Art of vaastu & feng shui - Making the best of occasions

HARNESSING the natural energy of the surrounding areas and adapting it in our daily life in terms of interior design and décor, dress and furnishing, is the premise of geomancy.
Feng shui tenets and principles are strictly based on the dimensions of space and time.
And the introduction of symbolism in this field is to counter, enhance or overcome the afflictions of the negative qi.
However, feng shui is not about hanging chimes and crystals, or placing fountains or aquariums in the hall.
It is more to do with the ambience, environment and the feel of the place.
Using symbols as a ‘cure’ is an essential part of the feng shui solution, but one needs to have the right knowledge and skill in aligning and putting the right things in the right place.
This is possible when you understand your living space, or if the space is seen from the point of view of a feng shui practitioner.
With the coming festivities, many people will be busy with hosting parties and events at home.
They can adapt certain feng shui principles to make their parties more interesting, and ensure that every guest has a pleasant and memorable time.
Here are some tips to make it a great party for all.

► Round tables are preferred, as they generate a very cordial atmosphere. No one is seated as the ‘boss’.
When it comes to tables of other shapes, avoid placing chairs at the corners or edges of a square or rectangular table.
Avoid sitting directly facing a toilet door. If the house has a toilet door in the dining or drawing area, keep the door shut and place a screen, curtain or divider to cover the toilet door.
Also ensure that you do not place chairs directly facing the dining room door, or beneath overhead beams.
► You could use extra lights to lift the qi of the space, and coloured candles on the dining table to help create auspicious energy.
In the middle of the table or the buffet counter, draw in the elements by placing a cauldron or glass bowl filled with water, petals and candles.
The coloured floating candles – if allowed to shine and shimmer towards the roof – will create extremely positive qi, hence, lifting the energy of the entire space and also creating a balance of perfect yin and yang.
Even those guests who come in just to honour your invitation, and who are burdened with their own day-to-day problems, would thank you for lifting their spirits and making them feel good.
Remember, through feng shui, you can achieve a lot in all aspects of life.
You can also make use of the feel-good factor, just by adapting the right feng shui practices, without burning a big hole in your bank account.
S.BS.Surendran is accredited master feng shui consultant, bio-energetician and traditional vaastu practitioner. Readers can contact him at lifestyle.fengshui@­thesundaily.com.