Daily Feng Shui Tip for December 23rd

Take a break from all the holiday hoopla and do something special just for you today. Go for a long walk in the fresh air and count all your many blessings. Take a bike ride if climate and location permit. Do anything that takes you outside your head, your office or your home. Connect with nature by hugging or just touching a tree. Some Shamans say that sitting with your back against a tree will do more to keep you rooted and grounded than any amount of the same style of meditations. Celtic cultural tradition tells us that touching wood, usually with the right hand, is a custom that has long been thought to bestow the benevolence of Mother Nature upon you and everyone you love. Many other cultures believe that touching wood while discussing new projects or ideas will encourage those efforts to spread roots and grow while also being shaded from failure or misfortune! So show the universe that you mean business and swallow some vitamin E (as in Ellen’s Empowering advice!) during these hectic holidays by giving yourself a much deserved and all-natural break! It will do you good — knock wood!

By Ellen Whitehurst for Astrology.com

Daily Feng Shui Tip for December 22

On ‘National Regifting Day’ remember that anything you receive that once belonged to someone else, no matter for how long, needs to be cleansed and cleared of what Feng Shui calls ‘predecessor energy.’ This applies even if you’re the one doing the re-gifting. Just light a sage smudge stick or some sandalwood or frankincense incense. Let them burn for a few seconds and then blow them out before using the smoke to help clear away any and all other energies. Now the gift is good as new. Well, almost.

By Ellen Whitehurst for Astrology.com

Daily Feng Shui Tip for December 21

Seeing that it’s both ‘National Flashlight Day’ and ‘Look On The Bright Side Day,’ and that Hannukah, the Jewish festival of lights, started yesterday, I was sensing a theme here! Never mind that it’s also the day of the Winter Solstice, a time of increasing light while awaiting the arrival of the ‘Son/Sun.’ And speaking of good lighting, Feng Shui says that if you want to increase the odds of having excellent career opportunities come right to your door that you should change out the light bulbs in both your front hallway and outside the front door. These lights should now reflect the highest wattage that you can find and should also be kept on for a successive three hours every day for three, nine or 27 days straight when you are looking to pump up your income, or secure a new one. I illuminate a red light outside of my front door for the entire day whenever I am in my home office conducting business. I also leave the front hallway lights on and turn them off when my workday is done. Considering how much energy is devoted to brightening your day today, I hope this ages old philosophical enlightenment helps light up your life as well!

By Ellen Whitehurst for Astrology.com

Daily Feng Shui Tip for December 18th

I guess we can go whole hog on ‘Roast Suckling Pig Day’ as we take a look at how the lowly pig holds a powerful place of high honor in the Feng Shui pantheon. In fact, according to this philosophy, pigs and prosperity are synonymous with one another. If you want to be a glutton for more prosperity then let’s explore the why and how of filling a silk purse by correcting positioning a sow’s ear, and the rest of that little piggy body as well. According to this modality, the pig symbolizes plenty and abundance as in food, material goods, joy, wealth, fertility and success. In ancient China pigs were actually more man’s best friend than Fido, and this symbol says it will increase all business affairs while also bringing a big boost to your bottom line. Place an image of a fat pig in the Wealth area of your main floor if you’re looking to bring more money into the house. Display an image next to your bed if you’re trying to conceive, or put one on your desk to find important support and smooth success for all of your professional endeavors. With all that success and prosperity promised, I guess that’s why that little piggy was always going to market.

By Ellen Whitehurst for Astrology.com

Feng Shui Tip of the Day for Deceber 14th

I swear that I won’t monkey around with sharing some empowering advice during today’s ‘Monkey Day’ energies. Even though the monkey is one of the twelve animals represented in the Chinese zodiac, it is the combination of the monkey and the elephant that can help you to accomplish the highest ranking that anyone in your profession can aspire to. Placing an image or a statue of a monkey sitting on an elephant’s back on or around your desk represents your ability to find stability and the security of an important position in your company, and this symbol says that you will stay there, too! The monkey signifies the duke or the highest ranked among the five ranking lords in ancient China, while the elephant brings the blessings of strength, sagacity and prudence. The combination of these two potent friends also promises unbreakable power and authority. In this case I guess it really does make sense that monkey see and then monkey do — for you!

