Yin House Feng Shui

Ying-yang theory in feng shui explores the effect of opposites and extremes. As an example, a place that is very lively and full of energy is considered yang and a place that is very still and dark is considered yin. Neither in extreme is good in many instances. The type of feng shui that most Westerners are now familiar with is referred to as Yang House. It is the analysis of homes, buildings and the surrounding environment, be it natural or man-made.

Yin House feng shui refers explicitly to the divination of grave sites and it has historically been a big branch of feng shui. If the type of environment you live or work in can have profound influences, then the location of burial can conceivably have consequences on future generations. The philosophy behind this states that all souls are connected and that families share karma. Energy grids under ground can be tapped into by the body laid to rest, and those very bones can act as transmitters of energy to souls who are connected to the dearly departed. Funny that we Westerners have an expression, "I can feel it in my bones."

There are numerous stories about families who were cursed with bad feng shui because of an improper burial or families who prospered for several generations because of good yin house feng shui.

What Do People Consider A Good Burial Site?

Yin House feng shui is as complicated as yang house feng shui.Initially, the natural landscape is taken into consideration. The location, proximity, and shapes of nearby mountains will influence the good or bad energy of a large area. The clustering of hills and mountains and their ability to store energy in them is one aspect that is assessed by the feng shui master. Some of the research and reading I have done makes perfect sense in analyzing the shapes of mountains. Just in my own immediate area, I have noticed a distinct difference between the mountain formations in Malibu, Agoura, Chatsworth, Simi Valley, Hollywood Hills, Sierra Madre and various other mountainous regions that I frequently visit.

Some of the interpretation of these areas appears quite subjective and reminds me of those psychological ink blot tests. As an example, more than one resource states that if a mountain range looks "like a woman lifting up her skirt," then a burial there will produce future generations of prostitutes! This is truly frustrating. What may look like a "dragon" mountain to one person could look like a "snake" to another. What may look like a row of soldiers (producing future generations of army commanders and political leaders) may look like something totally different to another feng shui practitioner.

It gets quite technical with descriptions of "yin mountains" and "yang mountains" as well as inner mountains and outer mountains. You really need to fly over these areas in a plane or look at a topographical map in order to assess the total configuration and decide if the area is auspicious for a burial site. No wonder the fathers of feng shui used to spend years "walking the mountain" to determine its value.

Some of the theories and formulas are more or less agreed upon and not all of it is subjective.

As an example, if no animals live on the mountain and there are no oily, green plants, then this is the type of land that is too barren to store good chi. Another way to find a good burial site is to discover a small space that is distinct from the basic characteristics of the land. For instance, if the land is essentially flat, then the best spot is where you find a ripple of hill formations. This is where the best energy is stored. Or if a big area is full of mountains with lots of variation in height, then finding the nice flat pad is where the energy gets stored for that particular area. This is like reading the I-Ching Trigrams; notice the line that is different from the others. (Like a blonde in China!)

On a more personal scale, the best direction for the head and feet when laid to rest can be determined by the personal astrology of the deceased. There are also calculations to figure out the best day for a memorial service, even a cremation or scattering of ashes. While Yang House feng shui is done for the benefit of the person who enlists the feng shui services, Yin House feng shui is done for the benefit of the living relatives and future generations to follow.

Some Western practitioners like myself wonder about the likelihood of ever putting Yin House theory into practice. We can’t just hike the Santa Monica Mountains to find a wonderful spot for a burial. Everyone must be buried in a cemetery and even the direction of the plot is limited. Because of health laws or Judeo-Christian religious beliefs, burials must usually be performed within a certain time frame after death. The Chinese are known however for waiting until the best time, even if weeks pass. They are even known to dig up a grave and re-locate the body if it is deemed necessary for better yin house feng shui.

The location of water regarding a burial site is less important. Proximity to water is for the living. But virtual water can include a road or highway, since it carries so much energy with it. I think about this every time I pass the Veteran’s cemetery when I’m on Sepulveda or the 405 freeway. This just seems like a very disturbing location for graves.

For more fascinating reading on Yin House Feng Shui, I recommend a book called, "The Art and Science of Feng Shui," by Henry T. Lin. I will be trying to get copies of it directly from the publisher in the near future.

Feng Shui, a mystical belief or a natural science?

Feng Shui has gained widespread popularity in the United States and around the world. Originating in China more than 2,000 years ago, it is quickly becoming a part of architecture, building development, and home living. Much has been written and reported about this topic. So truly, what is this thing that recommends avoidance of sharp angles and putting metal objects in your home for balance and other strange recommendations?

Feng Shui is a body of knowledge that has developed and grown for thousand of years. Originally, it was the exclusive knowledge of the court meteorologists of Imperial China. The meteorologist studied medicine, geomancy, astrology, and other esoteric arts. These meteorologists protected their knowledge. People of the time knew little about it. Many people had heard about it, but most knowledge outside the Emperor?s palace was hearsay. Eventually this knowledge spread to only selected families outside the palace. These first Feng Shui masters used the knowledge to help common people. The knowledge was passed from father to worthy son in order to protect the family?s name and position. Over the last 2,000 years, this tradition has continued. However, with each succeeding generation, the Feng Shui knowledge was leaked until a popularized version of Feng Shui has developed in the West today.

