Move Your Stuff, Change Your Life

by Karen Rauch Carter

  Since I was one dollar away from being out there with him, I thought, “What the heck—at least he has the courage to ask.” I dug that bill out of my purse and gave it to him. I can still see the scene as if it happened in slow motion—my hand reaching out and connecting with his. There was an immediate shift inside me—a total surrender. It made me smile. Later that day, I received a call (thank God I bribed the phone company for more time). Someone wanted me to do some work for them. It truly was the turning point of the recession and the beginning of living abundantly for me.

  If you ask for money and prepare for the possibility that you will not receive it, you will get the situation you have prepared for. So instead of tempting fate, have faith.

  | Checks and Balances and Ch’i, Oh My! |

  Another way to get the checks rolling in is to balance the Prosperity corner of your home or room with an item representing each of the five elements. Use this cure also if you have absolutely no sense of style and don’t care about home decor but do want to make changes in your life. This may be just the simple shift you need to begin the process of caring about your environment. The five elements are, again, wood, fire, earth, metal, and water. Here’s an example: a wrought iron (metal) table with a glass (water) top, holding a plant (earth), a wooden (wood) picture frame, and a candle (fire). As you progress through the rest of the book, you will get a better idea of which items best represent these elements. Even if they are small tokens of each, your efforts will pay off. I call this the cover-your-butt cure. I put this cure here in the Prosperity chapter because it happens to be the first gua treated in this book. But this cure can be used in any section of the bagua, for any life situation—use it if you have a feng shui situation that you can’t figure out or because this cure speaks to you as making the most sense. It will make a difference for the better either way.

  By the way, if you are worried about placing a Destructive Cycle element item in the area, don’t be. When each of the five elements is equally represented as a cure, the Destructive Cycle is not created.

  | Opposites Attract |

  If you have enhanced your Prosperity area and find that results are still not what you expected or intended, take a look at the opposite gua, Helpful People and Travel (see Figure 8). Although we will be discussing this area in depth later, it needs to be brought up with regard to Prosperity. The Helpful People section provides a basis of support for you to proceed in life abundantly. If you feel supported, you have confidence. This confidence promotes generosity, which in turn makes you feel and become abundant.

  In case you are wondering, yes, all opposing areas of the bagua directly relate to each other. They are the yin and yang that make the whole. Balance them both for optimal results. You will find out in Chapter 6 how to enhance the opposing gua to Prosperity—the Helpful People area of the home.

  Hip to Be Square

  * * *

  I don’t know how they came up with these body parts for each gua, but the Prosperity area of the home is associated with the hip. So if you have a hip condition, place one of the power tools in the area with the intention of helping it out. (If you’re just trying to be hip, skip ahead to Chapter 8.)

  FIGURE 8

  Pieces of Eight

  * * *

  From a numerology standpoint, the number 8 is the number for gaining material wealth. So if you live on Eighth Street, it should be easier to draw money toward you. To figure out what your address equals in numerology-speak, add up all the numbers in your address until it becomes a number between 1 and 9. For example, if you live at 24881 Flowing Creek Drive, add 2+4+8+8+1. This equals 23. Then add the 2 and 3 and you get 5. You live in a 5 house. There is a way of adding up the letters too, but for the purposes of this book, we will not be getting into such detail. Every chapter and every life situation will have its best and its most challenging number. As I said here, the best number for prosperity is 8. The most challenging is 7, which is associated with thinking more spiritually, and therefore concentrating less on material abundance. Think back to other places you have lived and remember the theme of living in those homes. Write them down and then, as you progress throughout this book, you can see what kind of luck the home’s vibration offered you while you lived there. (If you are impatient and wondering about your particular number, see that chart in Chapter 1.) If you have more than one home, consider the number of your primary residence as the most powerful over you.

  Immediate Action Items for Prosperity

  * * *

  Every chapter pertaining to a gua has a list of immediate action items to remind you of any essential changes to make. Everyone can benefit from these changes—even if this particular gua is working well for you. If you do need feng shui help in this area of life, move on to balance the space using the power tools and hazardous materials information. Here are the immediate action items for Prosperity:

  1. Clean this section of the home very well.

  2. Remove broken items.

  3. Consider calling in the pros if you have a toilet here.

  4. Add enhancements as necessary.

  | Prosperity in Summary |

  Power Tools: purple, green, red, gold, things that remind you of abundance, moving water, round-leaved plants, moving objects

  Hazardous Materials: dirt and dust, broken items, reminders of bad times, trash cans, dead plants, fireplaces, toilets

  Opposite Gua: Helpful People and Travel

  Body Part: hip

  Associated Number: 8

  chapter 3

  * * *

  They Like Me, They Really, Really Like Me—Fame and Reputation

  Looking for fame? Look no further. Looking to change your reputation out there? Keep reading. You can enhance your reputation or become famous when you incorporate feng shui principles in the Fame and Reputation area of the home. And with your reputation enhanced, you may see improvement in your life in the following ways:

  Business increases or improves (translating into more money).

