What do you want to be in 2021?

And more importantly what do you want in your life?

Showing Up is the key to deciphering this polarity.

Big questions, and ones I am asking myself loudly and clearly!

The Feng Shui year

The Chinese New Year changes on the 12th of February – to a Year of Yin Metal Ox. What does this mean in terms of Showing Up? Everything. Because it requires you to be more creative in finding solutions that have better strategies in place so you are fully prepared. 2021 will favour the organised and adaptable.

Not like last year, when we were handed a blinder. This year promises more in-depth reflections. Making bolder decisions that have pliable approaches need to be in place. The Ox as an animal sign is thought of as being solid, dependable character, but with the Yin Metal as its Element this could shake things up. We are all aware that the world as we know it has changed.

So how do you approach this ideal of creative solutions? Basically, we need to change old thinking.

How can Equate support you?

I’m writing a series of articles that looks at ways to explore this concept and discerning if it is just a shadow-self that is talking or are you genuinely wanting your life to look differently?

If you are reading this, you will recognize that society is gearing differently. The gap between who has and who hasn’t is widening and this will bring about social shifts. So not to tread water you will need to:

— learn to think on your feet,

— learn to say yes, I am showing up,

— yes- I do know what I want in my life.

For this to happen you don’t need to work harder but smarter and in doing so achieve a different outcome.

The key to this is working collectively with others, each contributing equally. This is not about getting rich but getting a better You and collectively a better Nation.

If you have questions on this or you would like your Yearly Chart prepared you can send me a message through Facebook or on my website.

2020 is the year to really question habits and look at what you do. It’s a good time to reevaluate your ‘shoulds’, and perhaps change the order of how you do things. The COVID Lockdown has given us a taste of really looking at the status quo and experience. For example, we got to find out what downtime feels like and what relaxing, just being means. It also gave us the gift of no conflicting agendas.

How can Feng Shui help you embrace the gems you have discovered during this time?

Energetically understanding your personality really helps with this. And this is where the five elements really come into play.

Freedom to have that honest conversation and right in the comfort of your favourite couch is my point. Feng Shui works when you find the area in your home that fits you. No need to align the whole house — just where the energy is flowing and supporting you emotionally for a certain purpose. For example, you can boost your Creativity, or your Health, Family Harmony or Financial Success. Each has a Zone according to your astrological coordinates.

The Water Element Thinker

This layout would really appeal to a Water Element Person — blues, whites, and zig zap patterns. Water babies like space to go with the flow and importantly sense spatial clarity. A corner like this would provide the opportunity to float and unconsciously scheme new pathways. Adding touches of personal favourites – special journal, favourite markers, cell phone to reference pictorial journaling. Basically surrounding themselves with comforting touchstones.

The Wood Element Planner

For Wood Element planners’ colours would be brighter. They crave a much more structured layout with lots of matter-of-fact textile choices. Wood Element people are planners and like to have many projects on the go. Bag ready, nature by their side and motivated to start work on their personal goals. Planning their goals may happen in more than one area of the home and these spaces not as personal, with colleagues or family included in your goal setting.

The Metal Element Organiser

Metallers revel in structured planning methods for goal setting. They often sketch and draw defined boundaries around projects. There are always detailed logical steps to their critical path. Planning spaces within the home will have a more architectural feel and will be organised – very organised.

Earth Element People

Like to be grounded and snug with favourite things around them and at no surprises at arm’s length. They are logical planners, practical, solid, and reliable pathways. When it comes to getting them off the couch the Goal must be full-proof and lucrative.

Fire Element Creatives

Creative planners and big on bold goal-setting, our Firies are not as precious about outcome. They like to see what surfaces and are happy to change paths at the last minute – very futuristic and visionary goal setting. Impatience can be an issue and they often struggle with timing issues.

Personalised Energy Maps for You

The energy Feng Shui generates is malleable and relates to the compass directions within the home. These spaces can be plotted and customised for you personally. Aligning you, your element helps to support the vibrations that you resonate with. This flow is Feng Shui bliss and when you are in that sweet spot, doors will open to support your planned vision.

