Light and Darkness in Feng Shui
Jun 1st, 2006 | By Aisling | Category: Feng Shui basics
Balance is essential in Feng Shui. This balance extends to light and darkness as well. Light is an important energy that needs to touch every area of our homes and offices, at some time each day… but daily darkness is important, too.
NATURAL LIGHTING, NATURAL DARKNESS
During sunny days where natural light streams in through windows, doors, and skylights, the light takes care of itself. Be sure that your windows are clean, and shrubs are trimmed so that light can enter your home easily. In most homes and offices, when people turn out the lights at night, darkness has its turn as well. Be certain that your curtains, window shades, and blinds work well and are kept clean.
But, what if your home is dark most of the time because it faces north, or if a mountain or a tall building casts a shadow on your home? Or, what if you’re in an area with “midnight sun” and night is very brief for several months each year?
Where you can’t adjust light and darkness with windows and curtains or shades, alternatives are necessary.
Mirrors are often overlooked as a way to bring light to a dark corner or an inside room. Whether the mirror reflects natural light, a candle, or artificial light, this can be the simplest, least expensive solution.
LIGHTS, LAMPS, AND OTHER MODERN ALTERNATIVES
Artificial lighting is limited only by your imagination. In addition to overhead lights, standing lamps, and table lamps, you will find freestanding spotlights and track lighting in intriguing designs. Neon lights can brighten a dark area and provide a whimsical message.
Visit a lighting store and discover the ways that fiber optics are used to create sculptures based in a pedestal or suspended as a mobile; if you place one of these in a corner that is naturally dark, the contrast can accent the art nicely.
CANDLES FOR NATURAL LIGHT
If you’re going to use candles, it’s smart to use them throughout the room. The contrast between bright electric lamps and–for example–a few little votive candles creates imbalance.
It’s okay to use one or more low-wattage bulbs in a room where you’re displaying candles, but keep the light as even as possible throughout each room.
Candles work best when the wick is kept trimmed to about 1/4 inch. Otherwise, the candle may smoke and burn too quickly, and the flame will flicker. Always wait for the candle to cool before trimming the wick; candle wicks usually need to be trimmed once for every five hours of use.
CANDLES CAN DO MORE THAN PROVIDE LIGHT
Also, Feng Shui guidelines recommend using an abundance of candles in certain areas but not others.
For example, candles are helpful in your Fame/Reputation area; in Black Hat Sect Feng Shui, that’s the area at the back center of the home, office, or room.
In fact, you’ll do well with candles in the center of any room (Health area), and all along the back wall as you look into the room through the doorway.
However, symbols of fire–including candles–aren’t supportive of your Creativity (and Children) area, which is the middle of the right wall as you look into the home, office, or room.
If you’re going to use candles in that area, choose white candlesticks or holders, or offset the fire element with symbols of water including clear glass (including cast glass candle holders), a fish tank, a poster of a landscape featuring water, or a mirror.
(In your creativity area, a mirror should not be framed; look for an unframed mirror with beveled edges, if possible.)
THERE IS A TIME AND PLACE FOR DARKNESS, TOO
For darkness, be sure to draw the curtains or close the blinds at night, if exterior lights (such as streetlamps or neon lights) shine into your home or office. Likewise, if a room seems “too bright” on sunny days, restore a sense of comfort and balance by drawing the curtains until the room looks right to you.
LIGHT AND DARKNESS FOR HARMONIOUS LIVING
By balancing light and darkness in your environment, you will achieve a better sense of harmony and design, and improve your Feng Shui as well.
Related posts: