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FENG SHUI FOR BIRTH

18/6/2014

Giving birth is an incredibly significant & sacred life event.
As parents we are given the great honor of nourishing the body, heart & soul of our unborn child as they make their way earth-side.

It is our duty to safeguard them on all levels and to create a safe & loving environment in which they can emerge from their watery womb space.
Their experience of birth will influence them for the rest of their life.

Feng Shui offers us the tools to be able to create a sacred space for birth anywhere, no matter how or where a woman chooses to give birth. It allows us to be in harmony with the forces of nature and draw support from the environment around us.

so, WHAT IS FENG SHUI?

Feng Shui is an ancient Chinese art dating back at least 4,000 years. It works on arranging our lives in accordance with the forces of the universe and is rooted in an extraordinary sensitivity to nature.

The words Feng Shui literally mean Wind and Water.

By understanding how natural energy flows around us and our environment, we can arrange our home, furniture, birthing space and ourselves to find our most favorable location, position and direction that will support us best at this time of great transition.

To best utilize the natural energies the ancient Chinese devised a Bagua which separates each place into 8 directional sectors, ie north, north-east, east, etc., in the case of ‘Flying Stars or Compass School Feng Shui’. Each sector has assigned to it different life situations, i.e. marriage, career, wealth, family / health, etc and also body parts ie head, arm, stomach etc. Form school uses the bagua orientated to the door of the room or building, rather than compass directions.

Each sector also has an element attached.
The five elements embraced by Feng Shui are Earth, Metal, Water, Wood and Fire.

Many other factors are also taken into consideration, including aspects of Astrology and Numerology,

The art of Feng Shui is to tie all of the relevant factors into a meaningful picture to the benefit of the individual, n this case the birthing woman, her unborn baby and her support person/team.

Feng Shui principles can be applied to any space or location to ensure one feels supported by the use of such things as:

Space Clearing techniques
Blocks releasing that may be holding up the birth process
Maintaining a position of power
Facing personally empowering directions
Elemental cures
Activating the relevant sectors/life situations
Enhancing the Chi flow in the birthing space
Activating one’s personal Chi
Setting intentions for birth
Activating ‘LOVE CHI’ to help those birthing hormones flow
Connecting more deeply with the unborn baby
Calling on support from the natural environment & caregivers

AND MORE...

‘Feng Shui cures’ can be used to enhance the flow of positive Chi throughout the birthing space or to overcome harmful Chi flowing from outside sources.

Feng Shui helps us to harness the energies around us and transform them into something incredible, transforming and life affirming!

Feng Shui techniques can be used to create the most empowering and memorable birth experience ever. Why not tap into that which nature has provided for us to enhance this most beautiful time of your life? If you are a birth professional, you owe it to your clients to support them as best you can, so that they feel nurtured, supported and truly honored during their birth journey.

If you would like a copy of the 'Top 10 Feng Shui Tips for Birth' just visit the homepage of www.fengshuiforbirth.com and fill out your details in the box at the top right corner of the page. You will be sent a free copy immediately.

If you would like more information on this fascinating topic, I am running workshops throughout the USA in August/September 2014. For a list of these upcoming events, follow this link: http://www.fengshuiyourbirthbiz.com/upcoming-events/

Otherwise visit the events page on this website for all upcoming events: http://www.fengshuiforbirth.com/workshops.html

Coming next...’Feng Shui your Birth Biz, What YOU can do to activate your business chi’.

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2014 - Year of the Wood Horse - Happy New Year

31/1/2014

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Today, 31st January 2014...is the Chinese New Year which ushers in the year of the wood horse in Chinese astrology.

People born in the Year of the Horse are strong minded, energetic and very sociable. Because it is the year of the wood horse, those born in the Year of the Horse will have even more energy and their year will gallop along.

Wood horses work hard and are good decision makers. They are great at socializing and are capable of having a large circle of friends, but sometimes talk too much.

For other signs of the Chinese zodiac, the year of the wood horse will bring energy, but take care that this does not become negative and turn into conflict. As people stand firm with their principles, be prepared to fight for something you believe in.

My thoughts on this year: It is about freedom and strength, but not without hard work. The energy behind this year should enable you to keep going and finally achieve those results that you've been working so hard to achieve over the past few years. Success could finally be yours. Take some time out occasionally though, to run wild and feel the wind in your hair. Eat well, rest well and don't forget to play! Balance is the key.

