Let's talk about how plants, both inside and out, can affect the energy of a space. Some people like to incorporate Feng Shui principles and practices into their living/working space environment. Not to mention the importance of plants in spellcraft and spiritual practice. For those not familiar with this ancient philosophy, Feng Shui is the art of arranging your physical environment around for the natural harmony of the space and to insure the free flow of positive qi, or energy.
Many people use Feng Shui in their spiritual practices as it can make you feel better, relaxed, peaceful, more spiritual, at ease or even inspired. There are many books out about this subject. You can start at your local library and browse through before you decide to buy any books on the subject and this will help you get and idea and feel for what Feng Shui is all about. Scott Cunningham discusses it in The Magical Household, and Raymond Buckland in Wicca for Life.
Principles of Feng Shui seem to go hand in hand with witchcraft/Wicca. Magick is all about using energy to manifest dreams and desires, break bad habits, heal from situations that have hurt us. Feng Shui is about creating the environment for that same energy to flow freely and positively in the proper direction to manifest desires more quickly and easily. An example is like driving on an open country road, cruising at a certain speed with no obstacles and driving on your work commute with traffic-slow, stop, brake, brake, brake, move an inch and stop again......ug, all the obstacles to overcome just to make it to work can be exhausting and frustrating. Feng Shui principles work the same way by creating a free flow of energy. When you move and arrange objects a certain way, it keeps that positive energy from being blocked or slowed down which helps in reaching the positive goal sooner. Thus, giving good positive results.
Gardening isn't just for outdoor plants. It does include indoor plants and their placement is an important part of Feng Shui. Immobile objects like buildings, walls and large furniture can be in the way which blocks the flow of qi. Items or objects are referred to as 'cures' and are used to redirect the energy around the object. Plants, along with mirrors, crystals, statues, and other objects are often used as cures.
Take a look around your neighborhood. Houses, garages and buildings are set at certain angles to each other, thus it creates what is called a 'poison arrow' in Feng Shui. This is very common in coves and cul-de-sac neighborhoods. For example, you may have a nasty neighbor-someone who is mean or rude, lets the property go and ruin the look of the neighborhood, have temperment issues or kids who are troublesome. Depending on the angle that their home is positioned, it could be due to the 'poison arrow' and that it is directing all of that residual negative energy directly at them. Or if you feel grouchy and uneasy, perhaps it's that the 'poison arrow' is pointing in your direction. To help allieviate this problem, plant a tree or shrub between the arrow flow and your home. This is very effecient in blocking the arrow, which alleviates the negative energy being directed your way. Alternately, if there is any sort of large foliage, such as shrubs or trees blocking the exterior doors or walkways of your home (even if it is one you do not use), then trim them back or relocate them to a different spot in the yard. Positive qi must have open access to the entrances of your home or business to insure good luck and prosperity. The same is true for front and back porches......if they are covered in broken furniture, clutter and dead plants, what sort of energy do you think they attract? Remove the clutter and replace broken pots and dead plants with live ones that represent the sort of energy you want to attract. Try a bright colored pot or flowering plant to attract joy, creativity and positive energy. There is no better place for this cure than on your front porch. A low maintenance easy care plant I recommend for porches is the pansy or snap dragon. They have beautiful coloring, coming in white, pink or red, purple, yellow and all grow well in shady area's and require almost no maintenance. Even types of begonia and marigolds are easily grown. Certain types of flowering plants can shed olds flowers as new ones are produced, which eliminates the need for pruning or dead-heading, however depending on how much you enjoy hands on gardening and getting your hands in Mother Earth, you may have to dead head or remove the wilted blooms by hand which is not hard to do. Plants can be inexpensive, very lively and helps to alleviate stress and add beauty. They are perfect for apartment balconies, window boxes, and any size pot in front of your home or business. In cold climates, they can be brought indoors to a sunny window during the winter and may continue to bloom.
