All Things Holistic - articles & tips on related fields/disciplines to Feng Shui

Let it Go, Let it Go, Let it Go

We don’t have to try very hard to find signs that the holidays are fast approaching. Stores are putting up their decorations, many radio stations are playing holiday music and people are already starting to make their holiday “to-do” lists. Read from Kristi Stangeland, the importance of balance and intention in the holidays.

For many of us, these signs of the season are sure-fire stress triggers. Instead of sugar plums, they conjure up visions of lists dancing in their heads: the baking list, the shopping list, the card list, etc.

Do you have a laundry list of things you think you need to do in order to make the holidays “perfect?” For those of us who are guilty of list-overload, I suggest we rethink our holidays.

What would happen if we didn’t:

Send holiday cards to people we haven’t seen in 20 years…
Try to replicate the picture-perfect centerpiece from that glossy home magazine…
Bake 10 different kinds of holiday cookies…
Wrap every gift with shiny paper and bows…
Host a holiday open house a week before Christmas…

This year I suggest we adopt a Feng Shui approach to the holidays. In an effort to find more serenity in our lives we can do more than de-clutter and re-organize our physical environments. We can also re-evaluate how we manage our time.

Here is a specific technique to help de-clutter our holiday “to-do” lists so we can focus on the things that actually bring us the greatest joy at this time of year.

Set aside 30 minutes of time when you will not be interrupted.
Take nine minutes to write down all the items on your holiday “to-do” list. You know what I’m talking about: cooking, shopping, wrapping, baking, hosting, etc.
Take three deep breaths to clear your mind. Then set a timer for six minutes and sit in silence, with your eyes downcast or closed. Let your thoughts come and go.
When the six minutes are up, review your list with “fresh eyes.” Ask yourself: Does anyone care if this happens? How could I do this differently and with less effort? Can someone else take on this task?
Then make a commitment to cross off the items that feel heavy and no longer serve you. Focus instead on those tasks that you truly enjoy.

This kind of mental organizing and decluttering can be very energizing. When we allow ourselves to let go of unrealistic or stressful obligations, we’re apt to discover that those “to dos” that we actually do undertake will be more enjoyable, because we can focus more time on them.

So if you’d rather tap into your inner artist and make your cookies your canvas, then pass on hosting the holiday dinner for 20. Chances are your cookies will be a bigger hit than the green bean casserole anyway.

Here’s to a clutter free holiday. Cheers!

Kristi Stangeland is the founder of Feng Shui Consulting Service. She holds a certificate from the BTB Feng Shui™ Masters Training Program, begun by Professor Thomas Lin Yun. Read more about Kristi.

A Beginner’s Guide to Crystals

All Things Holistic

The Cosmic Trinity of Chinese Metaphysics states that there are three aspects that control our lives and each control one-third.

Earth Luck is our Feng Shui. Where we live profoundly affects us.
Heaven Luck is our Chinese Astrology. We were all born at a certain time and place with certain potential.
Man Luck is our freewill. It’s about the actions we take and the decisions we make.

A Beginner's Guide to Crystals by Anita Rosenberg Crystals, magical candles and incense fall into this third category. Here is a good starter list for beginning collectors, from Los Angeles based crystal expert, Anita Rosenberg.

Top 3 Starter Pieces:

ROSE QUARTZ
Rose Quartz crystals are beautiful pink stones that vibrate with your heart chakra. They come in smooth polished stones, carved generators and raw rocks. Rose Quartz attracts love on all levels; they help promote self-love because before you can love someone else you must first love yourself. Best Location: bedroom. Single people can place a generator under the bed to attract a mate.

Rose Quartz benefits:

teaches true essence of love
use to attract love
draws off negativity & replaces with love
heart-healing
receptivity to music, writing & art
reminds you of what is important

AMETHYST
When it comes to Amethyst you want deep purple tones. It comes in geodes, generators or polished. They energize a space, amplify positivity and help you focus and set realistic goals. Best Location: entry as a greeter (I like large geodes facing the front door to pull in negative energy before it enters) and any space that needs more Qi.

Amethyst benefits:

attracts business prosperity
stone of meditation
helps you set realistic goals
calming, soothing & tranquil
inspires creativity
energizes Qi
absorbs negativity while sending out positivity

BLACK TOURMALINE
Black Tourmaline is a must-have stone to clear negative energy from other people and toxic vibrations in general. It clears harmful EMFs from the environment. It also encourages a positive attitude and strengthens your immune system. Best Location: anywhere and everywhere – can be in bedroom, office, or main living space.

