Our first course is called, “On the street where you live.” It teaches you to analyze and improve the Feng Shui of your home’s exterior.

The audio portion of the course is divided into easy steps. The total listening time is 20 minutes.

To help you apply this information, you’ll also receive an eight-page workbook.

This is a useful course for anyone who wants greater success in any aspect of his or her life. It’s especially helpful if you’re selling your home.

——————————————-

HERE’S HOW TO DOWNLOAD YOUR FREE COURSE

THE AUDIO FENG SHUI LESSON

The audio lesson, “On the street where you live,” was recorded in a series of segments. You’ll listen to part of it, stop the recording for a few minutes to follow the instructions, and then continue listening.

The first part begins in your home.  You’ll be instructed to dress for a comfortable walk, and stroll about a block and a half from your front door.

During the next parts of the audio lesson, you’ll study your neighborhood, noting specific things described in the recording.  You’ll analyze different aspects of your street, the houses on either side of your home, and your own house as well.

You can listen to this MP3 on your computer using any MP3 audio software including WinAmp or Quick  Time. Generally, when you click on the MP3 file, your computer will open it automatically.

However, to get the most from this course, it’s best to transfer the MP3 to a portable player if you can.  That way, you can listen to it as you follow each step in the lesson.

Download your free audio lesson by RIGHT-clicking on this link, to SAVE it on your computer:

http://media.libsyn.com/media/aisling/basic-front-door-lesson.mp3

THE 8-PAGE FENG SHUI WORKBOOK

The workbook pages will help you take notes as you listen to the audio course and follow the recommended steps.

You can download it by RIGHT-clicking on this link, to SAVE it on your own computer:

http://www.shuitogo.com/courses-free/shuitogo-street-lesson.pdf

That file is a PDF.  It will open on any computer with a PDF reader such as Adobe Reader.  (You probably already have this on your computer. If you need a copy of Adobe Reader, visit http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep2.html )

In Feng Shui, dragons are among the most powerful good luck symbols. Like Persephone, the dragon hibernates beneath the earth during the winter months and re-emerges on the second day of the second month, according to the Chinese calendar. This is when we see the dragon represented in parades.

In a general, the dragon is the male, yang symbol of energy, and the opposite of the phoenix which is feminine, yin energy. Together, the dragon and the phoenix represent a balanced, married couple.

In Feng Shui, dragon represent power and wealth as well as energy. Its position is in the east where it symbolizes beginnings, growth, creativity, and it sometimes manifests as the sunrise.

When studying the landscape to place a house in an ideal location, Feng Shui masters look for a gently sloping hill on the left side–or to the east–to shelter the building. This hill is called the green dragon, and it should be opposite another hill towards the west of the house, called the white tiger.

Another geographic reference to dragons refers to the crest of a mountain, which many indicate a powerful dragon line. This line may provide positive Feng Shui energy for any building in its path.

Dragon lines also referred to lines of energy. A single line of energy can be very powerful, but–for maximum benefits–Feng Shui masters look for the intersection of two or more dragon lines. In the West, these lines are called ley lines. Often, cathedrals, temples, and other sacred sites are located on ley lines. Studies in Britain have shown a remarkable network of ley lines across the British Isles.

Because the dragon is such a powerful good luck symbol in China, you will see it in jewelry, clothing, architecture, flags, and other decorations that are used daily.

There are many ways that you can put dragon energy to work in your life.

First, check the position of your home, school, or where you go to work. See if the building benefits from a green dragon hill one side (usually the left), a smaller white tiger hill on the other, or both.

See how close the building is to the nearest intersection. If the building is near a “four corners” intersection, powerful positive energy can be available; this is dragon energy. Make sure that some windows have a clear view of the intersection, if possible.

In your home or office, as you look into the building through the front door, the left side is your powerful, dragon side. Everything on that side should be slightly larger, more colorful, and–in general–represent it as a place of power.

Although the dragon seat–also called the power seat–can be on either side of the room, it’s best when it is on the left side.

Decorate with dragons when you can, if that’s your personal style. Whether you use Asian-style dragons or fantasy dragons from Celtic lore, any dragon is a good dragon in Feng Shui. Make the best use of them in your Fame area and your Money corner where gold and fire can energize Feng Shui luck.

