Feng Shui Friday: Family

Octagon graphic, Bartett Designs
What does a romance/erotic author know about Feng Shui? Early on in my writing career I discovered this ancient Chinese art as a means to organize my desk space. The impressive results prompted me to employ this art well beyond my novel writing, and a dozen years later I've applied Feng Shui to every area of my home. Every Friday I'll share tips to help bring positive energy to YOUR writing...and life. I'll begin by introducing the nine main zones of a house as defined by Feng Shui.

This week: The Family Area (right hand wall)

Moving clockwise around the octagon from last week's Knowledge area discussion, flip the above octagon so the Career line lies against the wall where your front door sits. If you're standing inside this octagon facing the door, the Family area glides along the far right wall of the house (or room). Energies here influence family relationships.

Family nagging that you're spending too much time with "your writing stuff?" Squabbles or lack of communication at the dinner table? This is the area in your house to point your feng-shui goggles at.

The Family area is just as affected by chi-blocking factors (chi=natural, life giving energy) as areas discussed previously. These include:
*Clutter
*Poor/no lighting
*Dirt
*Lack of vital purposing (dead or incorrectly apportioned space)

Family Area Fixer-Uppers:

1. Clean it up. Clear the cobwebs, say sayonara to the dust bunny parade. Windows in this space? Give 'em a wash if you can.

2. Light it up. Bright lighting can bring cheer and understanding to the family, but avoid candles.

3. Dress it up. Calm greens and blues are wonderful color choices for the Family area. Healthy live plants work well. Wood is the natural element of this zone as well as columnar shapes, so wooden furniture, bowls, etc. are helpful.

4. Fix it up. Clutter in this area complicates family relations and blocks the way to harmony. Natural metals are considered a poor choice here, as metal (think axe/knife blade) cuts wood. So things like wrought iron furnishings, silver candlesticks, etc. can interfere with family bonds. Similarly, avoid candles in the Family area, and cure fireplaces. Fire energy consumes wood, and in a relationship area can evoke high emotions and anger. Lots of family strife/arguments? Check this area for any "fire" items and relocate them.

Here's a little space I've dedicated in my Family area to, well, FAMILY! Family photos are a natural here, and stand on a columnar wood cabinet. I also store our family albums in a drawer underneath. Bamboo is a potent feng shui cure, promoting healthy, strong, steady growth. I use green color accents and have added a few natural stones like amethyst and hematite for grounding and calm. Earth elements may or may not work well in this space; play around and see what results you get.

A few of you might be wondering about the pewter frame in this area. Metal? Yep, you caught me! Matter of fact, if I stood back and shot a photo of my ENTIRE Family area, you'd spot quite a few family feng shui faux paus. (Say THAT three times fast!) I've done a few cures to this area including the dedicated space shown, and did see an immediate boost in family communication. However, I'd like to see this zone even stronger, so later in this blog series I'll be posting a Family area makeover.

Just like the other areas mentioned, whether you shift a candlestick or renovate the entire Family space, remember to make your changes with intention. See nurturing, peaceful calm among family members as you paint the wall green, or picture positive communications and smiles as you place family photos here. Sweep old family business away with the dust bunnies.

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Romance writer duties call!! I hope you've enjoyed Feng Shui Friday. Have a Family area tip or dilemma to share? Please post in the comments! Until next time, may you find the magic within that inspires your family!