Create luck in the Year of the Ox

As we celebrate Chinese New Year and welcome in the Year of the Ox, we’ve invited Feng Shui Master, Thierry Chow, to share her expertise on how to tap into the strength, ambition and idealism of the Ox in your home. Read on for more…

8 steps and 5 directions to improve your home and luck with Feng Shui in 2021

Meaning “wind / water” in Chinese, Feng Shui refers to what sustains all of life. It is an ancient art of channeling vital, natural and universal energy (known as qi in Chinese; prāṇa in Sanskrit) to benefit our well-being. The term encompasses diverse disciplines such as geography, astronomy, astrology and meteorology. On a practical level, Feng Shui experts in ancient China combined the fields of environmental ecology, topology, architecture, interior design as well as psychology into one cohesive, interdisciplinary practice to secure the health and wealth of their clients. Many of its age-old applications still have striking relevance today as they are grounded in human interaction with nature. 

Having been around for almost 4000 years, there are quite a few different understandings about Feng Shui. To some, it’s simply interior decorating, to others a profound spiritual tool for soul-searching. Throughout the cultures of East Asia, especially for Chinese communities all over the planet, Feng Shui still enjoys a lively presence, exerting an omnipresent yet diverse influence over contemporary architecture, interior design and art.

Qi translates to “air” or “energy” and Feng Shui focuses heavily on this natural and universal energy to benefit our wellbeing. Feng Shui is the ancient art of channeling qi, something that is everywhere, including in our everyday living space. Using qi, Feng Shui helps us to obtain balance in our environment for our mental and physical wellbeing.

8 steps to revitalize your home

1. A style that speaks to you.
Be it bohemian chic, Versailles opulence or minimalist Zen, the style of your home is crucial as your space reflects who you are. Be mindful of who you are. Nature knows what it is and you are no different.

2. Cheerful, fun colours.
A sun-soaked yellow, an optimistic orange or a nourishing green, colourful accents do brighten the mood. Here are some artwork suggestions to get you started.

3. A decorative detail that delights.
As we’re now often working indoors from home, it’s especially important to make sure our environment is healthy and comfortable. We want to spend time in a space that makes us feel recharged instead of drained, a place to destress rather than to feel stressed and distracted. Our space should be the battery station to our wellbeing. Place an object or piece of art that sparks positive emotions, be it an inspirational painting or photograph, grandma’s quilt or a cute teddy bear from childhood, in your space. Choose whatever makes you smile.

4. Five Elemental Phases.
Human beings are not separate from nature. Living plants keep you company and remove stagnant qi (plus their life-stimulating properties are proven to reduce stress). Metals minimise illness (copper, bronze, gold and silver are known to have antimicrobial properties). Bring in the earth element for grounding with marble or crystals. Lit candles invoke inspiration and creativity in spaces. Water features such as fish tanks or fountains let abundance flow through. These artworks can help bring nature indoors.

5. No Qi Blockage.
Imagine a river going through your home or office. Position furniture to allow for a smooth flow to all areas, keeping the qi moving freely through and letting it flow into the right directions of your life.

6. Purge and Declutter.
We collect emotional debris all around us, and it’s hard to expand and create when boxed in with all that stagnant qi. Get rid of old, unused items and clothing. Declutter your physical space to make way for something new.

7. Mood Lighting.
Invest in diversified lighting that reaches every dark corner, with a good balance of Yin and Yang — neither too bright nor too dark or overly warm or cold. Coloured candles and curtains gives you a variety of options, as ample sunlight can be let in during the day, softened in the afternoon, and made ambient in the evening.

8. A good home lets you stay present.
Whether you want deep invigoration, soothing relaxation or a quick reset, your space should allow you to connect to your soul. Setting an intention helps shape the use of your space, and being mindful of it creates the right energy to revitalise you immediately.

5 directions to help you for a better 2021

We’re entering the year of the metal Ox so for those born in year of the ox, you can expect further changes in 2021. With change comes growth so approach the new year with an open mind.

For those who are looking to try Feng Shui positioning in your space, the best areas to focus on for 2021 are the West corner, Northeast corner and East corner. Here are some tips and tricks on how you can revitalize these areas along with artwork suggestions to get you feeling inspired:

1. West: A corner that is particularly helpful for overall health and wellness, one can use it for resting, working or even exercising! Place bright happy, colours like yellow, pink, orange, red artworks to enhance the good energy.

2. Northeast: A corner that is especially good for relationships, use florals and the colours red, pink or purple to encourage positive relationships with your family, friends and loved ones.

3. East: A direction that is beneficial for career and studies, place green leafy plants in this area to enhance focus. Instead of plants, you could also choose artworks with a floral or leafy theme or using wood as a material.

4. North: Place artworks that are metallic and circular in shape in this area to boost your luck! How about ‘Gold Fish’ by artist James Eddy? If you like Eddy’s style, there are more available in different sizes.

5. Southeast: Place metallic artworks in this area. We highly recommend ‘Discovery X’ by artist Philip Hearsey as it brings serenity and calmness. For a more energized feeling, ‘Flight of Imagination’ by Nimesh Pilla would be a good choice.

Huge thanks to Thierry for these exciting Feng Shui tips. Feeling inspired and looking for more options? Our online marketplace offers over 23,000 original and affordable artworks and we are sure you can find something fits your budget and taste! Start by following the links below.