Dragon jewelry is always good for protection as well as luck. Dragons made of golden metal are good choice, but a green jade dragon is even more lucky. In fact, always look for dragons made from earth materials such as crystal glass, china, clay, or stone. If an Asian-style dragon is carved from wood, consider painting it green with gold accents.

Finally, if your astrology sign is the dragon, you are among the luckiest people in the world. The dragon is the sign of most people born in the years 1916, 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, and 2000. Wear symbols of the dragon proudly; use its energy to move you forward to fame, fortune, power, and the greatest happiness.

1. Keep the front and back yard balanced.

Alternate your gardening projects in the front and back yards so that both areas are in balance. The back yard is important for a sense of permanence and stability. The front yard symbolizes the energy of the home, and it should seem vital and fresh.

Avoid placing an abundance of flowers in the front yard (with few shrubs), and edging your back yard with trees and shrubs and no flowers, or vice versa. A balance of color and greenery is ideal for Feng Shui.

2. Use window boxes and hanging plants if you live in an apartment, or have a very small yard.

If your house is large and nearly fills the plot of land that you’re on, don’t overfill your yard with plants. Instead, add to the sense of depth by using hanging plants and window boxes where you can, on all four sides of your home.

Remember that you can also hang window boxes–and other potted plants–from fences with special hardware. Ask at your garden shop. You may be very pleasantly surprised by the many options.

If you live in an apartment, extend your Feng Shui luck with plants outside your doors and windows. Even if your only option is silk flowers, place a few in window boxes where you will see them.

Generally, flowers improve your money and wealth luck. Be sure to include them among the plants that you display. Ferns are a symbol of wealth in many cultures, if your climate will support them.

Many hanging plants need extra water to stay fresh and healthy. One of the easiest ways to keep the soil moist is to place a few ice cubes in the hanging baskets; the ice will melt slowly and provide plants with a steady supply of water.

3. Place hanging baskets close to walls or fences.

In Feng Shui, we avoid placing any object above eye level if the object might fall on someone. Even if it’s very unlikely that it will fall, if there is any possibility of that subconscious concern, we avoid it.

So, if you use hanging baskets–and they can be a lovely addition–place them close to a wall where no one is likely to sit or stand.

(If you or anyone in your home has had feelings of “the axe is about to fall” or other fleeting thoughts of impending doom, see if anything in your decor is above eye level and could seem a little threatening.)

4. Make certain that your backyard plants are uplifiting.

The visual lines of your backyard plants should generally emphasize upward growth. If you have a large downward-pointing plant or tree such as a weeping willow, balance that with strong upright lines. Bamboo plants are among the best to offset a weeping willow.

If your backyard slopes away from the house, consider a brick or stone wall in front of where it starts to slope, to keep too much “chi” (energy) from rolling right out of your life. Fast-growing trees and shrubs in the lower parts of the yard can also remedy this problem.

5. Remember to balance the five elements when you plan your landscaping.

The five elements in Feng Shui are: Water, wood, fire, earth, and metal.

For water, consider a small lucky koi pond if your climate is suited to it. Otherwise, any birdbath, pond, or artificial stream or waterfall can be beneficial.

Wood and earth are usually in abundance in most landscapes. However, if you cover the soil with mulch and your yard has a perfect lawn, add some interesting rocks and boulders to restore a strong presence of earth.

Metal is simple to add with lawn decorations, wind chimes, and even a barbecue. Likewise, the barbecue can symbolize fire.

If you don’t have a barbecue, or live in an apartment where you can’t have one, there are alternatives. These include the colors red and orange, and objects that are triangle shaped.

Our ancestors celebrated many holidays with bonfires. If you don’t have the space for one, consider a fire in an hibachi or barbecue, or even outdoor candles on special evenings.

6. Keep your garden fresh and just a little wild.

When flowers begin to fade or leaves turn yellow, pinch them immediately. Unless it is winter, when dead leaves can protect a living plant’s roots from frost, your plants should not have anything dead or dying on them.

At the other extreme, don’t over-prune your trees and shrubs. It’s fine to keep your greenery tidy, and even include some topiaries. However, balance remains important in feng shui. Find an area in which to include vines, rambling plants, and anything that adds a sense of wild beauty to your garden.

