2013 Feng Shui and its effects
2013 Feng Shui – Yes its time to start thinking again about the New Year and what it has in store for you.
This year is the Snake. Further the cycle 5 qi comes into the center. This will mean more difficulties this year. Every year there are time cycles that visit and take precedence. These various cycles of qi bring different sets of fortunes, concerns or issues. Since we are in a twenty year cycle 8 (earth) and the 5 (earth) qi is visiting this year, the 5 disaster star will create difficult earth qi globally.
2013′s Feng Shui has a new set of challenges and benefactors. Master Larry Sang has put together his 2013 Chinese Astrology & Feng Shui Guide: The Year of The Snake guide. This is a key reference each year and includes the monthly summary for each Chinese Astrology sign and also includes the high-level Feng Shui recommendations for the year.
Learn:
- The Chinese Astrological predictions for each of the 12 signs
- The 2013 Feng Shui predictions for each of the 8 directions
- The San Sha for this year (or the 3 directions to avoid)
- The Day Selection Guide for each day in 2013
- And more…!
Further, each person has their own unique qi and how they are affected differs depending upon their residence. Each person interacts with the Feng Shui of their home differently, so at 168 Feng Shui Advisors, we consider the people aspect as a key component of a complete Feng Shui Analysis. Learn about your personal Feng Shui directions and what to expect this coming year.
Keep in mind that the Feng Shui advice in this guide is general recommendations. Each house is different and unique. As such it is important that you evaluate your own home to determine the precise 2013 Feng Shui requirements for your residence.
Getting your 2013 Feng Shui Consultation
168 Feng Shui Advisors provides such analysis and can provide you with the information you need to mitigate the negative qi and promote the good energy so that your 2013 Feng Shui will be prosperous.
If you live in or around Los Angeles, Orange County, the San Fernando Valley, Ventura County, or elsewhere, please give us a call to arrange your appointment. Please call us at (818) 841-4135. This is a busy time of year, so please schedule early.
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Great new site for Feng Shui W…
Great new site for Feng Shui Water Remedies http://www.fengshuifountains.net
Does Feng Shui require a Compass?
Yes, Feng Shui is only Feng Shui if a compass is used. Without it, one is only practicing design and personal preference.
Let’s see how specific it is. There are eight directions; North, South, East, West, Northeast, Southeast, Northwest, and Northeast. On a Lo Pan, or Chinese Compass, these directions are divided into three different sections. On a Lo Pan then, there are 24 divisions of 15 degrees each. Each division’s orientation can result in a totally different house in terms of its prosperity. A few degrees one way or another is a completely different house type.At a basic level, Feng Shui does blend with interior design principals. These addresses the environment you live in. But at a deeper level, the true nature of Chinese Feng Shui is based on geomancy or “earth wisdom”. It looks at how Qi is influenced by time and direction. A Feng Shui analysis is very specific and requires the use of a feng shui compass.
One of the most important aspects of Feng Shui is time. To find out just how important the time factor is, we multiply the 24 divisions by the nine different time periods (A time period here is 20 years) and so we can see that there are really 216 different house types, not just 24. Multiply this times an unlimited number of floor plans and you get an infinite number of Feng Shui analyses. One size does not fit all. There is no fixed area for wealth, health, etc. These forms of Qi can be present, but it takes a qualified practitioner to uncover them.
All of this is based on calculations. Feng Shui can be very exact. It is not guesswork. What makes it confusing is that there are practitioners with varying degrees of knowledge. Some practitioners only look at the 8 house trigrams. Some look at the time cycles, but they do so without a deeper understanding of the correct calculations. For example, there was a book about Feng Shui written in the last few years. It is one of the few that explain the time calculations. It is one of the few that show the calculations. Unfortunately, the book. s calculations seem only work in the North Sitting, and South facing orientation. Turn the orientation 15 degrees and the calculations do not work.Further, there are variable Qi energies depending on the time. These are 180 years, 20 years, annually, monthly, and daily. So what does all this mean? Well, if you are in a house that was built between 1964 and 1983, then in 1984 it became weaker. And during this 20-year period, there is the possibility that a house can be “restricted” or have a difficult periods for either the people or money. This lasts for the particular time cycle. It can be a month, year, or even 20 years. This explains why a lot of times that a particular house can be very good, but for a certain year, money is a struggle, or perhaps relationships are difficult to find.
