We certainly are going through the learning that Mother Earth is speaking. Teaching us that it does not take much to rattle us from our complacency. Jarred from routine, with a sharpened awareness to expect aftershocks. Do you have that swaying at sea feeling? Our sensitivity shows we are certainly still on high alert.

What does Feng Shui offer? For me personally, it is to go with the perceived threat of uncertainty and breathe. Draw in air and take deep long breaths right down into your stomach. This keeps the mind still and you can reason what to do next.

Feng Shui is based on the recognition that the planet operates on the Heaven/ Earth/ Man theory.  In other words what is happening in the stars and the heavens at a particular time, what is being activated by the heat of the Earth’s core, and us mortals that are being directly affected by a force out of our control.

Invisible forces are always going be there and strong in this Year of the Metal Rat. We can expect more unpredicted during 2020 and with Covid 19 still very much on our minds the need to strengthen our mental learning is important. Feng Shui uncovers your personal core strengths–knowing more how you as an individual operates, your strengths, what makes you wobble and recognising all this is learnt behaviour. Things like: are you an individual thinker or need group dynamics to resolve issues or require support when facing unpredicted events? It’s really empowering when we can plot Heaven / Earth responses in a chart and see where and when we require to focus on self-development and when favourable planetary vibrations are available for us to tap into.

But today’s Earthquake was about immediacy. What is your response when uncertainty arises? Where was your thinking?

Photo by Daniele Levis Pelusi on Unsplash.

• how we relate to each other and
• to focus on self-nourishment.

Both key in this big shift that we are being presented with. The Covid-19 has taken hold so quickly and urgently, we all in disbelief at how the whole world can be brought to its knees. Amazing how what has been generated has come from the environment in the form of a virus spinning all human authorities onto the back foot.

In the Feng Shui world, this has been forecasted as planetary and earthly vibrations are fractured. Its like a beautiful sunset generated from the depth of the earth’s connection to the sun, moon and stars. I compare it a sunset because this is an example of how our planet is self-correcting and we are being exposed to its awesome authority.

What can you do to keep our families safe and well? The Health Sector of the Home is the Kitchen, the central hub of the House. It’s here we prepare hearty food and where the family gathers. This is exactly what the virus is demanding of us. Keeping our immune systems vibrant is one of the best defences against Covid-19.

Some behavioural suggestions to focus on:

• Declutter and clear all the bench and table surfaces
• Eat together at a table
• Prepare food with love
• Prepare vibrant fresh food
• Fresh air circulating your kitchen spaces
• Drink water (not chilled) continually preferably not with meals
• Keep active
• Keep your thinking free of fear
• Send love to the planet

From a Feng Shui point of view referencing energy always starts with the environment. Air circulates from the mountains to the hills, flows across land, through our homes and connects out to the oceans. Circulating, swirling and ultimately settling in the stillness of a beautiful sunset.

How do you harness this flow? And how do you recognise when your home is alive with the so-called available Chi? The Ancients have always recognised energised locations and still, today place importance on respectfully honouring where you: enter a home, eat, sleep and gather. New Zealanders love their homes. And our so-called indoor/outdoor flow scenario makes embracing energy flow easy.

Look at directions, planetary frequencies and available environmental resources.

The Bagua Energy Map plots directions. Each direction has a vibration and transmits a frequency, as do all the 8 compass directions.

To explain further, it’s like a bicycle wheel turning. Each frequency is connected to a whole and its central pivot point is the centre of the home. If all directions are flowing and in sync, this is a healthy vibrant home functioning efficiently and you feel it. You know when you walk into a home that is aerated and energised.

As a Landscape Designer, I am always looking for spaciousness and environmental connections. For example, I look at:

• what direction a house faces,
• where the front door connects to the road,
• what is behind a property eg mountains or hills
• and a water source.

If these aspects are missing, you design to appropriately place this element within your landscape.

How about checking out your power resources? Recognise that Energy is always moving. That Energy is seasonal, variable and adaptable and you can harness these properties.

So, lean into the WIND with outstretched arms and BREATH this freely available CHI into your part of the world.

Want to understand more about the effects of environmental connections in your home? Book a consultation with Equate Aligned Environments and bring more vibrancy to your living spaces.

Image credits: photo by Anna Jiménez Calaf and Rosemary Nelson, Equate Feng Shui.

