The Western Guide to Feng Shui

The Western Guide to Feng Shui Plot Summary

Introduction

Have you ever walked into a room and immediately felt a sense of peace, or conversely, an inexplicable unease? The spaces we inhabit are not merely physical structures—they are dynamic environments that profoundly influence our well-being, relationships, and success. Many of us struggle with homes that feel chaotic, workspaces that drain our energy, or bedrooms that fail to provide the rest we desperately need. These challenges aren't just inconveniences; they're symptoms of an imbalance between ourselves and our surroundings. When we understand that our environment is a reflection of our inner state and simultaneously shapes our experiences, we unlock a powerful tool for transformation. By working with ancient wisdom adapted for modern life, we can create spaces that actively support our highest aspirations. The art of Feng Shui offers practical approaches to design living spaces that enhance every aspect of our lives—from prosperity and health to relationships and creativity. As you journey through these principles, you'll discover how simple adjustments to your surroundings can create profound shifts in how you feel, think, and live each day.

Chapter 1: Embrace the Three Feng Shui Principles for Transformational Living

The foundation of creating a harmonious environment begins with understanding three fundamental principles that govern the flow of energy in our spaces. First, everything is alive with Chi—vital energy. This isn't merely philosophical; it means the items in your home aren't just inert objects but carriers of energy that influence how you feel. Second, everything is connected by Chi, which means your home's energy affects your personal energy, and vice versa. Third, the Chi in everything is always changing, requiring us to adapt our spaces as we evolve. Consider the story of Susan, who struggled through a difficult divorce. Her living room sofa became a battlefield of memories—every time she sat on it, she experienced conflicting emotions of being both a happy newlywed and a shell-shocked divorcée. The sofa was literally alive with the energy of her marriage, keeping her past alive in her present moment. Susan's inner work involved healing and releasing the past, while her outer work required purchasing a new couch that symbolized fresh beginnings. The transformation was immediate and profound. As soon as her new couch was delivered, Susan felt more in control of her life. This small change affirmed a new chapter was beginning. Inspired by this experience, she examined other possessions through what she called her "self-esteem test"—if an item made her feel good, she kept it; if not, it was "outta there." She replaced a chair containing unhappy childhood memories and several pictures depicting lonely-looking women. To implement these principles in your own home, start by walking through each room and noticing how different areas and objects make you feel. Ask yourself: "Does this strengthen or weaken me?" Begin with one room, perhaps the one where you spend the most time. Remove or replace items that carry negative associations, and introduce elements that affirm your current goals and values. Even small changes like replacing a worn throw pillow or removing a gift from a complicated relationship can shift the energy dramatically. Remember that your environment is constantly sending you messages about who you are and what you deserve. By consciously arranging your space to reflect your highest aspirations, you create a powerful feedback loop of positive energy. Surround yourself with what you genuinely love, let go of what no longer serves you, and notice how your inner landscape begins to match the harmony you've created externally.

