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By IFSG Blog Team, on March 26th, 2012  One of the first Professional Feng Shui Training Programs in the United States, Feng Shui Designs Learning Center key instructors, Helen and James Jay have guided hundreds of students into their new careers as CFSPtm – Certified Feng Shui Professional consultants.
Their five-day CFSPtm Training Course is designed for those interested in creating a professional Feng Shui practice and are offered throughout the United States. Students experience hands-on learning in the field, an extensive program of classroom instruction as well as advanced techniques of chi flow enhancement and the diagnosis and creation of harmonious solutions.
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.
By IFSG Blog Team, on March 23rd, 2012 Mouth of Qi, also called Mouth of Chi
The main entrance door where qi or energy enters a structure. It can also refer to entry points of land or property.
Source: International Feng Shui Guild ©
By IFSG Blog Team, on March 21st, 2012 Does your business’ entrance say ‘Welcome’ … or ‘Nobody’s Home?’
Whether you run a home-based business or are an executive in a large corporation, there are simple ways you can use Feng Shui to improve your business… starting at the front door. Your business entrance speaks volumes about you. Use feng shui to be sure it is giving the right message.
Start by standing outside your business entrance and asking yourself: ‘What does this door say about my business?’
Is your business entrance welcoming? Is it an image of prosperity, success and professionalism? Or are there faded ‘VISA accepted here!’ stickers on the glass? Do you have one of those cheap plastic ‘Open/Closed’ signs from the hardware store announcing your availability?
I recently went to a business that had a poster on the front door noting the date of the funeral for the original owner… who had died in 2008. Seriously! One would think that someone in the business should have recognized it was time to remove that image from the storefront. Talk about negative ch’i! A photograph and an ‘in memory of’ plaque in the Helpful People or Fame sectors would have been a more appropriate way to honor the company founder.
Clean up your corporate image by removing all stickers, posters and hand-written signage from the main entrance. If you want to support community events, do so on a bulletin board inside the store, not your front door or windows. Toss that ‘Open/Closed’ paper sign in the trash and invest in proper graphics to advertise your hours of operation. If it is appropriate for your type of business, purchase a red neon sign. (Certainly fitting if you are selling pizzas or dry cleaning. If you are a lawyer or gynecologist, not so much!)
Also, consider that if you and your business associates are not using the formal front entrance to your business entrance every day, you may find that you are not open to new opportunities and your energy is stuck. It may be more convenient to park in the back and use an alternate entrance, but make the effort to open the front door as often as possible to invite energy – and opportunities – in.
Here are some Feng Shui tips to open the eyes and mouth of ch’i and invite new energy to your business:
* Put out a welcome mat – preferably one with some red in it
* If appropriate, paint the door any shade of red or add red accents to attract energy
* Hang a bell on the door to ‘ring in new business’
* Ensure all doors, windows and screens are in good repair
* If a window or door is meant to be opened, make sure it can be (i.e. not painted or nailed shut)
* Ensure that the door swings open freely, without shoes, coat racks, etc. stored behind it
* Regularly wash windows, screens and doors inside and out
* Regularly sweep doorsteps and wipe off cobwebs
* Make sure the doorbell, doorknobs and hinges all work
* Ensure your mailbox is attractive and in good repair
* Clean and/or repair any interior window coverings (they are the ‘eyelids’ of ch’i)
* Open curtains and blinds daily to invite energy in
* Trim any vegetation blocking windows, doors and pathways
* Deadhead seasonal flowers and weed flowerbeds and planters
* Unless it is a ‘Christmas in July Sale’, be sure to change seasonal decorations with the seasons
by Terri Perrin, 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.
By IFSG Blog Team, on March 15th, 2012 The object most touched in the house is the doorknob. While the door separates one space from another, it’s the doorknob that allows us to enter. The doorknob is the tool we use to change our location so it represents a tool of change. Because the doorknob gets so much use and is touched by so many there can be a lot of lingering energy on a single doorknob. If you are going through a time of difficult change, a time when you wish you could change, or a time where you wish the changes could be finished so you could be comfortable again here are some tips.