1. Connection to that space. Look for featured items in your space and ask yourself why you have placed them where they are. Perhaps that spot has great morning sun? Or does it offer a wow factor on the path leading to the house’s front door? Is that space calling for something dynamic to compliment a naturalistic background? All of these can accomplish the same outcome – slowing down the energy and invigorating that location.

2. Directional support. What is the compass direction of the location in question? What insights can this give us? As an example – the North-East direction (in the Southern Hemisphere) supports self-knowledge and spirituality. The directional element is Earth. Each of these are positive for contemplation purposes. So if you are considering a spot for reflection, this would be an appropriate placement.

When considering placement of substantial features, refer to the Bagua Map to give you reasoning behind your positioning choices. This will personalise and strengthen what is required for this space. When implemented, that spot will come alive resonating with chi.

I am sure you have had times when you have questioned what sculpture, art work, plant or feature is perfect for a particular spot. It is often a luxury. But when the time is right, it is these touchable connective drivers that can really bring enjoyment to time spent in that space.

Energy Exchange

Placement of the items you love will have a deep resonant effect on your spaces and those who come into them. This has to do with the Feng Shui principle of Energy Exchange.⁠
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Exchange is the energetic giving and receiving. Everything gives off and receives energy. Flow. There is a constant transaction of energy flow between objects and people.⁠
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Everything in your home has been chosen by you or another family member. There is memory attached to each object. For example, a present or something you fell in love with. Or it could take you back to a negative situation and to have that around you is depleting. The same goes with nature you may hate where you live or the garden is a jungle – this again is an energetic distraction.⁠
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Moments sitting with the warmth of loved objects is pure synergy – pure Feng Shui – purely being in the moment. The more you are aware of what is around you the more mindful you are about placement.⁠
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Embracing Feng Shui supports choices you make when decorating your living spaces. This is not about materialism, it is about vibrational resonance – the exchange.⁠
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Feng Shui makes arranging items within your home fun and achievable and you get to choose vitality over mediocrity. ⁠

Get the Feng Shui Support You Need

A Feng Shui consultation with Equate’s Rosemary Nelson can create positive energized spaces that are supportive and nourishing. Please get in touch so we can discuss your needs.

Koyasan Shingon-shu Buddhism Headquarters Temple – Mount Koya, Wakayama Prefecture.

My first-hand experience of temple life – vegetarian food, futons on hard floors, attending early morning service. All part of a 2-night stay at Sekishoin Buddhist Monastery in Koyasan on my recent trip to Japan. Just being amongst these dedicated Buddhist Monks was positively joyful and from a spiritual point of view I loved their togetherness and sense of fun.  This experience wasn’t about lack – their food was delicious and their laughter contagious.

Japan is rich in so many ways, especially its culture and spirituality. Buddhism and the indigenous faith Shintoism have for centuries stood hand in hand as the major religions in Japan. The history and symbolism of this partnership is evident in the many temple complexes.  As is the Japanese people’s approach to life its always inclusive and embraces preciseness. Artisans in every detail, stylish to the core, I just loved the attention to detail as it is so insightful of who they are.

Mount Koya in Koyasan is the Sacred Centre for Shingon Buddhism. Situated deep in the mountains this Monastic complex was established by Kobo Daishi in 816. Daishi was divinely led to build this Mausoleum Teaching Centre in order to embed Shingon Buddhism in Japan – and today remains the major Buddhist school worldwide. Mount Koya is surrounded by eight peaks and said to represent the eight petals of the Lotus Flower, within the inner central Mandala the 8 deities are positioned for spiritual correctness. While in turn the Buddha is embedded as the spiritual heart of Koyasan

The surrounding Temple garden area is the largest rock garden in Japan (2349 square meters). It represents a pair of Dragons emerging from the sea of cloud to protect the Okuden Temple. The Dragons are made of 140 pieces of granite surrounded with white groomed meticulously raked sand, the timeless symbolism grounding the art form as if a prayer.

Koyasan’s picturesque environment is a major tourist destination in Spring and Autumn. The temples are a drawcard for all spiritual denominations. Countless number of Kumano Kodo Pilgrims walkers pass thru the temples sticks in hand and traditional bamboo Amigasa hats on hand. For the Japanese, a Spiritual Pilgrimage journeys is recognised as a lifetime achievement and one that they embrace with diligence and vigour.  Even more inclusive, all the Monasteries open their Temples for Pilgrim accommodation and meals, a welcome relaxing place to recovery after a long day walk. 