Black Tourmaline benefits:

clears EMFs from computers
encourages positive attitude
strengthens your immune system
brings great luck & wealth

Other favorites include:

AMAZONITE
Amazonite is the anti-aggravation crystal. Holding it in your hand soothes emotions and helps when other people piss you off. It is great for general health maintenance. Best Location: hold while watching TV, in your office or at your meditation space.

Amazonite benefits:

eliminates aggravation & irritation
blocks geopathic stress
absorbs microwaves & cell phones
soothes chakras
calms nervous system
enhances loving communication

SELENITE
Selenite is a very healing crystal. It looks like sheets of ice and also come in soap shapes to hold. This is the crystal you want for anyone who is sick or suffering from an illness. It also heals negativity and fear. Best Location: bedroom on either side of your bed on your nightstand or main living space.

Selenite benefits:

calms nervous system
creates safe quiet space
promotes flexibility
use for meditation & spiritual work
healing on all levels
peaceful sleep

APOPHYLLITE
The dazzling sparkly clusters of Apophyllite are crystals of joy. They lift the energy in any space. Some have pink Stillbite inside and this adds a bonus joyful feeling. They are a favorite for calming and reducing stress. Best Location: living room, office, kitchen, anywhere people gather.

Apophyllite benefits:

stress reducer
overcome anxiety
calms chaotic household
heals stressful office
healing for Reiki practitioners
creates a happy joyful space

Working with crystal energy is easy and accessible. Since they come from the earth and Feng Shui is about the natural environment they perfectly complement activating Qi energy. Crystals typically find their owners. You will be drawn to certain pieces and they will stay with you for a lifetime. Try holding with your left hand to test and see if it’s for you.

A Beginner's Guide to Crystals by Anita Rosenberg

Anita Rosenberg is an expert in Feng Shui, BaZi Chinese Astrology and Qi Men Dun Jia. In her two decades of experience in Chinese Metaphysics her high-profile clients like Virginia Madsen, Gwyneth Paltrow, Miranda Kerr, Ashley Tisdale and Paula Abdul (partial list) rave that she is fun to work with, authentic and heartfelt.

Lucky and Unlucky Numbers in Feng Shui

All Things Holistic

Numbers are part of our every day lives. From house numbers, banking accounts, counting, shopping, and more. In Feng Shui, numbers take on an added importance based on the energy associated with it. Learn about the associations and the basic numbers from numerologist and Feng Shui consultant, Donna Stellhorn.

ONE
ONE is considered powerful because it can be divided into any number leaving both numbers unchanged. It represents pioneers, explorers and innovators along with tenacity, authority, and dynamic, decisive leadership. In Feng Shui the number ONE is a Yang number (indicating strength and energy), it is associated with the Water element (representing flow and communication).

If there is too much ONE energy though then it can manifest as aggression, intolerance, and a person who is domineering and obstinate. It’s also a difficult number if you are looking for relationship as the number ONE can be so self-reliant that it doesn’t need anyone else.

TWO
In Feng Shui even though all even numbers are considered Yin numbers (yielding and passive) the number TWO does represent the duality of Yin and Yang and these opposing energies coming together. Because of this it can be seen as an opportunity for not just a relationship but a dynamic relationship where the individuals are willing to change. It also represents the Fire element (energy and creativity). In addition the number TWO indicates cooperation, a desire for peace, and understanding.

If too much TWO energy is around it can manifest as a need for reassurance, a desire for encouragement and, if it’s not received, then depression.

THREE
Visually the number THREE is like an EIGHT cut in half. Universally we see the THREE as cooperation and growth (two has become three). There are lots of spiritual connections to the number THREE; body, mind and spirit, the Christian trinity, father, mother and child, Maid, Mother and Crone, birth, life and death, past, present and future. It also represents sexual creative power, the powers of observation, and versatility. In Feng Shui it’s a Yang number and connected to the Wood element (growth and feeling alive). It is considered lucky because in Cantonese it sounds like the word ‘alive’.

Too much THREE energy can make you irritable, easily angered and very outspoken.

FOUR
With the number FOUR, we find our first real spilt when it comes to cultural interpretation. In the West, we associate the number FOUR with the four compass directions, the four seasons, the four elements (In the West it’s earth, air, fire and water as opposed to the Chinese five element system), the four suits of the playing cards and the four legs of a table. To us it’s about stability, practicality and precision. But in China the word for FOUR sounds like the word for ‘die’ which, not surprisingly, is considered unlucky. It is a Yin number and of the Metal element (production and material wealth). Universally the number is associated with respectability, hard work and being tenacious, industrious and organized.