Chapter 2: Map Your Bagua to Activate Life's Blessings

The Bagua Map is a powerful tool that divides your home into nine distinct areas, each corresponding to a different aspect of life—such as wealth, relationships, career, and creativity. By understanding where these areas are located in your home, you can enhance specific life aspects through targeted adjustments. This ancient system provides a blueprint for identifying which physical areas of your home influence particular aspects of your experience. Nan, a yoga instructor, felt deeply stuck in her life. Her tiny apartment lacked both a bathtub and a proper kitchen, frustrating her desires for leisurely bathing and gourmet cooking. Despite her efforts, her yoga classes remained small. When we mapped the Bagua of her townhouse, we discovered that her Helpful People and Career areas were located in a barren patch of ground near her front door. With this knowledge, Nan amended the soil, planted flowers and ferns, and placed a statue of St. Francis to symbolize "helpful people." Just three days after these enhancements, Nan received a notice from her landlord giving her thirty days to vacate. Simultaneously, she received enough student sign-ups to require a larger classroom. Initially alarming, these changes ultimately propelled her forward. Within six weeks, Nan was teaching in a beautiful new studio and living in a spacious cottage with a roomy kitchen and divine bathtub. What seemed like chaos was actually the necessary reorganization required to manifest her desires. To create your own Bagua map, draw a simple floor plan of your home. Position the front entrance at the bottom of the page, then divide the outline into nine equal sections like a tic-tac-toe board. Label each section according to the traditional Bagua areas: Wealth & Prosperity, Fame & Reputation, Love & Marriage, Family & Health, Center, Children & Creativity, Knowledge & Self-Cultivation, Career, and Helpful People & Travel. If your home isn't a perfect rectangle, some areas may fall outside your actual living space—these "missing" areas often correlate with challenges in those life aspects. Once you've identified each area, assess its condition. Is it cluttered, neglected, or beautifully maintained? Enhance areas needing attention with appropriate elements—such as water features in the Career area, pairs of objects in the Love & Marriage section, or plants and family photos in the Family & Health zone. Begin with the area that corresponds to your most pressing life concern, making both outer changes to the space and inner adjustments to your mindset. The Bagua Map isn't just about moving furniture; it's a framework for actively engaging with your environment as a partner in manifesting your desires. By treating your home as a living entity that responds to your intentions and actions, you establish a powerful alliance that continuously supports your growth and fulfillment.

Chapter 3: Balance the Five Elements for Optimal Energy Flow

The Five Elements—Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water—form nature's palette for creating balanced environments. These elements aren't just physical materials; they represent energetic qualities that can be expressed through colors, shapes, materials, and objects. When all five elements are present in balanced proportions, a space feels harmonious and nurturing. When one element dominates or is missing, the energy becomes imbalanced, affecting how you feel and function in that space. A client of mine lived in a beautiful oceanfront home. When I examined her living room, I noticed that all elements except Earth were perfectly represented. Unlike most rooms, there were no square furnishings or decorations. Except for a book and picture frames, everything was soft and rounded, with no yellow or earth tones in sight. When I suggested adding something yellow, she produced a golden T-shirt which we draped around a sofa pillow. The effect was stunning—suddenly the whole room had a center, a place from which everything else pivoted and flowed. This simple addition of one element brought the entire space into perfect balance. Another dramatic transformation occurred in a living room dominated by Earth. The decor included square tile floors, stucco walls, dark beige-checked couches, brown chairs, and many small earthenware accessories. The furniture was arranged in a tight square around a large rectangular table, and a desert painting hung on the wall. This abundance of Earth created a heavy, boxed-in feeling, reflecting how the owners felt in the room. To balance this, they introduced Wood (the element that controls Earth) through turquoise pillows, a textured blue-green rug, and several large plants. They also added Water with a mirror and small tabletop waterfall, Metal with gilt frames and round plant pots, and Fire through lamplight and touches of coral. To balance the elements in your own home, first identify which elements are present and which are missing or dominant in each room. Wood is represented by plants, wooden furniture, columnar shapes, and blue/green colors. Fire appears in lighting, animal imagery, triangular shapes, and red tones. Earth shows up in square shapes, ceramic items, and yellow/earth tones. Metal is found in round shapes, metallic objects, rocks, and white/pastel colors. Water is represented by asymmetrical shapes, glass, mirrors, and dark colors. When a room feels uncomfortable, look for elemental imbalance. If one element dominates, introduce its controlling partner first: Metal controls Wood, Water controls Fire, Wood controls Earth, Fire controls Metal, and Earth controls Water. Then refine with other elements until balance is achieved. Even small additions—a blue pillow, a round mirror, a plant, or a red candle—can significantly shift a room's energy. Remember that elemental balance isn't just aesthetic—it affects how you think, feel, and function. A space with balanced elements supports clear thinking, emotional equilibrium, and physical comfort. As you develop your elemental fluency, you'll gain an intuitive sense of what each space needs to achieve its optimal energy flow.

