Tag: Feng shui

Herbs, Yoga and Feng Shui for Sleep

Herbs, Yoga and Feng Shui for Sleep

  • Mel, selected from Natural Solutions magazine

By Jennifer Lang, Natural Solutions

Americans spend billions on prescription sleep aids each year, even though the drugs produce a number of unwanted side effects. Natural sleep remedies, on the other hand, are generally side effect-free. For the most part, they help you fall and stay in deep sleep without relying on sedatives. And because they’re muscle relaxants, they also help alleviate pain and may even improve libido. Some to consider:

L-theanine, an amino acid (protein) derived from green tea, improves deep sleep and helps people maintain a calm alertness during the day. It also plays a role in the formation of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), an inhibitory neurotransmitter that’s critical for sleep. Take 50 to 200 mg at bedtime; L-theanine can also be used for daytime anxiety.

Hops reduce hot flashes in menopausal women, studies show, and they also reduce anxiety and help muscles relax enough for you to fall asleep. Take 30 to 120 mg at bedtime. Often used in combination with valerian and lemon balm, hops have to be dried to have any medicinal effect–the hops in beer, however tasty, provide no sleep benefit.

Passionflower (Passiflora) is an herb commonly used as a calming agent. Take 90 to 360 mg at bedtime.

Valerian helps reduce the time it takes you to fall asleep and improves the quality of sleep you get–without next-day sedation. Take 200 to 800 mg at bedtime. (Valerian causes wakefulness in some people; if that’s the case for you, take it during the day to reduce overall anxiety.)

5HTP (hydroxytryptophan) is what your body uses to make sleep-inducing serotonin. One downside: It can take up to six weeks to start working. Take 200 to 400 mg at bedtime. If you also take serotonin-raising medications (for example, antidepressants), make sure your holistic practitioner supervises the use of the 5HTP to keep serotonin levels from going too high.

Melatonin retrains your circadian rhythm so you become sleepy when the lights dim and wake up more alert at morning light. Take 3 mg at bedtime for three nights and gradually increase to 6 mg if necessary. Melatonin is not recommended for teens, however.

How Yoga Helps Insomnia
�Most insomnia has to do with �restless mind syndrome,�� says Judith Hanson Lasater, PhD, a physical therapist and author of Relax and Renew: Restful Yoga for Stressful Times (Rodmell Press, 1995). Because the mind is always spinning, you need to do something physical to allow the central nervous system to come into balance. This quiets the mind and lets the parasympathetic nervous system dominate while you sleep�crucial for the body to restore. Three poses to help you drift off–and stay asleep:

Before bed: Savasana
This is the gold ring of relaxation poses, says Lasater, because there’s no stretching at all. Lie down on the floor with a blanket folded under your head and neck, another blanket rolled under your knees, a soft cloth over your eyes, and a blanket to cover your body. Stay in the pose for 15 to 20 minutes or longer if possible. Use a breathing practice with a long, slow inhale and a slightly elongated exhalation; the exhale helps stimulate parasympathetic nervous�system dominance, prompting your body to go into “rest and repair” mode.

Can�t fall asleep? Halasana
Also known as Plough Pose, this legs-over-head pose is especially helpful if you have trouble winding down. A modification: Lay on the floor and rest your thighs on a padded chair, so thighs and shins are parallel to the floor.

For midnight awakenings: Side-Lying Savasana
“Side-Lying Savasana is a position of emotional comfort,” says Lasater. “It’s great when you feel exhausted and overwhelmed, pulled in all directions.” Lie on your left side and put a pillow or bolster under your right knee, right arm, belly, and head so you feel completely supported.

 

Feng Shui for Fostering Sleep
The ancient art of feng shui seeks to maximize the flow of life force energy, or qi, through environments, homes, and other structures. Five guidelines to set your bedroom up for good sleep:

• Place your bed diagonally across the room from the entrance, so you can lie in it and still have a full view of anyone entering.

• Try not to position your bed so you look directly through other doorways (to the bathroom or closet, for instance). If that’s unavoidable, shut the door at night.