There are many different levels of Chinese Feng Shui. The commonly used teachings include:
Form – The Form method only addresses only the external or internal environments.
Eight House – (Also known as the East/West teachings) This method addresses the basic orientations and how best to align one’s self to the favorable directions.
Xuan Kong – (Also known as Flying Star Method) This is a Time specific Feng Shui which looks at orientations and time factors. This is used to map the specific qi within a building, room, or other area. This is a very detailed method and can be very accurate if performed correctly.
These methods are all are necessary and work together. You can analyze the Feng Shui on a Form level without a compass, but you are only dealing with such issues as “clearing the clutter” or how the outside environment affects the house. Eight House theory is based on orientation and requires a compass. If you use Xuan Kong, which deals with specific issues of Qi, then you also must look at Form as well as the Eight House theories to accurately analyze the Feng Shui. With this method, you must have an accurate compass reading.
To look at the Feng Shui any deeper than the Form Method, you must use a compass to determine the direction. Many times, people think their house faces a certain direction, but are incorrect when a compass is used. For example, many people in Los Angeles think that the ocean is West of Los Angeles. In actuality, most beaches in Los Angeles are South Facing. Many cities are based on grids that are North/South or East/West. But is it true North or magnetic North? Feng Shui looks at magnetic North. So remember, that is if there is no exact measurement of orientation, then there is no way to judge the Feng Shui beyond the basic environment. A complete Feng Shui analysis uses all three methods to accurately look at the environment of the building and how the people can feel their best in that building.
Feng Shui Fountains
Feng Shui Fountains that can enhance your prosperity
The water element is very strong and can bring prosperity. Using metal containers is ideal for Feng Shui Fountains as in the Five Element theory, metal gives strength to water. Here are some examples of metal feng shuifountains that would bring beauty and harmony to your home or office.
 Flowing River Copper Tabletop FountainIn this magnificent tabletop feng shui fountain, the water flows out of the copper spout, onto 3 levels of sla…Read More |
 Water and Fire Tabletop Fountain #701In the beautiful Nayer Kazemi Fire and Water tabletop fountain, the water flows out of the copper sp…Read More |
 Water and Fire Tabletop Fountain #703This beautiful Nayer Kazemi Water and Fire tabletop fountain is a hand-crafted square, copper bowl w…Read More |
 Transparency and Water Tabletop Fountain #801This Nayer Kazemi boxing-clever tabletop fountain features a recessed and covered water fall. Perfec…Read More |
 4-Leaf Copper Waterfalls with IrisesIn this Stunning enhanced version of our 4-Leaf Copper Waterfalls, the water sounds are just as gush…Read More |
 3-Leaf Copper Waterfalls FountainWith our beautiful 3-Leaf, hand sculpted copper waterfalls fountain, you will feel as if you are sit…Read More |
 4-Leaf Copper Waterfalls Fountain |
| This gorgeous, unique, amazingly constructed wall fountain is meticulously hand sculpted in copper. …Read More |
 Will-O-Wisp – Sculpted Copper Wall FountainThis gorgeous, unique, wall fountain is meticulously hand sculpted in copper. Beautiful color tinted…Read More |
 6-Leaf Copper Waterfalls w/ CattailsIn this Stunning enhanced version of our 6-Leaf Copper Waterfalls, the water sounds are just as gush…Read More |
 6-Leaf Copper Waterfalls FountainWith our beautiful 6-Leaf, hand sculpted copper waterfalls fountain, you will feel as if you are sit…Read More |
 7-Leaf Copper Waterfalls FountainWith our beautiful 7-Leaf, hand sculpted copper waterfalls fountain, you will feel as if you are sit…Read More |
 8-Leaf Copper Waterfalls FountainWith our beautiful 8-Leaf, hand sculpted copper waterfalls fountain, you will feel as if you are sit…Read More |
 Water Drop Tabletop FountainThe Water Drop is a nice size water fountain for your table or desk. You will love the sound of wat…Read More |
 Aria Water Fountain-Floor or WallThe Aria Water Fountain is very versatile in that it can be wall mounted or floor standing. The wat…Read More |
 Cascade Springs Wall Fountain – Copper and SlateThe Cascade Springs Wall Water Fountain is the perfect size for that hard to decorate wall and will …Read More |
 Sunrise Springs Wall Fountain – Copper and SlateThe Sunrise Springs Wall Fountain is spectacular, one of our most popular wall fountains. As the wat…Read More |
