Q&A Sunday: Choosing a Yantra

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I would like to buy a yantra canvas from your site, but I'm having a bit of trouble choosing which one would be right for me. I want to focus on health for myself and my family, and I would like to put it in the center of the house to coordinate with the feng shui bagua. Would the most appropriate be the Sun yantra? If not, could you please make a suggestion?

Charmaine B., NJ

 

Dear Charmaine,

Thank you so much for your email and question about yantras. One of the reasons why we developed the “Mandala Matchmaker” is because a lot of people ask me similar questions regarding which yantra is right for them! There are a few different ways to approach the mandala selection.

When I painted my first yantra, I was asked to select which one I was most drawn to. First thought, best thought. This is tapping into your intuition. That’s a wonderful way to select a yantra mandala, because we are often intuitively attracted to what we need. 

As I began to learn more about painting yantras and mandalas, my teachers started teaching me about Vedic numerology - which is also an excellent way to work with things that you need. You can explore your own number and see what challenges and what successes arise from this.

With my Vedic studies, I began to connect the concepts to feng shui. I created a section of the Mandala Matchmaker that relates to your intention. This is also, of course, very useful. I connected it to the feng shui bagua map, because there was a lot of interconnectedness in the two modalities. 

This leads us to your question. You would like to select one based on what you need — which is health for your family, to be located in the center of your home. 

If there is need of great healing, the Mahāmṛtyuṃjaya yantra, on the top right is the best. 

If it's health in general the Ketu yantra, on the bottom right is better.

For both:

The blues/greens are Wood element, which is great for the health/Earth area. It gives a ground for the Wood to root and can break up the stagnation in any Earth.

I hope this helps!

Also, if you need more assistance I’m available for consultations where we can pinpoint and focus on what is best for you based on our specific circumstances.

by Anjie Cho

Prep Your Holistic Space for Winter with Feng Shui

As the seasons continue to change, from summer to fall, and fall to winter, design in our homes is likely to change along with them. In the feng shui philosophy, there is a theme and science to changing up this decor as you transition from warm, bright weather to colder weather that promotes staying indoors. Feng shui philosophy embraces the same sort of changes in fall and winter as the agricultural world, in which the planting and harvest are done, and it's time for rest and planning. So how do you make your space reflect this?

One great way is to change the color scheme up a bit. Adding earthy colors (like brown, orange, yellow) to your space promotes nourishment and brings the qualities of nature indoors. Natural colors are more soothing and nurturing, meshing perfectly with the idea of turning inward and providing the support we need to stay grounded during cooler seasons.

Bringing actual nature indoors is another excellent way to balance out your space and welcome nourishing energy. You can opt for seasonal decor, like gourds, pumpkins and the like, or turn to traditional green plants, which add life energy and help clean the air in our indoor spaces, a great benefit considering we'll be spending more time indoors!

One design update that definitely adds to your comfort level is swapping out linens and blankets from thinner, lighter summer options to thicker, cozier and more warming blankets and duvets. Opting for organic and Fair Trade takes this a level further, as you're adding warmth in addition to removing harmful chemicals that conventionally produced materials can bring inside.

It's also a good idea to ensure that all your furniture is in the commanding position, regardless of the season. In the feng shui tradition, sitting without a clear line of sight to the door, or directly in line with the door, makes the flow of positive chi difficult. With our backs to the doors, we are not able to see what may be coming at us, and if we sit directly in front of the door, we are hit with all the chi coming into our space at once. Neither is good! Instead, aim to kitty corner your most important furniture so that you can comfortably see the door, while you aren't directly in line. If this isn't a possibility, use mirrors or feng shui crystals to adjust. Both are available here in the Holistic Spaces shop!