• Don’t set up your bed directly beneath a window, otherwise you�ll lose vital energy during the night.

• Keep clutter to a minimum; it can agitate the flow of energy in the room.

• Add objects that help stimulate the movement of qi, such as mirrors, plants, and stones or statues, and remove overstimulating items, such as the stereo, computer, and TV.

Five Elements Charm

Five Elements Charm

 
 
If you prefer, try this Feng Shui-style elemental charm for consecrating and blessing your natural magickal workspace.
 
Repeat three times; the closing line is already worked into this charm.
 
“For some, there are five elements of magickal power,
Come metal, wood, fire, water and earth, in this hour.
Positive energy will flow, and darkness does now flee.
Bless this Witch’s home, with the power of positive chi.”
 
“Cottage Witchery”

Natural Magick for Hearth and Home
Ellen Dugan

Five Feng Shui Tips for Abundance

Five Feng Shui Tips for Abundance

  • Annie B. Bond

The ancient Chinese system of Feng Shui uses the power of focused intention, as well as the mindful placement of objects, to improve our lives. If you would like more abundance for yourself and your family, try these five simple Feng Shui tips.

The Wealth/Abundance area is located in the far left corner of your house from the front door.

1. Place or keep any of the following in the Wealth area of your home: banknotes, piggy bank, checkbooks, purse. This deceptively simple act will help you to become more mindful of your money and how you manage it.

2. Use the following colors to enhance the Wealth area: gold, red, purple. These colors have deep and ancient associations with prosperity.

3. For the ancient Chinese, fish were considered a symbol of wealth. If you can’t place an aquarium in your Abundance area, you could use a photo or painting of fish to invite more prosperous energies into your life.

4. Images of generosity will inspire your own sense of abundance. You could use a bowl in your Wealth area to collect coins for a charity, or include a statue that symbolizes giving for you. When we give in an open-hearted way, we get the energy-flow of abundance moving in our lives.

5. Lush green plants do well in the Wealth area, reminding us that nature gives great pleasure and peace. Bamboo is traditional, but any healthy plant will do.

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

Mid-Winter Feng Shui: The Year of the Earth Rat

Mid-Winter Feng Shui: The Year of the Earth Rat

  • Betsy Stang

Chinese New Year heralds the beginning of spring in the Northern hemisphere. In the southern states, the flowers begin to bloom, the rains come, often violently as the yin and yang, cold and hot fight for dominance. In the northern states, often fog will settle in for long periods as the rain and snow take turns letting each form of water rule.

The Year of the Earth Rat is a good time to build new foundations. Slow and steady, one grain at a time, the rat can move mountains.



Mid-winter is a good time for pruning and clearing. As the sap starts to flow upward, what shape do you want your life to take in the coming months? This is not a time for glamour and glitz. You won’t be getting by on a good idea or a pretty smile. What is the substance behind the dazzle? Expect to be called on for what you stand for.

It is a great time to look at your core values. What is important to you? Have you been putting your energy where your heart really is? Rats are pack animals, so look at your pack, your friend, family co-workers. How can you be more harmonious in your relationships? Have you reached out to those who are important to you in support and encouragement? Right now a small word and small gestures can make a lot of difference.

If you did not clean out your closets at the January New Year, do it now. Try clothing on and if you don’t love it, pass it along. I sometimes do swap parties with my friends and it’s a great way to perk up a dreary February afternoon. Pass along what your friends don’t want to the nearest women’s shelter or Salvation Army drop box. Somebody needs the clothing you don’t, and you will be spreading abundance and allowing for more to come your way. Also go through the cupboards and restock for emergencies and give food with approaching expiration dates to your local food pantry. Old grain should be put out as well or you might be visited by those pesky grain moths.

When was the last time you fertilized your plants? The growing season is coming on quickly and the new moon, new year is a great time to fertilize. If you have been composting, you might spread that around now, although if the ground is still frozen, wait until the next new moon.

