Q&A Sunday: Studying Feng Shui

I am an interior designer. I would like to study feng shui to go deeply in that field so that would help me in my career. But I need to know: where can I study and get the perfect knowledge of that? Is the masters degree in feng shui? And how can I know that the certificate that I'll take is recognized worldwide? 

Marwa K., Lebanon

Hi Marwa

Thank you for your email - and what a wonderful question to share with the readers. I’m also so happy that as a designer, you’re interested in deepening into your profession with the study of feng shui. As an architect, I found myself in the same place many years ago. I was working on architectural interiors, and found that something was missing in my life. I started to learn meditation and yoga and started on my spiritual path...which very quickly led me to look at how I incorporate spirituality in all aspects of my life, including work. Chogyam Trungpa didn’t see a separation between the secular and the spiritual, between the scientific and the mystical. And by incorporating feng shui, I also began to see this line become fainter and start to disappear.

There is no “perfect” knowledge of feng shui, but you can begin by looking for teachers that are near you. I studied at the BTB Masters program in NYC. It’s really of the utmost importance to work with a living teacher who holds and passes down their feng shui lineage. First, we can keep that lineage alive. Second, the teachings are transmitted in this way. It’s not something you can read in a book without the assistance of a mentor. I found that the BTB Masters program was just what I needed. The teachers truly become mentors in your life. For instance, Rosalie Prinzvalli officiated my wedding! Steven Post so kindly read and edited my book as well as wrote the forward. Barry Gordon has been a tremendous support in my life. You can listen to podcasts where I’ve interviewed two of the teachers. At the BTB Masters program, it’s a 3-year commitment, and you receive a certification as a feng shui practitioner. I’ve also recently taught a class at the last BTB Masters session.

There are also other schools and resources. First maybe look at what feng shui school resonates with you. There’s BTB Feng shui and there are more classical schools. I also first look at what teachers inspire and motivate you. You can look at the International Feng Shui Guild for more resources there. There is no official certificate that’s recognized worldwide, nor is there an official degree in feng shui that I’m aware of. But again, I’d look at what is out there and what speaks to you. Personally, the BTB Masters program fell into my lap, and it really clicked with me, so I went with it. I had no need to shop around. And I can say with great conviction that I wouldn’t be where I am now had I not gone through that transformative program :)

by Anjie Cho

Thanks for reading our "Q&A Sunday".  We will be answering questions submitted by our readers. Click here to submit any Feng Shui or Green Design questions!

The Incredible Healing Power of Palo Santo

Palo Santo.jpg

It's not news that we at Holistic Spaces love to use palo santo as a space clearing tool during feng shui adjustments and in general, but what's so special about this South American material that makes it so popular for this use and others? As it turns out, palo santo isn't just a better smelling alternative to sage smudging. Its meaning and uses have rich history and have been around for centuries. 

Palo santo, scientifically called Bursera graveolens after the tree from which it is derived, is a Spanish term meaning "holy wood." The Bursera graveolens tree grows in various parts of the South American coast, including Mexico, Ecuador and Peru's Yucatan Peninsula, and one of the things I love most about this tool is that it can only be harvested from dead trees or fallen limbs. The Peruvian government even has regulations to ensure this sustainable measure!

Palo santo has been used in spiritual ceremonies for years by folk practitioners and shamans and is widely recognized for its spiritual connections. The smoke of palo santo during a space clearing ceremony is thought to enhance creativity, bring good fortune, clear negative thoughts and evil spirits, and raise vibration. In fact, it is also used with meditation for all these reasons!  

While it is often used as a space clearing technique and insect repellant, the properties of palo santo are also beneficial in essential oil form. Palo santo is from the same family as frankincense and myrrh and can be helpful in treating colds, flu symptoms, depression and even some cancer symptoms. It is known for stimulating the immune system and fighting inflammation and, in Peruvian tradition, is used as a powerful oil for mental clarity 

Burned palo santo sticks can be reused (green living, anyone?), and the essential oils can be diffused or applied to the body directly with a carrier oil and as massage oil. It seems that the perks and uses for palo santo may be near endless! Have you used the sticks or oil in your holistic spaces?

by Anjie Cho

Space Clearing Across Cultures

Everything in our spaces contains energy, often that of events or predecessors who came before us. This is why we spend so much time advocating space clearing as a part of a successful feng shui practice. It's important to clear the spaces around us of pre-existing energy and fill them with our own new, positive chi. But modern feng shui isn't the only cultural practice based around this idea!

Many of our modern day rituals and ceremonies, even though we may not view them as such, are derived from ancient ideas and methods behind space clearing. Actual space clearing, housewarmings and grand openings all help in some way to welcome positive energy into a new space. Even spring cleaning can sometimes be considered a space clearing ritual. 

Native Americans used herbs like sage, cedar and sweetgrass to smudge their spaces. The idea behind this is that in burning the herbs and creating smoke, negative spirits and energy attach to the smoke, and when the smoke leaves the space, so does that negative energy. Cleaning and clearing a space also welcomes benevolent spirits to join us. 

Salt (think Himalayan salt lamps) is also often used in Middle Eastern areas to cleanse space, and in the Tibetan tradition, it is often mixed with saffron when placed in the home, as this spice is believed to repel evil spirits.

In Peru, sacred ceremonies called Despacho are performed to restore balance between humans, Mother Earth and other spirits. The Ayni Despacho is a prayer offering that includes flower petals, sweets and other offerings arranged into a mandala to clear old energy, invite new energy and welcome abundance and other wishes. 

Some believe that a true space clearer should be able to detect the presence of spirits. Others believe that the intention behind space clearing is the most important aspect for success. Using a mantra or other incantation to express your desires can be a great way to ensure that your intentions are in the right place. Check in a few weeks when we talk mantras in feng shui!

Though you can use the practice of space clearing with whatever method you choose, whenever you choose, there are certain times when taking a moment to clear your atmosphere can be more auspicious than others. If you find yourself in any of the situations below, be sure to clear your space for abundance and luck!

What's your favorite way to replenish the energy in your holistic space? If we didn't list it, we'd love to know what you do to clear negative energy from your home and office and replace it with positive chi!

by Anjie Cho