Powerful New Moon coming up
Hi everyone, I want to alert you all to a powerful new moon coming up on Monday, March 15th. Every new moon is a time of new beginnings, and this one is an especially good time for inspiration and new directions that can lead to great things.

According to the (western*) astrology newsletters I read, this new moon is unique because the Sun, Moon, Mercury, and Uranus are all very close together in a tight pattern that supports inspiration, new ideas, greater insight and intuition through alignment with higher consciousness, and breakthrough problem-solving and decision-making. All of that also means this is a good time to choose to move beyond any old emotional patterns that are no longer serving you.

“If you’re ready to do something different, then this New Moon on the Ides of March is a time to set some intention.” — Madeline C. Gerwick

“The creative impulse that is borne out of this New Moon is powerful and intelligent in its impact, and can be harnessed for great things. … This New Moon is definitely worth planning for due to the inspiration that is unlocked here. This is not so much time for collaboration as it is for initiating new ideas and new inner awakenings.” — Lynn Hayes

This weekend into Monday is a good time to reflect on what new directions you’d like to take over the next few months. I especially recommend doing this if it’s been more than a few months since you’ve done any new feng shui in your space.

Revisit the ba gua, and think about (and/or meditate on) which areas represent the changes you’d most like to see over the next few months. Since “thinking about” implies a logical, left-brain approach, be sure also to allow your intuition space to speak up. It might point you in a new direction you haven’t yet considered.

If you’ve been focused on one particular aspect of life for a while (relationships, or prosperity, for example), be sure to remain open to looking in a different direction at this time. You don’t have to set those relationship or financial ambitions aside, but do be open to an intuitive nudge that points you in a new direction. The energy of this new moon is about changing your focus in some way; you have the opportunity now to do that deliberately and with strong intention, rather than waiting for something to surprise you down the road.

Be sure to focus on the positive OUTCOME you desire, not on any specific problem or challenge you want to overcome.

Once you’ve clarified a strong new moon intention, write it on a piece of paper, and place it in the relevant gua within your home or office. Or, use this new moon ritual to choose the gua most appropriate for you.

For this new moon, I’ll be focusing on the steps my husband and I are taking to move our online businesses both forward and in some cases in new directions over the next few months. (Lots going on behind the scenes the past few months, one reason I haven’t been posting here.)

This will be the first spring in quite a few years that we are not moving, or having family come to visit, or going on a trip ourselves. Being able to stay home and focus on taking our planned “inspired actions” for our business feels like a luxury.

What “new beginnings” will you focus on for this powerful new moon?

Aloha,

Stephanie

PS: Don’t worry, this isn’t turning into an astrology blog! I’ll be back with more feng shui Q+A and other topics and news when my current projects are a little further along.

* I’ve nothing against the Chinese astrology that many feng shui professionals incorporate into their practice, but have been following/using western astrology since long before I got into feng shui. It works for me, and I’m sticking with it. Please note that I am not an astrologer, and do not offer interpretations or forecasts; I’m simply passing on to you information that I find interesting and useful.

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A new look at combining western astrology and feng shui
Those of you who have been following my feng shui writing for a while will know that I am a big fan of western astrology. I mean no disrespect to the Chinese system, it’s just that I’ve been using western astrology in my personal life for about thirty years now and it works for me and I’m sticking with it.

I’ve often wondered how western astrology could be more deeply coordinated with the western style of feng shui that I practice and write about. But, although I’m a highly experienced consultee, I am not a professional astrologer and simply don’t have the depth or breadth of expert knowledge to have explored that question on my own.

Which is why I was so thrilled to read this excellent article today that matches up the Houses of a person’s natal astrological chart with the ba gua, and discusses how to use this information along with new moon cycles for very powerful and effective feng shui rituals and/or remedy placement.

