By Jill Brooke
For Feng Shui consultant Nitu Patel, flowers are an essential part of her advice to global clients.
“Flowers are living chi and can change or enhance the mood of a space,” says Patel, who runs the New York-based Phoenix and Rose Feng Shui. “Using colored flowers in specific sections of the home is a powerful feng shui tool.”
It is no secret that flowers emit a magic elixir that both and soothes. Studies confirm its potency which is why more and more hospitals, as well as homes, are utilizing its healing powers.
So it’s no surprise that flowers are an ideal tool to effectively fortify the concept of feng shui, which is the Chinese art of creating harmonious surroundings that enhance the balance of yin and yang.
How someone arranges furniture can determine the type of “energy” that flows into the house and can either create good or negative outcomes.
“I view feng shui as a means to loving what you already have and making it work for you,” she says.
Seeking more knowledge, I asked Patel to give us some tips on how to enhance our living spaces through flowers.
Here were some of her practical tips that anyone can utilize.
Start off by identifying the far right corner of your bedroom. Deep clean the area. Now take some rose oil on a towel and wipe down your “love corner.” It doesn’t have to be a lot of rose oil. Rub some on the floor and the wall.
Put the flowers on the right side of the bed. According to the Feng Shui Bagua, the love corner of every room is on the far right of the entrance.
Red roses are the best option for attracting more romance into your life. It is the flower of love and the color represents deep passion, true love, romance and desire. However, the color is what is essential. It’s setting the intention. So you can also opt for red carnations or other flowers. In the language of flowers, carnations represent good luck and pure love. Go for the darkest red carnation you can since it means deep love and affection and has more of a passion vibe attached which is what you are going for here.
Also, do not buy any variegated carnation – or rose – since that symbolizes a regret that a love can not be shared. Go for the pure bold color since you want powerful emotions to be activated.
Last but not least, avoid roses with thorns or cut them. You want passion without any pain.
Place fresh peonies in your vase. But try to get ones that still have buds that are slightly closed. After all, your love is blossoming.
Pink peonies evoke a pillowy romantic quality and are seen in many cultures as a symbol of good luck, which is what we want for all relationships.
Patel says that peonies are particularly potent in activating relationships.
Another bonus reason she advises to get peonies with buds is it is a form of relationship detox.
“People have said they will get calls suddenly from exes and unwanted suitors and people you may not be attracted to,” she says. “But over the course of the next few days as buds open, the right person reaches out.” Also, meditate around these peonies in what you want in a partner so you attract someone worthy of you.
Yellow and orange are the colors of the sun and represent happiness and health. They can also be used to stimulate the appetite. Using sunflowers and daisies and yellow roses in the kitchen will add yang energy to the space and promote feelings of joy.
Therefore, you have had the passion but need to also live together in harmony afterward.
Orange blossom has ancient healing properties. Wipe down kitchen countertops with orange blossom oil or consider hanging up images of orange blossom plants and lemon trees to add more sunshine energy to the space.
After the relationship is solidified, many couples may have problems with fertility. Flowers enhance but do not completely cure of course. It is a multi-prong strategy. But Patel says that having orchids on the right corner of the bed sends positive fertility energy.
“Orchids are a long-time symbol of fertility and white is the color of purity,” she says. Therefore, don’t opt for the beautiful rainbow of colors available in orchids. Stick to white for this purpose.
In your office (whether it’s at home or work) identify the far left corner of the room and place purple flowers there. Purple is the color of royalty and can attract a lot of prosperity. If you work in a corporate office setting and can only add flowers to your desk, then place them in the far left corner. Purple carnations, violets or lilacs are excellent flower choices for this corner. You can also opt for purple plants like a fuchsia orchid or fresh lavender.
Bathrooms are water energy and water represents money. Since water flows downward (think money down the drain), you want to add balance to the space with healthy green plants and fresh flowers. Images of plants and flowers or tropical wallpaper are also great solutions. Begonias and peace lilies make excellent choices for the bathroom and will add the right amount of green to a window sill or shelf.
When a family member visits, and you want calm and a flow of love vs. tension, consider having marigolds around. It’s a flower that helps honor your ancestors. In fact, when you are thinking of someone you love, who may be deceased, put a marigold vase near a frame.
Patel says that since October 27th is Diwali, the Indian New Year, she will be creating flower garland necklaces for framed photographs of deceased family members.
“Marigolds help guide spirits home and are left out as gifts on shrines and graves. They are also popular in Mexico during ‘Dia De Los Muertos’ celebrations,” she says.
Not only that, but marigolds are the flower that can be used to embrace the change of seasons.
Each season is a new adventure. Put marigolds nearby to embrace your life, your loves and your opportunities.
In summation, set your intentions with flowers and see what blooms.
Jill Brooke is a former CNN correspondent and editor-in-chief of Avenue and Travel Savvy magazine. She is an author and the editorial director of FPD.
Photo Credit: FPD