. These areas are:
Prosperity
Reputation/Fame
Love/Relationships
Creativity/Children
Family
Health
Travel
Knowledge
Career
According to the experts, each area of the home or office represents one of the life areas listed above. Once you have your map, and understand what each area means, you can begin to redecorate your home. For example, adding a vase of fresh flowers to the “family gua” of each room in your house will help improve your family relationships.
Sound too complicated? It can be. But if you’re anxious to get some positive energy flowing through your home now, without attending feng shui school, start with these 3 tips:
1. Good feng shui starts at the door, where career and opportunities come into the home. Clear the entranceway of clutter, especially shoes, to allow chi to flow right in. If chi picks up the scent of shoes, it will carry it through the house, putting your family at risk of illness.
2. Declutter! Too much furniture can block the flow of existing energy and prevent new energy from bringing opportunities your way.
3. Chi adores a dust-free home — yes, chi is a clean freak!
Oh, and that reference to divorce? Well, apparently you can keep your marriage safe by leaving the mirrors off the walls opposite your bed. Why? According to feng shui beliefs, mirrors in these locations will invite a third party into your relationship. Sounds like the makings of a messy divorce. Definitely not good feng shui!