Q&A Sunday: Front Door and the Six Killings

Anjie Cho January 28, 2018

What do you do when the front door faces your six killings direction?

Soy K., Pinole, CA

Hi Soy!

Thank you for asking this very interesting question. As you may (or may not) know, I’m a BTB Feng Shui practitioner. BTB is one of the many many schools of feng shui. This question is for a classical feng shui expert, so I consulted my good friend Beth Grace, who also does our yearly Chinese Zodiac readings. You can check the 2018 readings here.

By the way, I also incorporate classical feng shui here and there in my own life, but my expertise is in BTB feng shui. And in regards to advising others, my teachers have said a beginner (like someone who’s read a book) may know just enough to be dangerous. Of course, it's beneficial to try techniques out and see how they work for yourself. For instance, in BTB and in Buddhism, you are encouraged to experience and work with all the dharma teachings. Keep what works, discard what doesn’t. But when teaching others, your karma mixes with theirs… and it’s a big responsibility! So with that, I am so pleased to share what Beth offers us.

Beth reminds us that in all the schools of feng shui (she’s been educated in quite a few!), the front door to your home is very important. We want the qi, or life energy, coming into our home to be positive, which is good feng shui. Liu sha is translated into English as the “six killings”. Beth says the meaning is “distorted in translation”. The English word “kill” or “killing” provokes fear in us. Instead, Beth and I wish to reconsider this fear-based way of looking at the world. The six killings is not about anyone being killed, but about six negative activities that can be brought on: lawsuits, bodily injury, need for surgery, robbery, scandals and adultery. Of course these are still undesirables, so what to do? I quote Beth: “All is not lost; we have tools!”

In classical feng shui, there are eight directions, four are positive and four are negative. The six killings is one of the negative directions. Beth tells us that each sector, for instance the North, is divided further into three sub-sectors, North 1, North 2, and North 3. An experienced feng shui practitioner can determine which sector the front door actually falls into. Your door may not be in a problematic area.

But if you do find out the door is still in the six killings direction, you can further fine tune your feng shui with Xuan Kong Da Gua, which divides your floor plan into the 64 hexagrams. There are smaller sectors and with this technique, if required, you can change, tilt and/or alter the front door to welcome better energy into your home (and life) based on your personal astrology. For example you can match your personal hexagram(s) to your front door.

That said, with this fine tuning, I cannot emphasize enough that it’s very important to engage an experienced feng shui consultant for something as specific as this. Be careful!

And many, many, many thanks to the beautiful and wonderful Beth Grace for sharing her knowledge and expertise with us! Be sure to check out her website; she has a great monthly newsletter with Chinese Astrology predictions every month. I highly recommend you sign up! Don't forget to check out your Chinese Zodiac for the Year of the Earth Dog, also thanks to Beth!

by Anjie Cho

Thanks for reading our "Q&A Sunday". We will be answering questions submitted by our readers. Click here to submit any Feng Shui or Green Design questions!

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Chinese Zodiac for 2018: Year of the Earth Dog

Anjie Cho January 17, 2018

Happy New Year! The Chinese New Year is also coming up, and Beth Grace, of Beth Grace Design, is here again to share this year's horoscopes for the Chinese zodiac! In almost one month exactly, we will say goodbye to the Year of the Fire Rooster and hello to the Year of the Earth Dog. Peek below for some insight into what's in store for your sign in the year ahead!

Remember, BTB Feng Shui always recommends carrying a three-dimensional rabbit charm (regardless of your sign) to welcome good luck and protection in 2018, since the Rabbit is the Dog's best friend. As usual, you can grab a charm in your favorite color in the Holistic Spaces store! Don't forget to check out our 2018 Chinese New Year Kit as well for a rabbit charm, custom aromastick and Happy Mist!

*Please note, if your birthday is in January or February, your animal sign may be the preceding year. If you were born on the cusp, we we recommend you find your natal chart online .
**In addition to your year animal, you can see which animals are in your chart based on the month of your birth by simply following the date guidelines listed for each animal. Calculating your day animal requires assistance of either software or a Chinese astrology consultant, but it is easily obtained so just ask!

