July Newsletter
Posted by Pam Tollefson in News on July 1, 2010
My mentor Professor Lin Yun, the foremost authority in feng shui from the Black Sect Tantric Buddhist perspective, has been hospitalized recently several times. Please send him your best wishes, thoughts and prayers as he recovers. (If you have studied with, met or know Professor Lin from his visit to Chicago and didn’t get Crystal Chu’s e mail, I would be happy to forward it to you.) Professor Lin is our guiding light for all our transcendental cures and the source for using the power of our intention to enhance the feng shui cures in our homes. Please join me in wishing him a very speedy recovery.
LUNAR CALENDAR
July 11th – New Moon & Solar Eclipse (start a project)
July 25th – Full Moon (finish something)
August 9th – New Moon
August 20th – Mercury goes retrograde
August 24 – Full Moon
Summer is a great time of the year for feng shui. As discussed in prior newsletters, we can use it in our gardens. On a sunny day, we can clean out our houses, garages and basements easier now than any other time of the year. Summer represents the fire element, the color red, the triangle shape, the direction south and the fame section of the bagua,
- Energizing the Chi by exposing items to the sunlight, getting things out in the open and airing out clothing, bedding, etc., are good practical things to do.
- Clearing your multifaceted crystal balls by washing them in water and leaving them out in the sun for eight to twelve hours will give them new life.
- Recall the purpose of these crystals. Remember why you put it where you did? Did you place it as a cure for a specific problem? (For example, secret arrows send energy too fast and a crystal slows it down. If the stairs is in direct line with the front door you need a crystal between the door and the stairs.)
- Did you put the crystal to energize an area of the bagua? (For example, did you put it in your love or money corner? Those are the most popular places for crystals.)
- Wherever the crystal goes, be sure to reinforce them with the Three Secrets when you place or hang them again.
Crystal light fixture Pacific Mall in Toronto, Canada
Hearts for love/relationships
Crystals with the colors of protection
Old site officially retired
We have officially retired the old static site at fengshui-design.com but you may still view it here.
Links to the fengshui-design.com and pamkai.com domains will redirect here to fengshuitogo.com from now on. Please use the comment link below for your questions and comments about this change.
Summer News
Posted by Pam Tollefson in News on June 17, 2010
Calendar
June 12th – New Moon, start a new project
June 21st – Summer Solstice
June 26th – Full Moon & Lunar Eclipse
July 11th – New Moon & Solar Eclipse
July 25th – Full Moon
1 Feng Shui Cures: new PLANTS
Here’s the plant family that is all the rage this year. Above are two containers of hens and chicks I recently arranged. Then earlier this week I went to NEOCON at the Merchandise Mart to find all sorts of these succulents in major show rooms. They were mixed with orchids, Gerber daisies and peonies. Succulents are considered “fat plants” because they are water-retaining plants adapted to arid climate or soil conditions. They are perennials (will come back year after year) and the above plants are hardy to zone 3 (30+ below). They can also be grown as house plants and, if you don’t overwater them, you can bring them in for the winter and put them outside in the Spring. I did that this past winter. It makes it nice for city dwellers who have balconies, window boxes and limited space.
Sedums, a succulent, are more of a ground cover and were being used as a “green roof” plant. There are hardy varieties but in my experiments most did not survive the winter (especially Irish and Scottish mosses).
Yes, I know, this is a feng shui column and cactus which are also succulents, are frowned upon in feng shui. Cactus (succulents with spines) are not native to most of China. What the ancient feng shui masters were probably objecting to most is the prickly dangerous needles called spines found on some kinds of cactus (the barrel cactus, for example). Some spines are nasty needles yet you can find some that almost look like webby fabric.
In addition to the sharp points, the general shape of the leaves is important. A yucca plant with its sharp pointy leaves is less desirable than the puffy rounded leaves of the jade plant. Think of the different energy each plant would bring into the relationship area of the bagua. Again, we always have to consider the purpose of what we want the plant to do. Normally we want the plants to be peaceful and happy; however, in my last eighteen years of doing feng shui, we have used edgy plants (like holly) for protection for areas that we don’t want anyone to get in – under a window of a business where that widow had been broken into twice, for example. Use the plants to fit your purpose – color, smell, shapes.
2 Feng Shui Cures: new MIRRORS
The security (fish eye) convex mirror used in stores and businesses comes home. CB2 puts three of them in your living room. The advantage of the fish eye is the wide view it gives you. And this time it is done in a contemporary way.
The chrome/silver reflective balls give you another way to detect motion from behind you. Any reflective object can give you a rear view mirror so you won’t be surprised from behind.
