Wow, there is a lot happening this month! First I want to wish each of you a very Happy Chinese New Year! 2012 is the Year of the Dragon. It began on January 23, 2012 and ends on February 9, 2013! Any Chinese New Year is a great time to release negative Chi energy from the past year and welcome the new energy of prosperity and abundance. If you haven’t followed the directions for space clearing in my last article, this is a great time to do it! Please remember to call in the Ascended Masters and Archangels to bless your home. Don’t forget to set your intentions for the coming year!
In ancient China, the Dragon, one of the Celestial Animals, was a sign of power. According to mythology, the dragon rests below the earth during winter and appears again on the second day of the second month of the Chinese Lunar Calendar. When the dragon appears, it brings thunder and the first rain of the season to fertilize the soil. This begins the Dragon Festival, also known as the Spring Festival. Traditionally these celebrations continue for 15 days and many rituals are performed including a temple visit to honor the gods. Specific foods are eaten for good luck, children travel home to visit their parents, and they must honor their ancestors. The best part of this elaborate festival, especially for children, is the monetary custom! Older generations bestow money to children in traditional red envelopes. The purpose of the red envelope is to ward off any bad luck and to ensure prosperity for the coming year.
In Feng Shui, traditionally the consultation fee is given in a new red envelope to show respect and honor for the ancient teachings. This tradition energetically protects the consultant from any harm by sharing sacred Feng Shui knowledge and divine wisdom and affirms good luck and prosperity. The color red adds power to the Chi cures and adjustments. The envelope is gratefully received while both parties generally bow to each other. When I was taught Feng Shui over a decade ago, cures using intention and reinforcement rituals required either 9, 27 or 108 red envelopes depending on the amount of knowledge shared and the number of adjustments given. It is based on multiples of 3 which represent the trinity of heaven, natural and human Chi. Presently, most practitioners with Western clients now accept one red envelope at the conclusion of the consultation with intention and honor!
In today’s Feng Shui world the Dragon stands as a commanding symbol of energy, strength, power and prosperity. When my family visited China, there were many dragon statues along with the other animals of the Chinese zodiac in all the ancient temples we visited. The Year of the Dragon is a lucky year to begin a new business or project as it will be extremely successful! A word of caution – this very powerful year can bring some unwanted drama to any aspect of your life!
This month I would like to explain the use of the Bagua (pronounced bagh-wah). This Feng Shui tool is an energy blueprint or map used to determine the influence of the nine most important life aspects. Each “gua” symbolizes an area of life such as family, health, children, fame, partnerships/marriage, knowledge, travel, helpful people, career and wealth. I personally refer to the Wealth area as Abundance. It doesn’t always have to be about money! You can feel rich in enjoying good health, having a healthy, happy family, good friends, a great job, a volunteer position that you love, and more!
I transform the octagonal Bagua into a square shape for ease of use when working on floor plans. The Bauga is drawn based on your front door entrance being located in either the front middle (Career), front left (Knowledge) or front right (Helpful People/Travel) area of your home. If you have a front side entrance, you’ll need to turn the Bagua so that it faces the front door. For now, let’s keep it simple. Each of these sections also represents specific colors, elements, inner qualities and areas of the body which can be affected if the Chi energy is out of balance. As we journey around these life areas each month, remember that all of them need to be free from clutter. Yup, I said that word again! Furniture placement should create a good flow of Chi, not blockages. Your décor should allow your home to sing with beauty and comfort. It is your sanctuary and it should welcome you after a long hard day. Chi energy is always flowing and changing just as our lives change and your home needs to reflect these changes. Don’t think of these areas as challenges; instead think of them as blessings in life. Let’s keep an open mind and heart as we look at ways to increase our blessings!
Since Valentine’s Day is this month, let’s start with the Relationship & Partnership section of the Bagua. This includes personal relationships, marriage or a business partnership. Looking at the Bagua Map, this area is at the rear right-hand side of your home while looking in from the front door. If you use the Bagua for every room of your home, each room has a Relationship area! Keep in mind that as we make positive physical changes to our home, we’ll also feel these changes on the inside! Positive changes in life allow us to grow spiritually, become more creative, and feel peaceful, comfortable and happier. Hearts, Flowers, Love – Let’s get this party started!
Envision which room is in the back right rear of your home. The colors for the Relationship & Partnership area are pink and white. Why not throw in a dash of red for passion? This is where the ‘love energy’ is located! If it’s a bedroom – great! If not, there are still ways to bring in the love. Remember that your intention is for harmony, passion and romance! First you’ll want to make sure to remove any clutter, fix anything needing repair, replace any burned out bulbs, remove workout equipment, desks, computers and any pointed shaped items like a cactus or plant with thorns, etc. We don’t mind Cupid’s arrow but we don’t want a poison arrow from something sharp and pointy! Think romance, not scary storage area! One of my clients had a bathroom in this area. We made sure there were no leaks, kept the toilet lid closed, she painted the room a pink hue, and added some red items including a “LOVE’ sign in red!
