Basic Feng Shui

• In the same way that energy channels can be opened and positive, these can also be blocked and negative. If you have ever been in a home that felt stagnant or even angry or depressed, you may have been experiencing negative or blocked energy. The first task in using Feng Shui for attracting what you wish for is to open up blocked energies and get rid of negative ones.
  
  If you do not wish to take on a complete overhaul of your home, you can still choose to work with the area in which you would like to see the most improvement. In all, there are nine baguas or facets of life illustrated in your immediate environment. One or more of these will relate to the desires you wish to have fulfilled.
  
  

Using the Bagua Map

• The Baguas of Your Home - Left to right and top to bottom: wealth, fame and reputation, relationships, family, health, children and creativity, wisdom, career, family and social support
  
  Start by drawing a rudimentary map of your home with the main entrance at the bottom center. Using the Bagua Map to the left, determine which areas of your home relate to the desires you wish to have fulfilled. It is the energies in those areas with which you will be working. Most homes are not square and so it will be necessary to adapt the map to the shape of your residence.
  
  Next, you will need to determine the symbolism and colors associated with the area of concern (see map). There are some basics in regard to symbolism but for the most part, it is those objects and designs you identify with on a personal level that will work the best. Utilize colors and symbols in the area but be sure to leave plenty of space for the positive energies to flow.
  
  

A Few Basic Tips for Getting What You Wish For

• Fill your home with light. Let natural light in wherever possible. If windows are scarce in your home, you may want to think about adding some. If this is not an option for you, artificial light will do. Light brings in positive energies.
  
  Never block an entrance or doorway as this interrupts the flow of energy and causes imbalance.
  
  Avoid sharp corners. Try to keep things rounded. Round tables, curved arms on chairs and couches and corners filled out with living plants or rounded stands will help to smooth things out.
  
  Never decorate with anything that was once alive and is now dead. Living plants and flowers are great conduits for positive energy. Dried flowers, plants or mounted "kills" such as fish or game bring in negative chi.
  
  Keep it clean. Dust and clutter can make for energy blockages in that particular area of your life.
  
  Use mirrors to expand and open up corners but never place a mirror across from a door as this causes the positive energies to flow out of the room.
  
  Keep a representative balance of all five elements in your home. The five elements of Feng Shui are fire, earth, wood, water and metal. In addition to the actual use of the elements, each can be associated with particular colors. Be careful not to overuse any one element or color in your home.
  
  

Feng Shui Attitude

• While the practice of Feng Shui can help improve your mood, your mood also influences Feng Shui. Keep a positive attitude by resolving differences without anger and keeping a harmonious and peaceful attitude in and outside of your home. Use the power of intention to draw your desires to you.