Fall Greetings Everyone!
For years I’ve been feeling that the equinoxes and solstices are coming earlier–and this Fall is no exception. Does anyone else feel this?
We’re now moving into a period dominated by the Metal element. The positive side of Metal can give us the energy to cut through obstacles and get things done. Last month’s newsletter article, Feeling Stuck?
Feng Shui Tips for Coming Unglued, is still relevant, so if life in any area is not moving forward, use this time to complete any dangling loose ends. This month in honor of my late dog, Daisy, I’m bringing back an article that I originally published in 2007 (along with three other articles on pets.)
Many of you know the story of Daisy’s courageous spirit when she was left behind during the firestorm evacuation in June. Her health began to seriously deteriorate in August and she finally crossed over the Rainbow Bridge on Labor Day. She was almost 16.
This brings up an important Feng Shui question that I’ve been asked many times: What do I do with my beloved pet’s (or another family member’s) remains? I never recommend keeping them in your home. However, if you must, place them temporarily in your Knowledge area until it’s convenient to scatter them. You can also place them in the Knowledge area outside on your property.
However, if you bury your pet, try to place it so that you won’t see it from inside of your home and make sure the ground is flattened out. In other words, no mounds or obvious grave markers; though I do like the idea of placing a St. Francis statue in the area as a tribute.
Blessings to all of you!
Suzanne
FENG SHUI FOR FIDO & FIFI
House pets—especially active animals like dogs, cats, fish, and birds—add positive energy to our living spaces. They are natural ch’i raisers.
A fully self-expressed animal definitely keeps the energy moving! Not only because of their natural zest for life, but also because you are constantly moving energy when you feed, nurture, and play with them. This is even true of pets that sleep most of the day.
Even highly cluttered areas benefit somewhat from their presence. (No. This is not an excuse for filling your garage or basement with junk!)
Feng Shui experts always pay attention to where pets sleep, hangout, and play. Cats in particular are attracted to negative energy and high electromagnetic frequencies (EMFs). They can let lead us to areas where EMFs and harmful geopathic energies should be measured and dealt with.
This can be tricky though. Just because your cat sleeps on your bed at night doesn’t mean that the energy is bad. Most of the time, it means that he loves you and wants to hang out next to you. However, if he is there most of the time, there MAY be a problem and it might be advisable to have it measured.
Dogs are not drawn to EMFs and negative energy. They usually prefer to be near you or nestled into something with your scent. If they have a choice, they will usually pick an area where they feel safe–either in the command position of a room, safely in a crate, under a table (preferably with a wall behind them), or perched in a window with a wide view.
Where to place pet related items
The Fame area is naturally related to most animals because of their innate affinity for the Fire element. This is especially true for most terriers and high-energy animals. The Family area is also good. Your dog’s bed and pictures or calendars showing animals are examples of things that can go here.
Pictures of animals that are more aggressive and focused should be placed in Family and can also be placed in Helpful People. A dog with an affinity to water, such as a lab, would not only be related to Fame, but also to the watery areas of the Bagua like Wealth or Career. A dachshund or other animals that are low to the ground exhibit the Earth element, which is found in Relationship, Knowledge and the Center.
Birds, turtles, and fish are an asset to your Wealth area.
Since many of us relate to our pets as children, feel free to place your dog or cat’s bed or toys in the Children’s area. Food and water dishes can be auspiciously placed in the Wealth or Career areas, as long as they are kept clean and fresh.
The question of where a litter box should go usually comes up. Whenever you have a choice, keep it in the front third of your home–preferably in Helpful People or Knowledge. Try to avoid Career. The main thing is to keep it as clean as possible.
May the love and beneficial chi of animals fill your heart and home!
Suzanne
© Suzanne Metzger • Feng Shui Consulting Services 2007 & 2012