 Inspiration Falls Wall Fountain – Copper and SlateThe Inspiration Falls Wall Fountain is the perfect fountain to bring beauty to your living spaces! …Read More |
 Aqua Falls Water Fountain – AF-2The Aqua Falls Floor Fountain is a distinctive work of Aqua Art. These floor fountains make a unique…Read More |
 Aqua Falls Water Fountain – AF4This Aqua Falls floor standing feng shui fountain is 5 feet tall and sure to make a statement wherever it is plac…Read More |
File as: Feng Shui Fountains
Feng Shui Earth Element
The Feng Shui Earth element can be both the bad guy and the good guy. It is at the center of the eight trigrams and is in the opposing directions of Southwest and Northeast. Looking at the Post-Heaven Trigram, it is also in the Center. Its colors are earth tones, yellows, or tans. This elemental qi is responsible for wealth and money. But watch out for it can also be responsible for delays, illnesses or accidents.
The earth element is unique in that, during this time period, it is not used too frequently to correct other elemental qi. Rather, it is typically the recipient the correction. This may sound confusing, but really it is very simple. After a careful Feng Shui analysis, the practitioner maps out the qi within a building. In certain areas there might be Earth qi. This qi can be favorable or unfavorable, depending on the corresponding trigram. If there is qi present from either Kun (the Southwest Trigram represented by the number 2) or the center trigram (which has no trigram but is represented by the number 5) then it can be considered unfavorable. This earth energy can create delays or even sickness. This is usually remedied by metal.
When talking about the trigrams, we mention the directions such as Southwest, but this is not always where it is found. Feng Shui is based on the I-Ching, or “book of change” which states that all things cycle and change. Nothing is fixed. So do not consider that you will always find Kun qi in only the Southwest. That is its home, but it is not always where it is found. The same is true of Ken. Northeast is its home, but it too can be found in different places in different houses.
If the qi that is mapped out results in the Ken trigram (Northeast and represented by the number 8) then it is very favorable for money. Even generally speaking, in the Chinese culture, 8 is related to money and is a sought after number. This is folklore and not necessarily Feng Shui, but they still prefer to have an 8 in their address or license plate. Because earth is strengthened by fire, there are times that the fire element is used to enhance the potential for strong income.
If the earth element is needed itself as a remedy, then possible ways of utilizing this earth element are through the use of terracotta pots, adobe sculptures, ceramics, or even actual rocks (if they fit into the environment that you are trying to create.) To give you some examples, should you need earth in your entry, then perhaps a nice ceramic statue would work. You might also use some large adobe pots with beautiful flowers growing in them. There are a lot of creative ideas on how to use the earth element.
Earth can also be used to “ground” the fire element. Electricity can be considered fire in the cycle of elements. If you should have an electrical transformer box in your yard, consider putting some decorative stones between the house and the electrical box. Place them naturally and do not put too many either. Be sure to check with your electric company first to ensure that you do not create a problem for them, such as their access to the box, infringing on their property rights etc. Remember too that anything you do should look natural and beautiful. Do not create a “sha” or unsightly influence.
The earth element is the heart of the trigrams. It is both desired and unfavorable. Many people do not think of the earth element as being attractive, but choosing carefully, you can find very attractive earth solutions. Even jade is an earth remedy. If you are working a lot at the computer, consider putting a small jade statue on the desk between the power supply and yourself. Remember too that all Feng Shui solutions need to be carefully analyzed to ensure that you are placing them in the correct area.
Feng Shui Wood Element
Being that it is springtime and a time for renewal, the Feng Shui wood element is the ideal place to begin a discussion of the elements. Of the five elements, wood is one of the most refreshing and easily adaptable solutions for one’s home. It is associated with spring, new life, and the directions east and southeast. Wood is used frequently to break the direct flow of Qi into a soft and dispersed flow. So let’s explore how to use wood to bring out the best this spring.