Since it is an Earth year, it will be a time of gradual progress. It is one of those times that we get to learn patience like the farmer who must wait for harvest for his crops to be ready. This year, short cuts won’t work but hard work and perseverance will. In a society that values short-term results, this is a challenging aspect. However, Earth signs, like Taurus, Capricorn and Virgo will be in their element as well as those born in the last year of the Earth Rat, February 1948–January 1949.

Focus your changes on the center of your home, this section represents the Earth element as well as your health. Get that check-up you have been postponing, you might find you can stop a problem before it gets big. It is also a good time to get better nutrition. This is an especially good year to eat as organic as you can. If your stove is not working well, its time to fix it, especially if you are having cash flow problems.

Take small steps in your life to begin to bring about big growth later on. Those of you who have been afraid of change, it is your time to shine. It is a time of setting foundations, of planting who you want to become. To everything there is a season.

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

According to Feng Shui – Five Gifts You Should Never Give

Five Gifts You Should Never Give

Giving and receiving gifts is a wonderful exchange that shows we care. One would think that any gift that is given from the heart is good. Unfortunately, that is not always the case. An inauspicious gift is bad news no matter how noble your intentions are. Taken in a Feng Shui perspective, some things are worse compared to others. Here are the top 5 gifts you should never give to anyone.

1. Never Give Sharp Objects

Gifts of sharp objects are actually more popular than one would expect because most people don’t see them as such. Examples of sharp objects that are unsuitable as gifts include the following: blade, chainsaw, dagger, hunting knife, letter opener, penknife, scissors, Swiss Army knife, sword, etc (see anything familiar here).

There are a couple of reasons that make sharp items objectionable. Giving sharp objects as a gift will literally sever the friendship. As sharp objects are a natural source of malicious “killing breath” or Shar Chi, such gifts will result in you unintentionally sending bad luck to your friend.

2. Never Give Timepieces

In the West, timepieces are, in fact, quite well-liked as gifts. These include: alarm clock, wall clock, pocket watch, wristwatch, etc.

Timepieces measure the passage of time and this indirectly suggests a limited lifespan, which is very inauspicious. In Chinese (Cantonese), to give a clock or soong joong sounds exactly like the Chinese term for attending a funeral, which is naturally very taboo.

3. Never Give Red Roses

Did you know that you should never give red roses? Long stemmed red roses with sharp thorns are terrible as gifts. The longer the stem and the sharper the thorns … the more the relationship will suffer. If you send your lover a bouquet of red roses – romantic and all – it will be the beginning of the end of the relationship.

It is better for you to give cream or pink roses. Feng Shui-wise, yellow roses work even better to help enhance that loving feeling. Remember to have the thorns removed before you deliver them to your lover.

Never send red and white roses to a loved one who is in hospital. These are so inauspicious that in hospitals all over UK, there is the tradition with regards to floral gifts from well-wishers. If bunches of red and white roses or any variety of flowers arrive for anybody, they throw the flowers away immediately and make sure none of them reach the patients. A gift comprising a bunch of red and white blooms are considered to be a DEATH WISH.

4. Never Give Shoes
In Chinese (Cantonese), the word for shoes, ‘hai’, sounds very much like a sigh. This is very inauspicious as it suggests much unhappiness. A gift of shoes to your friend would be akin to sending bad luck his/her way.

5. Never Give Handkerchiefs

Gifts of handkerchiefs are also traditionally frowned upon. This is because a handkerchief is used to wipe away sweat and tears, which suggests a lot of sadness and frustration. Giving handkerchiefs as gifts suggest that you anticipate him/her to be doing much crying in the future. This generates such an inauspicious chi.

Remedy For Your Predicament

What do you do if you have a really fantastic gift? Something that you know your friend will be truly ecstatic about? Well I have some good news for you. The Chinese have a simple remedy for sharp metal gifts that belong to the first category.

Ask for a coin or some change (make sure it is metal) before you present your gift to the recipient. This simple exchange symbolizes a “purchase”, instead of a “gift”. Since your friend symbolically “paid” for the item, it is no longer considered a “gift”. This uncomplicated remedy works only for sharp metal items.