Chapter 4: Enhance Your Home's Energy with Intentional Arrangements

Chi enhancements are specific objects and arrangements that activate, circulate, and improve the energy flow in your home. These carefully chosen elements can transform stagnant spaces into vibrant, supportive environments. By intentionally selecting and placing these enhancements, you create what might be called "environmental affirmations" that continually reinforce your intentions and aspirations. Consider the transformative power of art in your space. A woman had collected several pen-and-ink drawings depicting naked women in compromising positions. In one, a woman was being auctioned from a slave block; in another, she was the only naked person in a crowd. When asked about these pieces, the woman explained she had collected them during therapy ten years prior. They had symbolized her healing journey—one she was now completing. She realized these drawings kept her visually anchored to past pain, and it was time to let them go. When she did, her self-image noticeably improved. Mirrors offer another powerful way to enhance Chi. Sally had a large screen made of a dozen long, thin panels of beveled mirrors placed behind her living room sofa. The fractured images reflected in the mirror created a disorienting effect. This explained why her dates often ended in arguments—her love life literally felt fractured. When Sally replaced the screen with one large mirror reflecting a single lovely image of the room, her romantic life transformed. Within a month, she had happily settled into a stable relationship. To enhance your home's energy, first identify areas that feel stagnant, uncomfortable, or simply uninspiring. Then select enhancements that address the specific quality needed in that space. Use color to evoke particular emotions—warm tones for social spaces, cool colors for contemplative areas. Place living things like plants and flowers in areas needing vitality. Use sound makers such as wind chimes, bells, or flowing water features to activate energy in dormant spaces. Position crystals to modulate energy flow around architectural challenges like sharp corners or long hallways. The most effective enhancements are those that carry personal meaning. Nature objects gathered during special experiences, artwork that inspires you, or family heirlooms that evoke positive memories all carry powerful Chi. However, avoid keeping objects purely out of obligation if they don't make you feel good. Your environmental affirmations should reflect your current aspirations, not outdated obligations. Remember that enhancing your home's energy isn't about following rigid rules—it's about creating a space that feels alive, nurturing, and aligned with your unique spirit. Trust your intuition about what feels right, and notice how your mood and energy shift as you make these intentional adjustments. Your home should be a reflection of your most authentic self, supporting your journey toward creating heaven on earth.

Chapter 5: Transform Your Bedroom into a Sanctuary of Serenity

Your bedroom is the most intimate environment in your home—a place dedicated to rest, rejuvenation, and romance. Unfortunately, many bedrooms fail to fulfill this essential role. While other rooms in the house may be beautifully appointed, bedrooms are often neglected with the thought that "nobody sees it" or "we don't spend much time there." Yet this approach creates a self-fulfilling prophecy: an uninviting bedroom naturally discourages both rest and intimacy. A young couple had chosen a contemporary black lacquer bedroom suite against gray walls and carpet. Beneath their black duvet were dark green and steel-gray sheets. Their intention to create a "cool" bedroom succeeded quite literally—they complained of low libido and a life with little fun. The room was dominated by the Metal element, creating an intellectual but emotionally cold atmosphere. To balance this, they added vanilla and raspberry accents through linens, area rugs, and decorative elements. They painted the walls rich vanilla and added several nude paintings in complementary skin tones. Their "ice palace" thawed into a welcoming retreat. The husband joked that they now often went to bed for "dessert." Another dramatic transformation happened in a master bedroom with many challenges. The wife's side of the bed faced an open view of the bathroom's toilet and sink. The husband's side was crowded with a laundry hamper and exercise bicycle. Neither side had a nightstand or lamp. The entire room was white with blue denim accents, lacking warmth and sensuality. After implementing changes—painting the walls a warm color, adding nightstands and lamps, screening the bathroom door, relocating the bike and laundry, and introducing sensual linens—the couple's relationship dramatically improved. The wife exclaimed, "Now I know what's happened to our sex life!" To create your own bedroom sanctuary, first evaluate the room's current energy. Remove anything associated with activity rather than rest—exercise equipment, desks, and unfinished projects. Position your bed so you can see the door without being directly in front of it, and ensure it has a solid headboard or wall behind it. Choose colors from the skin tone palette—peaches, tans, chocolates, pinks, and warm reds—rather than cool blues, grays, or stark whites. Include pairs of items like nightstands and lamps to promote partnership energy. Pay special attention to what you see from bed, as this influences your first and last impressions each day. Screen bathroom doors, close closets, and ensure your view includes beautiful, serene images. Remove mirrors or cover them at night, as they can activate energy and disturb sleep. If electronics must remain in the bedroom, place them in cabinets where they can be concealed when not in use. Your bedroom should engage all five senses: soft textures for touch, pleasant scents from essential oils or flowers, soothing sounds from music or silence, beautiful visuals from art and decor, and perhaps even taste through a carafe of water or special treats. By creating a multi-sensory sanctuary that invites complete relaxation, you provide yourself with the perfect environment for rest, romance, and renewal.

