Show me the money!

One of the most common questions asked of a Feng Shui consultant is how to acquire more wealth. Money is really just printed paper that has a value that society has agreed upon - and like all things physical, in Feng Shui terms, all things physical are just energy. Wealth therefore is the energy to do what it is that we desire...so, how to cultivate that?

One way is to surround yourself with the things you love. Presumably if you have money you will only buy the best and things that truly reflect who you are. This means that holding on to possessions out of obligation - because the person who gave it to you would be hurt if you got rid of it - goes against your 'havingness' for what you want. If you hold onto things because they may at one time be useful, even though you haven't used them in years, your consciousness is exhibiting the belief that you have to hold on to make sure you will have what you need, rather than trusting that what you need will come when the time is right.

I do not advocate throwing the baby out with the bathwater and extravagantly buying all new things to show your wealth. But it does you good to examine just why you have the things that you have, and to consciously assess how much you love them. Even releasing one object to a better home opens up the way for more...nature abhors a vacuum, so as you let go, more comes in to take its place - and likely something more in alignment. Giving an object that no longer serves you to someone who would appreciate it allows you to turn your junk into another person's treasure, and soon you will be on the receiving end of such kindness.

The energy of wealth allows containment - people with money can keep it rather than having it slip away. Therefore, 'containers' tastefully displayed throughout the home symbolize wealth and the containment of what is valuable to you: vases, bowls, plates, jewelry boxes... all of these objects show the ability to hold what nourishes us.

The colour purple is also a powerful wealth enhancer. A blend of water and fire, which are natural opposites, this colour unites the depth and flow of water with the passion of fire, and has been used as the colour of royalty for centuries. A purple vase, pillow, bed cover, or decorative object can be all you need to highlight this energy. You certainly don't need to paint your whole apartment purple - going overboard in any one area in Feng Shui demonstrates a lack of balance and proportion. Apply energy enhancers one step at a time in each room to integrate shifts more holistically.

What are you thirsting for in life? Water speaks of wealth as it nourishes us and quite literally quenches our thirst. A waterfall that shows water collecting and pooling allows you to be in the receptive flow - having a container nearby to capture that flow can further your chances of harnessing that energy. Although water images and objects are not recommended for the bedroom (they can get the tears flowing too easily), for living rooms they are an ideal wealth enhancer. Water imagery is also not suggested near entrances, as the water (and money) can too easily flow out the door.

The living rooms above show wonderful wealth accents. The first one includes an aquarium (containing water), the colour purple in stripes on the bench, and a cabinet containing a collection of vases - double containment! The second one has a richly coloured carpet, velvet pillows and cloths, and a cabinet which contains a collection of books. The waterfall image in the rich gold frame flows and collects into the illuminated purple orb. Also, the light purple vase speaks of receptivity and containment, and the spiraling bamboo on the side create circulation.

Focus your attention less on what is lacking and more on the *energy* of what you wish to create - looking at objects or pictures in your space that reflect that energy back to you will enable you to more easily access the energetic state in alignment with your desires.