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Feng Shui School of the Month - Harmony Life® East Coast Feng Shui School

Harmony Life® East Coast Feng Shui SchoolIn Harmony Life® East Coast Feng Shui School, a professional training program, you will learn a holistic, intuitive approach to Feng Shui, one that takes ancient techniques and adapts them for modern living. Interior Alignment® uses the energy in our homes as a tool for healing and transformation. Our methods and techniques, skillfully blend the principles of feng shui, the art of space clearing, Native American elements, the power of ceremony and the environmental benefits of healthy homes, to literally transform the way you perceive environments.

This dynamic course, led by licensed Master Educator of Interior Alignment® Laurie Bornstein, combines 18 weeks of guided/interactive E-based training with a 7-day on site training retreat.

Click here to learn more about the program.
 

The International Feng Shui Guild School Spotlight highlights our Gold Level Member Schools. The IFSG Gold Member Schools are Feng Shui training programs that have embraced our Universal Topics and whose curriculum meets or exceeds our recommended training requirements.
  
 
The International Feng Shui Guild does not represent or endorse the views or beliefs of its individual members as expressed herein, nor does it represent or endorse the accuracy or reliability of any of the recommendations, advertisements, quality of any products, information, or other materials displayed, purchased or obtained as a result of any information in this publication. The IFSG serves as a reference and source for our members and the public.

 

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Feng Shui Tip of the Month - Metal

Metal
 
The Metal Element is found in:
· all metals, including stainless steel, copper, brass, and aluminum.
· cement, and stone such as marble, granite, and flagstone.
· natural crystals and gemstones.
· art and sculpture made from metal or stone.
· circular, oval, and arched shapes.
· white and light pastels.
 
The Metal element enhances mental acuity and strengthens presence of mind, even in times of stress. Too much Metal creates mental rigidity, stubbornness, and the inability to compromise; while too little promotes indecisiveness and procrastination.
 
 
 
Contribution:  Western School of Feng Shui
 

When in doubt about applying Feng Shui principles or for more detailed analysis, hire a professional consultant.  
 
The International Feng Shui Guild does not represent or endorse the views or beliefs of its individual members as expressed herein, nor does it represent or endorse the accuracy or reliability of any of the recommendations, advertisements, quality of any products, information, or other materials displayed, purchased or obtained as a result of any information in this publication. The IFSG serves as a reference and source for our members and the public.
 

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The Metal Element in You and Your Environments

It’s time for change again-the chi (or life-force) of the Five Elements (wood, earth, water, fire and metal) in the universe and inside of YOU, too!
 
The element of METAL is a cold and contracting energy that’s associated with creativity, communication, inspiration and symbology.
 
Because the yang energies are now weakening and the chi is now yin in nature, it is time to gather your energy and your spirits and be reflective-it’s time to slooooow down!
 
The Metal Element governs the Lake, the Youngest Daughter and the Evening.
 
It governs the organs of the lungs and colon.
 
The emotions associated with metal are joy and grief. Other metal emotions are insecurity, inability to achieve parental or spousal expectations, and lack of confidence. The challenge for a metal type is to learn how to express grief and find healing.
 
The season of metal gives us the ability to let go of old ideas, beliefs, and attachments, leaving room for new space to grow and evolve as well as the possibility for wisdom.
 
It’s also a time to focus on finances and success.
 
In Feng Shui, we find the metal energy housed in the “Dui” or Children/Creativity (far center right) and Helpful People (closest far right) areas of the Bagua your home, business, desk or any room. If you wish to enhance your creativity, communication and projects, or attract more benefactors, you can apply metal cures such as:
 
~Installing a metal wind-chime outside on the eaves or inside and then ringing it with your hand nine times
~Placing a water fountain with floating bells
~Using the colors white, grey or metallic colors in paint or decor
~Add the metal element itself (such as genuine gold, silver, bronze, copper and so on; coins; bells; etc.)
~Hang a clear or gold colored round faceted Swarovski crystal sphere (hung on 9″ increments red thread)
~Use the shapes of circles and domes
~Hang a gently moving mobile over your head at your desk
~Keep a brass bell on the creative gua of your desk and ring it vigorously and joyfully when you need an energetic boost
~Wear clothing in metal colors or metal jewelry
~Sprinkle Chinese Feng Shui coins liberally throughout your home and business
 
You can also do the following to support your chi during this season:
 