Dog 戌

Years: 1922, 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006
Month: October 8 - November 6

Dog people, this is your year, literally. All eyes are on you, and your hard efforts are more likely to be noticed this year, no more hiding in the shadows. This is also an excellent year to hone your skills or add new skills to your CV, as you have the ability to attain mastery if you apply yourself. Just don’t overbook or over schedule yourself, as you are more prone to health issues this year. Taking care of yourself should be a priority. While there may be some bumps along the way, you are generally in sync with the energy of this year, which puts you in the flow to accomplish your goals.

Pig 亥

Years: 1923, 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007
Month: November 7 - December 6

Pig, you are one of the luckiest animals this year, and the stars are on your side. While you may find your star rising and the center of attention don’t overlook those around you who may need your help. You should share your good fortune this year and make helping others a priority; what you give will come back to you many times over. In general, this is a year of happy events and celebrations. Pig people, if you are looking for love you may find a life partner this year if you are willing to take the chance. Those already committed may hear the pitter patter of little feet as babies and grandchildren may add to your joy. The only thing stopping you this year is you - make sure you put your words into action and there is very little you can’t do.

Rat 子

Years: 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008
Month: December 7 - January 6

Rat people can expect a pretty lucky year overall. If you are not on social media already you really should consider setting up an account. If you have social media accounts that are rather dormant, it's time to dust them off and make them work for you. A little social media effort can go a long way for you this year, as you are more likely to be seen and you may even find posts going viral. Show the world what you have to offer! If you feel like you need to polish yourself before putting yourself out there, this year is a great year to hone your skills or learn some new things. Time spent learning and improving yourself is never wasted, and this year you will be able to learn more than usual. Just make sure to schedule time for self care and well being amidst your other activities, as this year as you may be more challenged by health issues. So make maintaining yours a priority.

Ox 丑

Years: 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009
Month: January 7 - February 3

Ox, you are one of the lucky ones this year. This year will empower you for career growth and wealth creation. Your employer is likely to notice your value to the company with a raise or promotion. Those who work for themselves are also likely to have great success this year, especially when it comes to connecting to the right people. If you find yourself struggling at any point this year, make sure to ask for help, as you will receive it so be sure to speak up and ask! Just be sure not to get too carried away by your success this year; pace yourself and be sure to invest some of your extra earnings for the future.

Tiger 寅

Years: 1914, 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010
Month: February 4- March 5

Tigers, you generally enjoy the energy of the Dog, but this year may not be all smooth sailing. You may find petty people and gossip surround you, but issues and obstacles can be overcome by with the help of noblemen - you should look to your greater social network for the right people to get you out of sticky situations. If you are willing to put in the right amount of effort, you can make good strides in your career and with your finances this year. With the right attitude and hard work you could see yourself rewarded with a promotion so hang tough!

Rabbit 卯

Years: 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011
Month: March 6 - April 4

Rabbits and Dogs get on like peanut butter and jelly, so this should be a good year for you and a welcome respite after the challenges that the Rooster year likely brought to you. You should find things coming to you more easily this year. If the Rooster year changes included an end to your relationship, never fear, as you may find yourself on the receiving end of romantic attention this year. You may find yourself feeling flirty and ready for fun, so don’t stay home; get out there and enjoy the attention. The only thing you may have to watch out for is your health, so make sure to take care of you too.

Dragon 辰

Years: 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000
Month: April 5 - May 5

Dragon people, this is your clash year, and before you go into fear mode just remember that clashes bring change, not necessarily doom and gloom. Change is inevitable, so embrace it and direct the force of change if possible. External circumstances could bring challenges and curve balls, but you get to decide what to do about it and how you want to handle it. If you are feeling like you are stuck or stagnating, then change can be a welcome force that brings something new and wonderful into your life. So be on the lookout for happy surprises as well. One change that is common during a clash year is moving. If you find you are not happy where you are, then this is a great time to pick somewhere more supportive to you and go. Remember, Fate is what happens to us; Destiny is what we make of it. Your challenge this year is not to be a victim of fate but a person who charts their own destiny. You can do it!

Snake 巳

Years: 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013
Month: May 6 - June 5

Snake people, last year was likely full of ups and downs, but this year should be calmer waters and smooth sailing ahead. Heaven is smiling on you now, and any troubles you have lingering from last year can be overcome with relative ease this year. You will have no shortage of people working with you and helping you to achieve your goals this year. You will also have access to more resources this year, so its a great year to raise capital and kick off a new venture, as you will also have greater access to powerful people who can help you realize your plans. Single Snakes will also be lucky with relationships this year; you may even find love at first sight. There seems to be no shortage of heavenly blessings coming your way this year, so be grateful for each one.

