The Easy Feng Shui Guide

1) The most important first step to realizing the benefits of Feng Shui is to perform a space clearing procedure. Every environment has accumulated negative energy, or "sha chi", that needs to be eliminated. This procedure will make all other cures more effective.

2) Good Feng Shui is dependant upon striking a balance between clutter and sparseness. The living room should be a place with an inviting, yet calming atmosphere. Avoid the tendency to fill the living room with mismatched heirlooms, clutter the walls with family photos, or display a vast array of collectibles. Always keep in mind that less is more.

3) The living room is a space where family and friends share time and energy. Be sure that the art chosen for this gathering place reflects the positive experiences that you wish to cultivate. Avoid harsh, geometric abstract compositions, which tend to be cold and unsettling. Also avoid overly serious subject matter that might be oppressive on an unconscious level.

4) The living room is a very appropriate place to display one of the auspicious Feng Shui deities. A beautiful sculpture of the wise and smiling Hotei Buddha will inspire lighthearted good will in everyone who sees him. He will also bless the family with good fortune. Kwan Yin is another powerfully positive presence. She is perhaps the most compassionate of the deities and will inspire kindness and gentle wisdom among family members and is a symbol of loving protection.

5) Living rooms can be tricky to arrange because they often contain large furnishings, such as couches, tables and entertainment centers. Spend some time imagining how energy would flow through the room. Also pay attention to human traffic patterns. The goal is to create an arrangement that permits 'chi' to flow freely. Chances are that this layout will also be the most attractive and make the best use of all areas in the space.

6) Arranging furniture in a circular formation will create a sense of unity and comfort and promote a healthy flow of 'chi'. Avoid awkward angles that may create poison arrows. Be sure not to crowd furniture or use pieces that are too large for the space. Less is always more. Positioning the sofa against a wall will provide a sense of comfort and support while seated there.

7) Whether they are a structural element or a design feature, ceiling beams pose a problem in Feng Shui. Having them overhead is considered oppressive, and their edges create poison arrows which direct harsh energy down at the people below. While the only total solution would be to install a drop ceiling, some of the negative effects can be counteracted by hanging a bamboo wind chime from one or several beams, depending on the size of the room. Crystals can also be used for this purpose. Large potted plants can also help to disperse and soften harsh 'sha chi' energy.

8) Floor covering has a profound effect on the movement of 'chi' and the overall character of a room. A concern about cleanliness must be balanced with creating a restful and comfortable environment. Ceramic tile and marble, while being very stylish and relatively easy to clean, can create a striking, but somewhat cold and unsettling, atmosphere. Wood has inherent warmth that is very appealing. Carpet is a popular choice, but its fiber content should be considered. It has been found that synthetic carpet emits a plethora of toxins that are a concern to anyone desiring to create a healthy space.

9) If your living room is directly connected to your dining or kitchen area, you will need to find a creative way to make at least a partial division between the rooms. Consider a screen or shelved room divider or even having a half wall installed.

10) Create an uplifting and inviting atmosphere by burning healthy, fragrant incense and by lighting clean burning candles. Both of these simple things go a long way in making your space feel tranquil, pleasant and beautiful.

11) Avoid making the T.V. the focal point in the room. It shouldn't be the first thing you see as you enter the space. Giving T.V. top priority will inevitably create a breakdown in communication within the family. Ideally, the T.V. should be enclosed in a cabinet that is kept closed when not in use.

12) Use healthy, round leafed plants to fill awkward corners. Cacti and other spiky plants are not recommended for indoor use. Small round tables with a few attractive objects are another good way to soften corners, and enhance the flow of "chi".

13) Window treatment in the living room must be carefully considered. Heavy drapes or curtains can be harbors for dust and stagnant energy, but when sensitively chosen, can help to create a safe, cozy feeling. Too much glass, as is often found in very contemporary design, will produce very fast moving "chi", and can feel harsh and unsettling. While having the benefit of flooding the room with natural light, a lot of exposed glass must be balanced with other organic textures and colors in the space so that a feeling of cozy ambiance is created. Transparent panels in a natural fabric would help to soften fast moving chi. Horizontal blinds covering large rectangular windows are also very yang, and should be offset with graceful round or organic shapes.

14) When considering color, keep in mind that earthy colors such as cream, taupe or beige will bring a sense of stability and solidity to the home, since they accentuate the Feng Shui earth element. Shades of white are also acceptable, since white relates to metal energy, and brings strength, and in Chinese culture, good fortune. Avoid the use of too much red, related to the fire element, which can cause arguing and tension. Blue should also be used sparingly, since it symbolizes the water element. Too much blue, particularly blue walls, can cause the family to drown in debt or other problems.

15) If you desire more abundance in your life, and do not have a blue dominated décor that already accentuates the water element, the presence of an aquarium or fountain in the south or southeast section of the living room will promote growth in this area. Use natural stones and plants in your aquarium and choose lively, bright colored fish.