From a magical perspective, plants can be and are used to attract luck. There is a Good Luck Plant, Money Plant and Leprechaun Plant and many other to choose from. Many varieties of plants grow well inside in a window or sun room in pots or placed on a counter or any other area that receives several hours of sun.
Suggestions for outdoor plants used in Feng Shui include but aren't limited to the following:
Aloe Vera - well known for amazing healing qualities plus an added benefit is that it has long spiky leaves to help provide protection from evil and negativity. It is perfect for people who live in dry desert environments and in areas that have freezing temperatures, it should only be grown indoors.
Azaleas - a very popular flowering shrub and comes in an array of different colors. It will thrive in a variety of growing conditions. They attract energy for beauty and sexual potency. There are too many varieties to mention - check with your local nursery to see what grows best in your area.
Chrysanthemum - Mums are great for fall gardens. Mums symbolize a life of pleasure leading to a happy retirement.
Ivy - is used to camouflage ugly walls and stop erosion, is easy to care for andcomes in many varieties. Ivy has a mind of its own, and if it's left to its own devices, it will climb up pillars, walls, will spread out over the ground quickly. There are dozens of varieties, and it will grow in a variety of climates. Ivy encourages fidelity in relationships and is a guardian plant. Try ivy in with perennial flowers in hanging baskets on a porch. The ivy is just stunning when it starts to cascade over the sides of the baskets.
Jasmine - If you are familar with Goddesses and Deity's, you would know that this plant was sacred to Diana (Artemis), Rhiannon (Epona), Shiva, Vishnu, and countless others. It blooms at night and is representative of our relationship with the moon and its magical qualities. Jasmine attracts love energy (sexual and emotional). Jasmine will tolerate a variety of soil conditions and it requires a great deal of sun. Jasmine can get quite large depending on the area. You can use the flowers for making oils, dry them for making tea...sensational plant. If you have it outdoors and a gentle breeze blows, it can waif through your window and take you to a mystical, magical, whimsical place.
Lavender - Used in magic for peace, tranquility, restful sleep and is great to calm a household especially with children and pets who are highly energetic. Lavender has a wonderful aroma and can be an outdoor plant as well as an indoor plant. It is a natural insect repellent, and grows in a wide variety of conditions. Left alone it will cover a hillside in no time, helping to prevent erosion. Dry the flowers for use in potpourri, charm bags, and oils.
Mint - Many varieties of mint, including catnip, are beautifully suited for growing outdoors in beds, planters, or pots. Mint attracts money and prosperity. Dry the leaves for use in charm bags, teas or tonics, or use fresh in beverages or food. Mint tends to grow and flourish quickly so be careful when growing as it will take off like wild fire.
Roses - love, love, love them! Roses are by far my favorite thing to grow - roses equals work and can be finicky and need care and tending to (depending on the variety) and are not for the faint of heart by any means. They REQUIRE pruning, dead-heading, fertilization, and watering to thrive. They are subject to a number of pests and diseases-black spot especially and beetles. If you are interested in trying your hand at growing, check out some horticultural societies that provide education on which grow best in your area and visit local nurseries to find out what they recommend for your area and soil type. Roses attract love and friendship, but should not be placed next to the entrance of the home, as the thorny bushes create disharmony for those who enter. Dry the petals for use in oils, charm bags, tea and potpourri.
Trees - Oh how I love trees. Trees are our connection to Mother Earth and along with plants, helps to provide the oxygen we breathe, and always adds beauty and balance wherever they are planted. All cultures have some type of tree lore.....like the ancient Celts named their months after trees.
Here is a small list of trees that come to mind for certain purposes:
•Apple - peace
•Beech - learning and wisdom
•Cherry - beauty, abundance and joy
•Elm - attracts positive energy
•Holly - protects from evil spirits
•Oak - strength and masculine energy, personal power
•Peach - long life, and symbolic of the divine
•Pine - longevity, protection from evil spirits
•Willow - protection from evil and gentle, peaceful energy
I hope this will plant a seed within you to try out Feng Shui or at least add some liveliness to your environment and surroundings.
