Feng Shui Saturday – Family Pictures

I’ve rewritten this post about 3 times now. I started to write about traditional cures – too long. Then I thought I’d just pick one of the 10 Basic Cures – still too long. So I settled on just Family Pictures – mainly because it’s something we all have.

Family Pictures fall into the Art category of the 10 Basic Cures. What are the rest?

1. Art
2. Colors
3. Crystals
4. Lighting
5. Living Things – plants, flowers, pet stuff
6. Mirrors
7. Nature Objects
8. Sound Makers
9. Water Features
10. Wind Dancers

In classic feng shui there are traditional cures – things that enhance the energy flow, or chi. But, I like to change the language up a bit. Instead of ‘cures’, I call them adjustments. To me, the word cure implies there is something sick. I’d rather you look at your space and see something that needs adjusting, rather than fixed. Just a mindset thing.

It’s really best if you assess your home first – the elements, the bagua, any areas that need adjusting – and then add the cures. It’s not that they won’t make a huge difference – they will. But so will decluttering & cleaning :)

One more thing – forgive me for saying this over & over again. Keep in mind the 3 goals of feng shui -

• Comfort
• Safety
• Self-Expression

If anything in your home does not bring one of those 3 elements to you, it may be time to let go of it.

The art in any home is one of the first things we notice about the inhabitant’s self-expression. Other furnishings may or may not be more functional and not really express your style. But art is something we consciously choose to display. And each piece affects the energy in the space.

Family Pictures

By far, one of  the most common types of art we display. But what are the feng shui symbolisms?

People (and animals, btw) are representative of the Fire element. Fire energy speeds things up. So the Family photo album hanging in the stairway or hallway? Great! These spaces usually need the chi to move.

Pictures of the kids in the bedroom? Not so great. You don’t want the energy to move too quickly in your area of rest. Plus, looking at the sweet faces of the little darlings might not enhance intimacy. I’m just saying . . .

You’d think family pics would go in the Family area of the bagua – the left center of the room. But this is really more for ancestors or those that came before you. Grandma, Dad, etc.

Pics of you and your partner work best in Love & Marriage, of course – the back right corner.

Put the kiddos in the right center area – Children & Creativity. This also goes for any artwork they’ve made, as well.

Couple more thoughts on Family Pictures – the frame color & shapes are also Elements. Most framed photos are rectangular, so that would be Wood if they’re taller & Earth if they’re more horizontal.

Black frames bring the Water element in. Wood = Wood . Gold or silver = Metal.

So in actuality each framed picture has 2 or 3 elements to it – the actual photograph of people – Fire, the shape of the frame & the color of the frame. Add in the background if there is one – the beach, park, or whatever – and you’ve got even another element.

These are just general tips. Don’t drive yourself crazy with this. But if you have a choice on where to put photographs, these are some guidelines. Just some easy reshifting might make some significant energy shifts.

As always, let me know if you reposition your pics & notice any changes!

Have a great Saturday!

Colleen