Q: How do you recommend that we clear old energies from our house? We keep experiencing weird ghost like events and suspect that the man who lived here before us is still around even though he died here 12 years ago. Also, are there other kinds of negative energies to deal with in a house that can be dealt with from a Feng Shui perspective?

A: The energies that you are talking about are called "Ling" energies in Feng Shui. These are like lingering energies according to the Ling theory of evolution. According to this philosophy when someone dies their Chi (life force energy) leaves their body and goes into the astral plane for possible reentry into another human body usually as a new born child. Often however this process of the Chi leaving the body at death is not complete and part of the Chi lingers as Ling energy. This Ling energy often returns to its familiar territory as in the example of the old man returning to your house.

To some this is perceived as a pleasant event and for others it can be quite disruptive. In either event it can be confusing and intrusive to one's own Chi to be visited by the Ling of a deceased being. Furthermore when a being leaves part of it's chi earth-bound it tends to keep it from completing it's soul's journey into the astral plane in preparation for it's next incarnation. So it is my view that it is appropriate to lovingly invite these Ling particles to return to the light for completion of their soul's journey.

The way that we do this in Feng Shui can be complex however, depending on your awareness. It may be possible for you to clear these energies on your own. First you need to learn the expelling mudra: hold two middle fingers with your thumb and flick both fingers in both hands ( see diagram) as you walk around the house. At the same time visualize that the Ling energy is lovingly returning to the light for completion of it's souls journey. Sounding also helps if you know how to make sounds that are helpful to clear old energies. Lastly visualize that your home is filled with loving light and that only those energies that are harmonious to your being are present in your home.

Additional techniques that you can use would be to burn candles, smudge with incense or sage, play chanting music, chime bells, or just sing, dance hoot and howl your way through the house with the intention to clear all old energies! Above all have fun and don't be afraid of these Ling energies.

These same techniques can be used to clear other energies as well. Examples would be what we call predecessor energies as in the energies left in a house from those who lived in your home previously. This can be subtle and then again not so subtle but rather intense. For those who are sensitive to energy you could walk into a room after there had been an argument and you would feel this predecessor energy as an angry agitated energy. If the predecessor had experienced much depression and trauma this kind of energy could remain in the house for the successors.

Above all else claim your home as if it were a sacred part of you which it is.

Q: Please explain the Feng Shui theory of the use of colors?

A: Feng Shui has much to say about colors. According to the teachings of Feng Shui color is everything and color is nothing which is similar to the Tao teachings and Yin /Yang philosophy. Every color has a unique vibrational frequency and the objective is to bring them all into balance with each other and all other energies in the environment. The frequency of colors goes from one extreme to the other with red at one end and purple at the other not unlike the chakras which start at the base as red, then orange, yellow, green, blue, purple, and then iridescent at the crown. This pattern can be used as a reference for one way in which you can select colors for your interior as well as exterior. In other words, have a representation of each of the chakra colors in your home with none of them over-powering and you will probably have a balanced color pattern in your home.

Another way to use colors is to use the colors of the five creative elements in Feng Shui which would be Green (wood), Red (fire), Yellow (earth), White (metal), and Black (water). According to this theory you would incorporate one of each of these colors in each room. This could be in the form of a picture frame , rug , bedcover, wall color etc.

Pay attention to the exterior colors also. If you had a brown roof, brown siding, brown trim, and brown door your house would not be in good color balance. The solution in this case would be to paint the trim another color and then the front door could be painted another contrasting color. White exterior and interior walls are O.K. because you can then add other colors to complete the colors. All in all there is much that can be said about colors but not enough space to write about it all here so if you wish you can purchase a new book called "Living Color" by Professor Lin Yun and translated by Sarah Rossbach to learn more.

Q: How are mirrors supposed to be used in Feng Shui? I hear all sorts of conflicting information and I want to be sure I understand correctly. Thank You for your help.

A: Mirrors are used in Feng Shui to redirect, attract, or move certain energies. For different applications different kinds of mirrors are used such as round, square, or octagonal. In addition we use a special kind of mirror called a BaGua mirror for extra powerful solutions. This is a mirror within an octagonal frame with the Chinese trigrams displayed, special colors red, green, and gold, and the wood element as it's frame.

We use the BaGua mirror to re-direct intrusive energies such as a road pointing right towards our front door, a cemetery next door, or an intrusive neighbor. Simply point the BaGua mirror with loving intention towards the intrusive energy and it will loving re-direct it back to the source of the intrusion.