The WOFS

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 and Pets

Feng Shui and Pets

  • posted by Erica Sofrina

By Erica Sofrina, Author of the Book – Small Changes, Dynamic Results! Feng Shui for the Western World.

If you are a pet lover and also want to have a beautiful home that you enjoy being in, this article is for you!

Let me be clear, this article is for the humans side of this equation.Your pets don’t need ‘feng shui-ing’ they are perfect as they are! (Except, of course, keeping their cages and living spaces clean.) We all know our pets would be happy sleeping on an old towel as long as they can be by our side.

As a Feng Shui Consultant, Interior Designer and an avid pet lover myself, I have helped many a client figure our how they can co-habitate with their furry better half’s without their place looking and smelling like an animal shelter. With a little planning and effort, you and your beloved four legged’s can successfully share a space where the needs of all parties are met!

 

Furniture Coverings

Are you one of those people who has lovely furniture but it is all covered up by the unattractive and un- matching pet blankets? Training your pets to not jump up on furniture is a subject for pet behaviorists, however, if you do allow them on the furniture, with a little planning you can enjoy looking at your nice furniture and take care of the pet fur issue as well. Here are some ideas on how to do so.

Order Slip Covers along with additional material in the same fabric.

If you will be purchasing new sofa and chairs, Pottery Barn and other stores have furniture with a canvass base where you choose your slip cover. Choose medium blue denim or any of the other washable fabrics. It is best to match the color of your pets, i.e. darker fabrics for darker coats, etc.

Medium blue denim worked well for me when I had multiple pets. Order extra yardage and ask them if they will do a special order as well. This will consist of sewing two sets of arm covers and two sets of seat and back covers in the same fabric as the slip cover. Add an extra 12 inches for seat and back to allow for shrinkage. If they won’t do it, order the extra fabric and hem them yourself. Most dry cleaners also have sewing services available.

You can then wash the slipcover monthly (because this is more of a pain) and change the seat, back and arm covers once or twice a week as needed. One always goes in the washer when the other replaces it. I had nine feral rescue kitties at one point and this method worked wonderfully. I always had attractive furniture to look at, and could always replace a furry seat with a clean one when needed. When company came I would remove all the covers and just have the slipcover showing. Everything was in the same fabric creating a neat and coordinated look.

Fancy Pet Sofas from allpetfurniture.com

I had to be diligent about vacuuming and cleaning more often, but was committed to having a place that I could enjoy as much as my pets.

If you are going to use your same furniture, find washable throws in solid colors that match your furniture. Costco has great fleece throws in solid colors that work wonderfully. Ross and T.J. Maxx are other great resources for these. Purchase enough of them to successfully cover the seats and backs so that you have one extra set that is in the wash while you are using the other. If you furniture with patterned fabric, choose one color within the pattern that is more neutral and stick to this. Avoid the loud reds and yellows. This will bring a uniform look to the room that will appear planned and purposefully arranged. If you are a seamstress, do it yourself. Find a washable fabric that matches a color in your pattern, measure the seat, back and arms allowing 12 ‘ more for shrinkage and sew two pairs of each as described in the slip cover section above.

Select Pet Beds in Colors that Match Your Furniture

This attractive, more modern sofa was only $40 on sale from allpetfurniture.com

If you have large dogs it is ideal to train them to go to their special bed and not the furniture. Find a bed that matches your color scheme in a neutral color with a neutral pattern, not something loud and busy. (Remember, this is for you to enjoy looking at, your pet could care less as long as they are near you!)

Make sure the cover is washable and easy to take off. Commit to washing it weekly so that you and your pets can enjoy a clean looking and clean smelling home.

This attractive dog sofa matches the pets coat and adds to the docor of the room as well.

If you sleep with your pets in the room, Costco has inexpensive large dog beds that can be stored under the bed during the day and pulled out at night. This way you are not tripping on them during the day and everyone has a space to cozy up at night.