Chapter 6: Clear Your Space to Invite Prosperity and Opportunity

Clutter in your environment creates stagnation in your life. When your home is congested with unwanted, unused, or disorganized possessions, the vital energy that should flow freely becomes blocked—and with it, opportunities for growth and abundance. Clearing and organizing your space isn't just about aesthetics; it's about creating the energetic conditions for prosperity to flow into every aspect of your life. One couple discovered this truth when examining their living conditions. Their Wealth and Prosperity area was located in a bathroom with leaky plumbing—a perfect metaphor for how their savings were constantly draining away. Another couple found their Career area in a garage crammed with junk, mirroring their stagnant professional lives. A single woman realized her Love and Marriage area was on a back porch filled with empty pots and dead plants—symbolic of her empty, lifeless love life. These physical conditions weren't coincidental; they were both reflecting and reinforcing their life circumstances. The transformative power of clearing space was dramatically illustrated by a man who wanted to change his single status. His bedroom was chaotic—the bed positioned under a window, an exercise bike doubling as a towel rack, clothes piled on chairs, and a nightstand featuring art depicting a lonely man. One side of his bed was occupied by a giant palm tree, while white walls, white linens, and metal exercise equipment created a sterile environment. After reorganizing, he moved his bed to a solid wall, added colorful art, deep red rugs, and two nightstands with lamps. He invested in luxurious linens and decorated the Love and Marriage area with meaningful sculpture. Within weeks of completing his bedroom transformation, a friendship with a woman he'd known for years blossomed into romance. To begin clearing your own space, focus first on identifying passive chaos—areas where clutter has settled and creativity has stagnated. This commonly includes garages, basements, closets, and storage areas that may be hidden from view but still affect your energy. Ask yourself seven key questions as you sort through possessions: Do I love it? Do I need it? Does it support who I am now? Does it act as an environmental affirmation? What thoughts or emotions do I associate with it? Does it need repair, and am I willing to fix it now? If it's time to let it go, how and when will I do so? Start with one small area rather than attempting to tackle your entire home at once. As you clear each space, notice what aspect of the Bagua Map it corresponds to, and consider how that area of your life might benefit from increased energy flow. Pay special attention to clearing pathways, ensuring doors can open fully, and creating breathing room around furniture. Remember that cluttered surfaces—from countertops to mantels—create visual noise that subtly drains your energy. After clearing comes organizing—giving everything you choose to keep a proper home. When possessions are easily accessible and beautifully arranged, you're more likely to use and enjoy them. This organization extends to every room, including those often neglected "non-places" like laundry rooms, garages, and storage areas. By treating all spaces as equally important, you create a home that fully supports your well-being.