This is exciting new information, and I’m thrilled to have found it just in time to do some feng shui empowerment on the New Moon happening tomorrow, Oct. 17. (It’s a bit last-minute to be sharing this info with you here, but if you miss the October new moon, just start planning ahead for next month.)

The Oct. ‘09 new moon lands in the 9th house of my chart, which correlates to the “Knowledge/Wisdom” area — which in my home is to be where my office is located. As soon as I’ve finished this post I’m going to start preparing for the new moon by cleaning up my desk!

Do be aware that to use this method you will need:
1) a basic familiarity with western astrology and its symbols.
2) a copy of your “birth” or “natal” chart that defines the exact location (in degrees and minutes within a sign) of each house cusp.

Then, keep an eye on upcoming new moons. Look up the date and time (adjusted for your local time zone), and where that moon will be in what astrolocial sign. Here’s an example of an ephemeris (astrological calendar) page for November ‘09. I’ve enlarged the box that shows the lunar phases:

(most of the info on this page can be ignored if all you want to know is when/where the new moon is happening)

The Nov. ‘09 new moon (marked in red) happens on the 16th at 24 degrees 34 minutes Scorpio. What house is that in in your chart? Remember to adjust the time of the new moon for your local time zone.

If you don’t know enough about western astrology to work this out on your own, Simone Butler (author of the article) can prepare personalized info for you … or you can invest some time in reading up on the basics of western astrology. There’s a TON of information available on the web to get you started, including this overview. (Please do NOT email me with astrology questions, BTW: I will just send you back to this page to read this paragraph again.)

Stephanie R.

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Fast Feng Shui is now on Facebook
“Fast Feng Shui” is now on Facebook!
I invite you all to join our page there:
http://tiny.cc/FFSonFB

(find us from within Facebook by searching “pages” for Fast Feng Shui)

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House Divided Into Duplex
Q: I am looking at apartments, and saw one recently that I liked. The building was originally a one-family home, but has been converted into a duplex with two separate living spaces and two different addresses. What does this do to the ba gua for the house? If I take this apartment, will I be living in just one half of the ba gua? Or are there now two ba guas, one for each unit?

A: There are now two ba guas, one for each unit of the duplex. Conversion of older, larger homes into apartments is quite common. When this happens each individual unit has a new ba gua that applies just to that space. Placement of each apartment ba gua is now determined by the main entry to each apartment, not by the building entry (as it would have been for the original single-family home).

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Predecessor Chi of a Desk
Q: I am in the midst of starting a home-based life coaching practice and purchased a used desk from an office supply store with great intentions of being eco-friendly and economical. Then I panicked when I read on your site not to buy used furniture unless you know it has “good predecessor chi.” I don’t know the history of the desk, so I don’t know whether predecessor chi will be a problem. I’d like to keep it — I don’t have funds for a new one and it is a lovely desk — so is there a way to clean it of old energy?

A: Since you don’t know the provenance of your desk it would be a good idea to “smudge” it with some sage (sage bundles are often available at natural food stores, as well as new age-type bookstores/retailers).

I’d also place a nice chunk of amethyst crystal in the FAME area of the desktop (i.e., center of the far side from where you sit) with the intention that it help you build a reputation with clients for your insight, clarity, and compassion.

Although it’s good feng shui to avoid anything with negative/difficult predecessor chi, you just don’t know whether or not that’s a factor here. I’m sure some would say “err on the side of caution!,” get rid of the desk, and stick with new office furniture only. But I believe that assuming the worst in any situation is a terrible life strategy, as it goes against everything we know about deliberate creation and the law of attraction. Why not assume that you were guided to that desk because it is the perfect solution for you at this time?

I am confident that you have wonderful intentions for your new coaching practice, and feel called to become an exceptionally positive and effective counselor for others. Why not assume, then, given those intentions, that any used desk you feel drawn to will have wonderful predecessor chi?

Assume the best, smudge the desk anyway just to be sure, thank the powers that be for guiding you to finding such a useful and economical feature for your new home office, and then pat yourself on the back for being eco-friendly as well.