Horse 午

Years: 1918, 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002
Month: June 6 - July 6

Horse people, get ready to take charge this year. New opportunities could arise for leadership positions, so be ready to step up to the challenge. Increased responsibility and leadership could also come with financial rewards, and you may also see your assets increase in value as well. If you are thinking of cashing in on the increased value of property, this should be a great time to sell for a good price. You are one of the luckiest animals of the year, but don’t get too cocky or to take on dangerous activities, as you are more prone to accidents. This is a good year to skip the skydiving and make sure you have good insurance instead.

Goat 未

Years: 1919, 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003
Month: July 7 - August 7

You are one of the lucky ones this year, Goat folks. In general, this will be a year of fun times, and you will likely find yourself with a full social calendar. You may find yourself enjoying many parties and events this year. However, all those parties may add to your waistline, as you are more prone to weight gain this year - remember all things in moderation. In general, you will find plenty of people at your side helping you to reach your goals and overcome any challenges that come your way. It should be a fun and prosperous year for you, so enjoy it!

Monkey 申

Years: 1920, 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004
Month: August 8 - September 7

Monkey people, you may feel a bit out of sync this year. Some of the ups and downs of the Rooster year may continue into this year; some new challenges pop up as well but, with the right frame of mind you should be able to overcome them. What is working for you this year is the Intelligence Star, which gives you great ideas and a boost to any course of study you undertake. This is an excellent year to challenge yourself and learn new things. It’s also a good year for you to travel, as there is always so much to learn from new people and places - all in all it's a great year to expand your horizons!

Rooster 酉

Years: 1921, 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005
Month: September 8 - October 7

Rooster, as your year comes to a close you may feel let down after riding such a high, but it is also a good time to get off the ride and take a time out. You are likely coming into this year a bit tired and run down. This year it is really important to recharge physically and take care of yourself, as you are more vulnerable to illness. Your focus should be on rest, good diet, mental health and spiritual cultivation. It's a good year to make healthy eating and more exercise your resolutions for this year and stick to them to ensure you come out of the Dog year strong and ready to tackle the Pig year in 2019.

As always, thank you, Beth for sharing your suggestions for the Year of the Earth Dog. If you're interested in more personal, in-depth predictions, please reach out to Beth for a consultation! Also remember, feng shui recommends a three-dimensional rabbit charm this year, no matter what your animal signs. Grab one in your choice of six colors on Holistic Spaces!

Beth is the founder of Beth Grace Design, launched in 2008 to use love of textiles and experience in Decorative Arts to help clients create beauty within their homes. Over the past 8 years, Beth and her work have evolved to include feng shui, design, space clearing, water dowsing, and Chinese astrology. Her training as a certified feng shui practitioner and space clearer has deepened her awareness of space and informs her decisions as a designer. Using feng shui principles of balance and harmony, Beth is able to create spaces that not only look good, but feel good as well. She is passionate about creating healthy, supportive spaces and believes in using natural materials and sustainable practices whenever possible. For more information about Beth, her astrology readings or feng shui, please visit her website, Beth Grace Design and sign up for her newsletter!

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Chinese Zodiac for 2017: Year of the Fire Rooster

Anjie Cho January 18, 2017

I'm thrilled to welcome Beth, of Beth Grace Design, back for this year's Chinese Zodiac readings. The Year of the Fire Monkey gives way to the Year of the Fire Rooster on February 3, and we can look forward to an optimistic, elegant year of protective energy, light and potential healing. Beth has once again provided insight for each of the Chinese Zodiac animal signs for the new lunar year, and this year, she's included times and dates for two more of the four animals in your chart! Her original readings, the first in a series of three, can be found on Beth Grace Design here.

No matter what your sign, BTB Feng Shui recommends carrying a three-dimensional dragon charm at all times during this year. The Dragon is Rooster's best friend, so a dragon charm will provide protection and good luck throughout this Year of the Fire Rooster. Holistic Spaces has dragon charms in six colors, as well as a 2017 Chinese New Year Kit, which includes a dragon charm, orange essential oil Happy Mist and a custom aromastick for support.