Finally, check your lighting! When we're spending lots of time out in the summer sun, lighting in our spaces isn't as important, as we're taking in Fire energy while outdoors. When we begin to turn inward and stay indoors, it's important to ensure that the lighting in our spaces is ample for all our activities, from reading to cooking to preparing for sleep, and that it benefits us where possible (think full-spectrum lighting to imitate the sun).

by Anjie Cho

Holistic Spaces 2016 Holiday Gift Guide

We're excited to be back with our second Holistic Spaces Holiday Gift Guide, and this year we're focusing on balancing out the elements in our holistic spaces and lives. All year we've shared ways to bring balance to your life by paying attention to the five element theory, an ancient Chinese philosophy that we utilize in feng shui. Listen in here for podcasts and check out our My Favorite Things posts, take a peek at Nine Star Ki, then consider your individual friends and family and give something supportive this year! Don't worry, we'll help you out. :)

For More Metal:

Your gift recipient needs more metal if she doesn't speak up for herself, has trouble completing things or could use more beauty in her life. Metal is symbolic of righteousness and joy and assists with attracting helpful people and efficiency. It is related to the Benefactors and Completion areas of the bagua map, metallic colors, white, grey, autumn, circular shapes and actual metal. Keep these tips in mind, and take a look at these two perfect gifts for those in need of metal. 

Modern Minerals Emotive Lip Gloss

I recently met the beautiful Diane Read, founder of Modern Minerals Makeup, at a full moon meditation hosted by Lotus Wei. She offered me a sample of her Emotive Lip Gloss, which I've been obsessed with ever since! The lipgloss is infused with flower and gemstone essences in collaboration with Lotus Wei, and formulated to "uplift and awaken positivity."

So, how does this tie into the metal element? Metal relates to the mouth and beauty. The Emotive Lipgloss encourages "Love, inner strength, compassion and living in the present moment" and how we manifest that in the world through our voice and with joy. Perfect for that friend lacking in metal!

Available at: Modern Minerals

"Little Black Book" Daily Action Planner

Since those lacking metal can have difficulty with efficiency and completing projects, a day planner is an excellent way to encourage the addition of metal in these areas. 

This style, the 30-day action planner, is my favorite design, but Savor also offers 90-day versions and other 30-day versions. In fact, a 90-day planner would be great for feng shui, since it is a multiple of the auspicious number 9!

I’ve been using the daily action planner systems for a few years now, and it’s been INDISPENSABLE to manifesting my goals. So for those who need a little (or a lot of) help with precision, organization and action planning, this is for you!

P.S. This one is especially great for entrepreneurs. I would say it's made a huge difference in how I plan and complete things.

Available at: Savor the Success

For More Fire:

If your friend or family member is fearful of and afraid to express anger or lacking passion in life, he may need more fire! Fire represents explosiveness, passion and sincerity, and relates to the eyes and heart, making fire people very heartfelt. It is related to the Recognition area of the bagua map and the color red, as well as triangular shapes, the season of summer, lighting and actual fire, and can add passion and recognition to life. If this sounds like something your gift recipient could use, try these!

Artisanal Intention Candles

My friend Valerie Oula has created a collection of candles enhanced with reiki energy, healing sound vibrations, crystals and sacred geometry. 

Each candle is made of natural soy, essential oils, safe fragrances and a cotton wick. They're housed in reusable jars and even come with a guided meditation! 

Of course, candles actually produce fire, which is one way to add this element, but fire is also related to passion, so to enhance the adjustment, choose a candle that will help cultivate passion in an area where your receiver needs support. 

Available at: Modern Ritual NYC

Experience: Signature Makeup Lessons

Another amazing and successful woman I recently met is natural beauty expert, Rebecca Casciano. She has created a Sacred Beauty Salon Series which is offered in varying locations around the U.S. and aims to teach women the relationship between appearance and self-love in addition to practical makeup tips. 

One of her offerings is a natural beauty makeup lesson. I think this is invaluable in creating more fire energy in your life. Rebecca can help you create more passion and love with how you show your face in the world.

Available at: Rebecca Casciano

For More Earth: 

Your recipient may need more Earth if she struggles to show care and concern for others or is overly concerned with herself. The Earth element is related to earthy colors (of course..) like brown, orange and yellow as well as the Abundance, Health and Knowledge areas of the feng shui bagua map. Square shapes also represent the Earth element, which holds a quality of stability and nourishment. If your friend or family could use a little help with the Earth element, these are wonderful places to start!