When we want to attract certain energies a mirror can be helpful. An example would be the placement of a mirror in a place within your environment where you want to attract more of something. One often used place for a mirror is behind the stove to attract prosperity and symbolically double the quality and production of the food. We also use mirrors in retail stores to attract more traffic into the store.

To move energies as in a situation in which there is a wall close to the door upon entering, then place a mirror on the wall directly in front of you upon entering. Make sure this mirror is positioned so that your head is fully visible from the mirror. You want to avoid having your head cut off high or low due to improper positioning of the mirror. A mirror used in the front entrance will help expand your Chi and hence your opportunities in life.

Avoid over-using mirrors randomly placed because they are powerful remedies and can cause chaotic energies when misused. In most cases the bigger the mirror the better but in some cases a very small mirror is sufficient such as when you want to stop the Chi from going down the stairs too quickly with steep stairs. In this case you would place a small square mirror at the bottom of the stairs facing you as you come down the stairs.

Use solid clear mirrored glass panels as opposed to mirror squares for all of the applications mentioned above. In some cases it is possible to use reflective material such as foil paper, shiny wallpaper, shiny tiles, stainless steel etc. An example for this would be when you are looking to place a reflective covering above the lower bunk bed to expand the constricted Chi (see previous Earth Star Feng Shui Column).

We used to say that mirrors were the aspirin of Feng Shui, but now we have evolved. We now say that mirrors are the homeopathic remedies of Feng Shui! Use them wisely and they will help you to create balance and harmony in your environment.

Q: So much is said about Feng Shui in homes but rarely do I read about apartments. I am wondering how to use Feng Shui to find a good apartment in Cambridge. What do I need to look out for so I can be sure to find the right apartment?

A: Pay attention, as you look for an apartment, to your inner knowing (intuition). It will tell you everything you need to know. If you are hesitating and compromising in the choice then perhaps this is telling you that there is something about it that is not harmonious to your being. On the other hand when you find the right apartment it will sing to you, making you happy and satisfied.

On a more practical level, look at the neighborhood to see that it is peaceful, quiet, healthy animals etc. Next look at the building. Does it seem healthy, pleasing, balanced? Walking in the lobby pay attention to smells, sounds, first impressions. What do the people look like as you pass them in the lobby. Is the lobby well lit and secure feeling? Upon entering the apartment is the doorway clear, well lighted, easily accessible with room to stand freely upon entering? What is your first impression upon entering? Can you sense what the previous tenants were like? Is the floorplan of the apartment even with most areas fitting into a square or rectangular configuration or is the apartment L-shaped? Look out the window and check for powerless or transformers near the apartment. Avoid these as they emit electronic pollution.

Check the plumbing to make sure they drain properly and that there are no dripping faucets as these represent the digestive/elimination in the body. Electrical should work properly also. When running an electrical appliance if the power dims then the electrical is inadequate. This represents the neurological system in the body.

Make sure that ceiling clearance is adequate so that your Chi is not compressed. Colors affect environment also so avoid dark colors in an apartment except in isolated instances. Check the sun orientation of the apartment. Best not to be facing North as this is the cold side with relatively less sunlight.

Ask about your neighbors also. Who are they and what are they like? The energy of neighbors does not stop at the walls and does affect abutters so it is helpful to know what you are getting into.

There is so much to share from a Feng Shui perspective but these will help. Lastly, once you decide on an apartment be sure to do a clearing of the environment when you first move in. Many blessings in your next apartment.

Q: My carpet is gray, walls white, and ceiling tan, throughout my house. I know gray represents water, white-metal, and tan-earth, which are in a creative sequence. Does it matter whether the creative sequence starts at the ceiling or can it start with the floor as in my case. In other words is this good Feng Shui?

A: The creative sequence can start at the ceiling or at the floor, however it is best to have lower chakra colors starting at the floor and upper chakra colors at the ceiling. This then poses a potential conflict. The answer is that everything affects everything due to the interconnectedness of all things. Therefore it is necessary to take into consideration all the other factors influencing the environment. Furthermore, words can have very different meanings from one person to another and so your color gray might be someone else's tan or black etc. What is important to understand about colors is that every color has a unique vibrational frequency. The goal is to have each of the colors of the rainbow represented, in balance, throughout each area of the house. Colors are just one of the many ways that we balance the environment. The creative cycle is another. Whether your environment is good Feng Shui or not is determined by all of the factors interrelated as One. One cannot separate out all the other factors such as placement, textures, ceilings, doorways, lighting, earth energies, EMF, interference etc. Remember intention is important too. So if you fill your home with loving thoughts then this will make a big difference too.