An Energy Map is a personalised location chart highlighting the correct directional locations for you. This is a powerful tool to counteract the negative forces that are depleting your energy field. Based on your astrological birthdate, the map provides you with:
—where to sit or work and puts you in your correct location flow,
—where to cook and where to relax
—which direction favours you spiritually and,
—where to boost Abundance and Prosperity.

This provides all positive boosts for your health and wellbeing. The Energy Map can be prepared so it stands alongside your Personal and Career Goals.

The Energy Map is valuable for information when:
—Buying a house,
—office or home renovation,
—heath and relationship matters,
—looking for the right job,
—or for financials gains.

A Basic Energy Flow Plan costs $250. This includes an online Skype Session – you provide me with information and details of why you are wanting this service, the areas of your life of concern and what you want me to focus on. When this is complete I will email the information to you. Simply reach out to me via my contact form and we will arrange a date.

But if you don’t achieve a WOW instantly, you write off the process as it doesn’t work.

Let’s get your expectations a little more grounded… Instant results are only ever advertised to get you to buy something. That’s not how Feng Shui works. It certainly isn’t how I work.

Essential activations that ignite Feng Shui magic are subtle. Delicate combinations need to be thought out to achieve an energetic shift. There are lots of elements at play.

This is not to say that Feng Shui changes aren’t spectacular – they can be. And very fast. But here are a few things to keep in mind as you approach this work.

Change your perspective

Perhaps it is you that is blocking change. Or the shift has been for a higher purpose – what we needed, instead of what we asked for! This can surprise you and you don’t recognise the freshness of this shift.

Change the approach

Another way to approach Feng Shui alignments is to brainstorm what you feel needs to shift. Ask yourself: what is not working in my life? how are my relationships? is my health and wealth on track? Having an idea of what is current is the first step to seeing where the cracks are. What do you sense is not supportive and just how is this affecting your energy field?

Recognise that things are different

Covid 19 has upset the natural rhythms of our lives, Earth energy is rather flat right now and oversaturated with a layer of distortion. Remedies that in the past worked now must be revisited. For us humans, this pandemic has changed everything. We suddenly need each other more, and materialism is more compassionate to collective ways forward. This is the same for the planet.

Making the right decisions is key

We need to commit to really understanding what it is we want right now.

This decision is not based on what has not worked in the past. We carry over so much of former judgements and this colours our thinking.

Knowing ourselves more deeply

For Feng Shui alignments to work we need to know ourselves deeper. And we can acknowledge the Feng Shui elements that are a key component of what makes up YOU.

Metaphysics is based on Astrological timing. When you were born you arrived with a dominant element. For instance Yang Water, Yin Water, or Yang or Yin Earth, Metal or Fire. When you know this, then you recognise the right action for you. Using your primary element properties really clarifies your thinking. With this knowledge, you can then use Feng Shui using the correct alignments in your home environment.

This is how clutter cleaning works, discarding the old for more supportive fresh spaces. Marie Kondo’s wardrobe magic also works this way. Notice the difference of having at your disposal the right outfit, neatly hanging for you to step into. Boy, then you see how Feng Shui works and this in terms generates fresh opportunities. Things just turn up. Bring it on!!

Knowing others on a different level

Knowing you, knowing your environment is so powerful and this is needed more than ever. We need to uncover our individual uniqueness. Same applies for all your family members. If you know how each other tick, you’ll know what support is needed for them in this current age.

So where to from here?

A lot of knowledge and experience goes into my Feng Shui consultations. If you need help to move forward, demystify and clarify what is happening in your home I offer Alignment and Energy Design consultations. These are perfect for individuals and families who want to align their living environment with their goals. Get in touch today.

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

A magical time to celebrate. We see summer’s Yang Fire energy soften with autumn’s Metal element stepping up in to play.

What does this mean for us in terms of energy and vitality?

Charisma, magnetism, attraction are all embodiments and properties that are reflected by the Metal element.

