Interesting Connection Between International Woman’s Day & the Number 8

In learning Feng Shui nearly 40 years ago I learned about the energy of numbers, especially the power behind the Number 8.

Number 8

Number 8

The odd numbers are considered masculine, and the even numbers are considered feminine.

In many of the Asian cultures the pronunciation of the word for wealth and the word for “8” sound almost the same. There is just a slight difference in the intonation. Hence, 8 (eight) is considered the MONEY NUMBER!

Yet the power of eight goes far beyond money. It is a double container of creation. Most of the numbers are “open” when you write them numerically, except for 6, 8, and 9. With 6 and 9 you only have one closed circle. The number 8 has two closed circles or containers to hold potential.

Taking that one step further in relation to the feminine body, think of a pregnant woman with her enlarged belly, which holds a new creation. It is DOUBLE the life force!

Infinity

Infinity

Another interesting aspect happens when you turn 8 on its side. It becomes the symbol for infinity! (∞)

A fascinating tidbit in my Feng Shui training was the power of the numbers energetically in correlation with the yearly dates. This is aside from the Zodiac Animals and Period timeframes. It goes back to my statement about masculine (odd) and feminine numbers (even)

The whole of the 1900 century was “masculine” because the first number was a “1” or odd, masculine number. When 2000 started, the energy slowly started to shift to a more feminine quality. I’m not going to go into all of that right now, and I will say the shift does take time. Yet you can start to see nuances toward feminine-based ways of doing things happening if you pay attention.

Add that the larger the single-digit number, the more power it has. The year 2008 was considered the beginning of “the Feminine Millennium” according to my Asian-cultured masters.

Knowing about these qualities or facts regarding the number 8, I find it interesting that International Woman’s DAY is observed on the 8th day of March because March has been designated as “National Women’s History Month.”

Let’s take this one more step –

What if all the symbolism I’ve listed about number 8 brings those energies to life, like:

Women growing their wealth

Women sharing their female qualities

Women being the Creatrix of new ideas

Women stepping into their power

Women honoring their intuition (a quality often suggested as more female oriented)

Women growing in positions of power

Then we add this year (2024) is a year with 3 even-based numbers (2-0-2-4 – The number zero isn’t assigned a masculine or feminine quality), and you have a potentially very powerful year for women.

As I said, just interesting thoughts.

Who’s Been Sleeping in My Bed?

Back in 1999, during a course with the esteemed Karen Kingston, a guru in all things space clearing and energy work, a tale was spun that stuck with me for years. It was a story about a bed, of all things.

Bed in hotel room

Bed in hotel room – © enginakyurt, 123RF Free Images

Picture this: a client, uneasy in her own bed with her new flame, invites Karen into her home. And where does Karen sense the energy? Yep, you guessed it – the bed. Turns out, that bed had seen more action than a Hollywood blockbuster, with a slew of men leaving their energetic mark, while the lady of the house remained the sole woman. Talk about a story that gives you goosebumps! It’s like Goldilocks and the Three Bears, but with a twist – it’s not about the porridge being just right, it’s about how YOU feel in that bed.

Now, let’s talk about the elephant in the room – or should I say, the bed? Have you ever stopped to ponder who’s been cozying up in your bed before you? It’s enough to make you think twice about your next hotel stay, right? I mean, what if that bed could talk? The stories it could tell!

Speaking of stories, let me share mine. Back in ’63, I unwittingly stumbled upon the ability to feel the energy of a bed. Trust me, it’s not as glamorous as it sounds. It all started with a teenage tantrum and some regrettable words exchanged with my father. Little did I know, those words would be the last he’d hear before a heart attack claimed him. The guilt weighed heavy on me, but what weighed even heavier was the realization that I had been sleeping in that very bed for years, soaking in the residual fear and pain of his final moments. It was like living a nightmare in my sleep.

Fast forward to adulthood, and I found myself using that same sensitivity to help others. Take one client who, post-breakup, was desperate for an energy overhaul. Armed with nothing but a broom and some serious determination, she set out to banish the old vibes from her bed. And wouldn’t you know it, a few months later, she’s walking down the aisle with her high school sweetheart, blissfully married for a decade and counting.