Blessed Be to all.
Many people use Feng Shui in their spiritual practices as it can make you feel better, relaxed, peaceful, more spiritual, at ease or even inspired. There are many books out about this subject. You can start at your local library and browse through before you decide to buy any books on the subject and this will help you get and idea and feel for what Feng Shui is all about. Scott Cunningham discusses it in The Magical Household, and Raymond Buckland in Wicca for Life.
Principles of Feng Shui seem to go hand in hand with witchcraft/Wicca. Magick is all about using energy to manifest dreams and desires, break bad habits, heal from situations that have hurt us. Feng Shui is about creating the environment for that same energy to flow freely and positively in the proper direction to manifest desires more quickly and easily. An example is like driving on an open country road, cruising at a certain speed with no obstacles and driving on your work commute with traffic-slow, stop, brake, brake, brake, move an inch and stop again......ug, all the obstacles to overcome just to make it to work can be exhausting and frustrating. Feng Shui principles work the same way by creating a free flow of energy. When you move and arrange objects a certain way, it keeps that positive energy from being blocked or slowed down which helps in reaching the positive goal sooner. Thus, giving good positive results.
Gardening isn't just for outdoor plants. It does include indoor plants and their placement is an important part of Feng Shui. Immobile objects like buildings, walls and large furniture can be in the way which blocks the flow of qi. Items or objects are referred to as 'cures' and are used to redirect the energy around the object. Plants, along with mirrors, crystals, statues, and other objects are often used as cures.
Take a look around your neighborhood. Houses, garages and buildings are set at certain angles to each other, thus it creates what is called a 'poison arrow' in Feng Shui. This is very common in coves and cul-de-sac neighborhoods. For example, you may have a nasty neighbor-someone who is mean or rude, lets the property go and ruin the look of the neighborhood, have temperment issues or kids who are troublesome. Depending on the angle that their home is positioned, it could be due to the 'poison arrow' and that it is directing all of that residual negative energy directly at them. Or if you feel grouchy and uneasy, perhaps it's that the 'poison arrow' is pointing in your direction. To help allieviate this problem, plant a tree or shrub between the arrow flow and your home. This is very effecient in blocking the arrow, which alleviates the negative energy being directed your way. Alternately, if there is any sort of large foliage, such as shrubs or trees blocking the exterior doors or walkways of your home (even if it is one you do not use), then trim them back or relocate them to a different spot in the yard. Positive qi must have open access to the entrances of your home or business to insure good luck and prosperity. The same is true for front and back porches......if they are covered in broken furniture, clutter and dead plants, what sort of energy do you think they attract? Remove the clutter and replace broken pots and dead plants with live ones that represent the sort of energy you want to attract. Try a bright colored pot or flowering plant to attract joy, creativity and positive energy. There is no better place for this cure than on your front porch. A low maintenance easy care plant I recommend for porches is the pansy or snap dragon. They have beautiful coloring, coming in white, pink or red, purple, yellow and all grow well in shady area's and require almost no maintenance. Even types of begonia and marigolds are easily grown. Certain types of flowering plants can shed olds flowers as new ones are produced, which eliminates the need for pruning or dead-heading, however depending on how much you enjoy hands on gardening and getting your hands in Mother Earth, you may have to dead head or remove the wilted blooms by hand which is not hard to do. Plants can be inexpensive, very lively and helps to alleviate stress and add beauty. They are perfect for apartment balconies, window boxes, and any size pot in front of your home or business. In cold climates, they can be brought indoors to a sunny window during the winter and may continue to bloom.
From a magical perspective, plants can be and are used to attract luck. There is a Good Luck Plant, Money Plant and Leprechaun Plant and many other to choose from. Many varieties of plants grow well inside in a window or sun room in pots or placed on a counter or any other area that receives several hours of sun.