Metal is mandatory in terms of energetic potency. It has the power to bind all the other elements together and unites them to stimulate personal strength:

Strength of Character – Strength of Purpose – a Healthy Immune system.

When we understand energy, we recognise we need this strength to sustain us through the winter months. Now like the animal kingdom, we gather resources for times ahead. Some think of this as a mental intelligence — but it’s just being mindful to prepare for the journey ahead.

But in the meantime, autumn is a wondrous time. The colour, the produce- the grapes ripening on the vines, mellowness and savouring the longer shadows.

Gathering

So, what do we want to gather for the times ahead?

We can bring collected items into the home. Rounded or oval shapes are the most relevant, round stones found on the beach, lovely autumn leaves, for example, the wonderous purple leaves of the copper beech, hydrangeas for drying, or the dahlias which always flower right into the early winter months.

Things that represent gathering really boost our immune system because it invigorates and strengths mental connection. Collecting and bringing in the Harvest into your home reinforces the bringing of the outside in. That conscious awareness that all energy originates from the environment. It is our greatest source of Chi dynamics.

Use the metal element for self-nurturing

The home is our inner world. We can use the metal element for nurturing self.

Use the colours silver, grey and black. All metal colours will attract the positive energy that matches Autumn’s sharpening.

I use the word sharpening because this is one of the main properties of metal. Discipline and organisation are key. Our routine changes as the light into our spaces dim, so keep doors and windows open during the day. Pull the curtains at night and light your candles. The glow of flickering light dances to the tune of hugging the vitality that you gathered during the day.

Autumn’s wondrous glow – letting go and gathering in.

As from February, we are heading into the Year of the Metal Rat. Rat is the first of the 12 animal signs. It is also a Grand Duke Year. In Chinese’s metaphysics, each year has a governing Animal Sign alongside one of the Element. This relates to the star alignment. So why is this important?

It is about the vibrational energy that, like a transmitter, affects us. Some are favourable rhythms others you seem to be swimming upstream. How can we use this understanding if you align with the Rat and the Metal energy – my suggestion is to do more in this coming year and your efforts will be supported, rewarded and multiped.   

You can look up your birth chart here www.joeyyap.com/destinyx. 

If there is a clash vibrationally with your signs, do less but with more purpose. Grow stronger internally, regroup and set fresh goals while still taking advantage of the strong vitality of the Rat energy. Spiritual growth during this year is all about growing in self-confidence.

Knowing Metaphysic Biorhythms doesn’t change anything if you do nothing. You still need to plan and be decisive in your thinking and actions> Otherwise nothing will change. The strategy for this year is the ability to make decisions quickly and effectively when the opportunity arises.

The positive things to look for in 2020

About networking

The Rat is a sociable animal and works in groups. It’s very family-oriented and very, very cunning. It knows opportunities when they arise. Go out and mix this year. Target business and personal networking, and group socialising. Incorporate volunteer social work in the mix. So, if you are a Hermit get dressed up and venture out. Opportunities are not only on social media but good relationships and people connections where you are SEEN.

Leadership

In this Grand Duke Year, be committed to your goals. As I said earlier, goals may need revisiting with a fresh perspective and vitality. Change your goal setting to a different format and start with what you want in big CAPITALS. Be the General of your life and have confidence in what unfolds.

Growth Plan 

Well informed

This year is not a year to be shrinking violet. Networking, social work or family bonds and importantly have weekly /monthly steps in your diary.  You may feel you have more important things to do but being seen is key to fresh leads and knowing what’s out there. People supporting people – be part of it.

Potential

Self Confidence, we all need to polish this muscle from time to time but recognising our boundaries only comes with practice. Plan for this and know energetically when you need to say No. This year’s Metal element is perfect support for this. Embrace the properties of structure, strength and knowing who you are in order to become a successful version of yourself.

Courage

Call the shots. If you keep this clearly in your mind, then 2020 will be a piece of cake. Or perhaps a piece of cheese keeping Mr Rat happy.

Image credit: Photo by Israel Peni Unsplash.

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.