Too much of the number FOUR will bring a lot of boring work, a weak suspicious mind and extreme stubbornness.

FIVE
The number FIVE, like the number FOUR is seen differently in different cultures. FIVE is about adventure and opportunity. In Feng Shui FIVE is more a stable balance like a top that spins. It represents the five elements (wood, earth, fire, metal and water), the five seasons (the four plus long summer), the five directions (the four cardinal directions and the center), the five emotions (happiness, anger, sadness, bliss, and hatred), and so on. It is a Yang number and not associated with a single element because it represents all five. FIVE represents talents, originality, being resilient, and being mentally alert.

If there is too much FIVE energy then a person can be a gambler taking too many chances or it could be the opposite, too afraid of failure to move forward on anything.

SIX
SIX is about comfort, caring and peace-loving. In Feng Shui it’s a Yin number, so there’s a softer energy but it’s still considered lucky. It’s associated with the Water element of communication and flow. It is also associated with discernment, there’s an old saying in Chinese that a person should see the six colors of black: dark black, light black, dry black, wet black, deep black and white black (gray). In the West we associate SIX with artistic ability, music and poetry, imagination and intelligence.

Too much SIX energy can make a person feel complacent, selfish and too focused on trivial things.

SEVEN
The number SEVEN has long been a lucky number in the West, often used in gambling and other games of chance. In Feng Shui it’s a Yang number and the Fire element (creativity and energy) but it is associated with death festivals and rituals. There is also a festival in China on the seventh day of the seventh month that tells of the seventh daughter of the king of heaven. On this one day she is allowed to be with her lover and the rest of the time she is separated from him. The number SEVEN is also associated with the seven days of the week and the seven planets; Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn, which all can be seen without a telescope. Universally this number represents spirituality, magical powers, dreams, fantasy, beliefs, and a love of ideas.

Too much of the SEVEN energy can lead to moodiness, confusion and a contempt for the practical.

EIGHT
EIGHT is the most visually balanced of the numbers, and it represents success, power, wisdom, and wealth. In Feng Shui, it is Yin and of the Wood element (growth and expansion). It is connected to the Chinese word for happiness, the eight trigrams (which form the basis for the I Ching). In the West the number EIGHT is the symbol for the famous inscription of the Emerald Tablet, ‘as above so below’, referencing harmony of mind and body. It is connected to the eight phases of the moon which shows the cycle of degeneration and regeneration, that things grow and then diminish but then they grow again.

EIGHT is a powerful number and so excess of EIGHT brings more serious consequences such as materialism, great failures, ruthlessness and jealousy.

NINE
The number NINE universally is about longevity. It is auspicious in the West and in the East. It is a Yang number and the Metal element (wealth and practicality). It is also considered the humanitarian number, having the courage and determination to help others. Most importantly, NINE signals the end of a cycle, a time to get ready for something new.

Too much NINE energy can be intolerant and wish to avoid all new information. It can be capable of both deception and self-deception.

ZERO
Without ZERO we would not be able to proceed to 10 but universally ZERO signifies an emptiness and is not considered lucky. ZERO can be seen as the potential for energy but it is so new that we cannot see what type of energy it could possess. And ZERO is drawn as a circle or a circle with a line through it indicating a closed system, not open to anything new or different. In Feng Shui ZERO is too negative and unlucky to use on its own and only gains when it’s combined with other numbers like 10.

Author and entrepreneur Donna Stellhorn has successfully combined a variety of spiritual tools and practical skills in the course of building her successful career. uses Feng Shui in nearly everything he does – from selling and staging to education and more. Read more about Donna.

Article Source: Feng Shui and Numbers series

10 Reasons to Dowse

All Things Holistic

“I have been dowsing for many years and am constantly surprised at how much I continue to learn. On the face of it dowsing is surprisingly simple and elegant but, underneath, there’s a lot going on and a lot we cannot even begin to know about. And that’s what makes it so fascinating.” Read more from the talented, Jackie Notman

Dowsing, Jackie Notman The most common picture of a dowser is somebody with a pair of L rods or a Y shaped twig walking across a field to find underground water. In fact, dowsing can be used to find just about anything: water, oil, gold, lost objects, earth energy lines and answers to questions you don’t consciously know.

