When introducing
Feng Shui into your home and way of life, you can then go one
step further and work with the same principles in the garden.
The garden is an extension of your
home and sanctuary to nurture and feed your energy. It can be a very relaxing
place and great pleasure is derived from spending time in a beautiful garden
with your family and friends.
Flowing energy and variety
Be aware of how energy flows in
your garden and introduce curved pathways, flower beds and borders. This
will add interest to the garden and encourage you to feel relaxed and at ease.
Introduce variety with a choice of different plants and shrubs, and use height
and colour to bring depth and contrast into this extension of your home.
Water features
In Feng Shui water represents
wealth, and fish represent abundance, so garden ponds can work very well for you
especially in the Wealth and Blessings area. Make sure that any flowing
water is directed back towards the home, as this is symbolic of a continual flow
of wealth and good luck coming back to you. If you have a water feature
where water flows away from the home, money can come in but go out just as
quickly! Also, avoid placing a water feature in your Fame and Recognition
area as this sector is represented by Fire and you will put out the flame of
your natural illumination and people will ignore you!
Lighting
Garden lighting can help to extend
the use of the garden into late summer evenings. Different moods can be
created with your choice of lighting arrangements and candles in illuminating
pathways, water, garden features and statues. Lighting can also help to
balance and correct the energy of an irregular shaped house.
Wind chimes and mobiles
These are normally made of metal,
wood or ceramic material. When buying a new wind chime the most important
thing is to like the sound. If you find the noise of the chime irritating
you will have defeated the object, so chose a mellow tone that you find relaxing
to hear. When deciding where to place your wind chime you can refer
to "The Bagua" pattern of energy to ensure it is most effective. Wooden
chimes are best used in Ancestors and the Past, Wealth and Blessings and Fame
and Recognition sectors as Wood and Fire areas. Metal chimes are best used
in Helpful Friends, the Future and Career sectors as Metal and Water areas.
Garden statues
Be aware of the symbolism of the
statues you chose for your garden and the energies and experiences you attract
into your life. A pair of Chinese Fu dogs placed either side of an
entrance can act as guardians of the property and attract good luck.
Statues of fish, a three legged frog, turtle and stork are classed as auspicious
imagery. A stone Buddha can bring in the essence of peace, balance and
harmony into your surroundings. Garden statues of loving couples can help
to enhance your relationship with your partner.
Use your senses
Heighten your awareness in
connecting with your natural surroundings and use your senses more acutely when
spending time in the garden. Allow your eyes to see and recognise the
beauty around you with the variety of plant life and depth and shades of colour
in the flowers and greenery. Smell the sweet scents and fragrances of
nature in the different flowers. Tune in and hear more acutely the garden
sounds of running water, insects, the rustling leaves, bells and wind chimes.
Taste the fresh and delicious flavours of your home grown fruit and vegetables.
Feel with greater sensitivity the texture of the flower petals and leaves, and
when working with the earth to keep your garden tidy and manageable, allow it to
help ground your energies and maintain balance in life.
As a rule
Make sure all the trees and plants
are living and healthy and keep the garden generally free of rubbish and
clutter, otherwise this can affect the energies of specific areas of "The Bagua". A tidy and well kept garden will provide an abundance of
fulfilment, satisfaction and pleasure.
Vandaeh Works