 There are basic remedies to
alter, moderate, or raise ch'i. Each
cure has its particular qualities and uses. Their specific attributes work as
follows:
Bright or light-refracting objects: mirrors, crystal balls, lights
Mirrors cure a host of
feng shui woes, exterior or interior. The
mirror both offensively reflects back malignant ch'i
and defensively provides protection. Mirrors should be hung in large pieces
to reflect good views of water or gardens to the interior, drawing in good
outside ch'i, light, and scenery. Mirrors create
the illusion of expanse and light, and also reflect all intruders to anyone
whose back is to the door. In business, if properly hung, they can increase
profits.
Crystal balls are said to endow the occupant with the gift of
farsightedness and a good perspective. They can adjust a home or office's
ch'i, symbolically resolving design imbalances by
converting strong, threatening ch'i and dispersing
it throughout the room. They thus represent sources of positive power and
energy.
Light itself is considered an
important feng shui asset in any environment.
They are symbolic of the sun and disseminators of energy. As a rule, the
brighter the lamp, the better.
Sounds: wind chimes, bells
Wind chimes and bells disperse
malignant interior and exterior ch'i,
and can be used to summon positive ch'i -- and
money -- into a home or business. Hung near an entrace, they act as alarms,
warning of intruders entering a room or a store.
Living objects: plants (real or man-made), bonsai, flowers,
aquariums or fishbowls
Plants -- real, silk, or plastic; bonsai, annual, or perennial -- not only
symbolize nature, life, and growth, but also conduct nourishing
ch'i throughtout the room. Where a plant or a
flower thrives, so will residents. Inside and outside restaurants and
stores, they are subtle beacons bringing in clients and money.
Fish bowls and aquariums are microcosms of nature, specifically the
life-giving ocean. Water, essential to the cultivation of rice,
symbolizes money. Fish further enrich a home or office, where they are
used to absorb accidents and general bad luck. When they die, they must be
immediately replaced. Aquariums with bubbling aerators, which, like
fountains, stimulate ch'i, are considered the most
effective.
Moving objects: mobiles, windmills, whirligigs, water fountains
Interior mobiles and exterior windmills, whirligigs, and weathervanes
stimulate ch'i circulation. Water fountains and
geysers are also microcosms of ch'i-activating and
money-producing water. In business they are used to encourage profits.
Heavy objects: stones or statues
Stones or statues, when
properly placed, can help stabilize an unsettling or elusive situation.
Electrically powered objects: air conditioners, stereos, TVs,
computers
Machines powered by
electricity are used to stimulate surroundings. Computers can be good,
enlivening, and stimulating to the office ch'i,
raising wisdom and knowledge.
Bamboo flutes
Historically a bamboo flute was used to report peace and good news, and
therefore, by association, its presence brings peace, safety, and stability
to a home, office, or business. With its hollow, segmented interior, a
bamboo flue symbolically lifts house ch'i section
by section. Flutes are also protective, symbolizing swords, and are hung in
homes, restaurants, and stores to drive away evil spirits and would-be
robbers.
Colors
The Chinese consider certain
colors more auspicious than others. Black is the color of the water element
and therefore connotes money. However, black also signifies loss of light
and is often avoided. Red is a color used in weddings and celebrations, and
is considered auspicious. White, the Chinese color of mourning, is avoided. Yellow represents longevity.
Green signifies growth, freshness, and tranquility. Blue is an ambigious
color, representing the sky. Because of its coolness, blue often represents
death.
Others
A range of personal cures can
be used to address other problems. For example, use red ribbons for doors
with knocking knobs, fringe to hide and resolve a slanted beam, and chalk
under the bed to cure a backache.
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