What exactly is the wood element? Wood is living and breathing plants. It can also be the color of green. Can you use tables and chairs made of wood? Of course, but not for the Feng Shui remedy of wood. Wood is a unique element in that it purifies Qi. It redirects Qi. It slows down Qi. Living plants are unique in that they take impure air and freshen it with new oxygen. For those who celebrate Christmas, think about how fresh the house is when there is a tree in your living room. Wood is refreshing.
Solving issues with Feng Shui wood element
First, you can use wood to enhance your environment. A beautiful ficus tree or perhaps a philodendron can be used to resolve several Feng Shui issues. The most common question in Feng Shui is what if I have a front door opposite a rear door? The answer would be to place a large bushy plant in the pathway between the doors to break up the direct flow of Qi.
Another example of the effective utilization of wood is to use a large shrub or small tree to break up the effect of a sharp angle (Metal Sha) from a corner that points directly at you. In one case, a client placed a grove of trees to offset the corner angle of an apartment building that was pointing at his house. Another client inside placed a beautiful ficus tree at the corner of an interior wall that was pointing right at his bed. Use plants (Feng Shui Wood) to soften this harsh projection of Qi.
Feng Shui Wood Colors
Plants are also a great remedy for odors in the house. Today many people recommend air purifiers. We know firsthand that these work well, yet we still prefer the traditional method of using plants and flowers to cleanse and provide a fragrant environment. Used in combination, you can’t go wrong.
Can you use the color as a solution in Feng Shui? Yes. The color green is warm and is a popular color in the ’90′s. Homes that have their sitting side (usually the rear of the home opposite the street) to the east or southeast can utilize the color green as an accent on their house trim. These homes are associated with the wood element and adding the color as the trim can assist the Feng Shui of the home. Using green highlights (such as green pillows or perhaps even drapes with some green tones) within a room that is in the east or southeast can also be beneficial.
Remember that everything is to be in balance. Too much of anything is not good. When using the wood element in your home, create beauty, not a jungle environment. Do not decorate a room entirely in green. Use it to accentuate, not overpower. If over used, people who are associated with the earth element can have problems. There is beneficial earth Qi in certain areas that can provide prosperity, but if overpowered by the wood, they might not provide this prosperity. Remember balance. In proper proportion though, wood is always beneficial for providing good Qi in your home or office.
Wood is nourished by water and wood is the source for strength in fire. So next time, we will focus on the Feng Shui element of fire (the summer element).
Images graciously provided by: Darroll Higginbotham &The Palm Farm
Feng Shui Fire Element
Fire is something that has transfixed man for as long as we have had recorded history. Fire is what keeps us warm. Fire cooks our food. Fire in proportion can be useful. Fire out of control is devastating. The Chinese looked at fire as being one of the primary elements. It is the most Yang of the elements. It holds mystery in its flame. When it comes to Feng Shui, fire is a very potent and strong elemental remedy. It is not to be used haphazardly. Not only because of the potential risk inherent in fire, but because fire strengthens the Earth element. Energetically speaking, the Earth elements can be a very harmful form of qi. Using fire can strengthen the negative aspects of the earth creating accidents or sickness. Used correctly though, it can strengthen your wealth qi.
The first question we usually get from people when discussing the five elements is “What is the fire element?” The fire element is the actual application of fire. A candle or even a red bed spread can be used for the fire element. As you noticed, the color red can be used too. Ideally, the actual element should be used. There are many times though, that the element is too dangerous to use, so we recommend something red. A good substitute for the actual element would be a red light bulb, or a red lampshade. These provide a vibrant color and importantly, heat. These are more effective than a red carpet, although as an alternative a red rug or bed spread works as well.
How does it interact with the earth element? As mentioned above, the fire element provides strength to the earth element. This can be negative or positive. In the eight trigrams, there are two trigrams of earth and the center, which is also earth. When calculating the Qi of a building or house, we look for either the number 2 (the Kun trigram) or the number 5 (the center). These two trigrams, during this time period, are less favorable and can create sickness or accidents. The Ken trigram (8) on the other hand, can bring prosperity and wealth. It is also good for children. This is the one case where fire can be used beneficially to strengthen earth.