3 Feng Shui Cures: the new EARTH – ACTUAL STONES
We are used to using pottery, heavy objects and mountain pictures as ways to bring the earth’s stability into our homes. Why not use actual rock and stones? In our efforts to simplify and get closer to the natural source, we can use rocks, geodes, natural quartz crystal as well as our standby the multifaceted crystal ball with a 30 -33% lead content.
Early Summer News
Posted by Pam Tollefson in News on May 17, 2010
Calendar of Events
Congratulations — You survived another Mercury retrograde. It went direct May 11th. (Next retrograde not until August 20th.)
May 27th – Full Moon, finish a project or something
June 12th – New Moon, start a new project
June 21st – Summer Solstice
June 26 – Full Moon and Lunar Eclipse
Here are some feng shui ideas you can apply to your home away from home – your car.
Feng Shui Tips for Travel
- Organize your car
- Water – room temperature still quenches thirst
- CD’s to keep you awake or calm you down or inform you (educational)
- If you take snacks, add an absorbent lap cloth and/or a roll of paper towels
- Take multi-tasking items for passengers who get bored in construction zones (It took 3 hours to cross the Canadian bridge and get back into the United States on Memorial Day)
- Every time you leave the car, take accumulating garbage with you
- Drive carefully and with the compassion of Buddha
- Before you leave home, visualize that you have a safe trip. Put a crystal or symbolic object in the helpful people/safe travel area of your home. This is the bottom right corner on the floor plan of the house.
- Choose your hotel room carefully. Check it out before you take your luggage there.
- Is it in a noisy traffic area with ice makes, transformers, air conditioners and elevators?
- Can you avoid having a mirror at the foot of the bed?
- Air out the room – check on drafts, air conditioner vents.
- Is the bed in a commanding position or your best direction (if you are staying there for very long, this could be more important.
FENG SHUI FOR THE GARDEN
Trilliums and Fiddleheads of emerging ferns are only two of the many Spring wildflowers that bring a native natural influence to your yard. When choosing colorful annuals, think about the direction in your yard where you are putting them. The color for the south is red, north is blue or black, west is white, east is green foliage . In the center of your plantings, the yellows and earth colors dominate. Add a rock or yellow marigold. This year the NW also benefits from the earthly colors, but not the SW where a wind chime or metal ornament will reduce negative energy.
Do your birds have a nice wooden home? My new wren house without a perch has a new family. The hole is the size of a quarter so the cow birds could not get in, despite numerous attempts. Next year consider putting out a bird house.
It was great to see some of you at the West Bend Health Faire last month. We will soon have the custom feng shui car crystals and crystal hearts as well as other products available here on our website.
Orchid Show
Posted by Pam Tollefson in News on March 21, 2010
Yesterday I attended the Chicago Botanical Garden’s Orchid Show. Time to think spring despite the snow outdoors.
Chinese Significance of plants
Posted by Pam Tollefson in Lecture notes on March 10, 2010
Bamboo — A symbol for youth and longevity (it’s always got green shoots) as well as strength and grace (it bends readily but doesn’t break easily). In Chinese philosophy the straight stem of bamboo symbolizes the path towards enlightenment, the segments of the stem being the steps along the way.
Chrysanthemum — joviality. Excellent when presented as a gift to someone, the Chrysanthemum signifies a life of ease. Buddhists are fond of using this flower as offerings on alters. Symbolic of powerful Yang energy, this fall flower is an attractant of good luck in the home.
Citron — Also known as the Buddha’s hand, the finger-shaped Citron stand for luck and happiness. It is known as the Buddha’s hand because the upturned petals of the Citron are reminiscent of the upturned fingers of the Buddha’s meditative position.
Daisy — The most basic of flowers, a white daisy is a symbol of innocence.
Hydrangea — A symbol expressing love, gratitude, and enlightenment. It is said that the observer can easily get lost in its abundance of beautiful petals, and thus gets lost in one’s own thoughts — propitiating higher thought and reaching enlightenment. Due to its versatility, and beauty, the hydrangea makes an excellent thank you gift to an unsung hero in our lives.
Jasmine — This strongly scented, white flower is used as a Hindu symbol for love.
Juniper — Symbolizes chastity because juniper berries are protected by the tree’s thorny leaves (juniper wood is supposedly never attacked by bugs or worms).
Lotus — Symbolizes birth and rebirth, fertility, creation and purity because it rises untainted and beautiful from the mud. Every part of the plant, from roots to petals can be put to good use and has medicinal properties.
Narcissus — rejuvenation. This Chinese flower symbol is said to bestow the flowering of our hidden talents. It is reputed to augment the hard work put into careers, assuring those with careers will be rewarded when incorporating this auspicious symbol in their lives. As such, the Narcissus is an excellent gift for those who are seeking career advancement and luck. It was used this year on the Chinese New Year US postage stamp.