What has grown to be known as Feng Shui in the West, is in reality a popularized version of Feng Shui. Feng Shui is not based on any religion, mysticism, or superstition. Rather it is a mathematical science. Feng Shui is based on four aspects: Building, Environment, People, and Time. Most authors and practitioners today utilize only the first two aspects, while leaving out the most important (although more complicated calculations) of People and Time. Just as the Earth is constantly moving and changing, so are the energies of Feng Shui. Modern science has shown that geomagnetics are in a constant flux. Feng Shui calculations show changing results based on the variables of building, people, time, and environment. There is no fixed place for money, love, or study. Although the “qi” (energy) for these objectives exist, they are found in different places in different buildings. It takes a qualified practitioner who knows how to uncover these locations.

Much has been said about the “cures” used in Feng Shui. Traditional Feng Shui does not prescribe any flutes, mirrors, charms, chants, or other mystical objects. Rather, a qualified practitioner only utilizes the five Chinese elements of wood, fire, earth, metal and water to bring a place into an energetic balance. These elements can take the form of many objects such as a brass pot, or an aquarium, but the actual remedies are still strictly the element. Many books have written about using mirrors as a Feng Shui cure. In actuality, mirrors used to be made of polished brass (a metal remedy) and in the Middle Ages, it worked as a cure. Today?s modern mirrors do not have enough of the metal element to be prescribed as a remedy. When asked today, about where to put the mirror, most qualified practitioners answer “In the bathroom, which is where it is needed most!” Although a mirror can be used architecturally to hide a pillar or make the room appear larger, it is not a Feng Shui remedy. The objective of the remedies is to return a natural balance of qi (or life energy) to a building. Feng Shui remedies are only based on the natural elements and not the objects themselves.

As for avoidance of sharp angles, just as in art, rounded edges are much more beautiful and pleasing than angles. This is part of the environmental aspect of Feng Shui. Environmental Feng Shui can be as simple as correcting a room from being too light or dark. Again, you are looking for a balanced environment. Turning on a heater to warm a cold house can be considered a form of Feng Shui from an environmental aspect. Although these are basic examples of environmental Feng Shui, a more detailed analysis of the environment will be left for another article.

There are a lot of benefits to having a proper Feng Shui analysis performed. People have reported increases in wealth and love, and significant improvements in health. Feng Shui can be shown to be both a science and an art. The Science of Feng Shui is the detailed analysis of the four aspects using mathematical calculations. The Art of Feng Shui is the experience of how to best implement the remedies. How much, exactly where, and for how long, is the skills of a practiced Feng Shui master. Feng Shui is not about making drastic changes, but making energetic improvements in your living space that will result in the best possible benefits for all who reside there.

Today unfortunately, there is much hearsay, superstition and nonsense about Feng Shui. On the contrary, Feng Shui makes complete sense and is based on logic and scientific principles. How does one find a qualified practitioner to render an analysis? Ultimately, it boils down to whether what is presented makes sense. Just remember that the ultimate objective of Feng Shui is to create a balanced and harmonious place that is supportive to the people who live there. It is a scientific study of the “built” environment. Do not take any advice that does not sound right to you. The most important piece of Feng Shui is that the environment be supportive and comfortable for the people who live and work there .

Feng Shui for Commercial Properties

Consultations for commercial properties are also in high demand. Each business is unique and what may be appropriate advice for a restaurant is not necessarily correct for a doctor's office. Kartar has evaluated hundreds of businesses, from small one-room offices to whole corporations. Kartar has advised on everything from attorney's offices to zen gardens and everything in between. In Feng Shui for Skeptics, she highlights some of the unique aspects to look out for in planning or designing scores of commercial enterprises.

Consultations Outside of Southern California

Kartar is based in Los Angeles, and routinely sees several hundred clients per year in Southern California. But she also travels to see clients in other states and occasionally other countries.
Kartar's long distance projects have included traveling to Washington state, Arizona, Texas, New Mexico, Nevada, Minnesota, Florida, Connecticut, Colorado, Montana and New York. Kartar is internationally known and once taught a course in Barcelona, Spain.

Consultations by Mail

Feng shui consultations by mail can be done accurately and thoroughly when the client provides enough data. A narrative report is promptly written, based on Kartar receiving floor plan sketches and photographs of the interiors and exteriors. Kartar can also provide some on-line or over the phone coaching for how to take an accurate compass reading. Long distance clients are given equal priority and attention to detail as local clients. Calls and email communications are promptly returned.

