Sunday, March 15, 2020

A Little Feng Shui Astrology and COVID-19








     2020 is the year of the Yang Metal Rat. In 5 Element Theory, used in Chinese Medicine and Feng Shui principles, the element of metal is associated with the lungs. The Rat archetype animal, is associated with the element of water. COVID - 19 attacks the respiratory tract (lungs) and can cause mild respiratory symptoms or pneumonia. In severe cases, and especially those who are compromised (elderly and immunosuppressed), fluid can overtake the lungs so breathing becomes difficult or possible death. 

     Fluid (mucus) is associated with the element of water (Rat). In addition to the preventative (common sense) measures, you can increase the amount of fire foods (fire being a direct assault to the elements of metal and water). Here are some examples of fire foods: Pomegranate Seeds, Lemons, Cinnamon, Dandelion Greens, Escarole, Pears, Mustard, Celery Root, Asparagus, Figs, Beets, Brussels Sprouts. And for those meat eaters - Lamb or Chicken. 

     Here is a simple salad (image above), that I love and offers some fire foods:


  • Power Greens: Chard, Spinach, Kale
  • Red Pears
  • Dried Cranberries
  • Pomegranate Seeds
  • Fresh Lemon (or lemon infused olive oil)
  • Rice Wine Vinegar

Stay Healthy!!!

Mary Jane Kasliner

Tuesday, March 10, 2020

Preparing For Spring

    
Spring is just around the corner. The weather is breaking, the days are longer and you are ready to reorganize your life.

     The best place to start is your home environment. By purging unnecessary items in your home you create spaciousness.  The result is clarity of mind –  a powerful way to attract something new into your life. 

     This can be a daunting process but you don't have to do it all at once. Start with one room or even a closet for each day of the week and before you know it you will have purged your home just in time for the spring season. As you go through each room, keep a bin or laundry basket for items you no longer need. There will be items you will question as to whether or not you want to release them. Take a moment and ask yourself if it is something you have used within the past year, or if it fits your lifestyle and mindset. If you are unable to answer these questions within one minute, then you no longer need it.

     Once you have your laundry bin filled, you'll need to decide how you will dispose of the items. For example, donation, selling, garbage or repurpose. It should be relatively easy to determine which category your items will belong to. For me, I like to donate all my items. I find this approach works best for my schedule. There are many foundations that would love to receive your items. If they are in good condition you can consider the following foundations: Goodwill, Salvation Army, Homeless Shelters, Women's Shelters or your local church. Don't forget pet shelters as they are always looking for towels, blankets or sheets. 

     Once you have purged the unnecessary items from your home, it's time for a good cleaning. Again, take it one day at a time. For example, clean the floors one day, the windows another and bathrooms yet another day. This way you aren't overwhelmed by the cleaning process. It's important to be mindful of the products you use. There are plenty of natural cleaners to choose from that are highly effective while keeping you and your family free of chemical emissions. 

     I like to top off the cleaning process with a final space clearing to lift the energy even more. There are many simple way to achieve this including wafting white sage or spraying essential oils throughout the home. I have a full space clearing ceremony you can follow that is highly effective and fun to do. See more about this clearing technique by clicking here. Scroll down and choose the Mini-Program: Space Clear Your Way to Health and Prosperity.

Outdoors:

     Now that the inside of your home is ready for spring, it's time to take a peak outdoors. Start with a thorough inspection of your yard. Discard broken branches or prune them so they will grow properly. It's also a good idea to test your soil. It's important the PH level is balanced with a good mixture of nutrients. You can do this yourself or higher a professional landscaper. Weed control is another factor to consider. If you are going to use a weed control substance make certain is natural. Amazon has a big variety but it might be nice to support your local garden store. 

     Evaluate your planting beds. Rake old leaves and debris from plant beds and create neat natural edges using an edging tool. Mulching is a good idea and acts two-fold. First, it helps to retain moisture in the soil and secondly it looks aesthetically appealing.

     Cleaning your gutters is essential. I know this is a job that is totally unappealing but you don't want water damage to your house. If you're not up for the task then higher a gutter cleaning service. It's well worth the investment.

     Don't forget the garage! Whether your garage is attached or detached from your home it is still a functional space that needs attention. The garage is like a big, cluttered closet -- you throw in all the unwanted stuff you can't find a home for, then close the door and like magic you think it disappears. The garage requires ergonomic storage containers, shelfs, hooks or bins so you can find items easily when spring and summer arrive. It's never fun tripping over the snow shovel when you are looking for your sprinkler.

     Finally, hose down the outdoor furniture. No need sit on dirt or cobwebs. While you are at it, wash down the deck and clean out any planters. It's amazing how your deck will take on a new look and feel with these simple cleaning measures.

     Spring is a great time to enjoy the outdoors. The temperature is most comfortable for the body, the daylight is longer giving you more time to get things done, birds are chirping creating a wonderful sound, animals are frolicking about, you are more creative, green leaves return, plants are in bloom to absorb more carbon dioxide and boost mood, it's easier to find fresh produce, you can move your exercise routine outdoors, you can open your windows and get your vitamin D naturally!