Which animal are you?
Rat: 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008
Ox: 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009
Tiger: 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010
Rabbit: 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011
Dragon: 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012
Snake: 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013
Horse: 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014
Sheep: 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015
Monkey: 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016
Rooster: 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017
Dog: 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018
Pig: 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019

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Chinese 5 Element Cycle

27/2/2013

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Chinese 5 Element Cycle

The Chinese 5 Elements cycle is the basis for harmonizing the sectors of the house with the respective inhabitants of the dwelling. Below is an explanation of how this works, to assist you with your understanding of this process:

Over generations it was noted that Water “fed” plants, giving them strength and nutrients and in time producing the element Wood. Wood was burned in the Fire for fuel, creating something that looked very much like the element Earth. Contained within the Earth were precious metals like gold and so it appeared that the Earth element gave birth to the element of Metal. Cold Metal forms condensation and so the Metal element holds Water, where the cycle begins again.

Thus what we call the Creative Cycle was observed, described and accessed.

There are three parts to the 5 Element Cycle; Creative, Control and Destructive. As well as giving birth to their respective child elements, those same child elements reduce the force of their parent elements in a Reductive, or control Cycle. Additionally, each Element destroys another: Water puts out Fire; Fire melts Metal; Metal cuts Wood; Wood breaks Earth. This is known as the Destructive Cycle.

Feng Shui is all about harmonizing these elements in every aspect. Each person is ruled by an element according to their year of birth. These means that the element they are 'ruled by' will give them strength.

When analyzing a person’s Feng Shui, we take their element into account and fit them into their living and working spaces in order for them to reach their full potential. We look to harmonize that person with their environment, by balancing out each of the sectors with them and their respective element. The aim is always to achieve a ‘creative’ cycle. We can also use the elements to draw off excessive energies that are unwanted, or to feed a sector that is lacking.

When a person is aware of their own element, they can use it to their benefit by carrying a ‘totem’ which represents their element. This will then support and strengthen them as they go about their daily lives.

The Chinese 5 Elements in the Birthing Space:

Use the elements to support you. Find out what your element is through the Feng Shui technique of finding your Lo shu number associated with your birth year. Use the associated element to support you in the birthing space. Carry it with you as your own personal talisman in the form of an object, shape or colour...whatever appeals to you the most as a representative of your element. This will help strengthen you, as well as give you a focus throughout the birth process.

For example...if you are an earth element, a crystal is ideal. Find one that resonates with you the most. I always find rose quartz hearts to be ideal for birth, due to their shape and what they represent. Cleanse your crystal in salt water, recharge it under a full moon and then put your energy and intention into it for the birth. Do not allow anyone to hold it, as it is then programmed for you. Make sure you take it to the birth with you and use it as a focal point as labour intensifies. The same can be done with all other elements. Purpose and intention is really important if your desire is to have a sacred, supported birth.

Entry taken from 'Creating Sacred Space with Feng Shui' by Faye Read. To work out your number and element and discover your best directions for maximum support, download your copy HERE

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Space Clearing

20/2/2013

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Space Clearing is an effective tool for cleansing negative vibrations or stuck energies from a room or building. It can be simple or complex, depending on the method you use and the heaviness of the energy to be lifted.

Have you ever noticed when you are house hunting or visiting others in their homes, that some houses feel warm and inviting while others are cold and uninviting? This is because buildings absorb the energy of all that has passed through them. If a previous owner or tenant was angry a lot of the time, or arguments were a regular occurrence, then the house will reflect this and you will pick up on the negative energy that has been generated from these activities. On the other hand, if the home has had a loving couple living in it since it was built who put their love, heart and Soul into the home, you will pick up on that energy. The difference is certainly palpable. It is also the reason why some houses will sell quickly and others never move.

The same goes for a birthing space. If you create your birth nest at home and fill it with love and all your precious, meaningful possessions, chances are, you will feel relaxed, calm and at home while birthing your baby. This energy is conducive to the release of all the good birthing hormones...oxytocin (the hormone of love) and endorphins (natures own relaxant and analgesia). These will be secreted in sufficient amounts required to get those birth rushes happening and birth your baby in a sea of love hormones...quickly and efficiently.

Alternatively when we birth in a hospital setting, we are subjected to all the energies that have gone on before us. This means that all those women who have birthed in that same room, over all the years that this particular hospital has been open...will remain there, unless the room has been 'Space Cleared'. So all the amazing births, the not so amazing births and the really traumatic births all leave an imprints or a 'place memory' in that room. Therefore, when you enter that same room, preparing to birth your baby...you will then be affected by the other energies in the room. This is why it is SO important to space clear when you first arrive.

So how does one 'Space Clear'?