There are many theories about how dowsing works but none are scientifically proven and it is remarkably difficult to produce quantifiable and reproducible results. Perhaps we’ll never know but that is no reason not to do it.

Here are my top 10 reasons for picking up the dowsing tool of your choice and giving it a go:

Dowsing opens up your world
When you dowse around sacred sites, churches, sites of hauntings etc, you start to get a feel for a world that is invisible to your five senses. This world of energy not only forms the basis for the physical world but also a world that we have been oblivious to so far. It allows you to see things in a completely different way.

Dowsing gets you out into the fresh air
Dowsing can be done remotely but there is nothing like dowsing on site to allow you to physically connect with your environment and that means lots of fresh air. The air may be wet, cold, foggy or (hopefully) sunny. Dowsing field trips with a group of others often requires wet weather gear and sturdy boots but usually includes a pub lunch too.

Dowsing gets you involved in the world
Dowsers start to understand the world in an energetic way. You watch the news and start to wonder why this happened or that occurred. What was happening in the environment at the time? Well, you can dowse anything, even back and forth in time and the more you dowse the more questions you raise and the more involved you become.

Dowsing develops your intuition
One theory of dowsing is that the dowsing tool we use is a way for our intuition to communicate with our conscious mind. Many people who have strong psychic skills or who are sensitive to energy don’t need dowsing tools at all: that communication is already there, whether they were born with it or have just practised long enough. Once you start dowsing you will find that your intuition becomes honed, like a muscle being toned through exercise.

Dowsing develops your mental abilities
One of the big problems most dowsers have is to ask the right questions. We always get the right answer to our questions but it may be wrong because we’ve asked the wrong question. As you become more experienced at dowsing your ability to focus and think with clarity increases when you learn to instruct your dowsing tool in the correct way.

Dowsing gives you something to talk about
Never will you be stuck for words again because dowsers always have something to talk about. That may be explaining what dowsing is, something new you’ve discovered with your dowsing or something new you want to do with your dowsing. And, if you’re dowsing specific subjects you will probably have undertaken some research so you could be a valued addition to any pub quiz team!

Dowsing keeps you young…
…if a curious mind is a sign of youth. I practise yoga and it is often said that to keep young you should keep your spine flexible. Likewise with your mind: stay curious = stay young. And, with dowsing, your mind will always be enquiring. ‘What if…’ will be a common phrase followed by getting the dowsing tools out.

Dowsing gets complete strangers talking to you
I guarantee that if you go to any public place and get out a pair of dowsing rods you will not be short of a conversation. People are curious and like to know what you’re doing. Share it with them & put the rods in their hands – everybody should experience the magic of dowsing.

Dowsing helps you discover things about yourself
Dowsing not only acts as a communication channel between your conscious mind and your intuition. It also helps communication between your conscious mind and your physical body. You are a miracle: your body is designed as a self-regulating system with one objective – to survive. Your body knows what nutrients it needs, how many calories it should take in, what is beneficial for it and what is not. Dowsing can tell you all these things, even though your conscious mind may be telling you to eat that second cream cake.

Dowsing is cheap
You can dowse with just about anything you can lay your hands on. Then all you need is a good pair of legs and an enquiring mind. And if, at times, your legs don’t work then you can dowse remotely. That’s all you need.

So, that’s your ten top tips. But I thought I’d add a bonus one too:

Dowsing gives you access to a whole new social group
There are so many people interested in dowsing in one form or another. Most countries have dowsing societies with national and local groups and there are Facebook groups and internet forums dedicated to it. I have to say, I very rarely come across a dowser who isn’t a good guy to have a drink with so why not start your dowsing journey today?

Jackie Notman is an intuitive advisor, coach and energy reader who works on an energetic level with individuals and businesses using tools such as Feng Shui, Numerology, Dowsing, Astrology, the I Ching and the Tarot. Read more about Jackie.

Article/Image Source: 10 Reasons to Dowse

Create A Meditation Space With Feng Shui

All Things Holistic

Feng shui is a philosophy developed in ancient China that outlines positive ways in which to organize yourself in your environment. Meditation is a practice in which you can learn to become familiar with your inner landscape. Both feng shui and meditation are used to generate harmony and peace within your life. Learn more about creating a quiet space by Anjie Cho

Meditation, Anjie Cho Why not use feng shui to create a sacred space in which to meditate that can support and improve your meditation practice?

