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As part of the “Classical Feng Shui” tradition annual changes and adjustments are made to your living space. Each of the 8 directions is understood to have a new quality and energy associated with the New Year. The annual adjustments made in the home or office serve to balance, harmonize, and create new opportunities.

Feng Shui, “the art of placement”, utilizes the 5 elements which can be represented by the element itself, its representative shape and/or color.

Additionally, objects of art are used to symbolically enhance or harmonize the changes brought about in the New Year.

The general qualities of a Tiger year are intensity, change, movement, action, drama, activity and inventiveness. The metal element is about focus, creativity and communication.

Balancing Your Environment

Southwest can be harmonized by placing the metal element: coins (6), round objects of art, the colors white, gray and silver. Avoid using red accents in this area.

Northeast can also be balanced by using metal objects of art as noted above. A pair of metal Kilun can also be placed facing the northeast. Avoid using red accents in this area.

North can be harmonized by using the colors blue and black, placing still water and a plant in this area. Avoid disturbing the North this year by remodeling or construction. A protective, positive and peaceful guardian/object of art facing North can minimize negativity.
Placing still water in the North can also enhance the potential for reaching career, academic and romantic goals this year.

***Note: All of the areas above can benefit by placing objects of art that symbolize peace and benevolence.

North and the West have annual energies associated with romance, career promotion and academic success.

West has the strong water element which can stimulate academic and career advancement. Place 4 stalks of Chinese lucky bamboo to symbolize growth.

Northwest can be nourished by placing a plant to feed the strong fire element. This area has the potential to bring about happy and fortunate occasions with the auspicious number “9″.

South can be harmonized by using red and purple accents, bright upward directed lighting and symbols and artwork that depict harmonious relationships and good communication.

Southeast can be balanced by accenting with the color blue or using artwork that depicts the water element.

Center location can be enhanced by placing an object of art and or gemstone that is golden in color. The intention for this remedy is to enhance prosperity.

If you have any questions about this article, or your home’s feng shui you can post your question below.

Best Wishes for a Successful and Blessed New Year!

MaryAnn Russell

Suzuki Roshi was asked by a zen student if he thought the students who were gathered together were enlightened, his response was, “I think you are all enlightened until you open your mouth.”

Rest in the immediate as though it were infinity.

Sincerity is the quality where your imperfections show.

The feng shui expert will analyze all aspects of your home or property but there are several key areas to focus on and the entrance/foyer area of the home or business is at the top of the list.

The flooring in this key area must be fluid and create an immediate sense of depth.  Your visitors will naturally feel drawn into your entrance hall.  The flooring in the foyer should never dramatically change color or pattern but have a continuous fluid appearance.

Next we look at flooring and room compatibility, which considers the size and shape of the room and ceiling height. Rooms with vaulted or high volume ceilings where the wall color is light can benefit from darker shades of flooring.   A darker flooring color anchors the energy in the room and will create an atmosphere of balance and stability.  Sometimes people will not gather for long periods of time in a room where the the space feels empty and hollow.  Architecturally, when this is the case the flooring choice can compensate for this.

Lighter shades of flooring with minimal design are the most suitable for smaller spaces or lower ceilings.

Split-levels or disjointed floor plans will benefit the most by using one color of flooring.  In feng shui, we correct problematic floor plans that may lack flow by carrying one or two design elements throughout the house to create continuity and flow.

Flooring choices have a tremendous impact on the feng shui of a home or business.  The flooring must never dominate the space but be compatible with the room. Using natural materials and color choices that represent nature is a trend that is growing.  People don’t grow tired of a natural palette and they like feeling more connected to the natural world.

Flooring must suit your lifestyle; if you have a high traffic environment durable low maintenance flooring is the best feng shui choice.   Feng shui aims to create harmony and a high maintenance flooring choice with growing children in a home will have an impact on your daily life.

Flooring choices, in consideration with feng shui, should always be based on designs that are compatible with your floor plan and lifestyle.