Feng Shui This Blog

Nobody wants to go in!

2008-06-18T19:02:00Z

When you have a house on the market for a while, normally you'll get people walking through and telling you what they do or do not like about it.

Well, this past week I did a feng shui consult on a house that's been on the market for over a year, and not one client has entered this house. There have been some who came close enough to see the house, but none wanted to step inside and see what was there. It's a shame, too. Even though the outside looks pretty "Brady Bunch" and the price is near 800k, the inside is very spacious and very nice.

Not only that. This house has what is known as a Three Parent's Chart. In feng shui this is considered one of the best charts available for a house. Some say it's the best chart. It's the same chart I have on my home, and I picked it for its balance and its support.

The house has some problems. Location is a concern, since it's near Hwy 440 in Nashville, and traffic noise is bothersome if you're in the front yard. But, there is a concrete buffer and the house chart is supported by this buffer. It's also nicely covered by vines and trees. It's a lovely view. The lawn out front is beautifully landscaped, and the back is very suitable for parties and barbeques.

This is an instance where the house will help the people become more wealthy, healthy and happy. I suggested they market it to the Asian community. These are the folks who will appreciate the strength of the feng shui chart, and they are also not so likely to be bothered by any traffic noise.

I've suggested they put water in the back, bird feeders to bring in the birds and squirrels. This is in the money area of the house with the 8 water star. So, this will help bring prosperity to the house. This house is ready for a family.

I've also done space clearing on it, and rid it of any stagnant energies. We'll see how fast it sells, but things should start changing within a week or two.

Monica

Empty Homes

2008-06-07T07:09:46Z

How many of you are trying to sell an empty home? A house that has been sitting a while becomes stagnant and no matter how beautiful it is, the energy just doesn't feel right.

In Tibet the monks use a gong or a singing bowl to cleanse the energy. I would suggest a grandfather clock. They can be rented, and are not easily hauled off by thieves. Set it so that its pendulum is moving and the chimes sound every fifteen minutes. Some have a night shut off, so if it seems to be too loud and echoing in the empty house during the day, set it to go only at night. It will still clear the energy without anyone being concerned with the echo. Place it as near to the center of the house as possible.

With the movement of the pendulum and the metal sound of the chimes the house will no longer feel stagnant, and it will sell quicker.

Monica Hess

Feng Shui Consultant, FSRC

Feng Shui This

Optimism

2008-05-23T20:16:34Z

What is that fine line between optimism and insanity? How is it some of us are so sure all is as it should be, and others are sure the world will fall down around our ears any minute?

I have to say sometimes I'm in both camps. My friend recently found homes for almost 30 horses...within a week's time. I didn't think it was going to happen until the last minute. But, then I was proven to be wrong. (how many times has that happened, I hate to say) But, I'm glad it did.

Life's like that. One nice surprise after another. Who knows...the market may spring back all at once, and we'll all be wondering what the whining was about. Lets think positive.

Spring in Our New Kentucky Home

2008-05-19T12:33:56Z

Finally, Spring is here! And, this is the most beautiful spring we've had in a long time.

We bought our home last fall, so this is our first spring in our new home. The flowers are all new to us. Every morning we go out to see what's going to bloom next. I know the flower beds are full of weeds, but I'm still not sure what's weeds and what's flowers, so the weeds have a reprieve for a while.

It's as if we're meeting new little friends every day.

I'm sure tomorrow will bring even more surprises.

Monica Hess

Feng Shui This

www.monicahess.com

An Abundance of Horses

2008-05-07T10:37:18Z

I have a friend who is either the most optimistic person on earth, or the dumbest. She's got a week to find pasture for 25 horses in Central Kentucky. She thinks it can be done, and wants me to think positive, but this sure seems like a lost cause.

Kentucky has proven to be a rough place for horses the past year. Our hay crop was pitiful, in amounts and in quality. Horses seem to be multiplying exponentially, and people are having a hard time feeding them. This year's hay crop appears to be a good one though, so maybe it won't be long before things improve.

In the meantime, now's a great time to buy a horse, if you're sure you can support it. Prices have bottomed out. I know where you can get a very good deal.

