The Love and Hate of Feng Shui Items, Chotskies and Trinkets - Do They Really Work?
Laura Cerrano
There is a constant tug of war about the use of Feng Shui items, chotskies and trinkets. To use or not to use, that is the question.
I work with clients who range between feeling they NEED feng shui chotskies, are open to utilizing some items, to absolutely having no interest. The common link that i’ve found among all my clients when expressing interest in utilizing feng shui items is that they already believe in them or are open to exploring what they might be able to do.
When prescribing feng shui recommendations, I encourage my clients to repurpose and reuse what’s already within their environment, while some clients may choose to also invest in new things for various reasons. The only times I really observe clients purchasing feng shui chotskies is when they are dealing with life situations that seem to have no logical explanation in that moment. I’ll ask, “how does this item make you feel and why do you feel you need it?” They’ll commonly share they feel it gives them a stronger sense of support and stability, especially during times of uncertainty. Well if that is so, in regard to them, this is part of their personal formula for success in shifting the energy for the better.
Five Element Pagoda
Have you ever used a Feng Shui item within your home? Let’s take a look at The Five Elements Pagoda as a quick example.
First of all, What is the Five elements Pagoda?
In folk feng shui teachings, this is considered a powerful tool to stop inauspicious energy from damaging the home, business and its occupants. The five elements refers to earth, wood, fire, metal, and water; which is represented in the design of the pagoda itself.
How To Use It?
five elements pagoda with tops coming off
all tops are completely removed, you can see the opening for where the dirt can be placed.
It’s recommended you open up the top of the five elements pagoda to fill the hollow center of the structure with dirt from around your home. Why? It’s believed that any negative energy will be ‘locked up,’ thus protecting your home and business.
Optional: Some may accompany the dirt with crystals of their choosing (i.e. hematite, tigers eye, pyrite or copper). It’s also noted that some may include additional written mantras and place that inside the center of the pagoda with the dirt. Either way, the main ingredient that needs to be in the hollow center of the five element pagoda is dirt from around your home.
You can also place dirt inside the top portion of the pagoda and then reseal it.
Where to place it?
Following the annual flying stars movement (astrology for the building), the placement will change each year. During the year 2020, the five elements pagoda is recommended to be placed in the easterly sector of your home, where the #5 Yellow Star of Misfortune is visiting. The five element pagoda is said to help ward-off, reduce and mitigate the risk of illness and injury.
the five elements pagoda with it’s bottom taken off
Can you Reuse this item each year?
Most say no, due to the amount of negative energy that is collected inside the pagoda and recommend buying a new one each year.
Take notice to the bottom of the pagoda as you’ll see there is another area that could be opened by using a coin. Once this is opened, you can let go of all the old dirt when the year is up. Some may clear the pagoda’s energy using space clearing techniques after the dirt has been removed, preparing it for new use.
So, do you believe the 5 elements pagoda works and could help the energy of your environment?
It’s a personal choice in what you believe.
Do all my clients revert to buying feng shui items for extra support? No. Yet, that option is there if they feel they need it. Some may stretch further and step into a state of prayer, which is even less tangible yet ironically, more acceptable in society.
Ideally, Feng Shui promotes the use of real elements when possible (fire, earth, metal, water, wood) to help rebalance energy sectors of the land, home and office. And if that is not an option, this is why many consultants tend to branch into more symbolic references through the use of artwork, colors, water features, etc. And for those who believe in the mystical - folk teachings of feng shui, they could adopt statues and other items from those time periods into their living - working environments.
I recommend before making any final judgment on if you love or hate feng shui items, chotskies and trinkets, conduct your own research and learn about what they represent (just as I shared with the five elements pagoda). And of course be practical with knowing your own budget and what you are willing to invest in. This is such a subjective topic, it’s best to come to your own conclusion through first hand experience.