Equate Aligned Environments offers a Landscape Design and Feng Shui alignment service. Both the Environment and the House (the Container) you live in are energetically connected. When balanced these two factors work together to support you and your family.

How does this work

All positive energetic flow starts with the Environment. First we look at where the House is sited. Then we delve into what is around the Home, what the surrounding land forms are. These may be large trees, distant hills (in my case the Tararua Ranges), water or the ocean. We take note of these and assess how we will be able to energetically tap into them.

When a Home is planned to draw this energetic flow into its core, you can feel a real difference. All aspects of your life work. Your health, financial support, career advancement, as well as relationship harmony are all supported. It is that simple. This is not about materialism or staging. It’s about allowing flow to enter your life by connecting it to the central core of your Home.

The Marketing Flyer description for my home is “The Best of All Worlds” and this certainly has been the case living here. The amount of natural light flooding into this home has supported my craft and my knowledge of Feng Shui and the Metaphysical World.

Progress reports on this pending.

2 Feng Shui Tips for Selling Your House

1. Alignment

The front door and entry to the house is important and should be airy and inviting. Provide an open and generous feeling – clear the area of any clutter and personal items even family photos.

Energetically – clear this area by visualising a new owner. This letting go really works. I have set this up for many clients and houses sell very quickly. The trick is to be completely neutral and free of any expectations. Allow that new buyer to walk in and feel at home in your living spaces.

2. Emotional Connection

The majority of comments from the open homes have an emotional leaning. The viewers liked the vibe and feel, and they really liked sitting in the moment, looking at garden. Emotional clarity is vital – know your end goal and trust the agent you have invested in.

With 1 week to go before my deadline sale, I am leaning into that perfect outcome for both myself and the new owner. This has been a great test for me personally and also really deepens my understanding of the power of metaphysics. When we are clear, things flow and fall into place.

Pre-sale Feng Shui services are available

Space Clearing for selling your home is a Feng Shui service offered by Equate Aligned Environments. Energetically buildings have memories and past events can linger and be recorded in the walls, floors and ceilings, furniture and objects. Vibration from former occupants can leave stagnant residue that cleaning and tidying on a physical level doesn’t shift. A Feng Shui Space Clearing can:

• clear these vibrations and,
• help attract that perfect buyer.

This is a particularly useful service for houses that simply won’t sell or to clear the way for a fast and efficient sales process. The base rate for these services starts at NZD $275. Please contact Rosemary at Equate to help you revitalise your space.

Here are a few of my favourites to whet your appetite. See them all at http://www.domaine-chaumont.fr/en/international-garden-festival/2018-edition-gardens-thought

As Winters door is about to open, I had this moment with a Prunus tree outside my living area. It was so special that I wanted to document it. Usually you look at Autumn leaves on a tree and are drawn to the striking colours and in this case, it was so. But I suddenly saw these fiery leaves were dancing in the final moments of glory. Seeing this made me realise that Letting Go can become an occasion.

For me, a reframe: Letting Go has taken on a whole new meaning. So, thank you beautiful Prunus tree for your Spirit and that moment I will treasure. Celebration shedding is now going to be part of  my practices- regardless of the Season.

What’s the first thing you do when you want to create spaces that connect you into this tranquil flow?

By clearing out.

De-cluttering

By freshening a space or re-purposing the usage, you change the energy. You open up the room for vitality to flow in a different way.

Flow is about allowing another possibility to surface. Ask yourself, “What else can I use this space for?” or “What can I place here that is going to support me energetically?”

Often the problem starts with a disconnect.

• Are the layout and usage of your home supporting what is going on within the home?
• What about the items within your home – is your stuff suffocating?
• Are these things in alignment with the family values and goals?
• How do you want to feel in your home?
• How do you want the home to work for you?
• Do you feel supported in your space?

Declutter the thoughts you have about your space. And then declutter the objects that are interrupting the flow. Make a start by simply rearranging items and dispose of what is simply clutter. By making a start you will rapidly see what produces a result – any result, any change that sparks curiosity.

Watch for the spark

The spark will arise from the most unlikely source. This may not sit well if you are too logical or a bit of a control freak. Sorry about that, but Feng Shui works with the energy of a place and your vibrational energy simultaneously. Both mirroring present dynamics.

Change often comes out of chaos. Knowing this takes the pressure off you personally. We are not always ready for the required leap. We hold possibilities out there in questioning, “Maybe…” This is just keeping your options open.  But if you make it fun and take the difficulty out of your approach then the right connections surface.