Monica Hess

www.monicahess.com

Feng Shui This---McDonalds

2008-02-27T11:02:41Z

Well, here you have it. California has snagged the first (as far as I know) Feng Shuied McDonalds.

http://money.aol.com/news/articles/_a/calif-mcdonalds-tries-feng-shui-theme/n20080224141709990018

I did some research a few years ago and found the following companies who used Feng Shui: IBM, Chase Manhattan Bank, Coca Cola US Division, Donald Trump: Trump Towers, CNN, ABC, ATT, IMAX Ridefilm Corporation, Business Week World Editor, William Holstein, Wall Street Journal, LAPD, Citi Bank, Microsoft, Hyatt Hotels, Sloane-Kettering Cancer Center, PBS, Ponderosa Homes, American Express, First Republic Bank , Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Proctor and Gamble, Kellogg's, Boeing, REMAX, MGM Grand Hotel, Solomon Smith Barney, Shanghai Banking Corporation, In-Style Magazine

and my favorite...because I was involved... Lockheed Martin. Even the rocket scientists know this stuff works.

How long do you think it will take before more businesses are finding out about Feng Shui? Or, maybe a better question would be, "How long do you think it will be before businesses are not embarassed to admit they use Feng Shui?"

Monica Hess, Feng Shui Consultant, Instructor and Lecturer, Lexington, KY

www.monicahess.com

member of the Feng Shui Research Center and The Feng Shui Network

Interior Designers and Feng Shui

2008-02-21T18:57:54Z

Here I go...but I just had to share my experience from last weekend.

Saturday I met a client and his Interior Designer at the office he had asked me to feng shui. After I had gone through the building the designer arrived. She was loaded for bear. I explained to her that I do not decorate. I have no talent for it and I have no training in it. I leave decorating for the experts. I even declined to take classes in interior design because I believe you need talent to start with. So, I'm absolutely no threat to an Interior Designer.

I only had a few comments to make as far as decorating went. One was very important...to use one certain color in the entryway. This color could be in a painting size amount...didn't have to be spectacular...just use the color on that wall. And, some golden metallic items in the waiting room would have been good...but not absolutely necessary. I also told her where I did not want any red or dark greens....and where not to put bamboo if she decided to use it.

That's not so hard, is it? Mostly my advice to the client was concerning how to use the building...and what not to do so as to avoid problems.

Every step of the way she complained and seemed to be competing. I had hoped she would "get it" and realize that we were in no way in competition. But, I don't know. I did find out that she has had numerous horrible experiences with "feng shui people" and would rather have teeth pulled than have to deal with them again. (or so it seemed to me)

One of those experiences was when a "feng shui" consultant announced that a woman could not have hardwood floors in one area of her home. Now I've been studying this stuff (with a master) for over 10 years. I've never heard of such drivel. Absolutely appalling. No wonder this profession has such a bad reputation. This same person also apparently told a client to move because they had water pipes behind their headboard. Good grief. If the pipes bother you, and you can't move the bed, put in a thicker headboard. Don't give people more to worry about! Feng Shui should make our lives easier, not harder!

This is the kind of thing that that makes the job of a real Feng Shui Professional so much more difficult. We're constantly cleaning up someone's mess. I hope this designer will keep up with this client. Because he will make more money, and he will be happier in his office once he follows my advice. And, it won't take much...just using it in a different way, and adding a very few finishing touches.

Monica Hess, Feng Shui Consultant, Instructor and Lecturer, Lexington, KY

www.monicahess.com

member of the Feng Shui Research Center and The Feng Shui Network

Feng Shui This---Monticello--Part Two and Done

2008-02-21T07:43:35Z

Jefferson had a beautiful clock placed in the entry of Monticello. Its chime is a Chinese gong on the roof, loud enough for field hands to hear while tending the crops. Although the sound of metal is an excellent feng shui cure, the gong on the roof of the 5 mountain star area was an irritant to this star. The sound cures, while the hammer hitting the metal irritates. There's a delicate balance needed here.

We see that even though this chart is a fortunate chart, without the proper forms, and the optimum time period, it can be deadly. In this situation the annual stars play a major role in the health and well being of the inhabitants. The pattern for Monticello's annual stars seems to be that during years where the 8 annual was in the center, there was more sickness than usual. During these years the yearly stars would mimic the water stars, so that the 2 water star at the front door would be joined by a yearly 2. The yearly 5 would join the water star 5 in the back, etc. It was just too much and knocked the fragile household out of balance.

Mountain stars are in charge of health and the only mountain stars with support for Monticello are the 6 and the 8. The problem comes when we consider the walkways extending out each side of the house, making a turn and heading toward the rear. These long, straight walkways are considered wood-water forms. Wood-water attacks the 8 mountain and drains the 6 mountain. So even the good mountains were under attack.