~Practice breathing meditations to strengthen the lungs
~Retire with the sunset and arise with the dawn
~Eat warm, cooked foods
~Let go of what’s no longer needed (on all levels)
~Observe where there’s unwanted contraction around patterns, habits, ideas
~Speak up for what is right, just and virtuous
 
If you have too much metal chi, you might be very judgemental, self-righteous or overly demonstrative. If you don’t have enough metal chi, you might be too quiet, shy or feeling choked when wishing to speak. But know, there are always many adjustments that can help.
 
 
by Gwynne Warner, Red Ribbon Member of the International Feng Shui Guild
 
Article Source:  The Metal Element in You and Your Environments
 
The International Feng Shui Guild does not represent or endorse the views or beliefs of its individual members as expressed herein, nor does it represent or endorse the accuracy or reliability of any of the recommendations, advertisements, quality of any products, information, or other materials displayed, purchased or obtained as a result of any information in this publication. The IFSG serves as a reference and source for our members and the public.

 

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Feng Shui Glossary Word of the Month - Dragon

Azure Dragon, also called Green Dragon

 
A symbolic animal of the Form School and one of four Celestial Animals. In the ideal armchair or cradle position of the Form School, the Azure Dragon refers to mountain ranges, rolling hills, trees, or structures that support and protect a building on the left side of the armchair when looking out the front door.

 

Source:  International Feng Shui Glossary ©

 

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Energy Trends Forecast for 2012 - Year of the Dragon

The Solar Year begins February 4, 2012 at 6:40 PM; and with it the transition from Metal Rabbit to Water Dragon.

The Dragon is the 5th archetype in the Chinese cycle of twelve. Opportunities for wealth, vitality and enhanced creativity abound for those who are ready to hear the Dragon’s call; and a whisper it isn’t. Prepare yourself for fast paced out-of-your-hands exciting times. All things are super sized, prone to fanfare and filled with surprise during this Water Dragon year.

The Dragon’s interests know no bounds. Her greatest passion is to make things happen. The Dragon’s deep connection to the natural order brings an understanding that life requires forward movement in all the realms. From the Dragon’s point of view, it is inadvisable to rest on one’s laurels even during the best of times. To do so when change is needed and action is required is simply unacceptable. You may find yourself willing to take more risks during this Dragon year. Do so, for little can be gained without taking risks. Do, however, plan carefully and allow for a back way out should circumstances change too rapidly and you find yourself between a rock and a hard place. The previous year required that we study, develop ourselves, embellish our skills and follow academic pursuits. As the Rabbit year transitions into the Dragon year, we are required to put all this newly acquired knowledge into action.

The Dragon is one of the four celestial creatures of Asian mythology, Guardian of the East and the most imposing feature in the landscape. It is not always easy walking over the rocky terrain of the Dragon’s path. Lasting success will have to be earned through honorable and focused actions and not through trickery. Efforts must be genuine and aligned with the greater good.

Dragon years are a time of celebration. Excited by your passion and the Dragon’s encouragement you may have a strong urge to run off with the circus. The question is not, “should I go”? It is rather, “which circus will be the one to provide my most fulfilling experience?”

Take the time to befriend the Dragon; and you may experience its higher nature. Though some Dragons may seem to only be interested in their own grand pursuits, Dragons are in fact pillars of the manifested world. They provide support and stability while pushing us to maximize our experience of life. If we are uncertain and not sure we can do it, they become exemplars; showing the way through their extraordinary and continuing achievements. What gives them the power to accomplish great feats is their direct connection with the natural order. Whether their fierceness is a creative force or a destructive one, will depend on the strength of connection with Spirit and their willingness to follow the guidance that Heaven provides. Dragons are creatures of both Heaven and Earth and prescribe honorable conduct in both the spiritual and mundane realms.

Dragon years bring so many gifts. Yet they require a degree of personal alignment to effectively contend with the swell of ambient energy. Get in touch with your own center and prioritize what truly matters and you can achieve this essential alignment and fully benefit from the abundance coming your way.

 by Yasha Jampolsky

 

The International Feng Shui Guild does not represent or endorse the views or beliefs of its individual members as expressed herein, nor does it represent or endorse the accuracy or reliability of any of the recommendations, advertisements, quality of any products, information, or other materials displayed, purchased or obtained as a result of any information in this publication. The IFSG serves as a reference and source for our members and the public.
 

