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Sacred Smells For Your Sacred Spaces

The ancient Asian philosophy Feng Shui (pronounced "fung schway") studies our place in the universe and the impact our surroundings have onus: uses and abuses of our living and working spaces. It is also involved with the flow of the cosmic life-force called ch'i (pronounced "chee").

      In a dwelling, ch'i is either invigorating and virile or infertile, stale. Like filtered Pellegrini water versus tap. Fresh Godiva chocolate versus stale vending machine knock-offs. Quality versus quantity.

      Just as people stay healthy when they maintain good eating and exercise habits, color, seating arrangements, furnishings, lighting, music and aromas can either enhance or diminish a home's ambient energy. Repainting dirty walls, re-hanging doors that bang into one another and re-oiling squeaky hinges are just a few ch'i energy increasing examples.

      A few years ago at the International Feng Shui Centre in Colorado, I had the great fortune of sharing a teaching afternoon with Chinese-born architect Howard Choy (Feng Shui; ISBN 1-86302-555-3) who shared many tips about "making" a place your own. It's an easy purification ritual called "bai-si-fang", which means 'paying homage to the four quarters'. It's an auspicious autumn exercise for all : condo or homeowner, backpacker or renter.

      The first part of this "ritual" begins with homage to all Jewish moms (we all have one, no matter how we honor the sabbath) with a thorough top-to-bottom scanning of our living space. Every room, especially the master bedroom, kitchen and bath. Every corner must be thoroughly vacuumed, polished, dusted, wiped and scrupulously mopped. Attacking this chore with vigor and intention spells good riddance for left-over karmic energy from former tenants and ancient arguments. After cleaning, ignite your aromatic incense like frankincense or sandalwood in each room to freshen up any wisps of stale ch'i.

      In my pre-professional Feng Shui period, I loved junking and garage sale-ing: other people's cast-offs became my treasures. Objects discarded by previous owners should be removed unless they are clean and useful, and every garage sale goodie must be functional, with paintwork touched up and broken parts mended.

      Part Two takes place in the "heart" of the house. In the old days when floor plans were generic and simple, this was usually the geometric center of the home. Today, it generally refers to the part where your family spends quality time together. Is that your living room? Family room?

      This ritual involves five bundles of one, three, six or nine incense sticks. Also prepare a plate with with five pieces (not necessarily different) of fruit on it. In-season and local fruit is best; oranges and apples are Feng Shui mainstays. Stack the fruit, with four pieces on the bottom and the most colorful on top.

      The top piece symbolizes the center of the universe, and the bottom four reflect the four compass directions. Think heaven, earth, humanity - and after verbally acknowledging what your midyear goals, devour 'em all with a cup of saki for a chaser.

      Light the first bundle of incense in the middle of the room where you spend the most time - again, usually, the bedroom. This action establishes the house as the center of your universe. Smoke from the incense goes heavenward to form the symbolic link (axis mundi) between Heaven and and Earth (your home). Next, light an odd number of incense sticks in each corner of the main room to establish the four cardinal directions. Say a prayer of good will, health and prosperity as you light the incense, and ask for the blessing of the god of your choice.

      According to Howard Choy, this ritual endeavors to establish symbolic order in a universe of chaos. Creating the vertical link between your home, Heaven and the four directions enables you to discover the center of your being, as represented by the walls of your home.

      Then your house will be safe. Stable. Anchored in Feng Shui symbolism of "wind and water": oxygen and constant change. "Bai-si-fang" is a ritualistic act intended to declare faith in your space for the approaching season.

      Every odor we inhale and every object that surrounds us influences our space in some manner and has a subliminal impact. Our surroundings influence us profoundly. They define us and how we relate to everyone who shares our private spaces.