Wishing you all the best with your life coaching practice,

Stephanie R.

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Predecessor Chi of a Desk
Q: I am in the midst of starting a home-based life coaching practice and purchased a used desk from an office supply store with great intentions of being eco-friendly and economical. Then I panicked when I read on your site not to buy used furniture unless you know it has “good predecessor chi.” I don’t know the history of the desk, so I don’t know whether predecessor chi will be a problem. I’d like to keep it — I don’t have funds for a new one and it is a lovely desk — so is there a way to clean it of old energy?

A: Since you don’t know the provenance of your desk it would be a good idea to “smudge” it with some sage (sage bundles are often available at natural food stores, as well as new age-type bookstores/retailers).

I’d also place a nice chunk of amethyst crystal in the FAME area of the desktop (i.e., center of the far side from where you sit) with the intention that it help you build a reputation with clients for your insight, clarity, and compassion.

Although it’s good feng shui to avoid anything with negative/difficult predecessor chi, you just don’t know whether or not that’s a factor here. I’m sure some would say “err on the side of caution!,” get rid of the desk, and stick with new office furniture only. But I believe that assuming the worst in any situation is a terrible life strategy, as it goes against everything we know about deliberate creation and the law of attraction. Why not assume that you were guided to that desk because it is the perfect solution for you at this time?

I am confident that you have wonderful intentions for your new coaching practice, and feel called to become an exceptionally positive and effective counselor for others. Why not assume, then, given those intentions, that any used desk you feel drawn to will have wonderful predecessor chi?

Assume the best, smudge the desk anyway just to be sure, thank the powers that be for guiding you to finding such a useful and economical feature for your new home office, and then pat yourself on the back for being eco-friendly as well.

Wishing you all the best with your life coaching practice,

Stephanie R.

Visit the original post at: Fast Feng Shui Blog

Predecessor Chi of a Desk
Q: I am in the midst of starting a home-based life coaching practice and purchased a used desk from an office supply store with great intentions of being eco-friendly and economical. Then I panicked when I read on your site not to buy used furniture unless you know it has “good predecessor chi.” I don’t know the history of the desk, so I don’t know whether predecessor chi will be a problem. I’d like to keep it — I don’t have funds for a new one and it is a lovely desk — so is there a way to clean it of old energy?

A: Since you don’t know the provenance of your desk it would be a good idea to “smudge” it with some sage (sage bundles are often available at natural food stores, as well as new age-type bookstores/retailers).

I’d also place a nice chunk of amethyst crystal in the FAME area of the desktop (i.e., center of the far side from where you sit) with the intention that it help you build a reputation with clients for your insight, clarity, and compassion.

Although it’s good feng shui to avoid anything with negative/difficult predecessor chi, you just don’t know whether or not that’s a factor here. I’m sure some would say “err on the side of caution!,” get rid of the desk, and stick with new office furniture only. But I believe that assuming the worst in any situation is a terrible life strategy, as it goes against everything we know about deliberate creation and the law of attraction. Why not assume that you were guided to that desk because it is the perfect solution for you at this time?

I am confident that you have wonderful intentions for your new coaching practice, and feel called to become an exceptionally positive and effective counselor for others. Why not assume, then, given those intentions, that any used desk you feel drawn to will have wonderful predecessor chi?

Assume the best, smudge the desk anyway just to be sure, thank the powers that be for guiding you to finding such a useful and economical feature for your new home office, and then pat yourself on the back for being eco-friendly as well.

Wishing you all the best with your life coaching practice,

Stephanie R.

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How We Manifested Our Dream House

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Feng Shui Tips for Finding Your Next House
Moving is the theme of the day, so here’s a reprint of a newsletter article I wrote in 2003. I’m posting it as a companion piece to my article about how we “manifested” the house we moved into this summer.