Doorknobs as tools of change
The doorknob on the door leading outside probably gets the most use. You touch it when you’re happy, you touch it when you’re sad, you touch it when you’re angry or disgusted or disappointed. And so does everyone else in the house. Mix a half a cup of water with a half a cup of vinegar and a half a teaspoon of sea salt and stir until the water is cloudy. Then take a rag and clean the doorknob. This will remove any negative energy that is attached to this “tool of change”.
Repair any doorknobs that are not working. Change is difficult enough without having good tools at your disposal. The most important doorknobs to repair are the ones leading outside, followed by doorknobs to personal areas such as bedrooms, and then finally dealing with broken doorknobs on storage rooms or closets. When the doorknob is being repaired (even if it’s repaired by someone else) for that space of time you’re actually sitting between the two worlds, the old world that you did live in and the new worlds that you’re going into. So as the doorknob’s being repaired be mindful of what else is going on in your life. The universe may send you messages at this time.
Use a doorknob as a reminder. Choose a doorknob that you use a lot. Hang a ribbon or a charm from the doorknob to represent what you wish to have in your life. If you wish more abundance in your life you could hang coins from the doorknob (either Chinese coins strung on a ribbon or you could glue American coins to the ribbon). If you want to attract love you could hang a little heart charm from the doorknob. Each time you touch that doorknob you say to yourself “I welcome this new energy into my life”. After a few weeks the charm can be moved to a new doorknob to stimulate the energy.
by Donna Stellhorn, Red Ribbon 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.
By IFSG Blog Team, on March 8th, 2012 When one door physically collides with another at any point of its swing, the condition is called clashing doors. Among other things, doors correspond to voices – specifically the voices of adult residents. Therefore, clashing doors can induce conflicts and arguments between members of the household. This principle applies to any pair of doors in the home, whether inside, outside, closet, or otherwise. For example, if the master bedroom door swings open and hits a closet door in the bedroom, the energy of these doors striking each other can create marital discord and confusion between the partners. Similar situations can ensue in any other area of the home.
Cure clashing doors by handing a bright-red drapery tassel from each doorknob of the clashing doors on the sides where they touch.
Contribution: Feng Shui for Dummies by David Kennedy
 Click here to see other helpful books and resources in the IFSG Amazon Bookstore. To search for books not found in our store, click on the Powered by Amazon logo at the top left of store.
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.
By IFSG Blog Team, on March 6th, 2012 May you have warm words on a cool evening, a full moon on a dark night, and a smooth road all the way to your door.
–Irish Toast
The front door is called the “mouth of chi” in Feng Shui because it’s where all good energy, or chi, enters you home, even if you come in through the garage or the back porch. The front door typically faces the street, and this symbolizes a river gently flowing into a home. Rivers are associated with prosperity and the front door is the conduit for bringing that prosperity into your house. Therefore when you use your front door every day, even if only to pick up the newspaper, get the mail, or let in some sunshine, you create an opportunity for wealth to enter your life.
The front door sets the tone for the rest of your home, so keep the area around the door clean, well lit, and make sure you have a house number that can be easily seen from the street.
I’m often asked if it’s necessary to paint your front door red to attract wealth. The color red represents the Fire Element and prosperity, which is why it is often thought of as the Feng Shui color for a front door. However, you can paint or stain your front door any color and still attract good energy into your home. The key is to make sure your door is clean, attractive, and in good repair. Choose a color that makes you feel good when you approach your door. Here are a few options:
* Red for wealth
* Blue for relaxation
* Green for growth
* Brown for stability
Doors represent opportunities, so what’s lurking behind your front door is also important. For example, does your front door open completely and easily, or is it blocked because you store things behind it? When your front door does not open fully, your energy is stagnant and opportunities may not “open” for you. Remove objects from behind your front door and watch your future prospects open as well.
Just inside your front door is an excellent place for a water feature like a fountain or fish tank. If possible, place the water toward the right side of the door; that is, facing into your home as you come in the door from the outside. Water represents the flow of wealth and abundance into your home so it’s a good thing to have near your entrance. Whatever kind of water feature you are planning, of course change the water frequently and keep it fresh. And if you don’t want to take care of a fountain or fish tank, hang artwork that shows water near your front door. Just make sure the water is flowing in, rather than out, of your front door.