So, dear reader, I pose this question to you – who’s been leaving their mark on YOUR bed? Could it be time for an energy shift? It’s worth considering, don’t you think? After all, a good night’s sleep might just be the sweep of a broom away.

Spring Cleaning, Chinese New Year Style: Habits for a Sparkling Home – While Adding a Feng Twist!

Okay, here it is just before the Chinese or Lunar New Year and you know there are many things you were supposed to do to prepare. But it isn’t going to happen in one day! Think about putting a few of these things in place the day before the New Year, even if they are done imperfectly. What great FENG energy you’ll create!

Family Cleaning Their House Together for Before the Chinese New Year

Family Cleaning Their House Together for Before the Chinese New Year

Imagine stepping into your home every day, and it feels as vibrant and festive as the Chinese New Year celebration. While we might not have the time for a weekly deep clean—because, really, who does?—we’ve got some light-hearted habits that will keep your home in tiptop shape. Embrace these weekly rituals, and you’ll have a home that radiates positive energy and good fortune!

  1. Declutter with Delight: Channel your inner Feng Shui master with bite-sized, weekly decluttering sessions. Implement a schedule that aligns with the lunar calendar – perhaps declutter your pantry on the first Friday and the mudroom on the third Sunday of every month. It’s a tidying strategy that even Confucius would approve of!
  2. Mop with Joy: Mopping might not be everyone’s idea of fun, but it’s crucial for maintaining a hygienic and auspicious home, especially with little ones running around. Implement the “No Outdoor Shoes Inside” rule to keep the good vibes flowing. Imagine dancing through your kitchen without a care, knowing the floors are as clean as a dragon’s lair (Okay, that’s a little far fetched even for me!).
  3. Bed Linens for Sweet Dreams: Changing bed linens can feel like a royal chore, but making it a weekly habit can transform your sleep sanctuary. Make your bed a haven fit for an emperor or empress, surrounded by the comfort of fresh linens. After all, Feng Shui was originally only for the Emperor of the country. Now you can also channel your inner Empress as well as your Feng Shui Master!
  4. Dust and Vacuum with a Smile: Turn dusting and vacuuming into a weekly dance routine! It’s not just about cleanliness; it’s about extending the life of your carpets and floors. If time is as elusive as a lucky cat, consider enlisting the help of a robot vacuum. Your home will be so spotless; even the spirits will be impressed. (Side note – Did you know that Black Cats were considered royalty in many cultures? PLUS considered GOOD LUCK if they crossed your path!)
  5. Bathroom Bliss: Scrubbing the bathroom might not be the most glamorous task, but it’s worth it. A weekly spa day for your bathroom—scrubbing, wiping, and shining—will make it a place you don’t want to escape from.
  6. Kitchen Kung Fu: Master the art of keeping your kitchen clean and tidy. A quick wipe down after dinner will make your kitchen sparkle, and your home will radiate the warmth of a family feast fit for a fabulous female!.

Incorporate these light-hearted habits into your routine, and your home will be the center of joy, luck, and good vibes – just like a Chinese New Year celebration that never ends!

Gong Hay Fat Choy! Happy Chinese New Year!

What Works Wednesday – Body and Home Connections


What Works Wednesday –

Towels soaking up the water on the floor

Towels soaking up the water on the floor

Well, I can tell you what doesn’t work – the cold-water faucet of my washing machine! Out-of-the-blue, without any warning, it broke yesterday!

Why am I writing about this? What does this broken pipe and plumbing have to do with a post where I usually have a photo of a room?

Because there is a deeper connection between our health, our homes, our bodies, and our lives than you may know.

The short explanation is:

Every part of our home represents a part of our body. If something breaks or needs repair in the home, there is a good chance an occupant of the home may be experiencing a health issue related to the corresponding part of the home.

One reason I often share about fixing up the front door to attract “good chi” is because that area of the house represents the mouth, nose, and face of the humans living there. (Actually, animals can also be affected). If you aren’t getting enough good energy to the front door, it’s as though you aren’t able to speak, breath, face people, communicate with them, or even the simple gesture of a smile might be missing in your life.

