January, 2010 | Serious Feng Shui

On February 4th, 2010 we will begin the Year of the Metal Tiger. This means that in Chinese Astrology the Year God (or Tai Sui) will be the Tiger. Those born in the year of the Tiger should be cautious as they will be receiving the biggest and strongest portion of the energy of the year. Imagine all of the twelve animals of the Chinese Zodiac seated around a big round table for a feast (just like a Chinese Feng Shui Compass). The Tiger will get the first, biggest serving of everything that there is to offer this year. So if this is year of peace, the Tiger will have the first, biggest serving of peace. If it is a year of conflict, the Tiger will have the first, biggest serving of conflict. The animal directly opposite the Tiger at the table (or on the compass) is called the Sui Po. For 2010 the Sui Po is the Monkey. Because the Monkey is opposite the Tai Sui he is in a dangerous position. You don’t want to be in opposition to the God who is in charge for the year. Other compass areas are affected by the Tai Sui as well. For 2010 those areas cover most of the north (including NW and NE) and the southwest.

So why should you care? If you want to practice Feng Shui you will avoid disturbing the north and southwest areas of your lot. If you are a gardener this is not the year for you to put that irrigation system in the southwest of the lot. Keep it clean, weeded, and quiet but no digging. Bad luck will follow if you disturb those sleeping gods. They say that those who do the actual work will get the worst effect so if you hire someone else to do the work it will affect them and you, too.

One of the reasons that I enjoy Feng shui so much is that there are almost always common sense reasons to follow the recommendations. What I mean is we can understand the premises of astrology, physics or biology behind the Feng Shui advice, but there is almost always a more tangible and mundane aspect that applies as well. It’s really not a bad idea to let some of the areas of your garden “rest” each year. You can only do so much work anyhow.

When I first moved to the PNW I thought of camellias as plants for old ladies’ gardens. To me the camellias were background for the other more important and flashier plants. This is my 20th winter in the PNW and I have learned my lesson. Winter blooming plants and evergreens are some of the most important plants in my garden as far as I am concerned. Seeing the cheery red and yellow blooms of Camellia sasanqua “Yuletide” this December as I leave and return to my house has lifted my spirits much more than I would have thought possible.

One of the core theories of Feng Shui, no matter what method you practice, is that the small things in your life add up to make it what it is today. Even things that you might not think of as being important have an effect on you. The accumulation of these small things can sneak up on you, slowly and subtly changing your qi before you even realize it. Feng Shui practitioners work to help you change your environment so that the combined effect of the small things makes you feel optimistic, strong and vibrant. One of my Feng Shui teachers once told me “If you can’t figure out any way to cure the problem, just make it as beautiful as possible”. And she was right, it does have an effect, even if it’s not a true Feng Shui adjustment.

If you are feeling like your energy is lower than usual, take a good look at the rooms and places where you spend the most time. Is there enough light? Is there enough color and warmth? Do you have any live plants or pets? All of these small things will add up over time to influence you, so take some time in this New Year to make sure they are things that lift your spirits. Even if all you do is clean thoroughly and get rid of some old things you don’t use or want any more I guarantee it will make a difference.

Month: January 2010

Feng Shui for Gardeners 2010

Camellia Sasanqua “Yuletide”