Feng What?
“Feng what?” was a question I heard frequently when I excitedly told family and friends I was studying this ancient science. Their puzzled looks turned to knowing as they said, “Oh, it’s that slow moving exercise.” To which I patiently replied, “No, that’s Tai Chi.” “This is a study of energy” – again that puzzled look! That was back in the late 1990’s and thankfully times have changed! Over the years I’ve incorporated the help of the Ascended Masters, Archangels and Angels to the practice of Feng Shui and it’s been a wondrous journey!
I’d like to give you a little background of how the power of intention and Spiritual Law of Attraction worked for me. One day while connecting with my angels through automatic writing, I was told they wanted me to write about Feng Shui AND angels. I was a bit shocked because I planned to write a book about my angel experiences. I said out loud “really?” My answer was a loud “YES.” Who am I to argue with celestial beings? I had already written a Feng Shui e-book and I do love angels but how in the world would I combine the two? Being a strong believer in the Spiritual Law of Attraction, I told the angels and the universe that I would honor their request and I was leaving the process in their hands. Two months later a friend mentioned my name to Belle Salisbury. I was unaware that this had happened until Belle contacted me. She asked me to write about Feng Shui in the Bellesprit Magazine and I then asked her if I could include the angels. Belle thought it was a great idea and a new column was born! My mantra is: Ask, Believe, Trust and Receive – And so it is!
Let’s start at the beginning. You’ll need to understand more about Feng Shui so you can understand its powerful energy. Feng Shui (pronounced Fung Shway), is a creative and intuitive ancient art and science that originated in China approximately 3,000 to 5,000 years ago. Literally, it means wind (feng) and water (shui) which are the unseen and seen energies within our environment, within us, and within all things. These elements are essential for our Chi (chee), our life force energy. Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine are based on the body’s meridian Chi energy. This gives Feng Shui a more holistic meaning. If you take Yoga classes this energy is called Prana. Same idea – different name! Feng Shui embraces the idea that everything in our environment contains energy. This energy has an impact on every aspect of our life. If we live in balance with the energy of our environment we have good Feng Shui. If we are out of balance with this energy, we are not living the most healthy or abundant life we could be living. It’s all about balance! The subtle energy flowing through us and through everything in the universe when in balance can actually help us attain our life goals. It can bring us harmony, happiness, abundance, improved health and relationships, and enhance our creativity and career opportunities. How awesome is this?
When I heard about the wonderful changes I could make in my own life, well, I just had to learn more. I began studying the Black Sect Tantric Buddhist type of Feng Shui because frankly it resonated with me. Keeping it short and sweet, let’s call it the BTB School. There are other Feng Shui schools. The BTB School was brought to the United States from China in the 1980’s and was created for Western use. Grand Master Lin Yun brilliantly chose the important and traditional methods from various teachings and created a contemporary, modern day type of Feng Shui. It’s easily understood, adaptable and very effective which is why it’s the most popular school in United States. The best part is that it will work anywhere in the world. Of course I have encountered skeptics. Let me say that once it begins to change their life for the better, they are no longer skeptics!
One of the most engaging aspects of BTB Feng Shui is the emphasis it places on the power of intention to influence the energy of your space. Feng Shui combines spirituality, psychology, intuition, philosophies of the I-Ching, modern science, geology, karma, your physical, mental and emotional state, visualizations, spiritual practices, and meditations and mantras for added strength! Wow, that’s a lot to take in! It also creates the opportunity to use these principles as tools for increased self-awareness, personal growth and empowerment. Can’t you just feel this powerful energy?
When my family and I traveled to China two years ago, our tour guides were shocked to learn that I was a Feng Shui practitioner. They spoke of it quietly and reverently but did not say if they practiced it or not, nor did I ask. In ancient times, Feng Shui was a secret known by few powerful people or those who were responsible for the health and wealth of the dynasty’s Imperial Court. During the long history of China, it was used to locate auspicious areas to build cities, palaces and burial sites. In Beijing we visited the beautiful and extremely complex Forbidden City. I was not surprised to learn that it is the largest Feng Shui project ever built. I can certainly attest to this after entering the magnificent and foreboding front gate. This is known as the ‘mouth of Chi’ where all good fortune, luck and prosperity enter. You can think of your own home’s front door the same way. It might be a little less grand, but the idea is the same! This huge complex of palaces, quarters, buildings, temples and gorgeous courtyards was built to represent the harmony between man and nature. There were numerous statues including The Four Celestial Animals; Turtle, Dragon, Tiger, Phoenix, not to mention Foo Dogs for protection. It has been said; “Where the dragon and the tiger embrace, there is Chi.” The residence of the emperor was purple which was believed to link him to the divine forces of the universe. Today this color commonly represents spirituality, imagination, wisdom, the higher self, royalty and the Crown Chakra; our connection to divine consciousness.