Here’s the story of the current situation around health issues and the symbolism of our home. I’m going to keep this as simple as I can while making the point.

Many of you know I asked for prayers for my husband and brother a couple of months ago. Both are doing better. Thank you for your prayers.

My husband was having problems breathing while on our vacation. Tests showed he was severely anemic. But what the underlying cause creating this health problem is still unknown. Yesterday he had some medical procedures done pertaining to the gastrointestinal tract.

The cracked/broken cold-water pipe

The cracked/broken cold-water pipe

That part of the body equates to plumbing in the house. Part of the procedure for my husband was the insertion of a pill-sized camera into the intestinal tract. We got home and he took a nap. When he woke up, he checked the monitor of the camera. It was working perfectly. About 20 minutes later he looked and saw it wasn’t working.

Within a 15-minute timeframe the monitor of the camera stopped working and we heard water dripping. The threaded part of the cold-water faucet of the washing machine cracked, allowing water to start dripping. (Sidenote – the washer was not running and was last used 3 days ago.)

A plumber arrived within 40 minutes. He turned off the water to the house. When he TOUCHED the faucet, it snapped off. If the water hadn’t been turned off – or worse still, the washing machine was running – water would have burst all over the laundry! It was that close to bursting on its own.

Now I don’t know exactly what the final outcome of any of this will be, but I do know they are related if only by time. If this were the first story, or only story, like this it would be one thing.

BUT…

This is one of dozens of stories where the house and an occupant’s health show up at the same time.

The broken cold-water faucet removed and sheetrock cut open to reveal the extent of the situation. Water mitigation, drying the walls, and assessing the situation are the next steps.

The broken cold-water faucet removed and sheetrock cut open to reveal the extent of the situation. Water mitigation, drying the walls, and assessing the situation are the next steps.

I have an eBook I will be making available to you for free very soon. I had planned to have it available 2 months ago, but “life happens.”  Maybe this whole intestinal camera, monitor, dripping faucet, and snapped pipe to the washer needed to happen simultaneously so I would write this blog, you would read it, and realize you want the eBook with more details on the symbolism of your built environment and your body. Who knows?

One thing I know, I’m calling this a BLESSING.

Why you might ask?

Because if any of this had happened differently, we might not have been home, the washing machine could have been running, I might have been outside or running errands and not been around for hours!

Worse still, we might have been on a 2-week vacation. The water could have gone through the whole house wreaking all floors, walls, cabinets, etc. If that had happened, our well pump would have been running constantly and possibly burned out. I could go on-and-on.

With that said, I’m not saying I’m happy it happened during the holidays. It’s a blessing it happened the way it did. Now I just need to see where this takes us and how it fits into the Feng Shui health of body, mind, spirit, and environment.

“Stay turned” as this situation unveils itself.

Harmonizing the Holidays: Embracing Feng Shui for a Tranquil Celebration

As the holiday season approaches, our homes transform into cozy havens filled with warmth, laughter, and the spirit of celebration.

Harmonious Home Decorated for the Holidays

Harmonious Home Decorated for the Holidays

While we deck the halls with festive decorations and prepare for joyous gatherings, integrating the principles of Feng Shui can elevate the energy in our homes, creating a harmonious and balanced environment. In this blog, we’ll explore how to apply Feng Shui for the holidays, bringing positive energy, abundance, and tranquility to your festive celebrations.

Clearing the Clutter

Before diving into holiday decorations, start by decluttering your space. Feng Shui emphasizes the importance of a clutter-free environment to allow positive energy (chi) to flow freely. Clear out unnecessary items, donate what you no longer need, and create a serene backdrop for the festive season. This not only enhances the flow of energy but also provides a fresh canvas for your holiday décor.

Balance and Harmony in Decorations

When adorning your home with festive decorations, strive for balance and harmony. Use a variety of colors, textures, and shapes to create a visually appealing atmosphere. Traditional Feng Shui colors like red and gold represent prosperity and good fortune, while green symbolizes growth and health.