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Feng Shui School of the Month - Wind and Water School of Feng Shui

Wind and Water School of Feng ShuiFounded by international expert, Carole Hyder, in 1998, the Wind and Water School of Feng Shui assists students in expanding their knowledge of Feng Shui through content-rich sessions and hands-on practicum, enabling them to confidently practice and implement the principles and theories of Feng Shui. Based on the teachings of Professor Thomas Lin Yun and Roger Green, the program includes one-on-one interaction, shadow client appointments, over 60 hours of classroom time, first-hand experiences with blueprints, and student’s own required practice appointments.
 
Click here to learn more about the program.
  
 
The International Feng Shui Guild School Spotlight highlights our Gold Level Member Schools. The IFSG Gold Member Schools are Feng Shui training programs that have embraced our Universal Topics and whose curriculum meets or exceeds our recommended training requirements.

 

The International Feng Shui Guild does not represent or endorse the views or beliefs of its individual members as expressed herein, nor does it represent or endorse the accuracy or reliability of any of the recommendations, advertisements, quality of any products, information, or other materials displayed, purchased or obtained as a result of any information in this publication. The IFSG serves as a reference and source for our members and the public.

 

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The 9 Stars and 2012

6 Heaven Year
 
4 February 2012-3 February 2013
 
The 6 Heaven Year usually brings clarity and completion for the party. The hidden element of the year is that of Metal. In the I Ching the Heaven trigram can represent authority or the father. Another take is that it is the harvest since the north-west is the autumn and brings with it the reaping of what has been sewn. In some ways it can be the end of an era. 1940 in Europe, 1949 in China, 1967 and the summer of love are just a few examples. (See below to determine your I Ching Star.)
 
Here is my take on the year ahead for you: 
 
1 Water Star
 
After a year in the Mountain in 2011, you now rise up to the Fire House this year! This is going to be your year to shine and to be seen and to be noticed. It will be effortless for you to achieve recognition. A perfect year if you wish to put yourself in the spotlight regarding new work, new opportunities or even a new relationship. 
 
2 Earth Star
 
After a pretty frantic 2011 in the Fire House, you now move to the more gentle and deeper Water House this year. This element allows you to recharge your chi on a very deep and profound level. Try to avoid big projects and undertakings that could burn you out this year. But it is a perfect time to reflect deeply and start to plan for a whole new cycle of time that lies ahead of you. 
 
3 Thunder Star
 
2012 is a wonderful year for you, as a 3 Thunder Star, to start to plan out your future in detail. It’s ideal for contracts, new deals and even new relationships. All the ideas and dreams and schemes that were coming your way last year can now start to take more shape and form. But hold tight a little bit until later in the year to launch anything seriously massive. 
 
4 Wind Star
 
After two relatively quiet years for your Star, you’re now on the up and up. In 2012 your Star moves to the East and borrows the House of the First Born Son – Thunder. An amazing year to be innovative, alert and flexible. Try to avoid being too impetuous and enjoy the full force of spring this year. 
 
5 T’ai Chi Star
 
If you thought last year began to hot up, then 2012 will start to get even hotter. Your Star shifts up one more gear into overdrive this year, and it would be very wise to keep your feet firmly on the ground. Without a doubt, this is the most creative and active year that you will experience within a nine-year cycle. The secret is to stay on purpose and to stay on track and avoid being diverted. 
 
6 Heaven Star
 
This is your year of rebirth in I Ching Astrology. Your Star passes through the same House that it did in the year of your birth. New opportunities will come your way quite effortlessly, while old patterns of lifestyle or behaviour may start to change. It’s a powerful year and the best advice is to keep your feet firmly on the ground and use very good judgement in making decisions that could affect your future. 
 
7 Lake Star
 
Last year your Star was in the T’ai Chi – full of changes and new possibilities. But this year you move on to the House owned by the Father or the Heaven Trigram in the I Ching. It’s a wonderful phase of chi where you can benefit financially from your past efforts, while at the same time be taken seriously by friends, colleagues and family. This is your year for clarity, focus and achievement. 
 
8 Mountain Star
 
This year your Star moves to the West position which is known as Joy or the Lake. The owner of this Palace is the Youngest Daughter, who’s fun and knows how to relax and enjoy life. Overall this year is one where you can benefit from your previous few years of hard work, chill out and celebrate. Finally, reflect this year on your progress over the last six years and how you may want to move on in the future. 
 