There are several methods that can be used on their own, or they can be combined to clear on a deeper level. Some need 'tools', while others need nothing more than your presence and clarity of mind. Beginning with the more simple techniques and working up to working with tools...Space Clearing can include:

Using the power of your mind - While simple in the fact that you don't need physical tools, it does require a lot of mental focus and clarity of thought. Set your intentions on what you are doing...clearing all negative energy from the room and visualize it lifting off and moving back to source. Once lifted, fill the space with pure, white light, or whatever colour resonates with you. Our minds are INCREDIBLY POWERFUL. Once you get proficient at this, it can actually become your greatest tool!
Clap your hands - Heavy energy tends to get stuck in corners and dark recesses...generally you can 'feel' a heaviness wherever it gathers. Simply go into these corners and clap your hands in short, sharp bursts and visualize the energy lift as you do it. You should feel an immediate difference.
Smudge Sticks - These are generally made out of sage herb bunched and tied together, to use as a 'cleansing' agent. Useful for clearing superficial energies from our aura or new homes etc. The main point with them once again however, is the intent behind what you are doing and the focus that you do it with. If you are busy thinking of other things while smudging, it will have limited or no use other than decorative and showy. These can't be used in a hospital setting though as they require lighting with a match...this poses a safety issue due to the piped oxygen in hospital rooms.
Space Clearing Spray - A spray can be made up for use at home, in the office, or in the birthing space, by blending certain oils that are good for lifting negative and stuck energies. I have a particular blend that I have used for many years which is a very complex and synergistic blend. I use it when doing my consultations and also include it in my 'Feng Shui Kits'. It is expensive to make up a single bottle as I use high quality oils. Lavender is generally a good oil to use on many different levels, if you had to choose one. Do not use if sensitive to lavender and always consult an Aromatherapist for advice on oils...especially during pregnancy. Only use pure Essential oils, not just the aromatic oils...as these have little therapeutic benefit.
Tibetan Tingsha cymbals - These cymbals are designed for space clearing and come in different sizes, thereby giving different ringtones. When buying a set, listen to what sound it gives off to see what sound resonates most with you for the given task. I personally like having a set of all the different sizes, as I find I need different ones at different times or in certain rooms, depending on what I'm working on. As a general rule, the medium ones work well for the average house or room.
Space Clearing Bells - These bells are specifically made for Space Clearing and once again come in various types and sizes. You can get the more affordable Tibetan bells for general space Clearing, or you can source out the high quality Priest bells, which are far more superior in make and quality of sound, but they are out of the price range of most people. The difference however, is enormous.
Music - Don't ever overlook the beneficial effects of music in your life. Music can be very uplifting and can help to lift the vibrational frequency in a room. It can also do the opposite, depending on what you are listening to! Decide what 'vibe' you want to create and choose the appropriate music.
Crystal Singing Bowls - These are amazing and have a high sound quality. These can be used very effectively to clear stuck energy from a room and also to create the vibration that you are trying to achieve. They are becoming more popular in the birth room as well. A dear friend of mine has created 'Soundbirth'...a business using crystal singing bowls to help bring your baby in. Visit www.soundbirth.com.au for more info.

There are many other ways to 'Space Clear' a room. If you find yourself really interested in this topic, a book I highly recommend reading is "Creating Sacred Space with Feng Shui" by Karen Kingston. It delves into ALL aspects of Space clearing and has lots of great tips for the home user.

Once you learn the art of Space Clearing, you will never view a space the same again. You become more sensitive to the energies around you. It's such a great feeling though, knowing that you CAN do something to change the energy. We have the power to create whatever we want...don't ever underestimate the power of your own mind! Love and Light...

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2013 - Year of the Water Snake

8/2/2013

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Have you ever noticed that the Chinese New Year falls on a different date from year to year? The date of the Chinese New Year is dictated by the moon. It usually falls on the second new moon after the winter solstice, which this year is February 10th. From this date until Jan 30, 2014, we will be governed by the energy of the Black Water Snake.

The energies of the New Year are already flowing in as it pushes out the year of the dragon. The dragon and the snake are both serpents and both are considered lucky symbols in Asia, but are also regarded as unpredictable beings.

Make subtle changes to prepare for this new energy:

1. If you are having negative thoughts, stress, fear or doubt move them aside because the year of the snake will provide what you need.

2. As this is the year of the water snake, welcome the incoming year with water energy represented by the colors black, navy blue or dark green.

3. To reap the generous rewards of the snake energy, you must be cautious in your business, real estate dealings and personal partnerships. Investigate the players and do your homework before you sign any legal documents.

4. The water snake is black like deep water, bringing personal reflection and unexpected changes. A good year to acknowledge the shadow aspects of self. It is a time when planning ahead is very valuable so leave spontaneity behind.