It has been said about 1,300 years ago Feng Shui was finally handed down to the people of China. It seems like such a long time ago, but when you consider that China is a very ancient country it really hasn’t been in the hands of the common people very long. From generation to generation it was taught in the traditional verbal manner, the way I was also taught. Even by the mid 1990’s in the United States there were still very few books on the topic. Most people had never heard of Feng Shui. A few books started to appear and people wanted to know more about these secrets and how they could improve their own lives. Interest grew, the number of practitioners rose and more books appeared including my e-book, Live an Abundant Life with Feng Shui.
Since Feng Shui is such a vast subject, my intention is to explain the many principles in this and upcoming Spiritual Feng Shui columns. There is so much to explore! I will clarify these ancient principles and symbols such as Yin/Yang and 5 Elements, talk about the psychology of Feng Shui and its nemesis – clutter! We’ll discuss the Bagua (energy blueprint) of your home, the sources of power, luck and Chi, explain how you can enhance the energy of the 9 most important areas of your life, and provide tools, tips and enhancements to boost your personal energy and that of your family and home. I will also incorporate my love of the Ascended Masters, Archangels and Angels who bring each of you unconditional love, support and peace of mind. They are readily available to assist you in cleansing your home of negative and stagnant energy by illuminating our minds and hearts. They are great providers of protection to you, your family and your home. They also add an enormous amount of spiritual energy to your intentions too!
It’s January, 2012! There are many predictions about this year. My sense is that the higher vibrational energy of 2012 will usher in a ‘new world’ based on love, integrity and unity for mankind. Personally, I am looking forward to all the exciting opportunities and brotherly love this year is said to bring. I know these welcome changes will have a tremendous impact on our personal Chi and the Chi of our environment. Energy is in both animate and inanimate objects. To further explain that energy is within everything, try holding an object in your hand that has joyful memories attached to it and you will feel happy. If you hold an object that you dislike or have unhappy memories attached to it, it will have negative Chi and you will not feel very joyful. Try it and notice the difference in the way you feel, that’s Chi!
In Feng Shui there are different types of Chi energy. Negative Chi can come from the buildings we live in or work in. Synthetic materials in carpets and drapes, artificial lighting and cleaning chemicals are all artificial energy. These can cause physical ailments or discomfort which impacts our own energy, think ‘Sick Building Syndrome’. Stagnant Chi is produced by cluttered and dark rooms and corners, unused spaces with no means of fresh air. This type of Chi can lower your personal energy levels, cause a loss of abundance, missed opportunities and a loss of direction towards your life path. Fast-Flowing Chi moves too quickly to nourish you or your surroundings. This can be caused by long hallways, straight paths or long stairways. If Chi is directly headed for you watch out! It can make you feel uncomfortable, insecure and you might feel like you’re under attack. It can also negatively impact your career, luck, abundance and health. Can these situations be helped? Of course they can! As a Feng Shui practitioner for over a decade, I’ve never encountered a space where the Chi could not be improved!
According to Grand Master Lin Yun, “having good luck is not as good as having a good flow of Chi.” Chi carries our thoughts, ideas and emotions which directly impact the cells in our body. Think of the proven mind-body-spirit connection. A good flow of Chi is one that gently circulates through our homes providing abundance, joy, good luck and good health to all. One of the most important Feng Shui tools to use this month is energy or space clearing. Actually it can be performed any time there’s been an illness, divorce, visitors and repairmen in the home, seasonal changes (seasons do change Feng Shui elements), arguments, a job loss or change, a partner or roommate leaves, a death, or you just feel a bit stuck in life and you’re not sure what path to follow. A very important time to do a space clearing is before moving into a new home. This is your new sanctuary so remove everyone else’s energy!
