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Feng Shui Relationship Secrets

By James Brickman

Feng shui relationship secrets and advice can help you create and maintain a solid relationship. Everyone wants to find their soul mate and keep them. Those who have a partner in life may want to make their intimate life brighter and strengthen their bond. Here are some feng shui relationship secrets for those who want to attract, retain and strengthen their love.

Let’s start with the basics – making a home attractive for relationships. This can be achieved with the Bagua octagon – a tool for improving energy in any premises. It helps to relate the environmental elements with the aspects of life. According to the octagon, the southwest direction is responsible for relationships. Its color is brown. Its symbol is earth. This sector is connected with your partner, whether current or potential.

The first is the front door. The vital energy Qi penetrates through the door into the home, so the door should attract it. The Qi accumulates near the door, and is let inside by the incoming or outgoing people.

There are three optimal directions of the front door. Southeast: helps to preserve peace and prosperity in the family. If your door faces this way, you don’t need to add anything. Southwest: helps to build harmonious and stable families. If your door faces this way, you can add colors / symbols of wood next to the door, such as an image of bamboo or plum blossom. West: helps to increase romance and pleasure. If your door faces this way, you can add earth elements next to the door, such as crystals or objects of stone.

Even if your door faces another direction, it’s not a problem. Decorate it using the color brown or place plants there.

Next is the feng shui relationship advice for the bedroom. Ideally, the bedroom should be located in the southwestern corner of the house, which is responsible for love, loyalty, and caring for family members. If the bedroom is located in another place, do not worry. Feng shui has a list of tools that will help make it more harmonious. First of all, the bedroom should be kept clean everywhere. If you have any devices or exercise equipment in the bedroom, if possible, divide the room into sections, blocking the bed from these.

The bed should not lean sideways into the wall. It is believed that a partner who sleeps near the wall will have less say. When there’s space on both sides, both partners will feel equal.

The bed should not be too broad, as this does not encourage romance. The bed should be small enough to provide intimacy in the relationship. The mattress should not be double; any longitudinal stripes on or above the bed will symbolize the rift in the relationship. Avoid water mattresses and any objects that embody the element of water, as water can carry happiness away. Do not place your bed near a wall adjacent to the bathroom, as your happiness may go down the drain.

Now let’s review the feng shui relationship tips for objects to place in the bedroom or the room located in the southwest direction, in order to activate it. You can enhance it with an earth element (crystals, rose quartz or amethyst) and fire element (candles and red objects, such as a red lamp). Also place love reinforcing symbols in the bedroom, such as double objects: a statue of a man and woman, a pair of ducks, or a dragon with a phoenix.

About the Author: James Brickman runs http://www.fengshuicrazy.com which teaches the ancient art of feng shui. Please visit his website to learn more about feng shui relationships.

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Feng Shui Money Frogs

By James Brickman

Money frogs are one of the most popular feng shui symbols. This charm can draw the material well-being into a home.

In Chinese culture, a toad also symbolizes immortality. Money plays an important role in our lives, so it is worth learning how to use this amulet to attract wealth.

The feng shui toad has three legs. Usually it will hold 1 or 3 coins in its mouth, which is a Chinese symbol of wealth. Sometimes the creature will have no coins in its mouth, but it will have a slit in it where you can insert a coin. These small money frogs can even be made from a bank note with your own two hands.

The toads can be purchased in feng shui talisman stores. These symbols are sold in an array of colors and materials. When choosing a talisman for yourself, keep in mind that the more the frog looks like a real one the better. As we mentioned above, the most important point is to make sure that it has three legs instead of two or four. The best symbol is the one made of yellow shiny metal that resembles gold, or that is indeed gold.

How to place this money symbol properly? This amulet can be placed in one of a few places in your home. One good location is the living room. In the living room, put it in the left corner diagonally to the door. This is the so-called “power corner”. It can also be put near the front door creating the impression that it’s jumping into your home. It can also be placed in a fountain with moving water in your favorite sector, which will also increase your money luck. The main point is to place the money frogs facing the inside of the house, and not the other way around.

It should not be placed in the bathroom, kitchen or bedroom. In the bedroom it will fall asleep, in the kitchen it’s going to get too hot, and in the bathroom it will soak in the calm Yin energy and relax instead of bringing good luck and money to you.

If you own a house with a backyard where toads live, treat them respectfully and kindly. According to an ancient Chinese belief, a frog family living in the backyard will bring prosperity. According to the Chinese, the toad was wicked and vengeful at first. But one day Buddha came, conquered it and committed it to help people. Ever since then, the creature is paying the price for the trouble that it used to cause, by spitting out gold coins for people.