By Ellen Whitehurst for Astrology.com

Your Daily Feng Shui Tip for December 11th

You know what I like to say: If you got ’em, go ahead and light ’em, especially since tomorrow is ‘World Candle Lighting Day.’ Candles constitute a powerful tool in the Feng Shui pantheon, especially if you use nine red ones in the Fame sector. Located in the back, middle or center back of your main floor, the Fame area is singularly aligned with the Feng Shui fire element. This arena additionally relates to your future as well as your progression through life. This energy also influences promotions that you receive, as well as any enlightenment, recognition or rewards. The gold standard for this location is to place nine (the number associated with fame) red (the color associated with this area) candles into this space and then light them whenever you feel the need to create some steady movement in your career or to propel your promotion into some serious upward mobility. There’s no need for the candles to burn all the way down, and simply allowing the wick to engage the wax while you fire up your intentions to boost your career and speed enlightenment will do the proverbial trick. So get lit on ‘World Candle Lighting Day.’ You’ll be happy that you did!

By Ellen Whitehurst for Astrology.com

Daily Feng Shui Tip of the Day for December 10th

With or without those jingle bells and open sleigh, today is still the ‘Day of the Horse,’ a day to show the positive and prosperous effects of placing a symbol of a horse in your house. The horse is actually a Chinese astrology zodiac sign that is also considered one of the Seven Treasures of Buddhism. Its element is fire and so it’s symbol is stationed in the Fame area of the home or office. Associated with popularity, honor, recognition and rewards the horse is also an emblem of speed, perseverance and success. In fact, old popular Chinese custom says that ‘the arrival of a horse brings success.’ It’s an axiom commonly used for wishing best success to anyone starting any new endeavor, or even a new year. In ancient times the horse was the animal of choice to lead warriors into battle because of the belief in their ability to encourage and exert victory, strength, power, speed and elegance. If you would like to increase your income or your exposure, or would like to see recognition and reward for your efforts, then placing an image or statue of a horse in the Fame area will represent a speedy first place finish for you while gifting you with galloping success, acknowledgement and upward mobility in all aspects of your life. What are you waiting for — giddyup now!

By Ellen Whitehurst for Astrology.com

Your Daily Feng Shui Tip for December 9th

Even though he one of the most celebrated and beloved clowns of all time (Emmett Kelly, Sr. was the first to portray him), I would say that at this holiday time of year we can all relate to his famous character, Weary Willy. On this ‘Weary Willy Day’ I thought it might be time to take a look at some quick ‘pick-me-ups’ from the world of holistic health and healing. If you feel tired first thing in the morning you may want to try an old New England tonic that could put some spring back into your shopper’s steps. Blend together one cup of warm water, two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar and one teaspoon of honey. Drink it down and do this for at least one week straight. You should soon see a significant difference in your energy and possibly even a small one in your weight! Another way to wake up your energy and your metabolism in the morning is to start the day with fresh squeezed grapefruit juice. Squeeze the juice of one half grapefruit into a glass of warm spring water and drink it down. And I would be remiss at this time of year not to mention the quick lift that figs can give. Figs have a natural, slow burning sugar so they can get you up and at ’em no matter how tired you thought you were. In fact, any of these tips can kill the tired in no time at all!

By Ellen Whitehurst for Astrology.com

Daily Feng Shui Tip of the Day for Decembe 8th

If you decide that right around now is the perfect time to start celebrating the holidays with a design and decor theme, then be sure to use lots of green in your celebratory color scheme. Long considered a ‘healing’ color (hence its use in hospitals and other health-related environs), this color is also called ‘cooling’ by Feng Shui while also helping to offset the heat that can be created by all the red that we see at this time of year. Other worldwide cultural traditions say that green promotes peace, while evergreen is believed to be able to absorb any sad, conflicted or negative vibes that might be hanging around the house. If you want peace, prosperity and a whole lot of harmony during days that can use a heaping helping of all, just get with the zeitgeist and Go Green. It’s really not nearly as hard as Kermit makes it out to be!

