Q&A Sunday: Is Purple a Good Feng Shui Color?

Guest User January 3, 2021

Is purple a good color in feng shui?

First, I encourage you to read more about my philosophy on color. It’s more complex than certain colors being “good” or “bad.” It’s important to think about which colors support your intention, as well as how different colors make you feel.

That said, purple is an auspicious color in feng shui, and can be helpful in many situations. It’s connected to wealth and abundance, as well as elegance and royalty. Purple is the combination of active red (fire element) and relaxing blue (wood element).This means that purple can harmonize and create inner balance and peace. Purple is also the color of the crown chakra, related to enlightenment and wisdom.

Purple is connected to the abundance area of the bagua map, called Xun in Chinese. You can place purple in this area to activate and welcome abundance, as well as self worth. To invite prosperity in your career or business, activate the abundance area or your desk. For overall prosperity, activate the abundance area of your home. You can also work with the abundance area of your bedroom, which can support you as an individual, or you and your partner.

A vase of fresh purple flowers is a great activation for the abundance area. Make sure to take care of your flowers by changing the water often, and cutting the stems regularly to allow them to drink more water. You can also place a purple amethyst crystal in this area, or another purple accent that speaks to you.

Keep in mind that what I offer on my blog is the entry level version of feng shui, and if you really want to work with it, it’s best to work with an expert. This is true for a lot of disciplines. For example, you wouldn’t just poke yourself with needles if you wanted to experience the benefits of acupuncture - you would go to a trained practitioner.

This applies to feng shui as well. I try to keep it as simple as possible on my blog and podcast so you can apply it to your own life. But if you’re really curious, I encourage you to understand that it’s a really deep wisdom, and work with a consultant or study more deeply.

by Anjie Cho

Thanks for reading our "Q&A Sunday". If you have personal questions, we encourage you to check out Practical Feng Shui or hire one of Anjie's Grads.

If you’d like to learn more about feng shui, check out Mindful Design Feng Shui School at: www.mindfuldesignschool.com

Q&A Sunday: Feng Shui & The Color Red

Guest User December 27, 2020

I like to decorate with the color red. What does that mean in feng shui?

We recently talked about the color black, which is a very yin color, related to the water element. Fiery red is the polar opposite. Fire energy is very bright, like the middle of summer. It can be really helpful to include some fiery elements, including red accents, in your home during this cold, dark time of year.

Red is the most auspicious color when it comes to feng shui. It’s dynamic, bold, and stimulating, and it really stands out. If someone walks into a room wearing red, you really notice them.

While red is appropriate for many applications, it’s not the best choice for restful spaces, so be careful not to use too much in places where you want to relax. Keep in mind what the spaces in your home are being used for, and what colors will support those activities.

A little red also goes a long way, so it’s generally best used in moderation. You probably wouldn’t want to wear red lipstick, red earrings, red blush, and a big red hat, for example - it would be too much for most people.

It makes perfect sense that red represents the fire element, which is connected to passion and inspiration, as well as the recognition area of the bagua map, called li. If you need more passion in your relationship, you can add red accents in your bedroom, like red sheets, pillows, or a throw blanket. (Remember, a little goes a long way!) Adding red to your bedroom can also be helpful if you want to find a partner and are having a hard time meeting people.

If you want to bring more recognition and inspiration to your career, try placing red around your desk. One way to do this is through artwork. I paint yantras, which are a beautiful way to bring some meaningful red artwork into your space. You can also create your own red artwork, by making a collage or vision board with a lot of red. If you need more passion and recognition in your life in general, you may want to add red to the li area of your home.

As you can tell, there are many ways you can work with red. That’s where a feng shui expert, like one of my students, would really be able to help and support you. If you’re not ready to work with a consultant, you can also dabble and play around with red, and see how it goes!

by Anjie Cho

Thanks for reading our "Q&A Sunday". If you have personal questions, we encourage you to check out Practical Feng Shui or hire one of Anjie's Grads.

If you’d like to learn more about feng shui, check out Mindful Design Feng Shui School at: www.mindfuldesignschool.com

Q&A Sunday: How to Feel More Inspired at Work

Guest User September 13, 2020

I am feeling uninspired in my career. Are there any feng shui cures that can help me?

Thank you so much for your question! I’m sorry you are feeling uninspired in your career. That’s not a good feeling, and you are most certainly not alone. I think most of us have been in work environments where our gifts are not nurtured, and when this happens we end up losing inspiration and passion for the work we are doing.

In feng shui, inspiration is related to the fire element. I would suggest you take a look at the li area of the bagua map, since that’s the area associated with fire energy. To find the li area of your bedroom, check out my blog post on the bagua.

Before you make any feng shui adjustments, I would first observe what’s happening in this area of your home or bedroom. Do you regularly give attention to this part of your home? Does it need to be cleaned? Is it easy for you to move around in this area, or is your path blocked? This information can give you a clue as to what might be happening in this area of your life.

Sometimes, when you are not feeling passionate about your work, it is because you are not being recognized for your unique gifts. When we feel like we are being overlooked, it’s easy to lose inspiration. If this is the case, I would again look to the li area, since li and the fire element are also connected to recognition, fame, passion, and reputation. Think of a fire, big or small, and what kind of energy it has. The flame of a candle is illuminating, and can bring luminosity, clarity, and attention. In the same way, fire energy can bring these qualities into your life.

One of my favorite ways to activate the li area is with new green plants. Plants represent life energy and growth. When placed in the li area, they can infuse the energy of growth and new life into how you are inspired and how you’re seen by others. Plants also represent wood energy, which feeds fire. Think about it: fires need fuel to burn. Since your lack of inspiration is specific to work, I would also recommend placing a new green plant in the li area of your desk, since your desk represents your career. A flowering plant can be especially helpful in this area.

I hope this helps you find more inspiration in your career! As always, if you want advice that is more tailored to your unique situation, I recommend working with a practitioner or studying feng shui more deeply.

Even if you decide to move on from your current work situation, a bonus of activating the li area is that it can help you gain public support if you are starting a new endeavor. So, if you decide to pursue a new career or even start a business, you will have a boost there as well!

by Anjie Cho