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Feng Shui for a Happy Marriage

Feng Shui is a collection of knowledge that gives detailed methods for arranging homes, both inside and out. It is a very old Chinese practice that is based upon obtaining the most auspicious luck from the earth, by aligning oneself with the 'chi' (or natural energy) of the environment. Apart from ensuring that the energy within the home is not 'blocked', the Chinese are also aware of the good energy that comes from symbolic symbols, such as good luck characters and pictures.

There are various areas of life that Feng Shui can assist, primarily these are Career, Schooling, Health, Wealth, Reputation, Romance and Marriage, Children, and Helpful People. The assurance that Feng Shui gives is that with proper application these areas can be enhanced, so as to bring especially good luck. Each area listed above corresponds with an area of the house that is being considered. There are different Feng Shui systems, but personally I have found the compass method to be the most exact and beneficial. The compass area for the Romance and Marriage sector is the Southwest, and it is this area that should be enhanced for romance luck. Use a standard (boy scouts!) compass to determine where this area is in your home. You can also enhance the Southwest of your living room and bedroom.

However, moderation is key to Feng Shui, as the Chinese believe that a careful balance between Yin (negative/dark) and Yan (positive/light) forces should be sought. Therefore, it is important not to overdo Feng Shui. It is best to introduce perhaps one or two of the symbols into the area, and await the results before adding more or changing the symbols.

Each Feng Shui sector corresponds to an element, such as earth, metal, water, wood and fire. The element for the Southwest is earth, and since earth is produced by fire in the so-called 'productive cycle' of Feng Shui, either element can be used as an enhancement. Because earth produces metal, which is said to 'exhaust' the earth element, it is prudent to avoid putting metallic objects in this sector. This is a very simplistic overview of the elements cycle, and you may want to investigate the subject further. I would especially recommend any books by Lillian Too, an eminent writer on the subject.

There are many excellent 'energisers' for the Southwest and these include:

Crystals - any raw crystal is exceptional in this area, but particularly popular is Rose Quartz, as it is said to be a harmonious stone that attracts love. Manmade lead crystals are excellent, especially when suspended in front of a window in the area, since this brings in excellent chi in the form of rainbows. Glass paperweights are another popular item, which can also be positioned in the Southwest corner of your workdesk.

Lights - represent fire, which boosts the earth element, and of course since chandeliers, which are made of crystal glass combine both earth and fire elements, they are very potent. Other than that most lights, but particularly those with red lampshades, are auspicious, although personally I would steer away from metal desk or floor lamps in this area.

Earth Objects - since the Earth itself is a rounded object, round decorative pots such as ginger jars are deemed to be auspicious. Alternatively, glass or ceramic vases can be used.

Globes - a globe depicting the Earth is very lucky and should be spun at least once a day to concentrate its wonderful energy.

Colours - you can also use either earth or fire tones, such as brown, terracotta or reds to enhance this area. Introduce these colours in your furnishings, such as curtains or cushions. Red is very good in the bedroom, since this is the colour of passion. If this shade is too intense for you, consider peach or pink instead.

Candles - one tip that I have found very useful is to fill a glass or ceramic bowl with pebbles or glass nuggets, and then place two candles (carefully balanced) on top. Light the candles to attract love. It is important to note that it is not enough just to have candles on display - they must be lit! Red candles would be most propitious. Please ensure you do not leave candles unattended.

Symbols - there are many symbols that can be used, but those most favoured by the Chinese are a pair of mandarin ducks, the peony and, most especially, the double happiness sign. It is important to think in terms of 'pairs' in this corner, three mandarin ducks displayed could introduce another person into the equation! If you are unable to find ducks, then try geese, swans or lovebirds, either in ceramic form or pictures.

You can use either silk peonies or pictures, but please note that once the romance and marriage is settled it is time to remove the painting. This is because the peony is said to enhance the man's ardour and we don't want that getting out of hand to cause straying! You can use your imagination in the area of symbols, so introduce pictures of a happy couple, love hearts or any symbol that has particular meaning for you - just make sure it is a positively happy image.

The double happiness sign can be incorporated into a frame just by itself, or perhaps painted onto a large pebble. If you are feeling particularly creative, perhaps you could make up a stencil and paint a border around the room, or sew the symbol onto cushions.

Pictures - as well as the symbols mentioned above, an actual picture of the earth, or mountains, would be deemed very favourable.

Windchimes - can be successfully be used in the Southwest - but they must be ceramic! Remember that metal exhausts earth, so metal windchimes are to be avoided at all costs.

Things to Avoid

· Mirrors facing the bed are considered a big 'no-no', since it is believed these cause infidelity and marriage break-ups.

· Anything that 'divides' the couple symbolically, such as separate mattresses underneath, or beams above.

· If you display roses in this area please ensure they are the thornless variety.

· Avoid water in the bedroom at all costs - aquariums or pictures of water scenes are harmful.

Do enjoy Feng Shui but remember the golden rule - don't overdo it!

Further reading:

Feng Shui Fundamentals Love - Lillian Too -

168 ways to success - Lillian Too -

Creating Sacred Space with Feng Shui - Karen Kingston -

The Western Guide to Feng Shui - Terah Kathryn Collins -

Plan your home with Feng Shui - Ian Bruce - Quantum

Ruth Orvis is an experienced hypnotherapist and life-coach practising in Somerset, England. As well as running a successful hypnotherapy business (InnerHelp), in her spare time Ruth writes for various magazines and websites on many alternative health subjects, including hypnotherapy, humanistic psychology, as well as astrology, which she has studied for over twenty years. Having been brought up in Malaysia, Ruth retains a keen interest in feng shui and Eastern symbology.

Article kindly provided by Ruth Orvis
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