The disconnect we have with change is that we do not see the correlation between energy flow in your home and your desired goals. Both are so entwined.

Why is this? It’s about emotional connection.

It takes courage to look at our personal agendas and see they also need a makeover. It’s not always about the goal but what is psychologically stopping us from saying yes to another approach.

Connection

Feng Shui offers connection. Things flow when both our goals and the energy of a space have a similar objective.

This synchronicity is pure Feng Shui. Clear spaces and clear goals work hand and hand.

Connection is our willingness to be open to a different possibility. When we have order and the things we love around us, joyfulness and gratitude abound. This is where we find flow.

Clear, clutter-free spaces are open. When you connect with a balanced space, you become more grounded and present and take on the necessary changes naturally. The internal shift will mean it is no longer in your head because you have taken action. This is the gift that Feng Shui offers: we can walk into a space that is now functioning and no longer reacting to the internal chatter that keeps you locked into past responses.

One more power tip to get you started

Your garden works the same way. This may be a more comfortable place for you to start. Our connection to nature is often freer and may be a better link for you. It’s about learning your personal triggers and finding the gap where you can connect…where you become part of the flow.

You’re not alone

Everything that you need to start on this journey is around you. You are supported by the energy around you. Finding a way to work with these energies is the ultimate goal.

I’m available to help get you started moving forward with designing your lifestyle. We can do this in person or via Skype.  Alignment and energy design services offered by Equate.

The Northern and Southern Hemispheres are different when considering the influences of Feng Shui. Rosemary Nelson, NZ Feng Shui expert and designer, shares some special insight into how to align our spaces with our intentions and goals for readers in the South.

Why is Feng Shui different in New Zealand?

The relevance of Feng Shui in New Zealand is a matter of how you approach it.

Are you searching for a classical interpretation of the Bagua Energy Map?
Or looking for a more relevant response that beats to the rhythms of this part of the world?

Feng Shui means wind and water, we as humans need these elements in order to survive. Correspondingly, so does the planet we live on. Feng Shui ideology looks to the immediate environment – listens and responds with respect. The Land, the Sea, the Sky and the Cosmos provide a localised perspective and become your strongest touchstone and influence.  

This is common to all the differing schools of Feng Shui – it’s about belonging.

The origins and principals of Feng Shui come from China.  Where the culture is different to ours, the seasons, its latitude, regional air currents are all dissimilar.

Here, our culture looks to the Pacific for references. Our Kiwi norm is the love of the great outdoors and open spaces. This is so emotionally ingrained in who we are as New Zealanders. We feel more instinctively connected to this environment rather than overlaying unfamiliar influences from afar. 

But let’s start with some Feng Shui principles that remain true

There are other considerations also to think through. Many Feng Shui practices are universal. Yin and Yang is not a theory, it is practical scientific data. Realising this, applied it remains constant to both Hemispheres. Digesting this uncloaks some of the mystique that is playing out.

The Energy Maps – with its 8 life quadrants radiates out from the central Yin and Yang core, all universal tracts, as are the corresponding 5 elements. But what is in question – should the Bagua be adjusted to be sympathetic to our latitude?

6 Specific NZ Feng Shui differences: Local conditions matter

1. Our weather system operates independently. The prevailing winds and the ocean currents are unique to NZ shores. When we tune into the energy of our home here, referencing more personal influences then becomes an alignment tool – things are now getting so much more potent.  

2. There are obvious planetary differences between the Southern Hemisphere and the Northern Hemisphere, common to both the sun rises in the East and cycles to set in the West. In New Zealand, the sun moves through the northern skies while in the Northern Hemisphere travels a southern orbit.

3. The intense energy of the midday sun comes from New Zealand’s northern skies and sets in the west. This is opposite in the Northern Hemisphere where the strongest sun is the southern skies.

4. The conflicting planetary cycles are where the Bagua Map can become energetically questioned. In our part of the world, the strong Yang Sun (Fire element) comes from a northern aspect.  Our houses are oriented to be benefited from this warmth. This nation’s love of barbecuing and following the sun as it orbits to set in the west – just says ‘Kiwi Living’.

Rigid principles don’t always apply. Feng Shui is something you feel.

5. But there is more – when introducing the Four or the Eight directions to your location. The North /South/ East /West fixed points are fixed geographically. What arise and is introduced from this are: seasonal changes and changing equinoxes. Both have a huge influence on the energy of the planet, on you and the magnetic energy field of your homes.

