If you're looking for presents for the holiday season, host/ess gifts, or housewarming offerings, why not look to feng shui? Green and affordable, feng shui-inspired gifts bring positive energy into any setting and will enhance your friends' home for years to come. Some of the most powerful home decor objects are wind chimes, bells, plants, candles, and mirrors.
Feng Shui in the Home
Feng shui is an age-old Chinese system designed to facilitate the flow of chi (energy or life force) through the environment. Arrangement of a home according to the principles of feng shui, explain proponents of the practice, will make both the residents and their guests feel more at ease. What's more, the serene surroundings support harmonious relationships, physical health, financial success, and general well-being. Adding certain objects to the physical space will intensify the energy flow still further.
Wind Chimes
The term feng shui translates literally as "wind water," referring to the basic elements of life. Chimes will reflect the movement of the wind (feng) and bring an uplifting spirit into the house. They should be hung up indoors near a window or in a sheltered porch or patio to avoid heavy drafts. The aim is to create a gentle tinkling sound, which counteracts ambient noise pollution and promotes healing, both bodily and spiritual. Pretty chimes made of bamboo, ceramic, or metal are a wonderful gift for any home.
Mirrors
Emblematic of water, the second element of feng shui, a beautiful mirror doubles the positive chi that it reflects. It also increases the impression of space and acts as a powerful cure for awkward areas in a home. If you have friends with an oddly shaped or particularly tiny house or apartment, present them with a mirror. A gold frame will add prosperous energy to your gift. A mirror is also a wonderful present for someone who lives in a home with an outstanding view. Mirroring a lovely landscape magnifies its positive effect on all who see it.
Bells
Bells play an important role in feng shui. The sound of a bell ringing is considered to bring yang (masculine) energy into a space. Bells can be used to clear negative forces and revitalize the home with new energy, especially when they are placed near the front door. It's recommended to hang them with a red string -- this auspicious color wards off evil and magnifies positive intentions. Select bells as a present for friends who are feeling lethargic or "stuck" in their current situation.
Plants
A symbol of green energy, houseplants serve to purify the air in a home, allowing good feng shui energy to circulate. There are also two species which are considered to be money plants, attracting wealth to their owners -- the jade plant and the Malabar chestnut. Hanging Chinese coins from their branches is thought to increase their powers of prosperity. Houseplants are a welcome gift for just about everyone. Make sure that any plant you give is lush, green, and healthy; if possible, attach care instructions so that your friend can continue to keep it in top condition. (CAUTION: suggest to the recipient that the plant not be put in the bedroom, where its growth-oriented vigor might interfere with peaceful sleep.)
Candles
For a powerful feng shui cure, choose candles, which represent fire energy. (On a practical note, ensure that they are made of beeswax or soy, which are free of toxic volatile organic compounds.) Like the ringing of a bell, lighting candles introduces yang energy into an environment that is dull, stagnant, and depressing. The results will be an upsurge in inspiration, freedom, and fun. Natural fragrances can enhance this cure via aromatherapy. Candles are the ideal choice for friends who'd like to rekindle passion and excitement in their life.