 

Good Vibrations

The founder of AromatheraChi, Andrea Giordano, is my partner in creating the holistic, all-natural items in the Holistic Spaces apothecary. 

Her AromatheraChi line offers many wonderful items including this Good Vibrations soap, a very earthy and grounding blend including patchouli. It's also brown in color and square, which both relate to the Earth element as well. 

You can check the Aromatherachi site for other options, but Good Vibrations is an excellent earth adjustment for men or women. My husband loves it!

Available at: AromatheraChi

 

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GIFT CERTIFICATE for Holistic Spaces Feng Shui Consultation with Anjie Cho

We recently added a new offering on our services page, gift certificates for a consultation! I've found that those who need more Earth have a hard time spending time and energy on self-care.

What a treat for your loved one to receive a feng shui consultation in which they can learn about how to create a space that nurtures and supports them!

Both online and in-person consultations are available in a gift certificate format.

Available at: AnjieCho.com

For More Water:

Is your Secret Santa somewhat isolated, maybe finding it hard to make friends, connect with others and find opportunities? Give him some Water! The Water element is related to winter, dark colors like black and deep blues and the Path in Life area of the bagua. It is represented by wavy shapes and, of course, actual water, relates to knowledge and intelligence and can help with cash flow! Keep these characteristics in mind when shopping for someone who needs more Water, and check out some of our favorites! 
 

The Water Collection

It makes sense that an easy way to add more water is to use...well..water! This collection from Sakara Clean Boutique is perfect for balancing the water element and providing supportive chi. 

Enhanced with rosewater, liquid chlorophyll and 72 different trace minerals, Sakara recommends drinking the morning water while setting intentions for the day and sipping night water to relax and detox before bed. 

Not only are these recipes actually water, the night version is black, which reinforces the Water element as well! 

Available at: Sakara

Book: Let It Out

Our frequent guest and dear friend, Katie Dalebout, released her first book earlier this year, and it's the perfect gift for someone lacking in Water. 

Let It Out is a guide to journaling, including "insights and exercises that will elevate your life and get you “unstuck”—for good." 

Even if your friend or family member has never journaled before, this blueprint can help to break through the blocks preventing connection and opportunities, and encourage the flow (like water) of positive chi. 

Available at: Amazon, Books-a-Million, Barnes & Noble and more

For More Wood:

If you're looking for a gift for someone who seems ungrounded and is often indecisive and tends to always go with the flow, you may need a Wood item! Wood is related to Spring and the colors green and blue and represents qualities of flexibility, kindness, life energy and human-heartedness. The Wood element symbolizes growth and is represented by the New Beginnings and Abundance areas in the bagua. If your gift recipient could use a little more Wood, try these on for size! 

 

Ferlin Picnic Backpack

I know that we are currently experiencing cold temperatures in most places, but I couldn't help but include this one!

My husband and I received one of these sets as a wedding gift, and it’s seriously the best thing ever! It gets us out in nature (in the warmer months of course), and for someone who needs more Wood, this is a great way to get out to a park or out in nature 😃

These backpacks are great in spring, the season of new beginnings, which also represents the Wood element, and there's also an option to get a blue and green set, the Wood colors! 

Available at: Amazon

Nine Steps to Health / Total Wellness Empowerment

Wood is also related to action and transformation. Think of a tree sprouting and reaching out into the sunlight. This is the amazing work that my friend and nutritionist, Nancy Guberti provides.

I’ve been working with her on and off for years, and this year especially closely, and working with Nancy on my health has been a truly transformative and supportive experience.

I’ve been eating pretty healthy for almost a decade, but Nancy gently suggests even more shifts that I could incorporate that have made phenomenal changes in my everyday life with mood and appearance.

Even if you think you know about wellness, Nancy’s program can help you make huge strides in your life! (I have Nancy as my coach, but the nine steps is a little more affordable). 

Available at: Total Wellness Empowerment (Coaching); NancyGuberti.com (Nine Steps)