If you have a little extra money you can purchase attractive pet sofas, as shown here.

These raise the bar and allow you to have a room that is both fashionable and pet friendly where everyone has their own attractive place to perch.

This attractive Dog crate by Denhaus Dog Furniture serves as an end table and a comfortable space for your pet to be.

If your dog is crate trained (I will not go into the pro’s and cons of this, but will leave it to the experts) you can purchase attractive crates that will look like a piece of furniture and add to rather than detract from your décor. They are pricey but are quite beautiful and run about what you would pay for a nice end table.

Find Rugs that Match the Colors of your Pet’s coat.

For easier cleaning, it is ideal if you have wood floors rather than carpeting. If you are a renter I realize you don’t have a choice. If this is the case, choose area rugs that can be cleaned in areas pets spend most of their time and put them over the carpeting.

Sanchez and Gina’s coats match the area rug and carpet choices

My friend Lisa Spector (pictured above with her beloved dogs Gina and Sanchez) is also a pet blogger with Care2 and has Yellow and Black Labs. Your pets will always gravitate to your favorite rugs, so choose colors that match their coats and the hair will not show as much.

If you own your home and are choosing carpeting, match your animals coats to the new carpeting if possible. I chose a golden color carpet to match my beloved golden retriever and didn’t have to vacuum as much. (Of course you run into the problem of stepping on them on occasion because they are so well disguised!)

In redoing Lisa’s loft, we chose a patterned area rug with cream colors, blacks and browns which covered all bases, as you can see from the photo of Lisa’s dogs, Sanchez and Gina.

 

Cat Boxes

One of the dilemmas in working with my clients is where to put the cat box for indoor cats. Here are some tips for these tricky necessities.

Wicker Cat Boxes from Solutions Catalog are attractive and can be placed anywhere appropriate

 

1. Do not put them in the bathtub! It is unsanitary and unsightly, and humans won’t enjoy being in the space.

2. If you do not have an attractive cover, find a place preferably out of sight such as the laundry room, garage or in a closet.

3. If it must be in the bathroom or somewhere where you can see it, have a nice looking cover and a mat surrounding it to catch the litter. Solutions Catalog has attractive cat box covers that are made of laminated wicker so that they can’t claw them. You can also purchase a piece of furniture for the bathroom that doubles as a cat box cover. The good news about these is you can take it with you when you move.

Cat friendly bathroom furniture by solutions.com

4. If you own your home cut a small opening in a bathroom cupboard, insert a small cat door, and put the cat box in there. This allows for easy cleaning by simply opening the door, and everything vanishes from view!

5. Make sure to get odor free and pet-friendly kitty litter that is also environmentally friendly and clean it often.

6. Address Pet Smells

Cat Scratching Post are both attractive and eco friendly


Feng Shui is about creating a warm and inviting space that we love being in. It also acknowledges our intimate connection to all things.

Our home should be a place where we feel proud of entertaining friends and family. If we are ashamed of our space because it has been over run by our pets, we are not honoring ourselves.This impacts our lives and everyone we are close to including pets, family and friends.

When we live with pets we often cannot smell them anymore. Ask a friend who will tell you the truth if your house smells like your pets. If you are wondering why your friends make excuses to not come to your home, it may be because they can’t stand the unpleasant pet odor and are afraid of offending you. You owe it to yourself to find out the truth and take care of the problem.

If this is the case you may want to purchase a good air purifier. Find one that does not need replacement filters but uses washable ones. I used one by Ecoquest International for my home when I had nine rescue kitties and it took all pet smells away. It also kills mold and air-borne germs. I am sure there are other good ones, but I found the less expensive ones were useless after 6 months.

A very inexpensive way to eliminate odors is to have a large pan of water with sliced lemons in it heating on a hot plate. However, if you go away and leave it and the water evaporates it will be dangerous. Try for a good air purifier, you will use it for the rest of your life and it is well worth the investment. It will also help those who are allergic to animals and those who have breathing problems.

Pet stores will also have good cleaners to take out pet smells. If you have one you can recommend please share it with us in the comments section.