By Ellen Whitehurst for Astrology.com

Daily Feng Shui Tip of the Day for December 7th

While all the kids are writing theirs to Santa, you might want to take advantage of ‘Write A Letter Day’ as well. Feng Shui says that you can address this letter to a being or a powerful presence that you believe in, and that you should also ask for a gift that you would like to see come present in your life. You’re highly encouraged to clearly and plainly spell out what you want. Then put that letter away for exactly 49 days. This philosophy says that you must detach from the outcome but not before imbuing them with pink light from your heart and telling those words how much you love them and thank them for making your dreams come true. Remember that gratitude and acting ‘as if’ are both critical components for manifesting this effort. Write your letter today as your wish in the Universe’s command, especially when those words are written in letter form to a deity, god, goddess, guru, saint, Ascended Master, angel or avatar that you faithfully believe will hear and answer you. Santa Schmanta, today you’re writing a letter that your Higher Power will check twice, and that’s pretty darn nice!

By Ellen Whitehurst for Astrology.com

Feng Shui Tip of the Day for November 28th

I know you might think that I would offer some sort of prosperity cure on ‘Cyber Monday,’ a day that encourages online holiday shopping. But when I think ‘cyber’ I think computer, and that’s where I’m investing my efforts today. Feng Shui says that hanging a clear quartz round and faceted crystal ball (with a red ribbon, in a multiple of nine inches or longer) will not only create an overall benefit for your profession and career, but will also protect you from any sort of attack, cyber-related or not. This adjustment also aids in stimulating an expansion of your inspirations and ideas, including clearer, uncluttered thinking, better decision-making and a brighter outlook for your future. As if all of those attributes aren’t enough, the crystal also keeps the computer safe from breaking down or any other harm. With all that said, how you should spend your ‘Cyber Monday’ is crystal clear to me.

By Ellen Whitehurst for Astrology.com

Feng Shui Tip of the Day for November 27th

The precious gem most associated with this month of November is the venerable and mysterious topaz. This stone has been a body adornment for at least 2000 years and has been called one of the precious gemstones that formed the foundations of the twelve gates to the Holy City of Jerusalem. These stones are often referred to as ‘apocalyptic’ in their nature since they are believed to hold miraculously protective powers. It has long been believed that when worn with this same intent, the topaz can keep anyone safe from enemies. In the realm of mystery and mysticism, the topaz contains a cooling or antiseptic effect while also being said to be able to dispel sadness and anger. It’s also said that simply sleeping with a topaz close or next to the skin can relieve nighttime fears. Some legend goes so far to share that a man who wears a topaz will grow more handsome and intelligent while a woman will become much more fertile and happy. Handsomer, smarter, fertile and happy? Get thee to a jeweler!

By Ellen Whitehurst for Astrology.com

Feng Shui Tip of the Day for November 26th

Today’s ‘International Aura Awareness Day’ is one that someone like me can really be thankful for. First, let’s talk about what an aura actually is. In the world of parapsychology and in many spiritual traditions across the globe, an aura is considered a field of subtle radiation that surrounds a person or an object. One common depiction of this energy is the halo that often connotes a person of particular holiness or power. According to ancient legends and modern lore, all living things manifest an energetic aura, and like anything else that affects our own energy, auras occasionally need to be cleansed. And just as scents can be used to purify a living space, they can also be used to cleanse auras. In fact, depending upon your own emotional state, a variety of aromas can be used. A clove scent can resolve difficult relationships at home or work. The scent of cinnamon can protect and calm while fresh ground coffee can diminish nightmares and bad dreams. Crushed garlic can free you from negative thought and self-talk, while cedarwood will clear away angst, anxiety and stress. By far though, the gold standard for finding the silver lining when cleansing an aura or living space is sage. Light a sage wand, stick or even a small sage leaf. Blow out the flame and allow the smoke to do the rest. Just be sure to pass your entire body through the smoke at least ten times, all the while visualizing your worries going up in, well, you know!