Wherever you place the toad (the zone of money, health, love, etc.) it will activate that exact zone. The money frogs are just a symbol of wealth. If you do not believe in it, the mascot will not work. So, try to believe in this helpful little creature, and you will soon see positive changes in your finances. There are many more good improvements that you can do for yourself using feng shui.

About the Author: James Brickman runs http://www.fengshuicrazy.com which teaches the ancient art of feng shui. Please visit his website to learn more about feng shui money frogs.

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How Feng Shui Brings Prosperity

By Candace Czarny

If you wish to gain wealth and prosperity, the Feng Shui tradition states this requires both the correct attitude and the right conditions. When flow of chi in your home or workplace is blocked by obstacles, a struggle hindering prosperity ensues. Removing obstacles and freeing energy is part of applying Feng Shui. It is wrong to believe prosperity is solely about possessing money or owning things. Feng Shui is about consistently focusing on achieving and maintaining a sense of abundance and safekeeping. When considered from a spiritual perspective, abundance is not specifically restricted to financial wealth, but focuses on an abundance of all the desirable aspects in life: balance, family, health.

Feng Shui is an effective tool in helping you reach your goals no matter what they may be. If your aim is true wealth and prosperity, you require an environment that works with not against you. If the environment remains static, it works against you. Since your environment affects your thought patterns, you are likely to become ensnared by it, dragged down. Your environment should be a symbol of your prosperity and reflect who you are and where you are going – one that exemplifies the intent to act. At this point, you should consider Feng Shui. If chi energy flows freely, it will move you forward towards your goals.

Ironically, to achieve prosperity, one of the first steps in applying Feng Shui is to remove all clutter in your life and from your environment. All that extraneous material blocking doors and windows, the old clothes and furniture collecting dust mites, can act as an inhibitor. Through Feng Shui, you learn to remove all such obstacles and liberate your space. The negative energy held by dead plants, broken and damaged furniture and uncompleted projects does not contribute to expanding your wealth and well-being. Clutter can be defined as anything unfinished, unresolved or unused. If you use Feng Shui, you can deal with the clutter and free yourself.

Clutter slows down chi energy, but, in many instances, environmental energy is moving rapidly, speeding through the area, as swift as money flying out the door. Once you utilize Feng Shui principles, you act quickly to restore the balance between too much and too little material.

In addition to removing obstacles, Feng Shui involves the accumulation or introduction of positive energy. When certain items are placed properly, they draw in the good energy that contributes to prosperity. From positive motivating objects and symbols of wealth, to coins and family photos, a variety of objects can play a role in manufacturing the right type of energy in your home. Feng Shui principles guide you in the process of adding the specific colors, objects and special features to your workplace and residence that contribute to prosperity. Feng Shui will even identify the “wealth corner.” Of all areas, this place requires special attention to neatness and cleanliness and must be designed to bring positive, prosperous thoughts to mind.

A further note: in introducing into or adding positive symbols and energies to your environment, you are not concentrating on what you lack, or on a sensation that your possessions are insufficient in some manner. Feelings of craving and dissatisfaction do not contribute to prosperity. In utilizing the principles of Feng Shui, you concentrate on gratitude, which, in turn, creates a sense of abundance. Feng Shui demonstrates two objectives: how to surround yourself with symbols of prosperity and wealth and how to imbue your environment with positive, forward-moving energy. Both, acting together, will help you bring to fruition your goals.

About the Author: Candace Czarny,ASID,CFM,LEED AP, “Award Winning” Interior Designer, Feng Shui Expert & author. www.ArtOfPlacement.com is continually ranked “Top 10” in Google and Yahoo. Clients testify of dramatic results!

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Feng Shui & Symbology

By Juliana Abram

Symbology is very special to my heart. In fact, one of the more precious gifts I received is from my husband. It is a piece of artwork depicting in white jade, the Chinese dragon and phoenix. This hangs proudly in my office and for me, represents what I try to achieve daily for myself and others – the balancing of yin and yang.

The Orient has always had a particular penchant for looking at objects and interpreting their hidden meaning. This is revealed by the prolific use of symbols and that these symbols are like a secondary language, rich in nuances that penetrate all communication.

Not all Westerners are aware that in Chinese, each written character represents an entire word which is in deep contrast to our alphabetical text – where a sequence of individual letters signifies a word. This means that more or less every word in the Chinese language is represented by a different symbol so it is not unrealistic to consider that whenever pen is put to paper or in carvings it can also have some mysterious, abstract or obscure meaning.

