How to Use Feng Shui in Your Home

When I first saw the term feng shui, I didn't even know how to say it, much less what it means. (By the way, it's pronounced fung schway.) After much research, this is what I discovered.

Feng shui literally translates wind and water. It is an ancient oriental philosophy that teaches us how to harness the positive energy (chi) in our environment. The basic principole is that by paying attention to our surroundings and keeping the five elements which represent the universe (earth, water, fire, metal, and wood) in balance we can harness that positive energy, and thereby encourage positive changes in our life. Heaven knows we can all use more positive energy!

Upon further investigation, I learned that feng shui is based on sound, logical principles that can be incorporated into any home environment. You don't have to go all oriental. Basic feng shui principles can be utilized with any style of decor.

The first step is to clear away the clutter. I know most of you are cringing at the thought. Being creatures of habit, we all tend to collect things. But, clutter interferes with the smooth flow of energy and thought. Even the most conservative of us will admit that it is difficult to think clearly when our environment is cluttered. Don't try to tackle it all at once. Start small. Begin with the area of your home where you spend the most time. If you don't use it, or it doesn't mean something to you--get rid of it. If you can't bear to get rid of it, put it in some type of storage where it is out of sight. You can deal with the storage areas later.

Second, make the most positive use of color in your surroundings. Every group of colors represents something significant in feng shui. Red, orange, purple, pink, and strong yellow are fire element colors. These colors, if balanced, will bring support and recognition to your career efforts.

The earth element is represented by the colors light yellow and beige. When these colors are utilized, it helps promote stability, nourishment, and protection in all relationships.

The metal element represents clarity, precision, sharpness and efficiency. Use the colors grey or white to enhance these qualities.

The water element brings the refreshing energy of calm, ease, purity and freshness. It is also the ancient synbol for abundance. The water element colors are blue and black.

Brown and green are the wood element colors. They represent health, vitality, and growth. Wood element colors also promote wealth and prosperity.

The key to color utilization, as in all feng shui, is balance. For instance, you obviously don't want to paint an entire room black, but some black trim or accents could enhance your surroundings quite nicely.

Third, add art and decorative accents to your environment that symbolize the ideals that are important to you, or those attributes you wish to enhance. Choose home decor accents that represent you, your family, and your own personal lifestyle.

There is, of course, much more to feng shui than these three basic principles. However, if you complete these steip for each room in your house, you will find that you have turnes your house into your own personal home haven.