HOME HARMONY:
Clutter is a disaster in feng shui
by Jennifer Reyneri

Denise asks: "How can clutter affect my life?"

Clutter is one of the biggest "no no's" in feng shui. It is much more than the stacks or piles that we may associate it with. It goes deeper than that.

Everything you have in your home has an association. You can tell me a story about each and every thing that you possess. The key is for all these stories be positive memories, not negative or memories with no value. Clutter appears in all of these forms: piles of stuff, disorganization, lots of "little" things (collections), outdated, unused or unloved items, clothing that doesn't fit, unfinished projects, things in need of repair, dusty and dirty things, and too many things in a small space, just to name a few.

When you keep things that you "may need someday," you are indicating a lack of trust in the Universe to provide for you when you arrive at that someday. You are also stagnating the flow of energy (think of the stagnant eddy of a river filled with algae.) Then think of the areas of your home that are filled with clutter, whether your garage, closet, or "junk" room, are affecting different areas of the Ba-Gua.

The Ba-Gua is the grid system used over your home as a template to determine which areas of your home affect different areas of your life. These areas include career, relationships, prosperity, and more. Clutter can affect you on so many levels. Some include feeling tired and lethargic, confusion, depression, sleeplessness, procrastination, weight and health problems. Clutter can keep you living in the past, in disharmony, and even cause financial problems. The simplest thing to do is only keep the things that really support you where you are now and where you want to go. Clutter clearing is one of the quickest ways to watch changes occur in your life, and it's easy, too. Make an action plan, and buy some trash bags, schedule a garage sale, and call your favorite charity. Whatever you do with your clutter - get to it. Have fun and watch the magic begin.

Susan asks: "I have so many books, are they considered clutter?"

If you have lots of books taking up space in your life, you may be blocking the way for new knowledge to enter. Books represent knowledge and when there is no room for new (in this case books on your bookshelves,) then there is no room for new.

This analogy can be used with anything in your home. I find that people read a book once and save it "thinking" that they will reference it. But most of the time they never do. Books on a level of weight and matter are quite heavy, always the heaviest boxes on a move. Therefore, on an energetic level, they take up lots of space. They affect your life based on the Ba-Gua and other symbolism. Plus, they have so many different energies and thoughts in them: yours when you read it, (what frame of mind were you in?) the author, illustrator, editor, publisher, etc.

I worked with a married couple that was having relationship issues and next to their bed were all the books they kept reading on how to improve the relationship. Every night they took the energy of "something's wrong with our relationship" to bed with them. As soon as they got rid of the books, and made a few other changes, their relationship was better than ever and they said they feel like newlyweds again.

Theresa L. asks: "What does the Ba-Gua mean in relation to my house?

In feng shui, the "map" that is used to analyze your home is called the Ba-Gua. It literally means eight sections. It simply divides your home into different areas that relate to different aspects of your life, including relationships; creativity and children; helpful people and travel; career or life journey; self cultivation, family and health; prosperity; and reputation.

The Ba-Gua is used on a "macro/micro" level. First, it is applied over your entire property, then your home within the property, and next each room within your home. It is used starting at the front door to your home or the main entrance to each room. It is not as important that your bedroom be in your relationship area, for example, as it is that your relationship area is enhanced for relationships by displaying things or representations of pairs of items (two candles for example). Photographs of your relationship or artwork of relationship images also work well.

And remember to keep each area clutter free. The symbolism of your space is the direct link to what happens in your life. Remember the old adage, "your home is a reflection of yourself?" In feng shui, your home is a very literal and symbolic translation for what is happening in your life.

In your prosperity area, keep live plants, symbolizing growth, and flowing water to keep the cycle flowing and enhance the growth. A great way for you to learn more about the Ba-Gua is through a workshop or class, or a private consultation. I teach monthly workshops and offer consultations. Karen Kingston writes a great starting feng shui book with Ba-Gua information called "Clear Your Clutter with Feng Shui." I hope this gives you a place to start.

Until next time, wishing you blessings, light, and love. Happy home harmony! Please keep your questions coming via email to info@spacelift.org. Include Home & Garden Question in the subject line.

Contact Jennifer Reyneri, founder of SpaceLift Feng Shui Dimensions at 702-451-0117 or on the web at www.spacelift.org.