The Case for Personal Growth in Feng Shui

In her book, Move Your Stuff Change Your Life, Karen Rauch Carter suggests that when using Feng Shui, it is often a good idea to start with personal growth. That’s the front left corner of your home. To illustrate her point she uses the example of someone who enhances their romance section to attract a love partner. Without also enhancing their Personal growth gua, they may indeed succeed in attracting potential mates, but their effort is wasted if they don’t have the wisdom to choose which prospect is really right for them. In my own life I was having trouble with money. I didn’t earn enough to pay my bills. So I enhanced my home’s prosperity section (the back left corner) and money did start to appear. I got checks out of the blue, I won things; the money I needed materialized, as if by magic. Unfortunately my bills also magically reappear each month and constantly relying gifts from unexpected sources becomes a little stressful when you’re doing it month after month. I needed to earn more money. I could have concentrated on my career gua for a while or the family section, which covers paying monthly bills; and that would have helped. But where I really needed to start was my wisdom/personal growth gua. That’s because no matter what I wanted to accomplish, I needed the skills and knowledge to do it and the wisdom to choose the right path. Therefore if you are just starting with Feng Shui, I suggest you clear your clutter and then start working with the personal growth section of your home. First get rid of any alcohol, drugs or symbols of alcohol or drugs from this area of your home (the front left corner). Colors to try would be blue, black and green. Books, symbols of wisdom, and pictures of mentors or people you admire are also helpful. 8 is the number for this section. (I differ from Ms. Carter on this point.) Arrange objects in groupings of eight. I know this can be difficult when you don’t want clutter. Don't get carried away. I have a group of 8 wooden animals given to me by a special friend which I’ve arranged into a pleasing display in this gua. If you are studying a language or tax preparation, keep your text books in this area. In fact books on any skill or topic you want to master should be kept here. You might consider making or purchasing a powerful Feng Shui Mandala to hang in this room. Feng Shui Mandalas already contain the symbols and colors you need and they are beautiful. Finally don’t forget to express your gratitude here. Expressing gratitude is important in any endeavor and this is a great place to start.