*Please note, if your birthday is between January 1 and February 4 your animal sign is the same as the preceding year.
**In addition to your year animal, you can see which animals are in your chart based on the month and hour of your birth by simply following the date and time guidelines listed for each animal. Calculating your day animal requires assistance of either software or a Chinese astrology consultant, but it is easily obtained so just ask!
***Chinese months can shift a day or two each year, so if you are born on the cusp of the Chinese month you may need to double check.

Rooster

Years: 1921, 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017
Month: September 8 - October 7
Hour: 5 pm - 7 pm

Rooster year people, this is your year, both literally and figuratively as the Rooster is one of the 2 luckiest animals this year. Those with a Rooster in their chart could see strong growth in their investments as well as a boost in power and authority making it a good year to throw your hat in the ring for a new position or new responsibilities. Those who have not established their career path or who want to make a change will have great luck for learning or training in new skills. Double Roosters however can increase the likelihood of you making a mistake or tripping yourself up, and petty people may try to pin problems on you, so make sure you have a thorough plan and keep your communication with others open and clear. This should be a stellar year for you so make the most of it!

Dog

Years: 1922, 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006
Month: October 8 - November 6
Hour: 7 pm - 9 pm

The Monkey year was likely a challenging year for you but this year you could see some improvement and new opportunities coming your way. Just be sure to consider things carefully before making a decision and read the fine print. While you may find more people ready and willing to help you, the key for you this year is to be of use and helpful to others. Don’t be afraid to lend a hand or to do some pro-bono work as it will increase your visibility and create some good karma for yourself. What goes around comes around and you could become the one people look to in the future - in 2018 the year of the Dog, you could see the pendulum swing your way.

Pig

Years: 1923, 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007
Month: November 7 - December 6
Hour: 9 pm - 11 pm

This year will not be without challenges for you particularly when it comes to your health as you are more accident prone this year. So take good care of yourself and if you do extreme sports be sure to take extra precautions like a good insurance plan. On the positive side, you have the Sky Horse star making this an ideal year for travel, especially travel that will help you grow your business or stake out new territory. If you find you can’t travel as much as you would like, then find other ways to expand your territory locally and do more networking. It’s a good year to get out of your comfort zone because you will likely meet helpful and well connected people who can help you make your mark!

Rat

Years: 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008
Month: December 7 - January 6
Hour: 11 pm-1 am

While the Rooster can cause friction with the Rat this is not really a cause for concern as there is so much going your way this year that you can expect a rather positive year. Rats, you have one of the 4 most auspicious stars, the Moon star, on your side which will give you some serious earning potential. Rats are known for their shrewd calculations and this year the Moon star also gives you the power of innovation and original ideas. This creative and financial boost is especially useful if you are an entrepreneur or thinking of starting your own business. However, what will make you happiest this year will not be business success, or money, but love. The Sky Happiness star does not necessarily bring love at first sight but it can bring long-lasting unions, love that may start slow but stands the test of time. Isn’t that the best kind?

Ox

Years: 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009
Month: January 7 - February 3
Hour: 1 am -3 am

Overall this year should be a rather positive one for the Ox as you are part of a 3 Harmony combination with the Rooster and there is a lot of luck on your side. However, the year won’t be without difficulties particularly when it comes to dealing with others. You may find that people don’t like your ideas or plans and may give you a hard time. Don’t let negative experiences get you down though because hidden within them are many positive opportunities in disguise if you can look beyond the exterior. As they say, no mud no lotus, this year look carefully at the mud you may be surprised at what you find! Most importantly though, this is a year to focus on self-improvement, especially if it involves academic and artistic pursuits. So sign up for that class or training you’ve been thinking about, you never know where it might lead you!

Tiger

Years: 1914, 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010
Month: February 4- March 5
Hour: 3 am - 5 am

Tiger no doubt you are breathing a big sigh of relief with the departure of your clash year the Monkey, and what a crazy Monkey it was too! Tigers while you normally eat Rooster for dinner you may feel too tired or drained from last year to give this plucky chicken chase, but best re-charge your battery quickly because there is much to do. This year you should focus on making money, especially if it comes from residual income, as the National Treasure star will give you a boost in this area. When your efforts begin to reap dividends however, be careful as people may take notice and ask to borrow money and it is best if you say no. One need not be miserly however, simply use your natural talents and connections to create good karma for yourself and find other ways to help.

