Newsletter Archive

Newsletter - Summer Solstice, June 21st.

Happy Summer Solstice June 21, the longest day and shortest night. In Feng Shui, this begins the season of LI (Fame) and the Fire element. Here in the West, after a wet winter and unusually cool spring, the transition into summer is more palpable. We welcome a sense of warmth, expansion, freedom and lightness. Fire also represents joy and passion that fuels our daily intentions. Fame is less about “being famous” and is about our visibility and reputation in the world.

I recently spoke at the Marin Home and Garden Expo. The topics I covered are worth repeating here as they are relevant to this Li season.

Front Door
The front door is the gateway to your home, your sanctuary and where universal life force enters and exits. If your front door is somewhat invisible or difficult to see from the street, you can imagine that the chi (energy) is not flowing easily. That often means occupants of the house have to work hard, struggle – make things happen, both personally and professionally. When you next approach your home, imagine it is for the very first time. How visible and easy is it to spot your address? How inviting is the entrance to your front door?

1. Trim any overhanging shrubs, branches that may be obscuring the path.
2. Ensure the path to your front door is attractive (colorful plants, lights, etc.)
3. Create a focal point of beauty close to your front door.
4. Ensure that the house numbers are visible.
5. Choose a front door mat that instills an elegant transition from outdoors to in.
6. Ensure the front door itself is in good condition. (Best door color such as red or black
often depends on your astrology and life situation.)

An attractive visible front door and pathway leading to it helps promote Li. Li also assists with career and good health.

Master Bedroom
Li and the Fire element is about Vitality and Zest! However, over commitment and constant activity can indeed deplete Li. A good night’s sleep replenishes and rejuvenates your energy. Bedroom tips include:

1. Create a yin (passive) environment.
2. Choose colors such as beige, sand, green, peach, apricot versus white or red.
3. Remove electromagnetic producing devices such as cell phones and computers.
4. Eliminate clutter. Remember clutter is anything you do not need, use or love. It is stuck energy.
5. Include artwork that is beautiful “to you” and serenity producing.

A yin bedroom helps you get a good night’s rest and allows you to wake up feeling refreshed and available to Li energy!

Invisible Energies
Remember that Feng Shui is as much about Invisible energies (what you cannot see or touch) as it is about the visible and physical. In some Christian traditions Archangel Michael represents Fire and assists in overcoming dark forces. What are dark energies that often extinguish Li – fire? Hate, rage, excessive fear and worry, depression are some.

1. Cultivate Li energies that dispel darkness such as joy, laughter, fun, love!
2. Plant or decorate your home with flowers such as sunflowers. St John’s Wort (hypericum perforatum) is a yellow flower that blooms profusely around June 24, St. John’s day. Interesting fact: it’s medical use is to treat depression.
3, A fun exercise: just before going to sleep, think of three things you appreciate. It could be as simple as “I appreciate my bed”. Then first thing in the morning before getting out of bed, think of three things you appreciate, to start the day.
4. Make the time to engage in activities that light YOUR fire. (Personally, I’m excited about going to a hula workshop this week with my Grandmaster Kawaikapuokalani Hewett). He is indeed a passionate caretaker of the Fire Goddess Pele and keeps Her ever alive through his original compositions and inspiring music.
5. Commit to “being happy”. I just worked with a client who is excited about taking on a new career! Her new job – “to be happy”. I was thrilled to receive an email from her yesterday saying “thank you for being an ‘employment coach’ and steering me in a positive direction. Deep bows to you.”

Practice the mantra “Don’t worry, Be happy” to cultivate Li.

En-joy the summer. As always, I’m delighted to assist you in enhancing any areas of your life that requires more Light & Laughter. Contact me for a Feng Shui and Energy Clearing consultation to help you transform the mundane into the extraordinary.