This effect shows when we look at Jefferson's health. He suffered greatly from arthritis ( attack on the 8) and headaches (attack on the 6). He was also constantly troubled by diarrhea. (7 in the library mixing with 2 at the front door)

With the 2 water star coming in the front door, this house always seemed to have someone sick.

Although Thomas Jefferson's health and the health of his family was damaged by the poor support for mountain stars, his mind and his hunger for knowledge remained strong and well supported by his beloved Monticello.

His bedroom, office and library were ideally suited for his studies and writing. Monticello helped him become one of our most revered Presidents, and a world known scholar.

Monica Hess, Feng Shui Consultant, Instructor and Lecturer, Lexington, KY

www.monicahess.com

member Feng Shui Research Center and The Feng Shui Network

Feng Shui This---Monticello--Part One--On a Little Mountaintop called Monticello

2008-02-19T19:01:26Z

Introduction

There is no more lovely place than the mountaintop at Monticello. Even today, a walk on this mountain brings about a peace and serenity not often found in our busy world. I have no doubt Jefferson would love to see how large the trees have grown, and how beautifully the house is kept. It was his treasure, and his spirit must be deeply thankful to those who have restored it so lovingly and maintain it so beautifully.

This little house was actually the first Monticello. It was here that Jefferson brought his new bride, and here they began their lives together.

The chart of Monticello is called a 3 Parent chart; lucky in all periods if well supported by the land and forms. It is a very special chart, and one that requires a delicate balance to be auspicious. To understand the dynamics of the chart and its effect on the people living with it, we must first look at the house.

Monticello was a work in progress for more than 40 years. During Martha Jefferson's lifetime the mansion was a constant construction project. There is evidence that the walls had not yet been plastered 10 years after her death.

Above we have the first section of the main house. The Notice in this chart how the 147 combination dominates Jefferson's bedroom and cabinet. This combination encourages writing and wisdom. With the land sloping away, it also encourages long periods away from home.

In 1796 work began on the second half. The constant disruptions would have caused major discomfort and numerous illnesses. There were no stable mountain stars, the delicate ruling stars were constantly being disturbed, and the health of the occupants would suffer. Add to this the 2 water star at the front door, and the house would be constantly occupied by the sick and infirmed.

Using the back door would ease some of the sickness troubles, but all that would depend on the number of guests, and the work being done at the time.

Monica Hess, Feng Shui Consultant, Instructor and Lecturer, Lexington, KY

www.monicahess.com

member of the Feng Shui Research Center and The Feng Shui Network

Feng Shui This---Part Eight--And The Moral of The Story Is...

2008-02-18T15:52:18Z

Poor George. The home he loved so dearly was a large part of his early demise. It wasn't long afterwards that his wife, Martha, died and Mt Vernon began it's spiral into neglect.

Restoration

Mount Vernon was never successful as a private home after his death. After falling into near ruin the estate was bought in 1858 by the Mount Vernon Ladies Association. They have painstakingly restored it to its former beauty. Mount Vernon is second only to the White House in the number of visitors it welcomes; a fit and beautiful tribute to the father of our country.

When we look at the years following Washington's death we see that the 7th period and 8th period water stars were not supported. This explains why the mansion had deteriorated so badly in those years. With no support, there would be no money.

In 1853 the Mount Vernon Ladies Association was formed to purchase Mount Vernon for $200,000. Period 9 was ruling and the water star had its water. The water was headed down the river, so wasn't strong, but it still was enough to help bring the mansion to the attention of patriots who would contribute what they could to bring Washington's house back to its previous glory. Wealth had returned to Mount Vernon, but it would be another 40 years before it would get comfortable. In 1904 the 3 water star was back in the Potomac, bringing home vibrant energy once more.

So, the moral to the story, you ask? A house that supports a military man, a leader and a president may not be a good house for a retired statesman.

It's my belief that the house was intended to support the country, through the man.