Orchid — Symbol of perfection and endurance. Emblematic of fertility, this flower encourages plenty of progeny, abundance, and higher growth. When we focus on the endless loveliness of this flower we are able to open the flow of exotic beauty and prosperity in our lives.
Peach — friendship
Pear — longevity
Peony — wealth. Esteemed as one of the most exquisite flowers, the peony is a symbol for nobility and value. The peony became popular in the imperial palaces during the Sui and Tang dynasties, and earned the title of the king of flowers. A symbol of spring, it is also used as a metaphor for female beauty and reproduction. Pictured in full bloom, the peony symbolizes peace.
Pine — longevity
Plum — beauty & youth
Pomegranate — fertility
Rose — beauty
Sunflowers — As a flower which blindly follows the sun, sunflowers have become a symbol of infatuation or foolish passion according to contemporary western thinking.
Tangerine — wealth
Willow — grace
This is an excerpt from our Feng Shui for Landscape and Garden lecture handouts. If you would like to host or attend an event in Chicago or Milwaukee, please let us know.
Spring News
Posted by Pam Tollefson in News on March 4, 2010
March
14th Daylights Saving Time begins — to avoid confusion, change all clocks promptly
15th New Moon — start a new project
20th Vernal Equinox – Spring begins
29th Full Moon — finish a project
30th Passover
April
Feng Shui for the Garden 2010 — dates and times to be announced.
4th Easter
14th New Moon — start a new project
15 Tax day
18th Mercury goes retrograde until May 12th — be prepared for miscommunications, double check everything. Hold off on electronic and mechanical purchases.
22nd Earth Day — plant something
28th Full moon — finish something
FENG SHUI TIPS FOR SPRING: It’s time to reconnect with nature
It’s been a long winter. Many of you have been diligently working on your homes and feng shui cures and 2010 updates during this time when it has been too cold to be outside. Cabin Fever has been at an all time high this last week or so and it may get worse again before it gets better. It’s always darkest before the dawn — is the saying. Give yourself a break while we have some sunshine, take yourself out of current time — briefly and focus your attention on the good times soon to come. Prepare for Spring. Here are some things you can do to Think Spring
1. Go to an arboretum, flower show or garden center
- In Milwaukee — The Mitchell Park Domes
- In Chicago — The downtown flower show March 6-14th at Navy Pier
- Morton Arboretum on the SW side of Chicago
- Chicago Botanical Gardens in Glencoe
2. Look at seed catalogs and make landscaping plans for your yard/window box/patio.
3. Root some cuttings from your indoor plants or just clean them up — remember we don’t want anything in a state of death or decay. Some indoor ivy and pathos are looking grim.
4. Dust or sponge off your silk plants.
5. Make or buy a bird house or wind chime for outside
6. Clean the inside windows so you can see out clearly. (Spring cleaning? — if you are in the mood.)
7. Remove any lingering plant debris and fix any problems at your entrances.
8. Check out your spring wardrobe. The birds are regaining their bright colors, you can, too.
9. Buy yourself some cut flowers — daffodils, tulips, etc..
February Newsletter
Posted by Pam Tollefson in Events, News on February 11, 2010
Tiger
1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998
Happy Chinese New Year of the Metal Tiger – also called the golden tiger, the white tiger
“Clouds gather in the presence of dragons, winds rise in the wake of Tigers” – I Ching
Dragons (yin –feminine ) represent the East. Tigers (yang – masculine) are considered the animal of the West.
Tigers can be aggressive, ambitious, fearless and competitive. They are courageous, capable, forceful and candid, yet sensitive. Tiger ladies are awesome and considered a handful to men. Tigers can be champions of people’s rights. The female Tigers can be fashion plates. Well-groomed, perfect hair, stylish clothes, the female Tiger is always one of the most attractive women in the room. The Dragon lady, as always, is the top competition for the Tiger. Unlike the female Dragon, who exudes an earthy natural beauty, the Tiger will display a more sophisticated and pampered appearance. The Tiger knows she is beautiful and revels in it. Many models are born under the Tiger sign. Both the male and female Tigers are charismatic figures and are not afraid to voice their firm views and opinions.