Rabbit

Years: 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011
Month: March 6 - April 4
Hour: 5 am - 7 am

Rabbit folks the Rooster is your clash year so this could be a particularly trying year for you. As such you are more prone to accidents and injury so keep the risky activities to a minimum and take extra precautions. The best thing you can do this year is to be very well prepared and to keep a low profile in general. Sometimes the challenges a clash year brings are the catalyst for changes that need to happen so keep calm and try to see how these changes can actually be for your benefit. Sometimes change means moving and clash years can bring moves as well. The best thing you can do is cultivate a practice that will help you stay centered this year and prepare for the Dog year in 2018 which should bring better days!

Dragon

Years: 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012
Month: April 5 - May 5
Hour: 7 am - 9 am

The Monkey year was likely pretty good for you and the Rooster year is looking even better as the Dragon and the Rooster have a tight relationship! This year you will be noticed as you have more sex appeal and you are more attractive to others than usual. You should capitalize on this ability to attract others by networking more as you also have the Emperor Star with you helping you to connect to important and high status people. These high level people would do well to listen to what you have to say because you could be the solution to their problems. You have the ability to solve problems and to turn negative situations into positive ones which could likely bring you a promotion or new responsibilities when others see your uncanny ability to turn things around. Overall the wind is in your sails this year and there seems to be nothing stopping you!

Snake

Years: 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013
Month: May 6 - June 5
Hour: 9 am - 11 am

Last year luck was on your side but you may be feeling a bit let-down this year as your luck is not so favorable. While the Snake is generally supported by the Rooster, this year you may find challenges and obstacles more prevalent. You should give yourself peace of mind by preparing for the worst and hoping for the best. Keep a positive mind set and focus on what is working for you and put your energy there. The key for you this year is to look at the other animals in your chart as they will provide you with the solutions to your problems and will show you the best strategies to use to get through the year. Don’t forget human luck or right action is a big part of our luck, make the most of yours.

Horse

Years: 1918, 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014
Month: June 6 - July 6
Hour: 11 am - 1 pm

Horse, this is your year to shine as you are one of the two luckiest animals this year. If you have been working to procure a big deal this could be the year when you land it as the Treasure Star means that financial windfalls in general could come your way. You may also find yourself out socializing more this year meeting new people and attending more parties. As a social butterfly you will have plenty of opportunities for romantic connections as well, they may not be deep or lasting but they could be steamy and fun. Unfortunately, your success and visibility could bring you haters but don’t let their jealousy of your good fortune get you down. Enjoy all the blessings of this year with your head held high which as a Horse, you know just how to do.

Goat

Years: 1919, 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1991, 2003, 2015
Month: July 7 - August 7
Hour: 5 am - 7 am

This could be a challenging year for you. You will need to plan and be on guard against financial losses so this is a good year to save for a rainy day and have some contingency plans at the ready. Your biggest lessons this year may come from personal relationships as people may be offended by you without you being aware of it. Tread carefully with others and be especially courteous and thoughtful. If you find yourself in a sticky situation look to your most trusted allies to get you through the rough patches and be sure to reciprocate in kind. This year try to have extra patience, listen more than you speak and be prepared to turn the other cheek, preserving good relationships with others is more important than pride.

Monkey

Years: 1920, 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016
Month: August 8 - September 7
Hour: 5 am - 7 am

Well, last year was probably a lot of monkey business for you and this year is not looking much easier. In fact, you could rightly feel like the least lucky animal this year. Troubles seem to come from many fronts as your health outlook is not strong and there is a chance for some legal issues popping up. You are also more prone to forgetfulness especially when it comes to important matters, so this is a good year to develop or refine your system of organization. Be sure to keep a detailed calendar and make lists and reminders for yourself often. With all of the challenges this year may throw your way it is important not to let them get you down and affect your mental balance or make you feel discouraged. There are times to advance and times to retreat, this year is your year to pull back and lay low. Be sure to make time for inner work and self cultivation so you will be stronger when the time is right to get ahead.

Thanks so much to Beth, again, for sharing her suggestions for the Year of the Fire Rooster. If you're interested in more personal, in-depth predictions, please reach out to Beth for a consultation! Also remember, feng shui recommends a three-dimensional dragon charm this year, no matter what your animal signs. Grab one in your choice of six colors on Holistic Spaces!