Monica Hess, Feng Shui Consultant, Instructor and Lecturer, Lexington, KY

www.monicahess.com

member of the Feng Shui Research Center and The Feng Shui Network

Feng Shui This---Part Nine--Retirement

2008-02-18T15:24:42Z

Sixth Period: 1784-1804

There were no outside forms that would have given support to the 6 mountain star. A lack of mountain support would hurt the health of the family, most especially General Washington, since most of his time inside the house was spent in the study wing, either working downstairs or sleeping directly above. The 7 water star coming in the window and door of the office can be used for great speeches, or when combined with the 2 mountain star can cause problems with health of the mouth. President Washington is famous for his great speeches and for his dental problems

Retirement

The President and Mrs. Washington returned from Philadelphia in 1797 when he completed his second term as President. The period changed in 1784 to period 6. Because President Washington would spend six to eight hours a night in bed, and another three hours or more each day in his study, the office side of the house is the most influential on his life in these last two years.

At Mount Vernon, the 6th period mountain star and the 2 water star are in the Potomac River. In 1799 the 2 annual is in the river at the rear of the house, and the 5 annual is being carried in with each meal from the kitchen. Both of these stars are capable of bringing sickness.

President Washington had retired to Mount Vernon, content and determined to live out the rest of his days at home and at peace, away from politics and power, enjoying his family and his beautiful home. His happy retirement wouldn’t last nearly long enough.

President Washington became ill on the 12th of December 1799 and died two days later on the 14th, at home in his bed of a throat infection, most likely brought on by a chill from exposure to snow and ice. Perhaps the most interesting part of the chart is the 7 water star. The 7 represents head and lungs. The 7 defines the sickness that killed President Washington. With the 5 and 2 combining to cause sickness, the 7 comes into the mix from the window at the front of the house, and President Washington dies from an infection in his throat, the connector of head and lungs. He was 67 years old.

Mount Vernon was perfectly suited to be the home of the young soldier who was appointed as Commander of the Virginia Militia and later promoted to Commander in Chief of the Continental Army.It supported him in his campaign to develop a strong federal government, break from British rule, and even his eventual election as the first President of the United States. There is a time and a season for everything. That the house supported General Washington’s bravery and determination was appropriate when he was a younger man. As an elderly statesman this same bravery and determination kept him out in foul weather when he should have headed for home. His resistance was down, and he contracted a fatal throat infection after working outside in the snow and becoming chilled.

Monica Hess, Feng Shui Consultant, Instructor and Lecturer, Lexington, KY

www.monicahess.com

member of the Feng Shui Research Center and The Feng Shui Network

Feng Shui This---Part Seven--George's Additions

2008-02-17T21:38:22Z

George Washington had most of the work on Mt Vernon done while he was away from home.
Fifth Period: 1764-1784

Between 1774 and 1778 the study, master suite, and the new dining room were added to the mansion. Period 4 had ended in early 1764, and Period 5 had begun.

The wings were added one at a time, with some time in between. The study wing was the first to be built. This section was less than half the size of the old portion, and the family did not move out for the renovation. The main entrance to the house was through the central hallway doors, filling the new section with stars determined by the period 4 chart. The period would not have changed to a period 5, even though the additions were made then.

General Washington left in 1774, soon after beginning renovations on the study side of Mount Vernon. He would be fighting the Revolutionary War before the study was finished.

When we look at the 4th period chart, (in the 5th period) after the addition of the study wing but before the addition of the new dining room, we find that the 1 and 6 mountain stars occupy the space where Washington's study is located.

This unfinished (and for the most part uninhabited) portion would have served as an interior mountain for those stars, busy on many days with workers, but quiet more often than not. This is a 4th period chart in the 5th period, so the 5's are in charge of health and wealth. The 5 mountain star is in the Potomac, which can be bad for the health of the family, and the 5 water star is in the center, normally not good for wealth, however because of the nature of the house and the location of the Potomac River, in this situation the wealth of the house would have been protected.

We also have to consider the 7 water star. Coming from the kitchen, (in a separate building to the southwest of the mansion 1-6-7 sector) the servants would bring the 7 as well as the 6 water star when they came through the front door. These stars would also have access through windows as well. When the 7 water star meets the 6 mountain star (both metal stars) we have a condition known as "Clashing Swords". This combination brings on feelings of irritation and an urge to fight. The attitude of combat is a necessary ingredient for a man who would be in charge of leading others to fight for their freedom. If Washington had not been so willing, we would have had quite a different result from the Revolutionary War. He held an army together by being faithful to the cause of freedom and by being willing to put his life on the line to fight tyranny.