Symbols are generally categorised as either auspicious or inauspicious and can be viewed as conveying the unseen messages of good or bad luck. All Oriental artworks are viewed as symbols, and their characteristic themes – water, clouds, flowers, trees, animals, rocks even colours – portend not only themselves, but also something beyond themselves – there is meaning far beyond the visual experience. There is virtually nothing in all of nature or any artefact that is not seen as being imbued with particular significance.

I simply love the meaning of things!!! On my first journey to Singapore back in 1986 I purchased a silk painting and it’s always been dear to my heart and this painting still hangs in a special place within my home. I was told that this beautiful piece of art depicts the story of the Eight Fairies or as I first came to know them – the Eight Good People of the world. Now these Fairies or immortals are on a special journey travelling the world dispensing good fortune to everyone they meet and each one of these ‘good people’ has a special object that they always carry with them. These items still carry auspicious meanings as they have done over the ages and generally, they can be hung anywhere in the home. They have also come to play a symbolic part in Feng Shui.

There is much controversy as to exactly when the eight immortals came to be however most stories and artworks can be dated back to the Song, Yuan and Han dynasties. I have listed the items carried by the ‘eight immortals’ and I hope that you will be able to put at least one of them to good use for yourself in your own home or place of business.

The gourd:- This wonderful object can be placed around the knob of your bedroom door as it symbolises good health and longevity. It is one of the items carried by Li Tie-guai, one of the most recognisable of the eight immortals as he is lame. One of several legends has it that he would frequently leave his body to wander the land and heavens. On one particular day whilst his spirit was wandering around the mountains his body was found lifeless and he was subsequently pronounced dead. In keeping with the custom of the time he was cremated so, upon his souls return he could not find his own body and therefore he had no option but to take refuge in the first available body. This happened to be the body of a crippled beggar and so it was that Li Tie-guai continued his existence supporting himself on a crutch or staff and is therefore always depicted as a lame beggar. The gourd is said to contain the holy nectar of the Gods, therefore, it is a popular accessory of many Buddhist Deities. In art a gourd decorated with arabesques and roses signifies the wish that ‘spring may last for ten thousand generations’. In other words – this is a wish that your family lasts forever.

The Fan:- Fans first appeared in China during the 10th Century AD and these beautifully painted fans have been a specialty of the great Chinese artist ever since. One of the eight immortals, Zhong Li Quan, who is said to have lived during the Chou Dynasty around 112-249BC, is the chubby chief of the immortals and recognisable by the Fan which he uses to revive the dead. Many other Gods also use the fan to drive away evil and as a result, from a Feng Shui perspective it has been said that fans have the power to deflect negative ‘chi’ or energy that has been directed your way by a hostile source.

Lotus: As the symbol of purity modesty and love, the lotus enjoys a unique importance in Chinese folklore and it seems that this is largely due to the influence of Buddhism. The lotus comes out of the morass and yet is not itself tainted. It is inwardly empty, outwardly upright. It has no branches and smells sweet. There are two Chinese words for lotus: lian and he. Lian is to love, bind, connect uninterrupted as in marriage and also means modesty. A lotus bloom with a leaf and a bud means ‘complete union’ whilst a boy with a carp beside a lotus means abundance year in year out. He Xian-gu was the immortal carrying the lotus and was brought into the group by Lu Dong Bin after he rescued her from a demon by using his magic sword.

Castanets:- Cao Guo-jiu is the finest dressed of all the immortals. He is always depicted in court dress and is often seen holding an official sceptre or castanets. So, for those budding thespians ensure you have this deity around you to help you on your way.

Flute:- A patron saint of musicians, this happy immortal is always depicted carrying or playing the flute. It is said that Han Xiang-Zi could make flowers bloom at will and soothe wild animals with his music. He is said to be the great nephew of the statesman and philosopher Han Yu who lived AD 768 – 824. There are many types of Chinese flutes, however; the vertical flute which has only five holes in the upper part and one in the lower section with only one end open is played mainly by women. In Feng Shui a pair of flutes is often used to divert the negative flow of energy.

Sword:- A demon slaying sword is the attribute of Lu Dong-bin (born around AD 755) another of the eight immortals. There are many legends regarding swords and their magical properties. In fact, it is said that an ordinary sword can be turned into one that will repel demons by going through a special ritual and then reforged. In Feng Shui terms there is the sword of coins. Coins are usually associated with prosperity, however, they were also used as protective charms. So it came to be that a cluster of coins were strung with red cording in the shape of swords. These were then worn around the neck to ward off ‘sha chi’ directed your way by a hostile source.

