Red Envelopes in Feng Shui

Giving red envelopes is an old Chinese custom. They are also known as "lucky money" envelopes and are exchanged during Chinese New Year and for special occasions like weddings, births, etc.

Take one look at my photo, and you know I am not Chinese (my husband is Chinese American). When I give my name I often receive a baffled look and an attempt at spelling, "Hough?", etc. I am reminded of the character Donna Chang in the Seinfeld episode, "The Chinese Woman" during it's sixth season. She imparts some marital advice to George's mother, Estelle, quoting Confucious. When they finally meet, Estelle feels betrayed, "You're not Chinese! I thought I was getting advice from a Chinese woman!"

Luckily, my clients hire me for my expert feng shui advice and pay me for it. I explain that it is traditional to provide payment in a red envelope to the feng shui expert. The red envelope serves as a protection to the feng shui practitioner who is providing sacred knowledge and represents respect and intention from the recipient of the consultation. Any unused red envelope is fine. When you go to the trouble of looking for a red envelope or making one, it helps to set the intention for a successful outcome for your consultation. One to nine envelopes are often presented to the feng shui expert at the time of the consultation.

This meaningful exchange of knowledge and expertise from the feng shui practitioner and payment in a red envelope by the client forms a seal of protection and intention for the desired results. I always feel a strong sense of gratitude and mutual respect between my clients and myself during the exchange of the red envelope.

Inspiration for Your Home Office

The same feng shui rules apply as they do for important furniture placement in the rest of the home. Place your desk in the "command" position~diagonally across from and with a clear view of the door, but not directly in line with it.  This is the position of power, concentration and authority.  Ideally, your back should be supported by a wall, but a good desk chair or piece of furniture can also provide support while you work.

Feng Shui your Desk

Overlay the bagua on your desk top, orienting it from your desk chair. Desk top arrangement: Career~front center: your laptop. Knowledge~front left: books on current interests. Family~middle left: Family photo or memento. Wealth~back left: Valuables that symbolize wealth, a water fountain here. Fame & Reputation~back center: Lamp or red candle, your business cards here. Relationships~back right: A favorite photo of you & your loved one, flowers or a plant. Creativity~middle right: Children's photo or artwork, a pencil cup of colored pencils, markers or art brushes. Helpful People~front right: telephone or cell phone, address book, current projects.

Wall units with shelves and cabinets provide useful storage to help you keep your home office and desk organized. By implementing simple organizational habits on a regular basis your home office will feel balanced and welcoming for the start of each work day. Desk clutter stagnates and stops the flow of energy. Clear your desk free of old projects, stacks of junk mail & unpaid bills. Keep a waste basket nearby and toss out junk mail daily.