By Ellen Whitehurst for Astrology.com

Feng Shui Tip of the Day for November 25th

Oh, what to do? One calendar invests today’s energies in ‘Black Friday’ pre-holiday sales, but other calendars call today ‘Buy Nothing Day.’ So you can clearly see my confusion. Maybe we should spend our time learning about what Feng Shui says about the color black in the hopes of making it work for you! As far as ‘Black Friday’ is concerned, retailers use this term to suggest that today you can take advantage of low prices to stay in the black by spending less green. But black has its own identity when it comes to how color affects the psyche and the subconscious. Black is the Feng Shui color of mystery and magic that also holds the ability to provide protection and power. The color of night as well as the universal void, Feng Shui suggests using black when you want to add depth, strength or definition to any space. Just remember that a little goes a long way, and never use it in a child’s room. But do use it when you want to ground energies. Black is often employed when attempting to activate the energies associated with career, self-esteem and destiny! Putting an image of a waterfall inside a black frame and hanging it in either your front hallway or your ‘Career’ area will bring a wave of job opportunities that will not only put you in the flow but also keep you in the black!

By Ellen Whitehurst for Astrology.com

Feng Shui Tip of the Day for November 23

Arriving mere hours before a day that encourages being saucy with them, ‘Eat A Cranberry Day’ couldn’t come at a better time. Native to North America, cranberries were enjoyed as a culinary staple by Native American people a long time before they bogged down Pilgrim menus. According to lore, cranberries fall under the ‘protective’ foods umbrella and should be eaten when you’re feeling low, as it was believed that eating cranberries can raise your spirits. You are also advised to eat this tart and sweet berry whenever you feel like you’re absorbing negative energies from those around you. You can even gift that powerful protection to loved ones by giving away a little Thanksgiving Day party favor. Simply mix dried corn, cranberries, apples, grapes and pomegranates into your turkey stuffing and serve up some savvy protection. Or you can wrap these ingredients up in a gift pouch for a prosperous swag bag. Either way, this combination of ingredients has long been believed to bring protection, peace and prosperity, things to be truly grateful for on any given day!

By Ellen Whitehurst for Astrology.com

Daily Feng Shui Tip for November 22

At a time of year when the tune ‘Over the River and Through the Woods to Grandmother’s House We Go’ runs through everyone’s head as they scramble off to distant destinations, today’s ‘Go For A Ride Day’ energies couldn’t be more apropos. So let’s address an automobile agenda before stuffing that last piece of luggage into an already overcrowded trunk, and look at ways of making driving a far more pleasant experience than you might think. First, never leave clutter in the car. Treat this traveling space as you would your own home, and realize that clutter in the car contributes to chaos on the road. It’s essential that the center of the vehicle remain clean and clear, as this space relates to the health of driver and passengers, reason enough to pull over the minivan and pull out the Mini-Vac! These next middle-of-the-car energies will bring your driving the middle of the road to a smooth and flowing agenda. Add ten drops of lemon essential oil to an atomizer bottle filled with spring or distilled water and spritz the inside of the car. This will help cleanse the more obvious odors while also bringing a bright, sunny scent to your driving experience. Finally, hanging a small and round faceted quartz crystal on nine or 18 inches of red string from the rearview mirror will pump protective energies, and make sure that everyone arrives at Grandmother’s house safe and sound and ready for a big slice of her homemade apple pie!

By Ellen Whitehurst for Astrology.com

Daily Feng Shui Tip of the Day for Nov. 21st

This holiday time of year can be hard, especially for those away from home who have no pumpkin pie prospects. If you’re not sure if you’ll be breaking bread with friends on Thanksgiving but you’d surely like to be invited somewhere swell to talk turkey, then try this ages old piece of advice. Take one orange and one lemon and stud them all over with whole cloves. According to ancient lore, the orange now represents all the others around you (the potential invite) and the lemon symbolizes you (the happy and stuffed invitee.) Leave that citrus sitting on any windowsill for three to nine days and then expect the dinner of your dreams. With all this sweet and sour going on, I can almost guarantee that you won’t be eating Chinese take-out while watching the Turkey Day parade! Keep your eyes peeled because once you put these fruits to work for you, the invites immediately follows!