Pottery Barn Ad for Festive Front Door Entrance

Pottery Barn Ad for Festive Front Door Entrance

Avoid excessive or overwhelming décor. To create balance, ensure decorations are evenly distributed throughout your space, including opposite walls. Also have items at eye level, on the floor, and higher up, like on top of armoires or bookcases.

Welcoming Energy at the Entrance

The entrance of your home is a crucial focal point in Feng Shui, as it sets the tone for the energy that enters. Welcome positive energy by decorating your entrance with vibrant, inviting elements. Consider placing a festive wreath, adding a welcome mat, and ensuring that the pathway is well-lit. Crisp, clean energy at the entrance will encourage the flow of positive chi throughout your home.

This West Elm Table Setting is TRENDING because it brings the quality of comfort and conversation together beautifully.

This West Elm Table Setting is TRENDING because it brings the quality of comfort and conversation together beautifully.

 

Nurturing Positive Gatherings

Feng Shui encourages the creation of spaces that promote positive interactions and connections. Arrange furniture to facilitate easy conversation. Try to create a harmonious balance between comfort and aesthetics. Consider incorporating soft lighting, scented candles, or essential oils to create a warm and inviting atmosphere for your holiday gatherings.

By infusing the principles of Feng Shui into your holiday celebrations, you can create an environment that not only looks festive but also feels harmonious and energizing. Embrace the flow of positive chi, declutter your space, and adorn it with decorations that promote balance and abundance. The result will be a holiday season filled with joy, connection, and positive energy. May your home be a sanctuary of tranquility and harmony, where the spirit of the holidays can truly shine.

Self-Care During Seasons of Scary Times – When It’s Your Health – Part 3

Navigating your own health challenges can be one of the scariest seasons.

Baked sweets containing sugar contributed to my many health issues.

Baked sweets containing sugar contributed to my many health issues.

This might be for a few reasons: 1. It often commands we address how we might have contributed to the cause of the health issues, 2. It brings up any issues we have regarding independence, and 3. It sometimes makes us confront our own mortality.

 

An example of #1 –

As a child, I was sick most of the time. As I’ve gotten older – and wiser – I’ve discovered I am highly allergic to sugar. My mom was always baking cookies, pies, cakes, etc., that I loved to eat! They all contained massive amounts of sugar. My body reacted with sore throats, sinus infections, and pneumonia.

 

At the time I didn’t know any better. Through trial and error I discovered this allergy. Now I stay away from those sweets knowing what the result will be.

Fear of loosing independence

Fear of loosing independence

 

An example of # 2 –

About a year before my mother died, I became aware she couldn’t balance her checkbook. Then she couldn’t find things and forgot whether she had eaten or not. I had to find what was called a nursing home at that time. Although she couldn’t remember many things, she knew she was being moved from her home. Many seniors have this fear about loosing their independence.

 

An example of #3 –

Often an illness will occur for which there is no known logical reason. How should a person handle those situations? The answer: It depends! It depends on many things.

 

Let me share how I coped with one of mine.

 

Water-Babies & Moon-Faces

 

One morning I noticed a few red patches around both my elbows. The next day they had spread, plus there were now the same type of red rash around my knees. The following day it had spread to most of my arms and legs. I got an appointment to see my doctor, a gynecologist, the next day. When I awakened, I was having trouble moving and could barely walk.

Prednisone induced Moon Face

Prednisone induced Moon Face

 

When she saw me, she immediately asked the neighboring dermatologist to fit me in. Biopsies were taken without any answers. By the time they got the results back (which had no conclusive answers), I couldn’t walk and was told I probably would never walk again!

 

Massive doses of prednisone were prescribed and taken. Slowly I was able to move a little. I started doing water exercises. I lasted 3 visits, then quit!

 

The reason wasn’t that I couldn’t do it. It was I couldn’t handle being in that environment!!!

 

Every one of the people in the group were unbelievably negative. They joked about “moon-faces” because the prednisone caused our faces to be big, fat, and round looking, like the moon. They only talked about how horrible they felt and how they felt more worse as time went on. AND they were accepting and integrating into their lives the words they were using to describe themselves.

 

I couldn’t stand their depression and lack of optimism.

 

Tomorrow I will continue with what I did to support my own healing.