The Basics of Feng Shui

Organize Your Home for Peace

By Marianne Gordon | Intro by Emme Martin

We spend a lot of time in our homes, so it’s a good idea to cultivate a positive space rather than one that brings you down. Luckily, an entire ancient philosophy is based on just that, and you may have heard of it. According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, feng shui is “a Chinese geomantic practice in which a structure or site is chosen or configured to harmonize with the spiritual forces that inhabit it.” Feng shui encompasses more than achieving an aesthetic. It is about balancing or optimizing the energy or “chi” in one’s home to align with nature.

The five elements of feng shui—wood, earth, metal, water, and fire—correspond to different components within a space and all provoke different energies. For instance, wood items, such as wooden furniture or plants, symbolize growth and vitality. Water items, such as reflective surfaces or aquariums, represent wisdom and serenity. One can analyze these elements in their home using a Bagua map containing nine quadrants: Wealth, Fame, Love, Family Health, Children, Wisdom, Career, and Helpful People. A simple way to utilize the map is to overlay it on a floor plan and see what elements could be improved.

If you’re not ready to create your own Bagua map or need help understanding feng shui principles, don’t worry! Allow us to introduce Marianne Gordon, a certified feng shui consultant from the Western School of Feng Shui and a professional member of the International Feng Shui Guild. Gordon specializes in providing easy-to-implement and practical feng shui techniques in the home to help people transform their circumstances and achieve their goals. Check out her eight tips for cultivating a more peaceful home:

1. Minimize your possessions.

The less you have, the more organized and peaceful your place will feel. An environment that’s clear and clean to read brings peace of mind. If you are an artist and need to keep a ton of crafts, dedicate one room to that practice. Also, declutter frequently (I do it every six months).

The five elements of feng shui—wood, earth, metal, water, and fire—correspond to different components within a space and all provoke different energies.

2. Meditate daily.

Ideally, create a small altar in your home and burn palo santo and herbs, light a candle, pray, or meditate daily. Have your journal and a pen handy and some floor pillows. Jot down your thoughts in meditation.

3. Calculate your Bagua map.

Know which spaces of your home correspond to each area in your life thanks to your Bagua map. My blog explains how to do it in detail. You can also buy my Bagua map course and e-book bundle to implement some techniques in your home that will transform your life!

4. Pay attention to neglected areas.

Be mindful of where guests, pets, and kids spend the most time in your house. Pay attention if you notice that an area in your home gets neglected frequently. It often signifies that the site in question needs your attention. Please refer to your Bagua map and notice where that area is (is it my career, love, or wealth corner?). Make changes accordingly.

Every time you have an illness or an argument, smudge abundantly around the house while reciting your affirmations

5. Avoid TVs.

Avoid having TVs in every room, especially the bedroom. TVs dull your ability to create the life you want, as they rob you of your time, but most importantly, they emit positive ions (as do computers, phones, and other devices). Reduce the amount by turning these devices off when not in use. They should never be in your bedroom.

6. Mirrors in the bedroom . . .

Avoid mirrors in the bedroom. They disturb sleep and can create fights if you are in a relationship. In addition, one should avoid broken mirrors, smoked mirrors, or mirrors divided into multiple small mirrors throughout the house.

7. Bedroom over the garage . . .

Avoid having a bedroom over the garage, as the person in that bedroom might have trouble sleeping.

8. Smudge (burn sage) frequently.

Buy or make a smudge stick. Every time you have an illness or an argument, smudge abundantly around the house while reciting your affirmations (kids and pets should not be present, as smudging can irritate their lungs). Leave windows open for a while after smudging. To have sage handy, plant sage in your garden, on your balcony, or indoors and let it grow. Trim a branch when ready, tie it up tightly with household twine, and let it dry upside down. Only use it when it’s completely dry. Always have a pot or pan underneath the stick when you smudge!

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Marianne Gordon is available for feng shui consultations, and you can contact her at Marianne@FengShuiWithMe.com or follow her blog and website for more information at FengShuiWithMe.com.