FENG SHUI TIPS for TIGER YEAR 2010

PAY OFF DEBT:
It is very fortunate to start the Chinese New Year with no debt. (A mortgage or a school loan are not in this category.) If you have personal debt. when Tiger year 2010 begins, then Tiger year can be your time to organize your finances and get out of debt. Financial responsibility could be challenging because Tiger-year energy is impulsive, but this is not the time for impulse purchases. Only those born in Horse year can spend on impulse because their instincts are accurate in Tiger year.

ADD BEAUTY:
Bring in fresh cut flowers or a healthy plant for new year. Make sure plants have soft round leaves; no spiky cacti. If you bring home a lovely orchid, after the flower wilts, cut away the dead stalk and insert high-quality silk orchids into the pot.

CLEAN:
To welcome a new year of new opportunities, clean your home as if it is spring cleaning but done now. Move any piece of furniture that has not been moved during this past year to clean behind and below it. Be as thorough as you can. Do not start a new year and a new cycle in a messy or dirty home environment. If you have clutter anywhere, now is the time to get rid of it.

FIRST THING SEEN:
When entering your home, what is the first thing seen? Make sure that the first thing seen is inviting, clean, and inspiring when you enter. You do not want to see a pile of paperwork or any type of mess.

PAINT:
When the weather warms up this spring, consider a coat of paint on an area that can use some sprucing up. Paint colors correlate to the five Taoist elements of fire, earth, metal, water, and wood:

FIRE/HEART/LIVING ROOM - In Chinese medicine, the element fire is represented by the heart. The living room is the heart of the home. Your living room is best in bright and lively colors, or with bright accents, to stimulate conversation and activity.

EARTH/STOMACH/DINING ROOM - In Chinese medicine, the element earth is the stomach. The dining room is where we eat and digest food. The dining room is best in earthen tones of gold, terra cotta, or other soft yin colors. Red paint in a dining area is too stimulating and people eat too fast.

METAL/LUNGS/BEDROOM - In Chinese medicine, the element metal is the lungs. The bedroom is where we sleep and breathe deeply while resting. Best bedroom colors are white, cream, and soft pastels. Avoid bright big prints on bedding and drapery, especially in a child's room.

WATER/KIDNEYS/BATHROOM - In Chinese medicine, the element water is the kidneys, and therefore correlates to the bathroom. Paint this room in a soft, quiet, and calm color for peaceful elimination of waste and for soothing bathing or showering.

WOOD/LIVER/KITCHEN - In Chinese medicine, the element wood is the liver. Wood is used in a kitchen to feed the cooking fire. The kitchen must be kept very clean because this is where food is prepared, but green accents or a plant is recommended.