Anyone who’s familiar with my writing knows that I view intention as a key ingredient in the successful practice of feng shui. If you are planning a move, first spend some time in quiet reflection on what qualities and features you are looking for in your “perfect” home.

Be very specific about this. Make a written list of the top 10 things that are important to you, and prioritize it. This could be anything from a specific location or price to “lots of closet space” or “a sunny master bathroom” or “central air conditioning” or “a magnolia tree in the front yard.” Whatever is important to you. Make sure you have a very clear idea in your mind exactly what you are looking for, and which items on your Wish List you are willing to give up in order to have something higher on the list.

Clean and activate Chien Gua (Helpful Friends) in your current home to make sure you have the support and assistance of the sellers and real estate agents or rental agents who will be involved in connecting you with your perfect home. Focus on the benefits that your purchase /lease will provide to them, so there is a good flow of positive intention in all directions. In your meditation, feel the pleasure of knowing that your home purchase/rental has helped another family to prosper. Picture everyone involved benefiting and being enriched by the transaction — physically and emotionally as well as financially.

Another helpful exercise is to make a list of all the things you like and appreciate about where you are living now. Thank your current home for sheltering and supporting you as you prepare for the transition to your perfect home. Visualize someone else moving in after you have moved out, and being supported and enriched by the space.

When you are clear about what you are looking for, ask for it. Literally ask God, the Universe, Spirit, whomever or whatever you commune with, to connect you with your perfect new home. You can write your request on a small piece of paper, and place it on your home altar or in Li (Fame) or Hsun (Fortunate Blessings) guas, both of which have the aspect of being connected with future experiences.

Now relax, knowing that it is all being taken care of for your greatest good. Let go of feeling you have to control the process yourself, and start saying “thank you, thank you, thank you” for the perfect home that you will soon receive.

The more time you can spend in meditation during this looking period, the better. For one thing, it will help you weather the stress of moving more easily. More importantly, it will help you be open to the energy of each home you see while you are looking. Eat a healthy diet, and get enough exercise and sleep. Stress, fatigue, and poor eating habits will block your energy just like clutter in the home blocks the energy of the house. Keep your energy light and open, so you can more easily connect with your perfect space.

As you are house-hunting, compare each possible home to your Wish List, being sure also to pay attention to your body sense of whether or not this is the right home for you. Try not to feel pressured into taking something that is okay but doesn’t feel special. We looked at two similar cottages in the same neighborhood recently. One was a little larger, and had a nicer view, but as soon as we drove up my body tensed up, letting me know it didn’t want to live there. The other cottage, although smaller, just felt right. If you pay attention to your body sense, you will walk into a certain house one day and know, “This is it!”

Sometimes when we anticipate a move, it’s easy to get lazy about keeping the current space clean and well-maintained. Remember that clutter and dirt are both symptoms and causes of stuck energy, and you want to be free to move on to another home. Don’t neglect your current home just because you plan to move soon.

I have used this process the last few times I’ve moved — three with finding a great rental, and once with purchasing a home. It has worked beautifully for me, and I found the whole transition to be smooth and empowering.

May your perfect new home be filled with love and light,

Stephanie R.

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Energy/mood level and feng shui
Q: Since a big part of feng shui is raising the energy levels of your living space, and since women’s energy levels regularly rise and fall with their monthly cycles, are there certain times of the month that are better or worse for practicing feng shui? I’m guessing that since hormones can have such a powerful affect on women’s moods, that must affect the power of their intentions too?

A: The best time for anyone, male or female, to do feng shui (i.e., move things around, place remedies/imagery, etc.) is when your energy is high, your mind is clear and undistracted, and your outlook is optimistic and enthusiastic. If your hormonal cycles, or a poor night’s sleep, or family/work stress, or whatever, put you physically or emotionally or mentally in a frazzled, low-energy state, it’s a good idea to wait until you feel “up to it” to implement feng shui changes.

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