Q&A Sunday: Laying the Feng Shui Bagua in the Southern Hemisphere

Guest User September 19, 2021

How do I lay the bagua in the Southern Hemisphere?

In feng shui, there is an energy map called the bagua. There are different ways of depicting the bagua map, but really it’s a mandala, with eight areas around a center. My Holistic Spaces bagua map shown below is stylized into a three-by-three grid. You might also see images of the bagua that are pie-shaped.

There are different associations with each bagua area, so most people who are interested in feng shui would know that there’s a wealth area, a relationship area, a career area, and so on. As you go deeper, you start to learn the nuances of each area. There is also an element associated with each area of the bagua, as well as a shape, season, color, and direction. Kan position, for example, is connected to the north direction.

If you’re using the BTB method of laying the bagua map, you always lay it based on the energy and how the energy enters the space. You lay the Kan line of the bagua on the formal front door. If you’re using a different school of feng shui that uses the magnetic compass directions, like the Compass, Classical, of Flying Star school, you lay the bagua according to the geographic north direction. This doesn’t change if you’re in the Northern Hemisphere or the Southern Hemisphere - north is still north.

If you are interested in feng shui, find the school that you resonate with. If you follow me, that would be the BTB school. Based on BTB feng shui, you lay the bagua map based on the front door, where the energy is coming in. It has to do with how the qi is flowing, so it doesn’t really matter which hemisphere you’re in.

by Anjie Cho

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

Relax in Your Own Spa Retreat

Anjie Cho September 15, 2021

A chance to slip off the demands of your to-do list and relax is just what your spirit ordered. Yet, if you’re like many of us, your schedule hasn’t got space for a spa day. What if I told you that you could create a spa in your own home? It’s true! A few simple updates will transform your boring bathroom into a peaceful retreat.

Bathrooms are often given the utilitarian treatment. To create a sanctuary in your home, however, this space needs the same stylish eye you’d want to bring to any other room in the house. Take a good look at the space you’ve got and consider what elements you can introduce to welcome tranquility and rejuvenation. Here are five design elements to consider:

Flooring

Think warm and cozy. Matte finish tiles are a good foundation to begin with, especially when combined with the right rug. Look for textiles that exude comfort but also hold up well to moisture. Cotton and bamboo are great natural materials that handle the damp environment well.

Lighting

Look for a classic hanging chandelier and go for the dimmer switch. Your bathroom has different lighting needs at different times. When you’re dressing or primping, a strong light is necessary. However, when you’re settling in for a spa-like retreat, low lights are the way to go. A dimmer will allow you to select the right glow for the right mood.

Don’t forget to make space for candles. When you slip into the tub, lighting a bevy of candles transforms your space from bathroom to luxury retreat.

Sound

What is a spa experience without lilting music? You don’t need built-in speakers to create the spa-like mood. Keep a music player or Bluetooth speaker in your bathroom – away from the water, of course.

Accessories

Remember, we’re talking about pampering and relaxing. Select lush towels for your in-home spa retreat. Use attractive bottles, jars and baskets to display your collection of bath salts and other pampering accoutrements. Be careful not to clutter the space, however. Simple and organized is your goal.

Scents

As you’re inhaling and exhaling in peace, the right calming scents are essential. Look to aromatic essential oils to create your own personal favorites. Coordinate the aroma you’re creating for your space with the candles and bath salts you’re using. If you’re not sure where to start, try the calming scent of lavender.

by Anjie Cho

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 Mistakes to Avoid, Part 2

Guest User September 12, 2021

What are the most common feng shui mistakes that you see?

I answered this question a couple of weeks ago in this blog post, but there are a few additional topics that I wanted to cover. Here are three more common feng shui mistakes to look out for:

First, avoid keeping gifts that you don’t want anymore. If you don’t love it, and it isn’t adding anything to your home, give it away so that someone else can enjoy it. While clutter isn’t always a bad thing, keeping items that you don’t love can create extra work for you in the form of cleaning, and can even create feelings of stuckness.

Second, I notice that a lot of people hold onto clothing that no longer fits, hoping that they’ll fit into it someday. First, seeing these items can be a source of guilt as you are getting dressed. In addition, a full closet means that you have no room for new things, both literally and metaphorically. To invite in new energy and opportunities, create space by donating any items in your closet that don’t fit you anymore.

Lastly, a lot of people store things under the bed that don’t need to be there. Ideally, it’s best to have nothing under your bed, so that qi can flow freely around you as you sleep. If you need to use the space under your bed for storage, stick to soft, relaxing items like extra pillows and bed linens. Be sure to avoid storing sharp objects here, as well as anything emotionally charged, like items from an ex!

As you’re noticing feng shui “mistakes” in your home, remember to approach them with curiosity and compassion, rather than fear. If you do feel like you are in “fear shui” mode, I would encourage you to work one-on-one with a consultant!

by Anjie Cho