7. Be sure to include a sense of fun and entertainment.

Your yard should always provide a sense of beauty and relaxation. However, it’s also important to include elements that suggest fun and even recreation. Whether you add an outdoor chessboard, a swimming pool, or a badminton net, your back yard should have cues which remind people of fun.

In your front yard, add whimsical colors and plant designs. A fun topiary can bring you great luck, since it attracts favorable attention from passers-by.

To the side of the house or on your driveway, consider a hopscotch design, or a very artistic representation of a tic-tac-toe board. Anything fun and unexpected can increase your luck.

8. Follow the seasons and make small changes steadily.

Plant a few perennials and replace them seasonally, to give your garden a fresh new look.

If you use lawn and garden decorations, including outdoor flags, rotate them so that there is always something new and interesting to see when people visit you or drive past your home. Change the pillows on your lawn furniture. Place a potted plant on an outdoor table, or at your front stairs. Find small ways to change your outdoor environment to match the surrounding seasons.

By applying Feng Shui to what is outside our homes as well as inside, we achieve greater balance and harmony in our lives. Whether you’re working with a single window box outside your apartment, or acres of landscaping around your home, you can increase your luck by enhancing this bridge between the indoor and outdoor worlds.

The popular “lucky bamboo” plant is technically “dracaena sanderia,” not an actual bamboo plant. It is still considered very lucky in feng shui.

BUYING A LUCKY BAMBOO

When you select a lucky bamboo plant, be sure that it looks healthy and green, not bruised. If it’s in soil, the soil should not be dry. In pebbles and water, make sure that the stalks have some roots. Traditionally, it’s best to select a plant with three or eight stalks; both are lucky numbers in feng shui. If your plant has eight stalks, it’s ideal for two of them to be curly.

When you bring your plant home, let it sit in a bright area near a window, but not in direct sunlight. Unless the water level if very low (less than half way to the top of the pebbles), do not add water for at least two days. Allow the plant to get used to its new home.

If your lucky bamboo was planted in soil, be careful not to overwater it, but do not allow the soil to dry out entirely; keep it evenly moist.

To enhance your plant’s good luck, tie the stalks together with a red ribbon or a red thread. However, be certain not to tie them too snugly; lucky bamboo can bruise easily.

Once your lucky bamboo has had a chance to rest after its journey to its new home, it’s okay to water it and to move it to wherever you plan to display it.

PETS AND LUCKY BAMBOO

Some varieties of dracaena–the family of plants that include lucky bamboo–are poisonous to pets. So, if you’re bringing a lucky bamboo plant into your home, be sure to display it where your pets won’t be tempted to munch on the leaves.

1. Balance the front and back yards.

Alternate your gardening projects in the front and back yards so that both areas are in balance. The back yard is important for a sense of permanence and stability. The front yard symbolizes the energy of the home, and it should be vital.

Avoid placing an abundance of flowers in the front yard, and edging your back yard with trees and shrubs, or vice versa. A balance of color and greenery is ideal for Feng Shui.

2. Use window boxes and hanging plants if you live in an apartment, or have a very small yard.

If you don’t have much space around your home, don’t overfill your yard with plants. Instead, add a sense of depth with hanging plants and window boxes.

You can also hang window boxes–and other potted plants–from fences with special hardware. Ask at your garden shop.

If you live in an apartment, extend your Feng Shui luck with plants outside your doors and windows.

Generally, flowers improve your money and wealth luck. Be sure to include them among the plants that you display. Ferns are a symbol of wealth in many cultures, if your climate will support them. One of the easiest ways to keep the soil moist is to place a few ice cubes in the hanging baskets; the ice will melt slowly and provide plants with a steady supply of water.

3. Place hanging baskets close to walls or fences.

In Feng Shui, we avoid placing any object above eye level if it might fall on someone. Even if it’s very unlikely that it will fall, if there is any possibility of that subconscious concern, we avoid it. So, if you use hanging baskets–and they can be a lovely addition–place them close to a wall where no one is likely to sit or stand with a basket over them.

(If you or anyone in your home has had feelings of “the axe is about to fall” or other fleeting thoughts of impending doom, see if anything in your decor is above eye level and could seem a little threatening.)