Bamboo cane: Zhang Guo-lao is the immortal that is always shown carrying a long bamboo cane, the so called ‘Fish Drum’. Inside the cane are two rods fitted with hooks, and the whole piece can be used as a means of making various sounds and music. Legend has it that he flourished around the late 7th and early 8th centuries and is always accompanied by a donkey on whose back he would sit backwards and could cover a thousand miles a day.

Basket of flowers: Lan Cai-he is one of the eight immortals and is represented by a basket of fruit or flowers. A decorated basket of flowers represents riches and therefore the motif has been a popular one used during the New Year period.

There are many, many items in varying degrees of styles that can evoke a significant value for another person. So………. why not consider giving a gift for Christmas with substance, one that has an important meaning to someone you care about. Perhaps it will reflect the gift of wealth, good health and happiness or even………..love.

About the Author: Juliana Abram is one of the leading Feng Shui consultants in Australia having been traditionally trained in Hong Kong. Juliana runs her own Feng Shui consultancy ( see http://www.fengshuicentre.com.au ) and her own online Feng Shui store ( see http://www.fengshuishop.com.au ).

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Strengthening the Connection With Reiki and Meditation

By Ryan J Bell

People who are just beginning to learn how to use Reiki to heal themselves and others can gain practical momentum through meditation. Regardless of whether you’re earning your first degree or have already become a Master after graduating from a third degree course, meditating pushes you to the next plateau. In fact, many practitioners who have faithfully adhered to the practice’s underlying principles claim they began to see a new level of progress only after meditating regularly.

Below, we’ll explore the ways in which finding quiet and solitude on a regular basis can strengthen the connection you feel with the Reiki energy. I’ll explain the fundamentals of meditation and how you train yourself to schedule time for it. I’ll also describe a 3-week program that you can use to contemplate your goals and seek answers.

What Does It Mean To Meditate?

Many people confuse prayer with meditation. It’s worth clarifying the difference. Prayer is speaking with God. To meditate is to embark on something entirely different. It is the act of quieting your mind and listening to what God has to tell you. Many Reiki practitioners prefer to begin each day by meditating on how they should use the universal energy into which they tap.

But, it’s a mistake to think that meditating must be done according to a schedule. In truth, many of the most revelatory moments are experienced during spontaneous meditation. A lot of Reiki devotees find themselves tapping into hidden stores of spirituality even while doing mundane things like driving, washing the dishes, or exercising. The key is to appreciate the meaning behind meditation and how it fortifies your connection with the Reiki energy.

Finding The Time

There will always be reasons to procrastinate meditating. Our lives are busier than ever and time is a valuable commodity. It’s too easy to keep telling yourself that you’ll meditate later in the day after you’ve accomplished everything on your “to do” list. But, that seldom happens. Other things will continue getting in the way.

This is one of the reasons why many Reiki Masters devote time during the early morning to their meditation. They realize that spending time alone and communing with God is critical to being able to focus on their spiritual growth. In doing so, they gain a better understanding about the healing nature of Reiki and the relationship they share with the universe.

A 3-Week Program To Strengthen The Connection

To be sure, there are many approaches to developing the habit of meditation. The program that follows is used by many practitioners because it helps them build the habit while strengthening their focus and spiritual empowerment. It is a 3-week process through which you can open your mind to your connection with the universe’s healing energy.

Week 1 – During the first week, you’ll concentrate on the Usui symbol of power. Each day will start with a specific question. Find a quiet, secluded place and meditate on the symbol for 20 minutes. Keep a small legal pad nearby to write down any notes that form in your mind during your session. They can include words or symbols. It is not important that you understand your notes; rather, it is important that you record them.

Week 2 – The second week will focus on the mental and emotional symbols of Usui. Each day will begin with another question. As before, meditate on the symbols for 20 minutes in a secluded area where you will not be disturbed. Keep your legal pad nearby and record any thoughts or images that appear in your mind.

Week 3 – The last week focuses on the distant healing symbol of Usui. You’ll spend the entire week meditating on this symbol for 20 minutes each day. Write down any notes on your legal pad.

Ideally, the above program should be used by students and practitioners who have passed the second degree of training. Those who have become Reiki Masters can add to the program by including additional symbols. Remember, the first step is building the habit. Only then can you truly connect with the universe and explore that connection with the Reiki energy.

About the Author: This article was provided by Programs of Light, a provider of reiki training courses and animal reiki programs. Check them out online at http://www.ProgramsOfLight.com

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