feng shui [Friday]:

I purchased an amazing book on Feng Shui about 3 years ago from Recycled Books (big purple building that says Opera House on the square) in Denton. First of all- what an incredible store to find the most random books on any subject and a plethora of old records. Took Megan Beasley and I literally had to drag her out of there.

As a lover of all things interior design and Eastern theory- I find feng shui so intriguing. There are so many elements to this subject I am going to ATTEMPT to make Fridays “Feng Shui Fridays.” (half way because its sounds cute and half way because there is so much awesome info to share on the subject). I believe that applying these theories to my little apartment have transformed it into a home.

Feng shui /FUNG-shoo-ee/: is an ancient Chinese system of aesthetics believed to use the laws of both Heaven and Earth to help one improve life by receiving positive qi (energy).

feng = wind

shui= water

These two elements are associated with good health in Chinese culture, which they translate to good fortune. The Taoist vision is that the earth is living and filled with all sorts of energy. Being very superstitious, the ancients believed that the location and direction of their kingdom could influence their reign positively or negatively. The building blocks of feng shui come from the concepts of yin and yang and the five elements: earth, wind, fire, water, and wood. Todays topic is the compass, which is used to grid your living space, as it helps one to understand the movement of certain kinds of energy in certain places.

I literally drew this and saved it 3 years ago.



If you place this diagram over your living space (get a compass [iphone app]and find north) then you are able to see the areas of your home that are most conducive to certain activities. After doing the chart to my apartment, I found that some of my areas were in quite perfect positions for what’s going on in them.

North East sector is for study/contemplation: This is where I relocated Nicholas’s desk. He’s been super productive on his thesis and is bringing in 4.0’s…which he always does, but I do like to think having his desk here helps his mind concentrate.

South west sector is for relationships: This is the area that we made our master bedroom. Rather perfect for newlyweds sharing a room for the first time.

West sector is for children/projects: This is where I started my little business, KatBeckDesigns. All my featherbands are made sitting at my dinner table located in the west sector.


Take it as you will- but what you believe really affects how you perceive.