Q: I've recently been introduced to Feng Shui and find it very interesting and somewhat confusing, especially with the BaGua and trying to find the specific site for my home. Do you have any simple solutions? Should I be using the BaGua for every room in my home or my entire house as a whole? Your response is greatly appreciated.

A: The BaGua is a powerful tool of discernment and takes a lifetime of discovery to use fully. It is based on the sacred geometric shape of the octagon, which is symbolic of a perfect piece of creation. The way to begin to use it is to superimpose it on the footprint of your house to evaluate the floorplan overall. Remember to orient the BaGua so that the Career Gua is positioned along the wall where the main front door is located. This would then mean that the left rear section of your house or apartment would be in the wealth Gua with the other corresponding Guas located throughout the rest of this octagon shape called the BaGua. At first as you are learning to use the BaGua, treat it as a playful tool of discovery. Then as you learn how to use it more you can begin to place the BaGua in each individual room for another level of discernment. Which to use depends of what your intention is. This comes with experience. Remember that the BaGua can also be used for the land by placing the Career Gua at the driveway or walkway into the land. This is another level of discernment. Using the BaGua, you can look for clues about the interrelationship of what is happening in your life as it relates to your environment. We say in Feng Shui, as goes your environment so go you, and vice versa. May the BaGua bring you joy and happiness and a healthy, harmonious environment.

Q: I've recently asked my employer for a raise. I've tried to focus a lot of my energy into the wealth and career aspects of the BaGua. Do you have any suggestions on some specific things I can do to increase my chances of getting this raise?

A: One of the most important things you can do in your work environment to improve your work and the relationship between your boss and yourself is to position your desk in the most commanding position in your office relative to the doorway into your office. You should have a clear and commanding view of the doorway while sitting at your desk. Next be sure and clear clutter and debris from your office. A Chinese money chime hanging from the ceiling in the wealth corner of your office is also helpful. Lastly, remember that clear intention is a powerful way to manifest anything you want and need. Be sure that all of you is in agreement with your intention to get a raise. Then it is so!

Q: I would be grateful if you could take the time to look and comment on these questions. How does Feng Shui influence design? What advice could you give to a product designer?

A: Feng Shui can be applied to designing products as well as environments. The same principles apply. When designing products the shape is important as is color, texture, sight, placement of switches, smell, etc. Also it is important to make sure that the inner message of the design or product is in alignment with the outer message as communicated by the logo, name, stated use of the product etc. Often when a product fails it is because the inner message was not in alignment with the outer message as promoted. We also use the BaGua for logo and product design. You are on the right track. Products that have been designed using Feng Shui principles usually enjoy great success.

Q: I have just finished reading a book called Interior Design with Feng Shui by Sarah Rossbach. In it she speaks of "I Ching to the palm". I'm not clear as to how Palm reading is associated to Feng Shui.

A: We use the BaGua for palm reading as well as all the other ways you have read about. For palm reading you would simply place the BaGua over the palm of your hand. Look for bumps or indentations. A bump is good . An indentation is not so good. Look for other clues much in the same way as you do in your home. You will be pleased to discover that the BaGua has many wonderful applications.

Q: I am looking at purchasing a house that is in an excellent neighborhood. The house faces southeast and is spacious. However it faces a major parkway. What can we do?

A: Place a special kind of mirror called a BaGua mirror on the exterior of the house pointing towards the parkway to redirect these intrusive energies. The BaGua mirror is a powerful way to redirect any unwanted intrusion and can also be used towards the cemetery, intrusive neighbor etc. When pointing a BaGua mirror towards an intrusive neighbor, it is important to do it with loving intention.

Q: I am located on a triangular piece of land. What can I do to correct this?

A: Triangular pieces of land create an imbalance from the land perspective. It is best when the land is shaped rectangularly but if not then the solution is to place a lamppost in the missing Gua corners to activate these missing areas. You can also do landscaping to activate these areas.

Q: I have a slanted ceiling in my bedroom. What can I do to correct this?

A: The traditional solution for this is to hang two Chinese bamboo flutes on the ceiling where it slopes. The flutes should hang by red ribbons and be positioned in pairs at 45 degree angles spaced apart. Another way to deal with this is to place upward growing plants under the sloped ceiling as well as upward lighting. When someone sleeps under a sloped ceiling they often experience headaches and breathing difficulties.
 
 
 

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