Fire can also be used to reduce negative wood qi. In some cases wood qi can bring gossip arguments, and lawsuits. This is unlike using the element of wood as mentioned in an earlier article, but rather here we are referring to the qi within a building. Qi is a form of energy and can take on aspects of any of the elements. When it is a wood qi, it can have the effects mentioned above, or it can bring the flowering of a new relationship.
How can it be applied? The fire element can be used in a variety of ways. You can use a candle. The color of the candle does not really matter so much as long as you are burning it. If you are not burning the candle, then try to use red or purple candles. Here it is the color, not the candle itself that is providing the remedy. As previously mentioned, using a red lampshade or a red nightlight is an effective solution for the fire remedy. Hurricane lamps are also effective because they are safer than exposed candles. Lastly, anything that is vibrant red can be used. The actual element of fire is preferred though.
Fire, as a Feng Shui remedy is very potent. It does take some understanding though on how to properly use it. Used incorrectly and it can bring sickness and separation. Use this element safely, as it can be dangerous in a practical sense
as well. Kids, dogs, and candles usually do not mix. When used correctly though, it can bring money and help with relationships. It takes a trained Feng Shui pracitioner to determine where best to apply the fire element. Lastly, use all of the five elements judiciously and in balance. Too much of anything is not good.
Images graciously provided by “The Candleshoppe”
Feng Shui Metal Element
Have you ever held a compass close to something metal, such as an automobile or even a metal table? Metal can effect 
the compass needle, skewing it to one side or another by several degrees. Because of this strong effect, one of the
primary Feng Shui solutions that is recommended more times than not, is something made of metal. In Feng Shui Metal is a strong remedy and can be used to prevent illnesses, money delays, and even loneliness. It needs to be properly applied in the correct area to be effective. Since it is one of the key elements and is very commonly available, the metal element has a lot of ways in which it can be applied in Feng Shui.
Metal can be used in a lot of forms in Feng Shui. A metal solution can be gold, silver, brass, bronze, or even steel. The main consideration is that it fits nicely into the environment. For example, a nice brass wall hanging looks nice in a living room. A set of weight lifter plates in the living room does not. However, if you need metal and you have workout weights that you do not use, then the weights can be placed at the bottom of a brass pot, then covered with a small plant, then it makes an effective metal solution because the pot with a plant looks attractive. (The metal is much stronger than the small plant so this is not a wood solution) The idea here is to create a beautiful solution while getting substantial feng shui metal effect. The effect needs to be proportional though. Having a lot of metal in a small room or having too little metal in a large room does not fit proportionally. Try to get a solution that works for the area you are working with.
There are a lot of other creative metal elements that can be used. Some of our clients use brass statues of deer or even a bronze horse bust. A couple of very strong metal solutions include a metal chiming clock and wind chimes. Both of these need to be used carefully and upon the advice of a trained practitioner. Mainly because they are audible, the sound strengthens the effect of the metal dramatically. Used properly though, they can render assistance to areas that are prone to accidents, money delays, and illnesses. Just like Yin and Yang, there needs to be a balance, so too much metal can be detrimental and too little can be ineffective.
One tip about wind chimes; this year (until February 2000) if you plan to do any gardening, or construction in the South, adding a metal wind chime outside can prevent construction delays or accidents. Next year (2/2000 until 2/2001) it will be the North. Again, consider the time cycles, not all Feng Shui recommendations as permanent.
Many of our students ask “Why is metal the primary remedy in Feng Shui?” Well, the answer is because of the time aspect. Since time and space are always undergoing change, so is qi. During this time period, certain earth qi is not favorable and the solution is to use metal to correct it. Because of this, more times than not, the recommendation will be something made of metal. This does not mean to replace everything in your house with something metal, but in a lot
of cases, metal accents in the home can assist in improved health and a reduction of delays. Ideally though, you should seek out a qualified Feng Shui practitioner to assist you in determining whether you need to add metal in your home.
Lastly, remember that Feng Shui is about balance and harmony. Do not overdo it. Any Feng Shui solution applied should fit naturally into your environment and should not appear awkward or out of place. Remember too, if something doesn’t feel right to you, then it is not good Feng Shui. Always use common sense and proper aesthetics.