  You finally have the courage to do something you have always been afraid to do.

  You gain respect from your spouse, family, coworkers, friends, and strangers.

  Your good reputation is protected.

  You become very well known.

  You get the credit you finally deserve.

  You have support from others because they see you as valuable.

  You accept yourself for who you are.

  First of all, even though the word fame is in the title, merely becoming famous is not what this chapter is all about. But by taking a look at famous people and dissecting the path they took to get them where they are, we start to see some common denominators regarding Fame and Reputation. People may judge you by a whole career, or simply a singular event. Lucille Ball is famous for her lifetime career achievements, and Lee Harvey Oswald is known for a one-time event. Obviously, from this example, there are two kinds of fame or notoriety—the good and the bad. Although there are some real sickos out there that would enjoy the pursuit of a bad reputation, we are going to concentrate only on how to create a good one. If you are bummed because you already have a bad reputation, this chapter will give you the tools to change it.

  Being famous and having a reputation takes other people to accomplish. Simply calling yourself famous does not a famous person make. The notice or recognition of others is a vital ingredient in the recipe for both fame and having a reputation. So, how do you get other people to regard you as you wish to be regarded? First you have to choose what you want to be known for. Be very clear about it—and then be it. Assume you already are known for it. For example, everyone who knows me knows I am always on time. I often tell new people in my life that I am “hopelessly on time.” My punctuality even relies on California freeways to get me where I need to go. I had a friend say she thought about calling the local hospitals when I actually was a little late. So, as you see, I have the reputation for being prompt. I believe that being on time shows respect f
or others. I also believe that you get what you give. So, by being on time, I am actually gaining respect from others.

  It usually takes time to build your fame or reputation using the above method of simply “being it.” If you don’t have the time, use feng shui. The Fame and Reputation area of your home is located in the center of the rear wall from the main door (Figure 9). (Remember, if this area is missing, Chapter 11 has tips for completing missing pieces.)

  From the chart in Chapter 1, we learned that Fame and Reputation is associated with the color red, triangular shapes, and the element of fire. With that in mind, take a further look at the items that may bring about a change for the better in this area.

  Fame and Reputation location in bagua.

  FIGURE 9

  Power Tools for Fame and Reputation

  * * *

  Fire Fire is the element connected to Fame and Reputation. So if you can literally add the element to the space, you are helping to build your reputation. Fireplaces, lanterns, and candles are perfect. No, they don’t have to be lit all the time.

  How about digging out those old photos of that trip to Hawaii and framing a montage of spewing-volcano snapshots? Lava is like solid fire. Why not use a lava lamp?

  Lights If you can’t have the real thing, go for the next best. Those flickering bulbs that imitate candles or an elegant torchère all work well here. If you can discern between tacky and tasty, check Las Vegas out for lighting ideas. Compare the reputations with the lighting at some of these casinos and you will start to understand the connection.

  Wherever you have a fireplace, temper it with a little water, especially if it is in the Children, Prosperity, or Family section. But even if it is in the Fame section, a little water will help balance it and actually give it power (water and fire make steam).

  Red Stuff This is the color for this area, so load it up. Red candles hold two desirable attributes for Fame and Reputation—the color and the element.

  Since red lights have historically been used to denote districts or businesses of lower character and bad reputation, it’s best to stay away from them, unless, of course, they are appropriate for your occupation.

  Triangular Objects Symbolic of a fire shape, triangles and pointed objects work best in the Fame space, creating fire for the subconscious. The pink triangle eventually chosen by gays and lesbians to represent their cause and to change their perception by and reputation with others was a good choice (despite its original World War I function). Pyramids pack the perfect punch to garner respect. Cactus are dangerous feng shui items almost anywhere but here.

  If you need a place in the house to display or keep collections of weapons, this is the place. Spears, harpoons, arrows, daggers, swords, and knives all have the sharp shape of fire.

  Wood In the Creative Cycle, wood feeds fire. Add wood to boost the element of fire in this area, literally or symbolically. Use wooden furniture, picture frames, or treelike plants. Place the Christmas tree here and see how it changes things during the holidays.

  Cheesy particleboard furniture is borderline. Woody, the cowboy character from the film Toy Story, is stretching it.

  Green Symbolizing wood in feng shui, almost anything green will do. An avocado tree—yes. A dried and crusty bowl of guacamole from last week’s build-your-own-taco party—no. ¿Ve la diferencia?

  Television Use the television as a fire symbol and place it in the Fame position (it is usually blazin’ with action and movement). Don’t put out the fire by channel surfing too much!

  Rectangular and Columnar Objects Pictures on the wall in a vertical format, a grandfather clock, columns, or an armoire fit the bill for this section. Think of a tree trunk to remember this one.

  Items That Represent Fire Gold stars, the Statue of Liberty’s torch, a picture of a campfire, firefly, or volcano all work. So will a ceramic sun, a book of matches, a hibachi, incense, firecrackers, or something that survived a fire that means something to you. A string of red chili peppers can be a very effective way to spice up Fame.