Want to know the #1 step to enhance your Chi? Clear the clutter from your home and life! Clutter is a Feng Shui no-no! You’ve seen the hoarding shows and there is definitely a psychology to clutter. It’s ok to re-gift or donate that item someone in the family gave you but you never liked! I’ve work with elderly ladies who are downsizing but felt guilty about giving certain items away. I just let them know they can thank the item for being with them but now it’s time to go. Maybe a friend had always admired it and would like to have it. Remember; your trash is someone else’s treasure! You really need to remove clutter because it can make you feel trapped, stressed, emotionally or spiritually blocked or mentally and physically depressed. It blocks your own energy circulation and that of your home. Clutter can keep you stuck in the past and unorganized. Don’t you want to be free to move forward on your path? I’m a big believer in donating unused clothing and household items several times a year. Let others benefit from your excess! Clearing clutter can be very overwhelming depending on how much you have. Start slowly, do a little each day, make a list and check off items as you go so you can see your progress. Don’t forget to donate to food banks and animal orphanages! It does your heart good, you’ll feel so much freer and everyone benefits. When the clutter-clearing is finished you can move on to the principle of Energy or Space clearing.
Energy clearing will get new abundant energy manifesting for the New Year! I have listed my own process for space clearing and it may not be representative of other practitioners. I generally include the clearing in my on site consultations. For virtual consultations I will provide the specifics so the client can clear their own space. As a practitioner, I can feel where the energy might be stuck or stagnant. Always deferring to the client and their comfort, I’ll ask if they have goals or specific intentions they would like to state, a prayer they would like to say and if they would like me to include an invocation to the angelic realm. I don’t know of any other practitioners who incorporate the power and protection of the angelic realm. I believe spirituality leads to changes within a person and that it does raise their personal Chi.
Before I begin, I visualize the pure white light of love, peace and protection from Archangel Michael surrounding the client and myself. I then say a prayer out loud or silently depending on the wishes of the client. I ask Archangels Michael, Raphael, Uriel, Jophiel and Gabriel to be present during the space clearing to help me remove all stagnant and negative energy, remove any blockages and limitations and to help release physical issues. I ask the angelic realm to bless the home with pure love and light to serve each person’s highest and best good. I also ask them to bless and empower the residents to follow their life purpose with great abundance, health and prosperity. I appeal to Michael for spiritual protection and the courage to make new life changes, Raphael for healing any physical, mental or emotional issues, Uriel for new ideas, fresh insights and to bring success to anyone studying in the home, Jophiel for helping to beautify thoughts and actions and clear the clutter out of your home (she is also known as the Feng Shui Archangel). I ask Gabriel to keep communication open and clear and to assist with all aspects of parenting.
Prior to my work with the angels, I would have just asked that the Ascended Masters Buddha (for enlightenment, wisdom and peace) and Quan Yin (for empathy, peace and mercy) be present and to assist with all needs. I still invoke them along with the angels and they are happy to comply. There are other Ascended Masters in all faiths that can be of service and I’ll silently ask if they would like to come forward. Once all my Divine helpers are in place and I can feel their energy, I begin to ring Tingsha Bells to wake up the stagnant Chi and to signify clarity of intention as in the beginning of a meditation. It’s also interesting to note that ringing a bell is a method to call upon angels! I walk into every room and make sure the sound reverberates into the corners where the stagnant Chi resides. Once the home’s energy is awake I will ask the residents for any specific intentions/prayers to be stated. I then go into all the rooms again thanking all the Archangels, Buddha and Quan Yin and other Ascended Masters for their loving assistance. While doing this I like to cleanse the air with an uplifting pure essential oil spray. I also ask that the client open a window or door to bring in fresh air.
You can also use sage or lavender to smudge or use sandalwood or other type of incense. You can also clap your hands to wake up the Chi followed by the use of essential oils. If you do smudge please make sure that the windows are slightly open as the scent of sage or incense can be strong. Feng Shui rules suggest this cleansing at least once a year. As I mentioned earlier, I would perform this energy clearing when circumstances arise that require a lifting of the home’s Chi or removal of someone else’s negative energy.
The most important thing you can do for yourself, your family and your home is to actually take the time to do the space clearing! You will really feel the difference in the energy. It’s rare, but sometimes the practitioner may feel there is additional energy to be cleansed. Have no fear, there are also Feng Shui blessing rituals that can be performed! Since 2012 is a new and very important year, please make sure you do the energy clearing. Blessing your home adds spirituality, raises your Chi and the Chi of your home and blesses the occupants. Try it and let me know how it works for you. If you have any questions or would like to schedule a consultation, please feel free to contact me.
I would love to empower you to live your best life while creating a connection to your angels! Please visit the Bellesprit Services page of my website for exclusive fees just for being a reader of our new magazine!
Abundant Blessings in the New Year,
Donna Cantone
Feng Shui Practitioner, Angel Communication Master™
Angelic Life Coach®
Phoenix Holistic Services
856-596-9135
