Feng Shui Fun with the Feminine
The ancient wisdom of feng shui pays special attention to the receptive energy of the feminine essence. With roots in Taoism, one of its basic concepts is the cosmic balance between Yang and Yin, the energy of Heaven and that of Earth (chi). Earth energy is considered to be the female principle of receptivity, while creative Heaven energy is related to the masculine. They depend on each other, and it is the ultimate balance of these two complementary forces that brings harmony into the universe and the world of mankind.
The I Ching hexagram (K’un) represents the ultimate yin or feminine side of the energetic spectrum. Symbolized by 6 broken lines, K’un is the receptive universal quality which is the oppsite yet the perfect partner of the yang, masculine force of Heaven. There is a little bit of the other within each, thus the perfect seeking of balance in feng shui. “The attribute of this hexagram is devotion…It is the ideal complement, not the opposite…Within the individual this duality appears in the coexistence of the spiritual world and the world of the senses.”
K’un represents the Love and Relationships sector of the Bagua, feng shui’s energetic template. Found in the southwest corner of the dwelling according to classical teaching, this area is devoted to honoring the partnership quality that exists between the lady and lord of the home. Geared to nurturing the energetic “tie that binds,” the chi here can be strengthened by adding a bit of the Fire Element, since Fire feeds Earth in the Nurturing Cycle of the Five Elements. Enhancing design examples might be a pair of romantic candles in pink, fushia, or burgundy tones, or a pair of crystals hung side by side in a window. Place these while setting an intention of strengthening and solidifying the relationship.
Since Wood “feeds” Fire, additional touches which would further bolster the Earth Element of the K’un Relationships space would be healthy, rounded leaf plants such as mini-schefflera or ficus benjamina. “Feminine” decorating elements have rounded edges, softened corners, and curved lines. The colors are yin in nature and on the cool side of the color wheel: all shades of blue, green, lavender, grey, and black. These are the hues that encourage rest, tranquility, and relaxation.
I enjoy being a girl! typifies feng shui femininity. This is the delightful cheer of a woman happy with her feminine essence. She is genuinely pleased to be who she is, and passes this joy along to others. Not necessarily needing to be considered outwardly beautiful, she puts her focus on a more inner, radiant quality. She is admired for her gentle strength and her dedication to family and friends. Content with herself as she ages, she grows in wisdom as the years go by.
In feng shui, the feminine principle is both honored and respected — it is the aspect of one who nurtures, both the unselfish giver and the ultimate receiver. Whether you are female or male, know that each of us has within our nature some of this feminine essence. The ancient Chinese believed that even in the mightiest of warriors, some of the feminine yin energy was present. “It’s all in the balance.”
Namaste, Holly