Happy Spring!

Mary Jane Kasliner is a feng shui consultant and yoga teacher. She resides in Ocean, NJ. Her website is: www.fengshuiyoganj.com


     

     


Tuesday, March 3, 2020

Energy Impact for March 2020!

March - Dui Energy


The month of March reminds us to be joyous in life.  The 7-metal trigram moves to the center of the loshu representing the center of the structure. This trigram has many aspects to consider. First, it awakens the creativity seed that resides in all of us. There is an invitation to use your imagination to inspire yourself and those around you. This trigram represents the lakes and rivers that flow on the surface of the earth. When you look into the water, you see the sky or unlimited potential. Whatever you can dream of can be yours. Make the cosmic connection and leave the rest up to the universe. When the mind realizes its cosmic connection with wholeness it becomes free of fear.

March is the month of the Rabbit that symbolizes abundance and creativity. There is a quiet calm associated with this archetype that prefers to remain in the background. This month, be mindful of observing from the behind the scenes instead of being out in the forefront. The Rabbit has a keen sense of being in the right place at the right time. Trust this underlying energy when it comes to business interactions.

The Rabbit pays close attention to detail. Therefore, take advantage of this quality when it comes to your home life and business life.

Dui trigram (7-metal) combined with the Rabbit archetype will inspire you to create new things this month. Ideas become products that realize financial gain. The trigram is yin and therefore suggests a level of receptivity to others and their ideas. This exchange of information can prove to be auspicious BUT only if you fully trust the person you may be exchanging ideas with. This is important as this trigram can literally cut you with harsh words, or others can take what is not rightfully theirs.

This trigram represents the young female. Be mindful on the job of younger female wanting to be a part of the creative process, which is fine, as long as you trust her.

The trigram Dui corresponds to the skin, teeth and gums. Therefore, these areas are more vulnerable this month. Just to note – words can be cutting this month as this trigram relates to the mouth.

Financial Hint:

Resources are very powerful through networking this month. There is a connection through the polar points of southeast to northwest. In other words, pay close attention to those you consider mentors in your profession. Heed their advice, watch how they network and parlay opportunities into financial gain.

Energetically you can capitalize on these power points by placing a plug-in incense burner in the northwest and a water fountain in the southeast.

Meditation & Career:

This month be sure to spend time in good meditation practice. Self-referral will lead to answers for career/life journey. Pay attention to words, thoughts or phrases that come up during your meditation practice including your moving meditation during your yoga. To maximize this energy, place the element of metal in the northeast sector of your home (first floor).

Vision/Goals:

This month fire burns when you view the world through a child's eyes. Every day is new to them, so everything seems exciting and filled with possibilities. Think outside the box when it comes to your goals and visions. Anything can happen. Everything is a learning experience. To maximize this energy, place an earth element (stones) in the west direction of your home and a metal element in the south portent of your home to abate any obstacles that may arise.

Family/Health:

Tension can arise this month in the family and health sector as very problematic energy arrives in this portent. The feet, neck, liver or gallbladder are vulnerable. Take action by keeping the eastern portent of your home as quiet as possible and ring a bell daily here to break up this negative energy.
Happy March!
Mary Jane Kasliner
Feng Shui Master
Yoga Instructor
www.fengshuiyoganj.com
www.njfengshuitraining.com


Monday, March 2, 2020

Nature's First Green is Gold

It's amazing how you can find harmony in nature's own palette. "Nature's first green is gold, " wrote the American poet Robert Frost in his 1923 ode to the fleeting natural world. Gold is the element of metal, and a perfect accent for your metal and water directions (West, NW and North). 
     Metal chi (energy) is contractive by nature. The earth contains ore deep within as a precious quality that provides structure. In everyday life, metal chi reminds us to take pause, move within, listen, observe, focus and organize our thoughts. Through this process we become aware of what matters most and then can commit and align worldly actions with those inner values. 
     Tune in and anchor your mind to your deepest intention. In doing so, you automatically connect to your higher state of being so that even during the most turbulent times you can hold true to your highest self.
     Vedic wisdom tells us every person is a piece of gold. Pure gold is your essence created from the love of the Universe. Gold is luminous and cherished as are you.
     Making subtle adjustments to your décor periodically is an excellent way to celebrate the simplicity and oneness with nature and connect to a higher state of mind. There are many simple ways to imbue the element of metal into your environment. A gold, silver, copper or bronze vase. Wall metallic decorative accents or cocktail table. The element metal is also associated with curved shapes or any of the metallic color hues including creamy whites.
     When you work with the accents of nature in décor, you invite harmony into your life. From the words of John Muir; "Nature's peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees."

     For additional feng shui design ideas and strategies peruse my publications page.


Mary Jane Kasliner is a feng shui consultant and yoga teacher. She is a published author and has been interviewed on radio and TV for her work. Visit her website for further information.