At the front door the 1 water star meets the 7 mountain star at the stairway. As mentioned earlier, the conditions for exile were met. Here the land does indeed slope, and General Washington most certainly would have felt exiled when he was serving in the war between the spring of 1775 and 1783, when the signing of the Paris Treaty ended the Revolutionary War.

While he was away his farm manager finished the shell of the study and later the large dining Room. Both were completed when Washington returned in 1783. By 1784 he was happily settled into his new study.

The center of the chart changed due to the addition of the large dining room. Now, instead of the 1 water star coming in the center front door to the 7 mountain we have the 6 coming in. Since the 6 is the future ruling star, this was good for Washington's finances, and his military success.

Monica Hess, Feng Shui Consultant, Instructor and Lecturer, Lexington, KY

www.monicahess.com

member of the Feng Shui Research Center and The Feng Shui Network

Feng Shui This---Part Six--Show Me The Chart!

2008-02-15T19:28:40Z

Reading the Charts

All charts are drawn with the front of the building at the bottom of the page. The numbered stars in each chart represent different types of qi. Written in the form of a triangle, each number has its own special attributes. The way they interact with each other, the environment and the people, combine to give us the Feng Shui of the building.

Mountain stars come first at the top left and are in charge of the inhabitants. They require stillness and solid forms. Mountain stars are dispersed by water and movement. Directly to the right is the water star, in charge of the money and more active pursuits. Water stars are carried on the wind, carried by people and animals, and are encouraged by real water.

At the bottom of the triangle is the time star, providing the environment for the other two. Combinations are written; Mountain-Time-Water. For example: 7 mountain-1 time-8 water, or 7-1-8. In individual charts yearly and monthly stars may be shown at the bottom of the triangles.

Fourth Period: 1744-1764

Washington's early additions to Mount Vernon helped to provide interior mountains to the house, adding nice, quiet places for the mountain stars to gather. This added to the stability of the home, and the suitability of the Feng Shui chart.

General Washington also opened up the central hallway at that time, giving the water stars a better flow pattern if the doors were closed, but creating the effect of "wood water" if both doors were opened. This causes qi to rush through the house too quickly. The qi will not be retained, and the house loses the benefits. When the doors are closed there is still room for the qi to pool, but opening both doors at the same time would have caused problems.

When we look to see what's supported, we immediately see that the 9 mountain star has a large section of the West Parlor closet and fireplace (978). The 1 water star has two windows in the front of the house, and would also have been carried in the front door by anyone passing through. The 9-1 and 9-8 form combinations called, "Happy Events".

In the Dining Room we find that the 1 mountain star has interior support at the closet, while the 7 water star comes in through the window. The 7 and 1 join in this room to create a combination known to cause exile when the ground slopes away. Since Mount Vernon is situated on the top of a hill, the ground does indeed slope away from the house. This feature will be even more important when annual stars are brought in to play.

Starting at the front of the house we find that the 1 and the 6 water stars are at the door. People coming from the west would bring the 1 and those coming in from the north would bring the 6. The 6 water star brings fame to military officers. When combined with the 1 mountain star it can bring wealth as well. The 6 would be a well used star at Mount Vernon.

The 2 water star is well supported in the Potomac, and the 2 mountain star is somewhat supported at the staircase. The 2's will cause sickness when supported by the proper forms. When the 7 water star came into the Small Dining Room it would go to the front wall where the 2 mountain star resided. The 7 represents the head and lungs, with the 2 causing illnesses. George Washington suffered for years with mouth problems. Although this was by all accounts a happy home it would not have been a healthy one.

Monica Hess, Feng Shui Consultant, Instructor and Lecturer, Lexington, KY

www.monicahess.com

member Feng Shui Research Center and The Feng Shui Network

Feng Shui This---Part Five--Location, Location, Location

2008-02-15T19:15:37Z

A spectacular view of the Potomac River greets visitors as they step out onto the portico, just like it did in Washington's day and last year, when this photo was made.

The Potomac side of the house also contains the only consistent downstairs bedroom. The quiet and personal Little Parlor is also on the Potomac side. The larger West Parlor was used for entertaining guests. At one time the Little Parlor was also used for a bedroom, providing further confirmation that the quiet (or yin) side was the Potomac side at the rear of the mansion. Mount Vernon has some support from buildings in the northeast and southwest, but no support at either the Potomac side or the facing northwest side. After comparing survey maps done by George Washington, and doing my own on-site reading, I've determined that Mount Vernon has a facing direction of 329° northwest.

