“It’s hip to be squared,” according to the Huey Lewis and the News song from the 1980s. This is also true from the Feng Shui perspective and the Ba Gua. Several schools of Feng Shui have different approaches, yet they all agree that to have harmony, you must balance all nine aspects of the Ba Gua. The Ba Gua is a hexagram used to determine a space’s balance and harmony. Each area or sector of the Ba Gua is associated with a compass direction, element, and color. “The magic square” format makes it easier to use and can be placed over the space’s drawing/plot plan.
There are nine areas to consider, whether you lay this over a drawing or not, for balance and harmony in life. Career (Mission/Journey), Relationship (Love/Marriage), Family (Elders/Community), Wealth (Prosperity/Blessings), Health (Heart of Chi), Helpful People (Unseen Assistance/Travel), Creativity (Children/Future), Wisdom (Knowledge/Self-improvement), and Fame (Reputation/Illumination). To have balance and harmony in all nine areas means you are “hip to be squared!” The truth is that life can be a juggling act. Using your house as a metaphor for your life, if you clean, declutter, and balance an area in your home that is associated with one of the nine sectors, change will show up in that area of your life.
Here’s an example that is commonly used in painting this picture. You are single and want a love relationship in your life. Your bedroom happens to be in the relationship sector of the magic square (not always the case). In your room, the bed is pushed up against a wall; you only have one table next to the bed; your closet is full; there is clutter all over the floor, the bed is not made, and the only lighting is the overhead light from the ceiling fan. Do you feel the love in this picture? Here are three simple remedies to start attracting the relationship you seek. First, get the bed out of the corner and add a second bedside table. Second, clean up the clutter, including making the damn bed EVERY DAY! Third, adjust the lighting with bedside lamps to soften the room. Here’s a bonus remedy, make space in your closet for another person.
Now, I am not saying you will immediately be shacking up with the love of your life. Make space for a relationship and honor love by honoring the area in your home that represents love and relationship. You can’t fake your way into believing like the Miracle on 34th Street girl, “I Believe, I Believe, I Believe…” Start paying attention to what represents love to you. Where thoughts go, energy flows. Take an inventory of your inner dialog about love and relationships.
There are many other ways to address this example that can take more time, effort, and investment. It’s not only the interior design of the bedroom, but it also involves looking at the other areas of the home. Remember we talked about balance and harmony. The most important part of the process is intentionality (and making the bed)!
The best practice is to take an inventory of the nine sectors of the magic square regularly. Notice what area is dominating life or lacking or limiting. Find small ways to make changes. Decluttering and cleaning are the easiest way to improve balance and harmony. One of my favorite ways to bring about change is to move 27 things. It brings a new perspective.
This is just a sampling of what Feng Shui and “Being Squared” can do for you. I have lived my life using my home as a metaphor; it tells me where my work lies. Give it a try.
Interested in learning more about Feng Shui, contact me, beth@Bluejeanoracle.com