Suggestions for outdoor plants used in Feng Shui include but aren't limited to the following:
Aloe Vera - well known for amazing healing qualities plus an added benefit is that it has long spiky leaves to help provide protection from evil and negativity. It is perfect for people who live in dry desert environments and in areas that have freezing temperatures, it should only be grown indoors.
Azaleas - a very popular flowering shrub and comes in an array of different colors. It will thrive in a variety of growing conditions. They attract energy for beauty and sexual potency. There are too many varieties to mention - check with your local nursery to see what grows best in your area.
Chrysanthemum - Mums are great for fall gardens. Mums symbolize a life of pleasure leading to a happy retirement.
Ivy - is used to camouflage ugly walls and stop erosion, is easy to care for andcomes in many varieties. Ivy has a mind of its own, and if it's left to its own devices, it will climb up pillars, walls, will spread out over the ground quickly. There are dozens of varieties, and it will grow in a variety of climates. Ivy encourages fidelity in relationships and is a guardian plant. Try ivy in with perennial flowers in hanging baskets on a porch. The ivy is just stunning when it starts to cascade over the sides of the baskets.
Jasmine - If you are familar with Goddesses and Deity's, you would know that this plant was sacred to Diana (Artemis), Rhiannon (Epona), Shiva, Vishnu, and countless others. It blooms at night and is representative of our relationship with the moon and its magical qualities. Jasmine attracts love energy (sexual and emotional). Jasmine will tolerate a variety of soil conditions and it requires a great deal of sun. Jasmine can get quite large depending on the area. You can use the flowers for making oils, dry them for making tea...sensational plant. If you have it outdoors and a gentle breeze blows, it can waif through your window and take you to a mystical, magical, whimsical place.
Lavender - Used in magic for peace, tranquility, restful sleep and is great to calm a household especially with children and pets who are highly energetic. Lavender has a wonderful aroma and can be an outdoor plant as well as an indoor plant. It is a natural insect repellent, and grows in a wide variety of conditions. Left alone it will cover a hillside in no time, helping to prevent erosion. Dry the flowers for use in potpourri, charm bags, and oils.
Mint - Many varieties of mint, including catnip, are beautifully suited for growing outdoors in beds, planters, or pots. Mint attracts money and prosperity. Dry the leaves for use in charm bags, teas or tonics, or use fresh in beverages or food. Mint tends to grow and flourish quickly so be careful when growing as it will take off like wild fire.
Roses - love, love, love them! Roses are by far my favorite thing to grow - roses equals work and can be finicky and need care and tending to (depending on the variety) and are not for the faint of heart by any means. They REQUIRE pruning, dead-heading, fertilization, and watering to thrive. They are subject to a number of pests and diseases-black spot especially and beetles. If you are interested in trying your hand at growing, check out some horticultural societies that provide education on which grow best in your area and visit local nurseries to find out what they recommend for your area and soil type. Roses attract love and friendship, but should not be placed next to the entrance of the home, as the thorny bushes create disharmony for those who enter. Dry the petals for use in oils, charm bags, tea and potpourri.
Trees - Oh how I love trees. Trees are our connection to Mother Earth and along with plants, helps to provide the oxygen we breathe, and always adds beauty and balance wherever they are planted. All cultures have some type of tree lore.....like the ancient Celts named their months after trees.
Here is a small list of trees that come to mind for certain purposes:
•Apple - peace
•Beech - learning and wisdom
•Cherry - beauty, abundance and joy
•Elm - attracts positive energy
•Holly - protects from evil spirits
•Oak - strength and masculine energy, personal power
•Peach - long life, and symbolic of the divine
•Pine - longevity, protection from evil spirits
•Willow - protection from evil and gentle, peaceful energy
I hope this will plant a seed within you to try out Feng Shui or at least add some liveliness to your environment and surroundings.
Blessed Be to all.
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