  Stained Glass Add red-and-green sunlight to a space by hanging stained glass in a nearby window.

  Animals and Things Made from Animals Leather, wool, and eel skin are some choices that have the right energy. Live animals are great too. They are said to have fire energy. Stick the scratch pole here to entice the cats. The wooden bookcase holding the red leather-bound books is perfect. Pictures of animals are fine, but be careful on this one—the animal you choose may symbolically represent you to others. So, if you don’t think of yourself as a tiger, leave Tony on the cereal box. And if you don’t want to be mousy, a weasel, a snake, or bullheaded, well, you get it. This rule applies to nonanimal items as well—if it is not you, it may give mixed signals.

  Plants Plants have wonderful energy for Fame. As the plant grows, so does your reputation.

  Pictures or Memorabilia of Celebrities or People You Admire If they have a reputation you want, put their stuff there.

  Recognition Items Awards, diplomas, professional licenses, 4-H ribbons, gold stars on good papers, report cards, Oscars, Emmys, certificates of appreciation from local organizations can all be placed here to build your image. They will toot your horn so you don’t have to.

  Personal Wish List Write on a red piece of paper everything you wish to gain from enhancing this gua and safely place it somewhere in this part of the home. Write whatever you want the public to think about you.

  “Up” Stuff Stuff associated with height—mountains (especially tall, pointy ones like volcanos), birds, balloons, stars, moon, sun, and other things that you usually have to look up to see—work well for a good reputation and getting people to look up to you.

  Real Mountains If you live somewhere on a hillside with a big mountain out your back door, you’ve got about all you need for this gua. Mountains give stability to fire.

  Don’t forget to add some of these ideas to your notebook. Also, look around for hazardous materials that need to be moved and be sure to note them.

  Hazardous Materials for Fame and Reputation

  * * *

  Water Water douses fire in feng shui. It’s best not to have too much of it here. If your bathtub, shower, or toilet is here, balance the space using the Creative and Destructive Cycles. An example is to place earth (potted plants in ceramic pots) in the room. This can help balance out the water. How about a yellow soap on a rope for the shower? Unless you are a marine biologist or reef diver, move the fish tank. And unless you are Mark Spitz or Greg Louganis, or have an overriding cure, a pool is not the greatest item to have located near this spot of the home. My suggestion is, if the water is movable, move it. We’ll deal with nonmovable water later. I’m also talking about both literal water and symbols of it. A giant painting of an ocean scene is not doing anyone much good around here.

  Black Stuff The color black symbolizes water, so get it out of here. If that little black book hasn’t done enough damage yet, it will here.

  Things That Symbolize What You are Not About A poster of Darth Vader, a sad clown, art that includes slain animals and people, or photos of infamous people can really bring your reputation down. Also, pictures of animals associated with negative traits or water, like leeches, sharks (unless you are a mean-ass attorney), pigs, toads, piranhas, rats, or mice (we’ll let Mickey slide here if you are in the themed-entertainment industry), can give a bad impression as well.

  Mirrors Since mirrors equal water, try to clear big ones out of this area, especially if you have one hanging over the fireplace. Although it is appropriate to have a little water, don’t overdo it and completely put out the fire with a mirror that’s bigger than the fireplace. Trust your instincts to know when it’s too much.

  If you have family photos resting on the mantel, make sure they are protected with a little water (especially if they are children’s pictures). Without protection, people may be prone to fevers or, at a minimum, heated discussions, due to their proximity to fire. One method is to place the photos on a
black background within the frame or place black on the back of the frames.

  | Swimming in Fame |

  If you are lucky enough to have a home on the beach but are now freaked about having the entire ocean in your Fame and Reputation gua, here is what you can do about that. Place elements of earth throughout and around the house, such as stone, boulders, or actual earth with potted plants. Also use elements of fire (which creates earth), such as candles or fire pits.

  I know we’re talking about stuff outside the home right now, but I see this condition often enough to mention it. If it’s a big fat pool in your backyard soaking up your reputation, surround it with potted plants. Nine plants in red ceramic pots work well because nine is a great feng shui cure quantity. Or use lush shrubbery and trees in the area (Figure 10). Boulders in the landscape can also help the balance.

  Did you ever notice on TV that rich crooks, bad guys, and womanizers are usually depicted in contemporary homes with big, hard-angled pools in back, and these pools have absolutely nothing around them? And that happy people and nice families always have soft-edged pools surrounded by trees and lush landscaping? From a feng shui point of view, the pool with nothing around it is out of balance in the rear of the house. A stark pool in the Fame area of the yard can lead to questionable ethics and integrity. Be careful if you are doing business with someone living with this situation—they may be tempted to cheat or make bad decisions. If you don’t want plants hanging around your pool, perhaps use red or green towels or chaise cushions. Make sure you enhance the Skills and Knowledge area extensively, though (Chapter 8), so you will have the wisdom to do the right thing in life. Also, enhance the Fame and Reputation areas of the home and each room comprehensively for added balance.