On a physical level Feng Shui is practical and identifies areas of toleration and frustration in our spaces that affect our senses of sight, smell, touch and hearing. The fundamentals cover facets like de-cluttering; air flow; sun direction; and furniture size, shape and colour. This can be fun to incorporate when you redecorate and easily picked up in a variety of books and magazine articles.

On a more subtle metaphysical level, Feng Shui is the study of energy and forces that change over space and time. You cannot see, smell, feel or hear these forces but intuitive individuals will be able to sense something has changed or is different causing noticeable changes in a person’s well being, prosperity, relationships and career. This type of Feng Shui is what most people hire a professional Feng Shui consultant to assess.

Anyone wanting to set up a home or office in the most optimal way for all aspects of life can benefit from knowing the Feng Shui or energy chart of their space. As individuals we are responsible for our own thoughts and actions, however, we don’t often think that the energy surrounding and flowing (or not flowing) in the spaces we use also has an impact on the way we feel, think and act. By improving our environment and spaces we dwell and work in, we improve our mental, physical and emotional well being.

2012 Feng Shui Yearly Influences
As an overlay to your individual home or office Feng Shui, this year brings changes in energy that can be minimized or enhanced in certain spaces. The strongest influences and corresponding remedies are:

South East –Obstacle energy is coming from this direction in 2012. This is also the direction of the Grand Duke, so you should avoid sitting directly facing the SE for any important negotiations or discussions. The traditional remedy is to place a 6 rod all metal wind chime in the SE of your home or office. It is the vibrational sound of metal that dissipates any negative energy in the air (a little like ringing the bells at church). You may also place a protection talisman like fu dogs or a bagwa mirror facing the SE direction this year – especially recommended if your front entrance or bedrooms are in this sector.

North – Sickness energy can be dissolved using metal element in the North. The traditional remedy is to place a strand of 6 i-ching coins in the North. This is also a space where you could place a metal bell on the door handle to help dissipate the sickness energy.

North West – Water and Wood element will help minimize scandal and gossip especially aimed at the females in the family. The traditional remedy is to place 3 stems of lucky bamboo in a glass vase of water. Otherwise maintain healthy cut flowers in a glass vase of water in this sector all year.

South West- Use fire element in the South West this year to reduce anger, frustrations and security breeches. If you have windows or an entrance in this space, ensure your home is protected with alarms and locks.

West – Lucky prosperity circulates in the West. You can enhance using Fire and Earth elements or a little water feature. (nb: I would only put a water feature here is you know that there is prosperous energy in your foundation Feng Shui chart. Do not place water feature if this is in your bedroom).

West – Lucky prosperity circulates in the West. You can enhance using Fire and Earth elements or a little water feature. (nb: I would only put a water feature here is you know that there is prosperous energy in your foundation Feng Shui chart. Do not place water feature if this is in your bedroom).

North East – stable financial income is in this sector. This will be particularly useful if your main entrance is in this sector. Enhance with Fire and Earth elements and a little water feature.

Centre – this year there is legal issues and potential clash with authority figures especially for the head of the family. While water and wood elements help minimize this for the individual, this will be the central theme on a macro level for many people – so be honest and diligent when dealing with contracts, law enforcement (as simple as parking tickets) and how you act at work with your managers.

Author's Bio: 

Mariko Fisher - (Dip Feng Shui and Destiny (Raymond Lo); Reiki III (Karyna); CEPG (CoachU); B Bus (UTS)
(Member of the International Feng Shui Association Australia)

Mariko uses her complimentary skills in Feng Shui, Astrology, Reiki Healing and Coaching to enhance awareness of energy changes in your spaces and make tailored recommendations to the individuals using these spaces. Mariko has been operating her business FengShui by Sakura in Sydney, Australia since 2009. Mariko has worked as an executive in Financial Services for over 15 years and now dedicates her time to sustaining work life balance with her family and clients.