The Potomac River flows at the rear at the house, violating the basic Feng Shui principle of support at the back. There is no mountain to emit the qi essential for the health of the people, nor was there a mountain to protect the building from winds and weather.

Mount Vernon sits on a hill like a beacon, both beautiful and vulnerable.

Monica Hess, Feng Shui Consultant, Instructor and Lecturer, Lexington, KY

www.monicahess.com

member Feng Shui Research Center and Feng Shui Network

Feng Shui This---Part Four--Which Chart For Mt Vernon?

2008-02-15T13:29:01Z

Well, lets get this out of the way first; There's an airplane in the South lawn. Apparently George also likes to fly.

Now... we need to figure out when the mansion was built. Then we will have to decide if and when renovations were sufficient to change that date and effectively treat it as if it were being built as a new house. For the purpose of flying star Feng Shui, time is measured in 20 year ruling periods. We will concern ourselves in this study, with the periods of George Washington's time.

Period 3: 1724-1744

Period 4: 1744-1764

Period 5: 1764-1784

Period 6: 1784-1804

To determine the period of the chart, we have to know what period Mount Vernon was built or extensively remodeled.

When the mansion was first built it was much smaller and the house was known as Hunting Creek Plantation. It would be considered a period 3 structure. George Washington's father, Augustine Washington lived there with his family for 4 years before moving to the Fredericksburg area and deeding the Mount Vernon house to his eldest son, Lawrence. Lawrence Washington renamed the plantation after the British Navy Officer, Admiral Edward Vernon. He had served under Admiral Vernon in the Caribbean.

Mount Vernon was renovated by Lawrence between 1743 and 1752, raising the roof and creating a second floor. The house would have become a period 4 structure after these major renovations. Lawrence Washington died in 1752, leaving Mount Vernon to his wife.

George Washington bought the rights to Mount Vernon from the widow of Lawrence. When she died, he inherited Mount Vernon outright. From that moment it would forever be known as, "George Washington's Mount Vernon".

At this time George was a busy young man. In 1753 he joined the Virginia Regiment, fought in the French and Indian War, and in 1755, became an aide to General Braddock. In 1758 he left the military and began extensive work on Mount Vernon, raising the roof again and creating a third floor. Work on the mansion continued when he married Martha Dandridge Custis in 1759. By then he was all of 27 years old. Mount Vernon retained its period 4 chart.

After finding the period of the house we must decide what direction it faces. This house has no distinct facing or sitting and has confused many as to which is the front and which is the rear. We will use logic to determine which is yin (quiet) and which is yang (energetic).

Like a good comfortable armchair, a house should have a mountain in the back and some smaller supporting features on each side. Mount Vernon sits on the highest point of the area. However, there are outbuildings, and these serve as mountains for the stars in their areas (arms for the armchair).

Photo above shows the facing of Mt Vernon.

The large expanse of lawn, with its circular drive, brings visitors to the mansion today as it did in George Washington's day. It is a very yang feature. General Washington himself laid out the plans for the driveway, ordered trees planted along it, and arranged for the symmetrical placement of outbuildings. Many of those trees are still standing, and have grown large and strong along with the country he worked so hard to build. Everything at Mount Vernon is there for a reason, and was intended to be beautiful as well as functional.

Monica Hess, Feng Shui Consultant, Instructor and Lecturer, Lexington, KY

www.monicahess.com

member Feng Shui Research Center and The Feng Shui Network

Feng Shui This---Part Three--Flying Stars...More Names for Qi

2008-02-14T16:14:23Z

The element names represent their basic character. How they interact is similar to the interactions of a large family. Each has his or her own personality and specialty.

When the stars combine with each other the reactions influence those living in the home.

Nature of the Stars

•1. White Star: The Angel of Sheng Qi (water) loves wisdom.

•2. Black Star: The Monarch of Sickness (earth) can bring sickness.

•3. Green Star: The Phantom of Misfortune (wood) can be aggressive.

•4. Dark Green Star: The Clever and Indecent Imp (wood) is flirtatious and artistic.

•5. Yellow Star: The Devil of Ferocity (earth) is a dangerous star.

•6. White Star: The Angel of Gallantry (metal) is good for men and the military.

•7. Red Star: The Spirit of Solemnity (metal) talks a lot!

•8. White Star: The Angel of Wealth and Happiness (earth) is peaceful and calm.

•9. Purple Star: The Angel of Vigor (fire) is helpful, but not careful of the company he keeps.