Define a Space

Select a dedicated space that you can routinely go back to for your meditation practice. It can be the corner of your bed, a room in your home, or a place outside in your backyard. My meditation space is a quiet section of my living room that faces a river view. Since it’s not in the commanding position, I’ve set up a mirror so I can see behind me to put me in a relaxing and calm mental space. It is okay if you cannot find a perfectly quiet spot. Life is full of distraction, and part of meditation is to learn to accept the interruptions.

You can further differentiate your space by sitting on a special pillow, cushion or blanket to define your place. I have a couple of buckwheat zafu cushions specifically designed for meditation. This can help you to dedicate and define your special “spot.”

Dedicate and Clear the Space

After you have selected your meditation space and defined it physically, it is of utter importance to clear and dedicate the area energetically. Space clearing dedicates the invisible energy of space so you can start fresh and set your intention for the space, the particular moment and for your life.

In feng shui, oranges and orange peels represent vibrant, life-affirming energy. Orange essence is refreshing, happy and contributes positive, fresh, and brightening energy to our inner and outer environments. You can use 9 drops of orange essential oil in an aromatherapy diffuser to transform your area into a space with vibrant, life-giving, positive energy. Remember, when you clear the space of the existing energy, be sure to replace it with positive intention.

Add a Crystal for Clarity

Feng shui crystals are used to adjust the flow of energy in a space. They are particularly effective for bringing light, brilliance and clarity to your meditation practice. Feng shui crystal balls are made of faceted, leaded glass. For this application, purchase a crystal that is a minimum of 40mm and place in the center of your meditation space, above your head where you’re sitting or just in front of you so you can see it. The ball should be hung with a red string in a length that is a multiple of 9, for example 18”, 27”, 36”, etc.

Use these three simple feng shui tips to create your own sacred meditation place to create harmony and peace in your inner and outer spaces.

Anjie Cho is a registered New York State Architect and Feng Shui Interior Designer. She has created beautiful and nourishing environments throughout New York City, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and beyond. She is also co-founder of the Mindful Design Feng Shui School. Read more about Anjie.

Article/Photo Source: Create a Meditation Space with Feng Shui

The Power of Stillness

All Things Holistic

Learn from Kristi Stangeland how the power of stillness and meditation can make a difference to help you make connections, to grow, to learn, and discover the wonder in ourselves.

“The Buddha clearly taught that even if one has great knowledge if his mind is not quiet, then the knowledge is worthless. The heart must be still to learn.”

Dalai Lama: What Matters Most, Conversations on Anger, Compassion, and Action by Noriyuki Ueda

I recently researched the Black Sect Feng Shui tradition versus Northern Geomancy. My interest in the latter stems from my heritage, as my father’s parents emigrated from Norway. I wanted to jump into Northern Geomancy and Feng Shui to make amazing connections. One of my first steps was to make a connection between the runes and trigrams. I looked at color associated with guas versus runes, definitions, polarity and elements. I took the first nine runes and compared them to the eight guas and the T’ai Chi. I calculated the numerology of the trigrams related to the position of the runes.

But despite my enthusiasm, I was floundering, frustrated and not making good connections.

I then realized that I needed to settle down and take it slowly with meditation. This is not my style (I have a client who tells me, “You like quick!”) but every part of me told me that this was how I could achieve a better understanding of the connection between Feng Shui and the Runes of the Northern Tradition. I decided to follow the spirit of an exercise in Nigel Pennick’s book Secrets of the Runes and meditate on the Elements (including Northern and Chinese) and related runes and guas. This practice helped me substantially deepen my connection with the guas. For example, Gen is generally thought of as mountain or knowledge. But when you read the interpretation of the I Ching, the essence is stillness.

Through this process, I was able to make the connections, because as Buddha reminds us, “The heart must be still to learn.” Indeed, some of the greatest minds in history, including Einstein, Dali and Aristotle, have been proponents of using different kinds of meditation techniques to release creativity to discover “a-ha!” moments.

Taking the time to ponder the trigrams through meditation gave me a much deeper understanding of the bagua and helped me see connections to the runes. So when struggling to find a solution for a vexing problem or a way to enhance your creativity, remind yourself (as I do) to slow down and just do it! Meditate.

Kristi Stangeland, Meditation Kristi Stangeland is the founder of FSC, a company dedicated to helping corporate and private clients realize their goals using Feng Shui practices. Prior to establishing FSC, Kristi, who holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration and a CPA license. Read more about Kristi.