If you’re in a committed relationship and this is the bedroom area, ooh-la-la! To strengthen your love, add items that represent both of you, just you, and with intention! All loving relationships have softness, romance, and sweetness to them, essentially it is Yin energy. Feel free to display happy pictures of both of you. Remember the symbolism of Feng Shui! Remove any pictures of your children, parents, family, friends, etc. How many people do you want in this relationship? It should only be you and your partner. Next, we’ll balance the romance using my rule of 2. You can add two of everything; pictures, two pink candles, two rose quartz hearts, a decanter with two glasses, romantic books, etc. If you want to make the relationship sizzle; use red candles, silk sheets, wear red or pink lingerie, play romantic music, add orchids for harmony or a vase of roses, use massage oils or diffuse rose or similar essential oils – and shut off the TV! Better yet, remove it from the bedroom! These are some of my suggestions so please use whatever resonates with you and your partner. Let your imagination run wild!
If you’re not married or with a partner then this is for “all the single ladies.” Take a look at this area of your home or apartment AND in the Relationship area of your bedroom. What do you have in these areas? I’ve performed several consultations for young women who wanted to attract a boyfriend/husband. What did I find? Single beds, gifts from past boyfriends, pictures of old boyfriends, paintings depicting one woman, one nightstand, stuffed closets, stuffed animals and dolls! Now does this scream I’m single and looking for love? NO!
If your intention is for a loving, solid relationship then dump the girlie stuff and the single bed! If you’ve had a bad break-up you might consider a new bed, mattress and sheets anyway. Remember that energy remains in a space unless it’s Feng Shui cleared or removed. Create an atmosphere that you love but is also mature. Remember the rule of 2! Add a second nightstand to the other side of the bed, second lamp, add artwork with two people, two candles, a statue of lovers, etc. Make room for love by giving him some space! Clean out the closet and dresser drawers. Also remember to treat yourself well. Self-care is so important and it will enhance your relationship.
OK single guys, you’re not off the hook either! I know a man’s home is his castle and he is ‘king’ of the bedroom. Seriously, take a look around at all the Relationship areas and not just in the bedroom. Remove weights, treadmill, computer, desk, TV (or put it in a cabinet), and any other ‘guy’ things from the bedroom. If you don’t think your current décor is pleasing to a woman, well you’re probably right! Please keep your place clean and neat, including the bathroom. Add some nice sheets to the bed; they don’t have to have flowers on them! Don’t forget to remove items from romances past. If you attract that special someone, open up to them. It makes for an extraordinary loving life.
If you’re married, in a partnership, or single; don’t forget to set intentions for your love life. If you’re single, be specific about the kind of person you would like to attract. If your married or in a partnership, what do you want and need from this relationship? If single, you might want to make a list of qualities that you desire. This puts your specific intention out to the Universe/Spirit and the angels. Make the Law of Attraction work for you in the romance department!
Did you know you can call in the power of the angels to attract love and romance into your life? There are romance angels who will help you attract your soul mate, heal from a bad break-up or divorce, add love and passion back into your marriage, and help you with better communication skills. I personally would also call upon the powerful Archangels for help in this area. Here’s a list of the ones who would be happy to be of service. Remember that life unfolds in divine time for each of us with all requests. You may not get an immediate response, but believe and trust that you will. There are events unfolding for you every day. Be open to receiving and looking for the signs.
“Archangel Chamuel – his name means “He who sees God”. He can help you find a soul mate, strengthen your current relationship and increase your compassion and ability to communicate with your partner.
“Archangel Raguel – his name means “Friend of God”. He will bring harmony and fairness to relationships and heal misunderstandings.
“Archangel Jophiel – her name means “Beauty of God”. Angels are neither male nor female, but some can express a certain energy. To me Jophiel is female. She helps to bring you positive and beautiful thoughts about your life and relationships. She also guides you toward self-care and clutter-clearing. She is known as the “Feng Shui” angel!
“Archangel Haniel – her name means “The Grace of God”. She is a goddess-like archangel and angel of the moon. She helps you release the pain of heartbreak, anger and any negative emotion. You can call upon her at any time for help but the strongest energy is during a full moon.
Not sure how to call your angels? You can say “Angels I need help with ____” out loud or silently to yourself. Some people may connect through deep breathing and automatic writing. Others create a ritual by lighting a candle and then communicating. Some people will go out in nature or talk with their angels in verbal meditation. There is no right or wrong way to contact them. They are just happy that you do! Please don’t think you’re bothering them with a request about your love life or any other question. Humans have free will so angels will never interfere in any way unless it is a life or death situation. They love to be of service and are just waiting for you to ask!
Let’s not forget the very important “Love” holiday. Valentine’s Day is February 14! Do you love all the fancy cards with pictures of Cupid with his bow and arrow? These were very popular in Victorian times. Even though he looks like one of the Cherubim Angels, he is not a real angel. It is said that he was born from ancient Greek and Roman mythology and symbolized as the god of love. Cute, chubby and endearing, yes; but not a real angel! Don’t forget to call upon the real angels of love. They are just waiting to hear from you and help you find your soul mate!
I would love to coach you to live an empowered life! Let’s work together to connect you with the angels. I’ll also be your Feng Shui coach to encourage the most loving and abundant energy possible! Please visit the Bellesprit Services page of my website for discounted fees. You’ll find the “New Love” and “Soul Mate” card spreads which can give you insight about love and relationships! I wish you all much love and happiness on Valentine’s Day!
I would like to offer a sincere thanks to elfquem for the use of their cupid image in this article. Image ©elfiquem www.elfiquem.deviantart.com
Abundant Blessings,