If you enter the front door and immediately face a wall, it stops the chi from flowing into the rest of your home. To correct the situation, hang artwork on the wall that shows an image that is bi-directional, or flowing out in both directions. This will direct the chi away from the wall and into your home. Avoid hanging a mirror on the wall because it will reflect the chi out the front door.
Take this Feng Shui Challenge: Even if you usually enter your home through the garage or back door, for the next seven days enter your home through the front door. Then notice what changes around you, especially the new opportunities that flow into your life.
by Carol Olmstead, Red Ribbon Member of the International Feng Shui Guild
Article Source: Feng Shui for Your Front Door
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.
By IFSG Blog Team, on February 29th, 2012 Metal, also called Jin
One of the Five Elements represented by the color white. It’s movement is still, inward and contracting. Metal energy is very precise, logical, and has leadership qualities. It represents the West sector of the Bagua with number 7 and Northwest with number 6, spherical shapes, Autumn season, and the lungs and skin.
Source: International Feng Shui Guild ©
By IFSG Blog Team, on February 27th, 2012 In feng shui, metal is the element you don’t often hear much about. But metal is a wonderful element that when activated properly can bring patronage luck – the “who you know” kind of energy – heaven energy and power, and the all-important water of wealth.
We know from basic grade-school science that metal is a conductor. It conducts energy like electricity and is used to promote the generation of water in feng shui, shorthand for wealth and prosperity. Metal’s shape is either the arch or circle – both have lots of movement. Think of a coin’s round shape – how they are spent and move through circulation, or even a wheel. The arches of aqueducts transported water.
Tapping auspicious metal chi will put metal’s conductive properties to work for you to move what’s stuck in your life, attract heaven energy to you, bring people to your aid, and open the gates to the luck of personal favor. Adding metal in the right locations will stimulate windfall luck and business opportunity.
Put metal to work in your life and home:
Tap the 1 Star.
The 1 Star, the “generating money” star, relates to business opportunity – and money associated with it. Adding metal wherever the 1 Star is located will stimulate it to produce water (read: money) for you. Add metal wind chimes, coin trees, and metal bowls. Ringing a bell in this sector can stimulate more business!
Stimulate the 6 Star.
Ready for more patronage and assistance from people in the position to help you? Activate the 6 Star. It can help stimulate more diversity, helpful for increasing your presence in other countries and helping business and life to keep moving and not stagnating.
The new black is white.
White is the color of metal. A prestige color, think of homes with white sofas, white fluffy rugs and sleek Persian cats. White evokes elegance and any color paired with it instantly looks more beautiful. White is a power color especially when paired with striking gold jewelry. Wearing white will attract more help and you will move faster through the day as white is a yang color.
Get unstuck with metal.
One of the most difficult medical problems is poor circulation. When circulation is poor, health declines. That’s true in feng shui, too. To create more wealth and prestige “circulation,” use Chinese coins to start movement again. A perfect example is to put three tied Chinese coins in your wallet, checkbook, and bank accounts books.
Attract heaven luck.
The northwest is the sector of the father, patriarch, and it’s also the sector of heaven – and the heaven men who can help you get ahead. These are the power-brokers that can make or break careers, make helpful introductions, and help you widen your circle of contacts.
Adding coins under carpets at the entrance to your home helps move prosperity chi into the house. Put the coins in a line of six or eight in an arrow shape. You can use the coins just about anywhere! I even have a string of six coins on a hanger that I put on my jump drives for my laptop to make my work more auspicious and generate more money.
Carry amulets and protectors.
Amulets are a wonderful way to carry heaven energy anywhere you go. Placed in a purse or pocket, metallic wealth amulets can be carried to attract prosperity energy. Amulets can be protective too. A fan amulet can protect against nasty gossip or negative feelings. Metal amulets are the best conductors of energy – especially for money and protection.
by Katie Weber
Article Source: The Value of Metal — Feng Shui’s Element of Prosperity and Prestige
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.
By IFSG Blog Team, on February 24th, 2012 Enjoy Eliot’s special annual feature where he provides an extensive look at the new year using Flying Stars methodology and knowledge. Find balance and empowerment as well as learn the best cures for you and your floor plan. This extensive and informative issue is a must-read each year.
Click here to download your copy!
by Elliot Tanzer
Article Source: 2012 Annual Cure Newsletter
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.
By IFSG Blog Team, on February 22nd, 2012  In 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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