6. We are kinetically shifted by changing frequency. Also bringing in the moon’s mystique, we have so much more generating around us than we can logically compute.

Feng Shui and the Four Directions: The NZ Context

Now back to the compass readings of the 4 directions in New Zealand.

The Water element is in the south, completely opposite to the Northern Hemisphere, where it would be in the North. The Water element is about flow and emotional depth. It is how we can connect to the land and receive from Mother Earth. It represents our winter time and going inward to revitalise.

There is joyfulness to this season, think of warm fires, mulled wine and roast dinners – yum yum – it is so grounding and so opposite to what the Fire element offers in the long enjoyable hours of the summer months. Can you now recognise that embracing the seasons is a powerful tool?

Playing with seasons is so much a part of what Feng Shui has to offer

We all have a birth element taken from the year of your birth. This provides you with an understanding of the element the earth was vibrating at when you entered the world. You also will know the season and the astrological aspect of your arrival. Why not use all references when digesting how Feng Shui resonates for you. You can find your birth element here.

NZ Feng Shui: How the Bagua works in the Southern Hemisphere

Now let’s look at the traditional placement of the Bagua Map which starts at the front door. This is where you enter your home and is the career zone. Water is its corresponding element. This is where it gets interesting, because water is about flow and the mouth of where energy enters your home. Remember we are 80% water. If you are seeking a career change or things to flow into your life, using the Bagua Energy Map placement may be more appropriate for you than energising the compass South direction. It’s just a matter of intuiting what is more appropriate for a particular issue. Ask yourself – you will know the answer!!

Likewise, the dynamics of the Fire element is static in all Baguas. Opposite to water, it is an activation point which will bring in new insights, new opportunities and certainly ultimately an area of your home where you can personally discover your highest potential. (Fire and water are the only elements that can be eliminated entirely).

Introducing the Earth element can dynamically affect your sense of belonging. Combined with the Fire element (Fire is helped by Earth) you start to understand the personal relevance and a deeper knowing of how Feng Shui was reasoned.  

When you are grounded you naturally receive the fullest energetic transfer that is present in your home.

In question now, is the placement of the Relationship/ Marriage quadrant. With the grounding of the earth element, is it correctly placed or needs to be reversed because of location.

The four life sectors on the Bagua that benefit by a reversal are the Relationship quadrant, the Wealth area, Self Knowledge and Helpful People life zones. All vital to get right, especially when you want to tap into what each sector has to offer.

Personally, I lean towards making an adjustment (because of orientation) to energetically tune in to what is happening here in New Zealand.

Creating a vibrant, harmonious life for you and your family has so much to do with how you understand what’s personally right for you.  And what fits the geographical rhythm of your environment.

Make it Colourful

Colour is a great way to create an energetic difference in your home and a fun way to instantly punch into another Feng Shui principle.  Colour is a huge part of expressing our personality in our home.

When you can embrace the colour of a particular element with the relevant placement, this then becomes what energy vibration is all about.

Kiwis love colour, it’s a cultural thing. Because of our clear light, we are not afraid to go for the primary colours. The rainbow effect has no limitations and we can ingest so much vibrancy and enjoy all the dance of what colour has to offer.

Feng Shui can help you create the life you want

In summary: the 8 principal zones on the Bagua, each has a reference to a part of your personality, an element and a dedicated colour.

And combining the 5 elements, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water and Wood together with the central core of Yin and Yang (Wind and Water) – gives you tools to play with to bring about balance and harmony in your environment. 

The secret ingredient for you in all this, is finding the glue. The point where you can create a required change, a result that activates a healthy energetic vitality into your home and your life.

The gentle ripple of all flowing energy and understanding you are part of the continual pulsating vibrancy of this.  This is what the ancient practice of Feng Shui has to offer you. Learning to trust yourself and listen to the ever-changing rhythms of your surroundings and the bricks and mortar of your home – can so support you in living an enriched happy fulfilled life.  

Further reading

How to apply the Feng Shui Bagua in the Southern Hemisphere

Manifesting with the Feng Shui Bagua

The Coriolis Force is caused by the rotation of the Earth dragging the atmosphere with it and effects the large-scale movement of air in the atmosphere or water in the ocean. Read more about it at Wikipedia or watch this short video showing the Coriolis spin.

You can find your birth element here.