When we develop a flying star chart we divide the house into 9 sectors...one of those in the center.

Each sector contains a star for resting and health, a star for activity and wealth, and a star that serves as the environment for the others. Each year an annual star arrives in each sector, adding its own "personality" to the mix.

Every twenty years a different star group becomes the ruling energy. Right now we are in the period of 8. So, the 8's are ruling and all current readings depend on where the 8's are and how well they are supported. In George Washington's time things were a bit different.

For the purpose of flying star Feng Shui, time is measured in 20 year ruling periods. We will concern ourselves in this study, with the periods of George Washington's time.

Period 3: 1724-1744

Period 4: 1744-1764

Period 5: 1764-1784

Period 6: 1784-1804

Monica Hess, Feng Shui Consultant, Instructor and Lecturer, Lexington, KY

www.monicahess.com

member of the Feng Shui Research Center and The Feng Shui Network

Feng Shui This---Part Two--It's Elemental

2008-02-13T22:18:01Z

The Five Element theory is another way to explain the qi in our homes and businesses. It is a way to describe the relationship between the different stars, showing how one will help or hurt the other if given a chance.

To read the diagram, start at metal and go clockwise. Metal produces water, water produces wood, wood produces fire, fire produces earth, and earth produces metal. Next, look clockwise, again starting with metal, and go across an arm of the star. Metal controls wood, wood controls earth, earth controls water, water controls fire, and fire controls metal. If you go counterclockwise you have the reduction cycle. Metal reduces earth, earth reduces fire, fire reduces wood, wood reduces water and water reduces metal.

Coming Next...The Flying Stars

Monica Hess, Feng Shui Consultant, Instructor and Lecturer, Lexington, KY

www.monicahess.com

member of the Feng Shui Research Center and The Feng Shui Network

Feng Shui This---Part One--QI

2008-02-13T12:35:18Z

Do you know the difference between "Real" Feng Shui and "Psuedo" Feng Shui? Lots of folks out there haven't a clue. I've decided to post exerpts of my book "The Feng Shui of Mt Vernon". In it I explain what Feng Shui really is, and how we can use it.

What is Feng Shui?

The art we call Feng Shui has developed from an ancient Chinese environmental study, Feng meaning wind...and Shui meaning water. What once was the fairly simple study of the influence wind and water have on a home site has developed into a detailed examination and manipulation of the life force energy known as "qi" (chee).

Different types of qi come from different directions in accordance with the year, month, day and hour. It is attracted to and carried by people, gathered and moved by water, and collected and emitted by mountains. It is affected by the shape and position of those mountain and water features, as well as by the climate and seasons. Qi is useful according to its purpose and its timeliness.

Brigham Young, the Mormon prophet, had probably never heard of qi yet he gave a profound description of it when he said, "The elements with which we are surrounded are as eternal as we are, and are loaded with supplies of every kind for the comfort and happiness of the human race." Those "supplies" he spoke of consisted of qi.

He went deeper when he stated, "There is an eternity of matter. Astronomers estimate that there is between us and the nearest fixed star matter enough to organize millions of earths like this. There is an eternity of matter, and it is all acted upon and filled with a portion of divinity. Matter is to exist; it cannot be annihilated. Eternity is without bounds, and is filled with matter; and there is no such place as empty space. And matter is capacitated to receive intelligence."

That statement on matter, "filled with a portion of divinity" and "capacitated to receive intelligence", is to date the best, most precise description of qi I have ever come across.

Feng Shui can tell us many things about our homes and the homes of our ancestors. We know our environments have a lot to do with our lives. What we learn from Feng Shui is just how much influence our environment really has on us.

God sends our blessings to us, by wind and water, through the earth beneath our feet and the heaven above our heads. It is up to us what we do with those blessings.

Monticello

2007-10-29T11:57:54Z

Feng Shui This

2007-10-21T12:23:05Z

Blogging is new to me, so it's taken some time to get used to the idea. I'm sure after a bit I'll be blogging with the best of you guys, but for now I'll just be posting some ideas on feng shui for realtors.

You may have heard that overhead beams are considered bad feng shui. They're even worse when they're held up by nails and not screws or bolts. Eventually gravity will bring them down. This one fell at my parents home at 4AM. When the house shook I thought it was thunder...then an earthquake. Then I stood at the door to the living room, flipped on the light, and counted our blessings.

Check this out.