Design Phase Projects

Building an entirely new structure, doing an addition or an expansion all require the assistance of a highly trained feng shui expert if you want to get the most out of what feng shui has to offer. Sometimes the scope of a remodel project may change the energy of the whole space, while other times the remodeled space will be interpreted as a separate area from the original construction. Proper analysis necessitates that a feng shui practitioner have a lot of experience and training with advanced knowledge of the Flying Star School essential.

Kartar enjoys working with architects, builders, and interior designers and has solidified close relationships with some prominent designers and developers.

Feng Shui Tips for Clutter Clearing - Use Feng Shui for Better Energy

The feng shui effect of clutter on your health, your energy levels and the overall quality of your life is obvious - clutter drains your energy and dampens your very best intentions.

Even though we all agree about the feng shui effects of clutter, starting to clear your clutter is never easy. One look at the stuffed bedroom closets or the piled up bookcases in your home office is enough to make you urgently find something very important to do.

There is a way out, though, and feng shui, as an energy tool, can help you clear your clutter in the most efficient, easy and, yes, even enjoyable way! The way to make it work is to keep in mind two important feng shui guidelines:

1. Bring higher feng shui energy to support you in your clutter clearing efforts. For example, having great music, fresh air, a sense of beauty in the space will start diminishing the low effects of clutter, as in the world of energy everything is in constant motion. Be aware how much easier it is to deal with the low energy of your clutter when you are surrounded by higher energy.



2. Plan to "underachieve" instead of "overachieve." Start small and time your efforts. For example, give yourself 15 min for a specific area, and when the time is up, just leave it. You've done great. Now plan for the next session and make it a bit longer (20-25 min.)

By mentally changing your approach and having realistic goals you can actually start living clutter free quite soon. It is important to give yourself time, though. Just like with losing the extra weight with feng shui, you will achieve the best results with a consistent system, complimented by new habits.

A very helpful tool in clearing clutter is using the ancient principle of space clearing. There are many ways to do space clearing, and from my experience, ancient cultures around the world have various forms of clearing the stagnant energy. Explore the topic of space clearing with feng shui, as it can be of great help in your feng shui clutter clearing efforts.

From Karen Kingston's Clear your Clutter with Feng Shui (compare prices) and Creating Sacred Space with Feng Shui (compare prices) to Denise Linn's Sacred Space: Clearing and Enhancing the Energy of Your Home (compare prices) there are many resources to help you understand how to shift the energy in your space and make your feng shui efforts really pay off.

To deal with the unseen causes of clutter, such as emotional issues, Christan Hummel, the author of Do It Yourself Space Clearing Kit (compare prices) suggests to "go around the house to places where there have been past traumas or difficulties. Do a cleansing ceremony (sage, or candles work well) and intend for the blockages to be cleared from that space. Intentionally bring in items that represent a more flowing energy, such as a feng shui fountain, chimes, or living things like plants, to attract life energy back into that area."

No matter which way of space clearing you choose, once you realize that the unseen Chi, or energy around you is shifting all the time, you can easily transform it for the better. You might not see it, but you can certainly feel it. Feng Shui is here to guide you through all the steps of creating better energy in your home.

Feng Shui Fountains - How To Use Fountains for Good Feng Shui

Feng Shui fountains (compare prices) are among the most popular feng shui products and come in all shapes, sizes, and materials. The uses of feng shui fountains are many - there are indoors and outdoors feng shui fountains, tabletop, free standing, wall-mounted, and more. For a fountain to be used as a feng shui cure, the fountain does not have to look oriental - in fact, none of your feng shui cures or decor adjustments have to look oriental in order to bring good feng shui energy.

Fountains are very popular in feng shui because they bring the energy of water, and water is an ancient feng shui symbol of abundance and prosperity. The other great feng shui reason to use a fountain indoors is the fact that a working fountain will diffuse healthy negative ions into the air, as well as add more humidity. Many indoor environments are starving for this popular feng shui product!

Best feng shui areas to have your feng shui fountain are the following:

• East - Health & Family
• Southeast - Prosperity and Abundance
• North - Career & Path in Life

The location of your feng shui fountain is determined by the Ba-Gua, or the feng shui energy map, as well as the interplay of the five feng shui elements.

• It is not advisable to place a water feature/feng shui fountain in the South area, as in feng shui South is connected to your Fame and Reputation, and the energy of it is Fire. If you bring the Water feng shui element (fountain) into the Fire element feng shui area (South), you are creating bad feng shui/conflicting energy, as Water puts down the Fire.



• It is bad feng shui to have a water feature in your bedroom, no matter which feng shui area of your house your bedroom is located in. The water feng shui element brings the energy of worry into the bedroom, thus a fountain in the bedroom is not recommended.

On a practical level, when buying this feng shui product, choose a good quality fountain with a silent motor; as well as a fountain with a design that it is easy to keep clean. You can place some feng shui crystals or stones in your fountain, which will strengthen the beneficial energy, or sheng chi; as well as purchase a fountain that allows you to diffuse specific essential oils into the air.

Using crystals and stones, as well as essential oils with your fountain, will double the energy benefits of this very popular feng shui cure.