Poison (or poisoned) arrows, also called “killing chi,” are usually found in every room in every home an office.

Poison arrows are corners that jut out and seem to point into the room. Those corners are called poison arrows and can send negative energy–also called “killing chi” (or killing qi) in the direction of the imagined arrowhead.

In a previous article, Poison Arrows and Killing Chi, we discussed architectural “arrows” in your home and office.

Now, it’s time to talk about other sources of poison arrows, especially furniture.

SOURCES OF POISON ARROWS

Most tables, desks, counter tops, and major appliances have corners. Most TVs, computer monitors, and computer towers also have corners. You’ll find corners on bookcases, many chairs, filing cabinets, and photocopy machines or printers.

The larger the sides of each “corner,” the more powerful its energy is. Likewise, there is more negative energy from poison arrows related to appliances that use a lot of electricity.

(If you’ve been looking for an excuse to buy a flat-screen computer monitor or TV, this is it!)

If you are building a home, it’s smart to include built-in appliances in your kitchen. Ovens, refrigerators, and dishwashers can be designed into the walls rather than protruding into the room. Stovetops can be set into counters or islands.

When buying a new countertop, choose one with rounded corners. Design your cabinets so that they run all the way from one wall to the next; that will reduce the corner problem.

In your laundry room, either keep the door closed or design a closet (perhaps one with a folding door) that encloses your washer and dryer.

In other rooms, try to choose furniture–especially tables and desks–that have rounded corners.

But, what if you can’t avoid furniture with corners, such as file cabinets and bookcases?

SOFTEN THE CORNERS

In a household with small children, it’s good Feng Shui and a wise safety measure to use the rubber protective devices that keep little guys from bumping into corners or sharp edges. You can also drape a plant, a tablecloth, a runner or doily, or other soft decoration over an offending corner.

Do you have a floor-to-ceiling bookcase that juts into the room? Soften the corners by placing potted plants in front of them. Or, decorate the edges of the bookcase with tiny, sparkling holiday lights.

IF YOU CAN’T MOVE THE MOUNTAIN…

Finally, if there is no way to cover or soften a corner, you can arrange the room so that the “arrow” won’t point at anyone. If the refrigerator’s corners point at your kitchen table, move one of them or the other. If possible, move your refrigerator to an old-fashioned cupboard (they’re back in vogue).

Position your TV (unless it’s fairly flat and nearly corner-free) so that its corners don’t point at anyone. Place the TV between two potted plants or some soft and interesting sculptures.

If your computer monitor points towards areas where you or others work, one great decorating trick is to use wired swags of artificial flowers and/or ivy. Bend the wires so that they drape around the monitor and shield the corners as much as possible. If the swag wants to slip out of place, conceal small suction-cup hangers that hold the wires to the monitor.

Any interior can present challenges if you’re hoping to reduce poison arrows. However, if you keep an open mind and look for creative solutions, you can resolve most of them.

IF YOU’RE STUCK

What if there are no practical remedies for the arrows? In that case, view them as yang energy that you can offset with soft, yin elements in the room.

Worst case, invest in a fish tank and stock it with eight fish. In many traditions–including Feng Shui–fish absorb negative energy. So, if you have too many poison arrows in a room, the fish will remedy the problem.

Any fish that don’t survive–and some of them won’t, with or without poison arrows–should be replaced immediately.

But, never place a fish tank in your bedroom unless you have considered the location very carefully. In some Feng Shui traditions, a fish tank symbolizes relationships that never settle down and achieve long-term stability.

In our next article, Poison Arrows and the Environment, we’ll discuss poison arrows in the landscape outside your home or office, and how to remedy them.

Related posts:

1. Poison Arrows and ‘Killing Chi’
2. Poison Arrows and the Environment
3. Feng Shui and Your ‘Junk Room’