9 Fire Star
 
This is a year where you experience what I call the calm before the storm. Your Star moves into the Mountain in I Ching Astrology, which gives you access to wisdom and knowledge that perhaps others do not find so easy to achieve. Prepare yourself this year for major breakthroughs in 2013, as this year gives you the opportunity to get things wonderfully lined up.
 
Previous 6 Heaven Years: 1931, 1940, 1949, 1958, 1967, 1976, 1985, 1994 and 2003.
 
 
Determine Your I Ching Star
There are 9 different Stars in I Ching Astrology. For ease of practice over the centuries, the stars have all been allotted a number from 1 to 9. Apart from the central 5 T’ai Chi Star, the other 8 and their symbolism is drawn directly from the Trigrams in the I Ching.
 
It is very important to remember that the year begins in I Ching Astrology on the first day of the spring – 4th of February annually. This is the first day of the solar year in all forms of Chinese and I Ching Astrology. Therefore if you’re born before February 4th in any year, you’re actually born into the previous year.
 
The Star Calculation
1. Begin by adding up all the digits from your year of birth, e.g. 1954: 1 + 9 + 5 + 4 = 19.
2. Keep adding these figures till you get one that is below 11. Therefore, with this example, add them again, 19: 1+9 = 10.
3. Now that you have a total below 11, take this final total of 10 away from 11: 11 – 10 = 1 = 1 Water.

 

by Jon Sandifer, Professional member of the International Feng Shui Guild

 

The International Feng Shui Guild does not represent or endorse the views or beliefs of its individual members as expressed herein, nor does it represent or endorse the accuracy or reliability of any of the recommendations, advertisements, quality of any products, information, or other materials displayed, purchased or obtained as a result of any information in this publication. The IFSG serves as a reference and source for our members and the public.

 

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Feng Shui Tip of the Month - New Year

Clean it up, clear it out, celebrate it!

We know in Feng Shui, that energy is everything! Some of the simplest ways you can start are to clean up your space, clear out the clutter, and celebrate your belongings.

Clutter can stop the flow of healthy, vital energy creating stagnation.  

Broken things can give the wrong message to the universe and stop us from moving into the new until we fix the old. Fix or get rid of it!

And very important – celebrate what you have! Look critically at your space and your treasures. Do they honor and represent the good you want in the new year? If not, shine them up and move them around. Place items in your home where they can be enjoyed and give you great energetic messages all year round.

 

When in doubt about applying feng shui principles or for more detailed analysis, hire a professional consultant.

 

The IFSG consultant and school directories serve as a reference and source for the public; and as such the organization is not liable for the performance, views or beliefs of any individual Feng Shui consultant or school. The International Feng Shui Guild® does not represent or endorse the advertisements, quality of any products, information, recommendations or other materials displayed, purchased or obtained as a result of any information in this directory.

 

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Feng Shui Glossary Word of the Month - Earth

Earth, also called Tu
 
1. One of the Five Elements represented by the color yellow. It’s movement is horizontal. Earth energy is balanced, centered and grounded. It represents the Northeast with the number 8, the Southwest with the number 2 and the center of the Bagua with the number 5. It’s shape is flat, rectangular, or square. It is the later part of the four seasons and the belly and pancreas.

2. Classically related to the trigram Kun and the Bagua area associated with relationships.
 
  
Source:  International Feng Shui Guild Glossary ©

 

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Feng Shui School of the Month - Western School of Feng Shui ®

Western School of Feng ShuiSince 1996, the Western School of Feng Shui® has provided education to over 1600 people from 28 countries. Our signature course, the Essential Feng Shui® Practitioner Training Program, is held in coastal San Diego County, California. This intensive program includes pre-training projects, seven days in class, and a series of post-training projects that culminate in a Certificate of Achievement as an Essential Feng Shui® Practitioner.

Click here to learn more about the program.
 
   
 
The International Feng Shui Guild School Spotlight highlights our Gold Level Member Schools. The IFSG Gold Member Schools are Feng Shui training programs that have embraced our Universal Topics and whose curriculum meets or exceeds our recommended training requirements. 
 
 
The International Feng Shui Guild does not represent or endorse the views or beliefs of its individual members as expressed herein, nor does it represent or endorse the accuracy or reliability of any of the recommendations, advertisements, quality of any products, information, or other materials displayed, purchased or obtained as a result of any information in this publication. The IFSG serves as a reference and source for our members and the public.

 

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