However, Feng Shui is covered only in the second half of this book.

Simons bases many of his recommendations on the client’s date of birth, combined with Nine-Star astrology. The I Ching provides support for this approach, too.

In addition to your basic personality type and Lucky Star designation, you’ll learn to forecast your business opportunities–and liabilities–with the charts in this book.

Using this book, I learned that my best business results come from gradual development. I’m sure that it’s good advice; I tend to shift into hyperfocus while completing a short-term project, and forget everything else… including my long-term goals.

I also learned that my best elements are metal and earth. That’s not a big surprise, because I seem to attract those naturally, in both my home and work environments.

Comparing my birth star and my husband’s, I learned that we have a highly cooperative relationship and are mutually supportive. That wasn’t news, but the details in that chapter surprised me with their accuracy.

I used the charts to find out my astrological forecast for this month, where my office should be located (Compass School), my power areas and colors, and how to use the I Ching to make wise business decisions.

In general, this book seems like a very complex approach to business. On the other hand, I can confirm its apparent accuracy.

Once you get used to using the charts routinely, it’s probably not as tiresome as it seems at first. And, if you want a very high level of guidance, this book is probably a smart investment. The charts will take you through the year 2013, offering month-by-month predictions and ways to use the compass to enhance your luck steadily.

You can read an excerpt of this book at Amazon.com.

I’d recommend this book for serious Feng Shui students who favor the Compass School approach, or for anyone in business who seeks very specific Chinese astrology answers to ongoing problems.

Feng Shui Strategies for Business Success: Arranging Your Office for Success and Prosperity–with Personalized Astrological Charts and Forecasts
Price: —

20 used & new available from USD 0.95

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.