Scratching Posts

If your cats are shredding the furniture, you will want to nip this in the bud. I have found keeping a water spray bottle close at hand when they scratch will curb this behavior. You will also want to get them a scratching post where they can sharpen their claws. These eco friendly posts can be found on line under eco friendly cat supplies. They are also much more attractive than the huge carpeted ones that cannot be cleaned successfully and shred.

Safety Issues

A big part of Feng Shui deals with safety issues in the home. When you are constantly tripping over pet toys, it is a safety hazard for you, your family and guests who come over. Get an attractive basket large enough to handle all toys and commit to gathering them up frequently and putting them back where they belong.

Make sure all toxic chemicals and cleaners are stored safely away from pets and children, or better yet, eliminate them all together. Replace all of your cleaning solutions with green ones that are pet and children friendly. Advanced Generation has a good line of cleaning products that you may want to look into.

You also want to make sure all pet beds are out of the main walking paths so that people are not constantly tripping on them. Just like people, pets will naturally gravitate towards being in the power position, which is where they can see the action from where their bed is, have a wall for protection behind them and not have their back to the door. Your pets will instinctively not feel secure in the space if they are run into constantly, and will have an aversion to spending time in their bed.

Smaller Pets

If we have fish, hamsters, birds, mice, snakes and other reptiles as pets, their cages and tanks must be clean at all times and attractive to look at. All of our beloved creatures on the planet deserve to be honored, loved and taken care of so make sure their cages are large enough for them and filled with objects that will keep them occupied, engaged and happy. Beware of keeping small pets in children’s rooms. They can be too easily neglected and are often disturbing to children’s sleep if they are nocturnal.

Deal With Separation Anxiety.

If you have a puppy that chews through furniture when you are away, my friend and pet blogger Lisa Spector, a Juilliard graduate, concert pianist, and Canine Music expert has developed a CD series that has been clinically demonstrated to calm the canine nervous system. It helps them stay calm and quiet and alleviates separation anxiety.

Her CD’s are wonderful, I love listening to them myself and I play them for my cats when I am gone. I come home to a totally ‘Zen” house that is in the same order I left it. You can find these wonderful CD’s of Lisa’s at ThroughaDogsEar.com

You and your pets can live in harmony with a little effort. You owe it to yourself to create a space that not only accommodates your beloved pets but also honors you and your own need to have a home that you enjoy spending time in!

Erica Sofrina is a motivational speaker, author and life coach specializing in connecting people to their spiritual essence. She is also an Internationally recognized Feng Shui speaker, teacher and the author of the book Small Changes, Dynamic Results! Feng Shui for the Western World and the Founder of the West Coast Academy of Feng Shui. Erica is the founder of Earth Spirit Adventure Travel, which takes people on retreats to powerful energy vortexes such as Bali and Hawaii to facilitate their deep earth/spirit connection.

 

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

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

Feng Shui Tip of the Day for November 15th

Today’s ‘I Love to Write Day’ is one after my own heart, and I’m sure that after you see the excellent results achieved from using today’s advice, you’ll love to write, too! All you need to do is take pen in hand (this cure must be done by your own hand with a red ink pen) and write a letter. But not just any letter. You’re going to address this letter to your Higher Power, your teachers, masters, gurus, angels and saints. In short, you’ll address this letter to all of the blessed beings you might normally petition in prayer. Then you will ask, in high detail, for whatever it is that you want. Spell it out, literally and figuratively. Once done, put that piece away in a sacred space for at least the next 49 days, but not before re-reading the contents and telling each of those words you just wrote how much you love them. Pour pink light from your heart onto that paper and thank each word for making your dreams come true. In whatever form or fashion it takes for you, express a profound sense of gratitude for this easy opportunity to have a wish come to pass. Gratitude, and then acting ‘as if’ are critical components to having your concerns addressed. But once you write this letter, those concerns will indeed be addressed and the return to the sender will be more than worth the effort!

By Ellen Whitehurst for Astrology.com