5. The year of the snake can be a prosperity year if you stay on budget and use your talents with conscious intention.

Welcome This Snake with Open Arms

The year of the snake should not make you shudder. Since snakes shed their skin, American Indians believe that they are a symbol of new beginnings. ‘Snake medicine’ is all about transformation and growth. The Chinese understand that their family will never go hungry in the year of the snake. So prepare to celebrate the year of the water snake. It is here bringing you the energy of abundance and endless possibilities!

Pregnancy & birth in the year of the Snake

This is a wonderful year to be pregnant. As it is all about going inward and setting intentions. It also offers a wonderful opportunity for transformation and growth through the gestational period. Time to cast aside what no longer benefits you, set your intentions on what you do want and let go of all fear! The use of water during pregnancy as a medium for relaxation; or as a wonderful tool during labour, to help ease any discomforts; would be most beneficial during this year which is influenced by the water element. A water birth could also be very strengthening this year for mum and bub if contemplating this.

Whatever good things were started last year have a good chance of being carried over to 2013 and could mean better prospects for us if we are prepared to make the most of what the feng shui elements indicate. Continue to update your knowledge and have the proper cures and enhancers in place where they are needed.

For more in depth information about what 2013 - the year of the water snake holds see:

2013 Year of the Snake - Feng Shui and Chinese Astrology
By Master Simon Wong

at : http://www.fengshuiforbirth.com/other-recommended-products.html

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Clear your Clutter

2/9/2012

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Did you know that the best place to start with improving your Feng shui...at home, in the office or in your birthing space, is to clear the clutter?! A clear environment will allow the Chi to flow through all areas of your environment and your life.

It is useful to notice which areas of your life are not flowing easily and effortlessly and see if the corresponding sector of your home (when overlaying the bagua) is blocked up with clutter. It's amazing to witness the results when we begin to springclean a space. As 'stuff' gets cleaned out, it makes way for new and better things to come into your life.

Sometimes it seems very difficult to even begin clearing things out, as the very fact that the house is cluttered...robs you of the energy to get started! It's one of those catch 22 situations...you need the energy and motivation to start, but the clutter inhibits and overwhelms you. If this is the case...start small! Pick a small project, such as a drawer or one cupboard...and begin with that. Then next time, move on to somewhere else. Eventually, your energy levels will improve and you will make more headway with your clutter clearing. Beware though...sometimes shifting things out can stir up a few emotions and you may have what we call a 'healing crisis'! I always find that if you need to tackle a large area, it is always good to keep a bottle of 'Bach Flower Rescue Remedy' on hand and take some whenever you start feeling a little bit emotional. It is really worthwhile persisting, as you feel great once everything is clear and the energy can flow properly once more. You will notice then, that those corresponding areas of your life will also begin to improve :-)

In the case of a 'birthing space'...how do we 'clear the clutter'? If birthing at home, ensure that you create a special 'sacred space' in which to birth your baby. This is just a room or area that has been 'spacecleared' and dedicated to providing and receiving beautiful birthing energy. I will cover this particular aspect in more detail in my next post. Make sure that this space is free of clutter or unnecessary items. Otherwise you will feel restricted and often irritable when trying to move about this space while in labour. The good birthing chi will also not be able to flow properly, which can then impede the birth process, resulting in a slower, less comfortable birth. Give yourself the freedom of movement and space by keeping all areas clear.

If birthing in a hospital or birth center, the same principle can be applied. Create your own 'sacred space' upon arrival and claim it as your own. Ask that any unwanted equipment be removed from the room or from view, so that it does not affect the flow of energy throughout the birth process.

Keeping these areas free of clutter is also a safety issue, as there is less likelihood of tripping over and hurting yourself if there is nothing lying around on the floor. It even works at a subliminal level...even if our conscious mind does not register the clutter, our subconscious mind doesn't miss a thing! On a deeper level, we know what is around us and it DOES affect us in very subtle ways.

A book that I highly recommend on the subject of clutter is 'Clear Your Clutter with Feng Shui' by Karen Kingston. It is an excellent read and uncovers the MANY different forms of clutter that we can accumulate in our lives and all the various ways to overcome and combat our desires or habits of 'hanging onto things'. If you would like to get a copy for yourself, which I highly recommend, you can find it by following the link below to Amazon.

Clearing your clutter is a simple and sometimes fun way of getting started on the path of improving your Feng Shui. The best part is that it doesn't cost anything and you can even make money from it, if you sell off some items that you no longer have any use for. So get going and begin space clearing and clearing out your clutter today!

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FENG SHUI FOR BIRTH

2014 - Year of the Wood Horse - Happy New Year

Chinese 5 Element Cycle

Space Clearing

2013 - Year of the Water Snake

Clear your Clutter

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