Chinese Culture >> Chinese Society Traditions >>
If there are two elements of
Feng Shui
that can be modified and improved at your beck and call they are - the presence,
quantity, visibility and health of indoor plants and the lighting of your home
or living area.
Plants can fill spaces where qi is absent or hide sharp corners that generate
the secret arrows of sha qi. Large plants will also slow qi down. It is
important to choose what works well for your local area and follow your own
cultural traditions when it comes to indoor plants. A flourishing plant, not a
sick one, improves your
Feng Shui,
and what is considered a lucky choice by some cultures may be considered unlucky
by others.
Feng Shui
plants vary from region to region, but there are some basic well held standards
with which you can never go wrong. The choices of plants that traditionally are
considered to create harmony are first the impala lily. The impala lily is the
"flower of wealth and prosperity" and is well placed in your living room or near
the front of a shop or business. Next in line is the "money plant". This
evergreen plant is guaranteed to bring wealth as well as long life. On top of
that the "money plant" is effective in offices and home as well as business
studies. Cactus plants are well known to ward off "evil spirits". The chili
plants symbolized growth and wealth. Lastly it can be said that at Chinese New
Year, the Chinese bring plum blossom into their homes as it represents growth
and renewal. In the same way indoor plants with red, yellow or orange flowers
will add colors and yin to a room.
The next element to consider, that you can change or vary to improve you
personal Feng Shui is light. Light represents education. Light represents
energy. Best of all natural light is good
Feng Shui.
Artificial lighting can help adjust the qi in dark or difficult spots. However
take special care that the artificial light that you set up or arrange creates a
similar stabilizing effect as natural light. Ensure and insist that you have a
balance between the two - natural light and artificial light.
If you can take care that glare from the outside is softened by drapes, curtains
or blinds. In a similar manner harsh overhead lighting can be oppressive whereas
table lamps create soft pools of light and overall make a room feel much more
relaxed/ an upward facing floor lamp can and will help stimulate qi in dark
corners or sunken rooms.
Even if you honestly think that you have done all the work you can possibly do
to increase the lighting as well as indoor plants benefits of
Feng Shui
there are always additional touches to add just a bit more. It's all
synergistic. Washing a wall with light will bring energy to an area. Candles
will add yang qualities to a yin area
It's all an effect that will work together. Indoor plants will enhance, build
and channel the positive forces in your living and working areas. Well chosen
lighting will best serve to accent and focus those vital energies..
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