By Ellen Whitehurst for Astrology.com

Feng Shui Tip of the Day for Nov. 19th – “National Toilet Day”

What better time than ‘National Toilet Day’ to flush out some basic Feng Shui cures that will allow you to reduce the draining effects attributable to any bathroom in the home. First, according to this modality, you must keep the door to all bathrooms closed at all times. This is simply the most basic and fundamental of all bathroom cures. Easy to do and entirely effective, you will not believe how this one effort can change the entire energetic dynamics of your home, and consequently, your life. If there are naysayers in your living space who won’t come on board, simply install spring-loaded hinges so the door can shut itself. Another all purpose bathroom cure advises to hang a full length mirror on the outside of the bathroom door in order to reflect positive Chi or energy away from that room so that it doesn’t constantly go down the drain. This adjustment also makes the bathroom ‘disappear’ from everyone’s attention, as it will now reflect and expand another part of the house. Obviously, this will only work in conjunction with the first cure of keeping the door shut at all times. Lastly, and some say most importantly, keep the toilet lids down and all the drains in the bathroom closed. The main energetic anomaly posed by bathrooms involves these very same drains. Blocking or stopping them helps to stem the loss of healthy, happy and prosperity inducing Chi. Using any or all of these cures will help to retain both fortune and luck in your lives while lifting both spirit and mood!

By Ellen Whitehurst for Astrology.com

Feng Shui Tip of the Day for November18th

M-I-C-K-E-Y M-O-U-S-E! Remember when JT, JC or Xtina, Britney or Ryan (to name a few) sang that very same line on their way to superstardom? What do you mean, you don’t remember? Before Timberlake, Spears and Aguilera were tweeting, they were singing that same theme song! And apparently a lot of you were all ears too! Today you’ll have to move that melody out of your head to make way for another well-known one, the Happy Birthday song, because today is Mickey’s 83rd birthday! And, let’s face it, Disney’s most important icon never goes out of style. That little mouse that roared across the cinema screen has also made a lot of money and garnered even more luck for the Disney studio. Could it be because Walt Disney knew his Feng Shui and also knew that, according to the ancient Shui texts, the mouse or the rat is associated with intelligence, street smarts and survivability? Or could it just be that Disney was also aware that Feng Shui says the rat symbol represents and activates both career and income fortune and luck? Either way, let’s take a page from the Disney comic book and use an image of the rat if you want to scurry away with the sort of money that that big cheese Walt and his ancestors keep earning. Place an image of the Feng Shui ‘money mouse’ in your Wealth area and trap some abundance luck of your very own! On Mickey’s birthday, putting this cure into place could be considered very fortunate and, of course, a piece of cake!

By Ellen Whitehurst for Astrology.com

Feng Shui Tip of the Day for November 17th

It’s the ‘Great American Smokeout’ today and if you’re one of the millions of smokers who are taking steps to quit, you might want to put this next Feng Shui idea to quit addiction in your proverbial pipe. This modality says that addictions such as smoking can be effectively addressed by using a specific space inside the main floor of your home. First, you need to find a photo of youreslf at a time in your life when you were not a smoker. That picture can be from when you were two months old or twenty-two years later, as long as the image reflects you in a happy state of mind and not yet smoking. You then need to place that photo in a wooden frame. Next, locate the Family/Friends area of the main floor of your living space and position this picture there. Place a lamp or even a green candle somewhere close by. If you can install a light of some sort, you will need to illuminate that image for at least three hours a day for 49 days straight. If you’re using a candle, make sure it’s green. Some Feng Shui purists says that only a green Buddha candle will work it’s anti-addiction magic for this cure. Either way, the only thing you should be lighting up for the next 49 days is that old photo of you. Soon enough, you’ll be smoke free and feeling fine. At least that’s the promise. But I can safely say that people have used this stop smoking cure to great success, so I am happy to share this information with confidence!

By Ellen Whitehurst for Astrology.com