Chapter 7: Create Powerful Command Positions in Key Living Areas

The placement of furniture in your home profoundly affects your sense of security, confidence, and control. The concept of the command position—where you can see the door without being directly in front of it—applies to every room where you spend significant time. This positioning isn't merely about convenience; it relates to our primal need to be aware of what's approaching while feeling protected from behind. When Linda, a marketing consultant, called for a consultation, her home office revealed significant challenges. Her desk faced the wall with her back to the door, and the room was cluttered with papers and files. The Fire element dominated through a red chair, fiery rug, and large tiger painting. This correlated with her ongoing problems involving volatile and unpleasant clients. After repositioning her desk to command the room and provide a view of the door, adding the cooling Water element through a frosted glass desk and black accessories, and implementing organization systems, her business transformed. Shortly after these changes, she secured an ongoing project with her favorite client. A health professional faced a similar challenge with a built-in desk that offered no view of the door. This created constant unease as people entered her office without her awareness. The solution was elegant: installing a mirror that reflected the door. This simple adjustment provided the visual command she needed, instantly improving her comfort and confidence. As an added benefit, the mirror initially doubled the visible clutter, motivating her to thoroughly organize her space. The principle extends beyond desks to all seating and beds. In one living room, the sofa was positioned with its back to the entrance, creating an unwelcoming first impression for visitors and an uncomfortable seating arrangement for occupants. By repositioning the furniture to create a welcoming path into the room and ensuring the sofa had a view of the door, the space became both more attractive and more functional. The family reported spending more time together and enjoying deeper conversations in their newly arranged living room. To implement command positions in your home, first identify where you spend the most time sitting, working, or sleeping. For desks, position them so you can see the door while seated, ideally with a solid wall behind you. If structural limitations prevent this ideal placement, use a mirror to reflect the door. For beds, position them to see the door without being directly in line with it. If this isn't possible, use a footboard, screen, or mirror to create security while maintaining awareness. In dining rooms, arrange seating so that everyone has a pleasant view. In living rooms, position the primary seating (usually the sofa) with a view of the entrance, and arrange other seating to facilitate conversation while maintaining sight lines to the door. When working with challenging architecture, use screens, plants, or furniture groupings to create defined areas with clear command positions. Remember that command positions aren't just about furniture arrangement—they're about creating environments where you feel empowered, safe, and in control. When you occupy these power positions throughout your home, you naturally bring that same sense of command to every aspect of your life.

Summary

Throughout this journey of transforming your environment, we've explored how the seemingly separate worlds of our inner and outer lives are actually intimately connected. The principles of Feng Shui reveal that our homes are not merely physical structures but dynamic extensions of ourselves that both reflect and influence our well-being. As Terah Kathryn Collins wisely observes in the text, "When you design your environment to reflect your ideal state of consciousness, you are opening the pathways for happiness, health, and prosperity to take up residence with you." Begin today by selecting just one room—perhaps the one where you spend the most time or the one that feels most out of alignment with your aspirations. Apply the principles you've learned: clear unnecessary clutter, balance the Five Elements, position furniture for command, and add enhancements that uplift your spirit. Notice how these external changes catalyze internal shifts in your mood, energy, and outlook. Remember that creating heaven on earth isn't about achieving perfection but about establishing an ongoing dialogue between yourself and your environment—a partnership that continuously evolves to support your highest vision for your life.

About Author

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Terah Kathryn Collins

Terah Kathryn Collins is a best-selling author and the originator of Essential Feng Shui®, which honors the essence of Feng Shui’s eastern heritage while focusing on many benefits it provides in today’s world. Her 6 inspirational books on the subject have sold over a million copies worldwide. Terah’s first book, The Western Guide to Feng Shui, is filled with practical suggestions and inspiring before-and-after stories. Her alphabetized Home Design with Feng Shui, A-Z provides a quick reference to Feng Shui solutions, while The Western Guide to Feng Shui, Room by Room offers more in-depth information and includes over one hundred photographs. Terah recounts the enriching experiences of Essential Feng Shui® practitioners and their clients in The Western Guide to Feng Shui for Prosperity, and the connection between love and environment in The Western Guide to Feng Shui for Romance. Her newest book, The Three Sisters of the Tao, Essential Conversations with Chinese Medicine, I Ching, and Feng Shui, explores how to sustain – or regain – balance in your life. With a passion for transformational education, Terah founded the Western School of Feng Shui in 1996. More than 2,000 people from 26 countries have taken her signature course, the Essential Feng Shui® Practitioner Training. This intensive course includes pre-training projects, prerecorded class videos, live interactive coaching calls, and a series of post-training projects to earn a Certificate of Achievement as an Essential Feng Shui® Practitioner. WSFS offers other interactive online courses, including the Lifestyle Program for those who wish to enrich their lifestyle or integrate Essential Feng Shui into an existing career. Featured on the PBS Body and Soul TV series, Terah has spoken on Essential Feng Shui® at many special events, including the Magical Mastery and Today’s Wisdom Tours in Australia, and the Women of Wisdom, I Can Do It® Hay House, and Empowering Women Conferences throughout the United States.

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