Some famous Tigers are:
Lady Gaga, Jay Leno, The Olsen twins, Megan Fox, Fidel Castro, Charles DeGaulle, Beethoven, Sun Yat-Sen, Ho Chih Minh, Alec Guinness, Idi Amin, Shia LaBeouf, Ashley Hamilton, Will Geer, Demi Moore, Dwight D. Eisenhower, Elizabeth Barrett Browning, Emily Bronte, Garth Brooks, Germaine Greer, Hugh Hefner, Dr. Phil, Jim Carrey, Jean Kirkpatrick, Jodie Foster, John Steinbeck, Karl Marx, Leonardo DiCaprio, Marilyn Monroe, Martin Short, Mel Brooks, Natalie Wood, Oscar Wilde, Paula Abdul, Peter Gabriel, Phil Collins, Princess Anne, Queen Elizabeth II, Rosie O’Donnell, Tom Cruise, Rush Limbaugh and Stevie Wonder. NO, Tiger Woods is not a Tiger, he’s really a Rabbit. (to be continued at the upcoming lectures in Milwaukee and Chicago – see events)
Calendar for February 2010
February 3rd
Finish installing your 2010 temporary adjustments. Did you ask for yours to be e-mailed to you?
February 4th
Annual Chinese predictions in Milwaukee (see events below)
February 6th
Chinese New Year Celebration at the Mitchell Park Domes in Milwaukee (see events)
February 9th and/or 10th
Clean Day -“ dust every corner, clean all windows, wash all rooms.” Get ready for a fresh start.
February 10th
Cake Day – make your rice cakes?
February 14th
New Moon – start a new project
Chinese New Year of the Metal Tiger – celebration continues for 15 days.
Gong Hei Fat Choy
Valentine’s Day – put a crystal heart in your relationship corner of the bedroom. Reinforce it for harmony in your existing relationships or to bring in new relationships.
February 28th
Full Moon – complete a project you have been working on since the last new moon.
Events
February 4, 2010 , Thursday at 7—8:30 pm
GREEN SQUARE Center for the Healing Arts
6789 N Green Bay Road, Glendale, WI 53209
414-228-9877
February 10, 2010, Wednesday at 7—8:30 pm
Equilibrium 47 W Polk St M-5
South Loop in Chicago(312) 786-1882
www.equilibrium-e3.com
At Chinese New Year red envelopes with various amounts of money are given to children. Shopkeepers invite customers in for tea, people give gifts and are particularly generous because they know that what they put out (and maybe more) will come back to them in the new year. This is the time to be generous and giving.
The Feng Shui Red Envelope
Black Sect Tantric Buddhism shui believes each person is affected by:
- His/her destiny
- His/her level of luck
- Feng shui – the location of things
- Karma
- The good works he/she does for OTHERS and the spiritual work he/she does on SELF
This is why the Buddha seldom gives advice:
They don’t want to incur any Karma by interfering with another person’s destiny, luck feng shui or karma. This is why a consultant may feel like a bell. A bell rings when rung. This is what I was told early in my career by a very wise mentor. Feng Shui advice isn’t to be volunteered; it is to be answered when asked. Therefore, if you wish the 2010 feng shui update and you are entitled to it as a client, you must e mail your request.
This is why red envelopes are used in BSTB feng shui
- For the transmission of sacred information
- To honor the ancestors who acquired the information
- To make the transmission a business transaction – an energy exchange
Feng Shui consultants who give out BSTB feng shui recommendations exchange red envelopes with clients.
Year of the Tiger
Posted by Pam Tollefson in News on January 9, 2010
If 2010 sneaked up on you and you didn’t have time to plan your resolutions strategy, you have a second chance – Chinese New Year. The lunar new year is always the first new moon in the sun sign of Aquarius. This year it is fairly late and is a month away. You have time to make this an auspicious occasion. We can all make simple changes in our homes and workplace that will bring clarity, happiness, peace and prosperity in our lives this coming year. Start re-exploring the seen and unseen ways that place affects us, our moods, our actions, and our success.
Nine Ways to prepare and promote good luck and good fortune in 2010’s Tiger year:
1. To start off the year right, it is important to have a clean house. (Cleaning, sweeping, painting the doors and window sills before Chinese New Year is considered very important in China.)
2. To keep current, remove your old temporary cures for the Ox year 2009.
3. To take advantage of this year’s transiting energies, install the new temporary cures for the Tiger year. Try to get this done by February 4th.
4. To meet this year’s challenges, visualize the faces of five people who can help you. (Know you can call on them in times of trouble.)
5. To accelerate your success and prosperity, greet one new person every day for 27 days, making no requests or complaints.
6. To fulfill your wishes, see your dream come true, from beginning to end, in a sequence of nine pictures, every day for 27 days.
7. To bring something new into your life, move 27 objects that haven’t been moved in a year.
8. To further your career opportunities, make sure the main entrance to your home is in perfect shape – no squeaking, sticking doors, or wobbly door knobs, no rickety steps, etc.
9. To master the art of keeping your resolutions, put a crystal on a tripod (or some other symbol that will remind you) on your desk.
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