Why Does the Octagon Shape Play Such an Important Role In Feng Shui?

In regard to sacred geometry when viewing the octagon, there are two shapes coming together as one; which is the circle and square. The circle represents heaven and the square represents earth, thus unifying these two energies through an infinite connection. 

In BTB Feng Shui (Bon Buddhism), the octagon is seen as a symbol of protection to ward off negative spiritual activity. A common modern day BTB recommendation is to hang an octagon shaped mirror above the outside of a home’s front door that is directly across the street from a cemetery. The octagon is also seen as a vehicle for the advent of good health and good fortune.

Referring to the Western Bagua Map, you’ll see that too is in the shape of an octagon. Each life section ( 8 all together) on the map relates to a main category that supports you through life experiences for self development. 

• Reputation

• Partnership

• Creativity/Children

• Helpful People/Travel

• Career

• Wisdom

• Family/Health

• Wealth

The octagon is also highly regarded in architecture. Temples, churches, monuments, and even government buildings are known to include the octagon shape into their architectural design.

In fact, the reconstruction of One World Trade Center in New York City, used the octagon shape as the base structure for their architectural design. What's even more fascinating about this choice, the octagon is considered a symbol of rebirth. 

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Feng Shui expert with 23+ years of experience. She provides bicoastal consultations and workshops for residential, real estate developments, Fortune 500 companies, and healing facilities. She is currently conducting research for her upcoming book that focuses on bridging the gap between the ancient wisdom of Feng Shui and modern day science to establish the practice of Feng Shui as a credible form of health care.

I Need to Cut Down Healthy Trees in My Yard, is that Bad Feng Shui?

I recently met with my Feng Shui client from Massachusetts. I have been working with her family for three years and for this particular visit she was interested in landscape re-design with feng shui. Long story short, my client told me they were in process of removing 10 healthy trees. When I heard that, my heart sunk. 

Living the lifestyle of feng shui promotes a harmonious interaction with nature. When you already have the beautiful support, protection and various other benefits tree spirits (yes we believe even trees have spirits) provide us with. Ideally, you aspire to keep them around, while of course being practical in regard to how close the trees are growing near your home and so on. 

So what do we do in Feng Shui to honor the trees that are slated to be cut down? In BTB Feng Shui you combine the 'prayer of forgiveness' with offerings before and after the removal of those trees. 

1. Before any cutting happens, approach the site where the tree or trees are to be cut down and recite: “please forgive me, I love you and I let go. We need to make these changes for the protection and betterment of our home, family and land. We appreciate your spirit (s) and give thanks to your sacrifice."

If you have 5 - 10 or more trees being removed, approach the one nearest the front of the line and recite the prayer and provide the offerings. Science has proven trees do in fact communicate, informing each other when things are good and when in danger. Combine that fact with feng shui (tree spirits) and you have a fascinating perspective of the world around you. To read more check out TED talk by Suzanne Simard: How trees talk to each other

2. After saying the prayer on the same day, provide offerings to the tree's spirit. Commonly used could be Native American Tobacco or White Sage. It could be burned allowing the smoke to embellish the tree or take the dry Tobacco or Sage and place it by the tree. For those familiar with the BTB 'feeding the hungry ghost cure,' that too could be added and is usually the main offering. 

3. After the tree has been removed and the stump ground up, approach the areas and again, you could recite the prayer of forgiveness, “please forgive me, I love you and I let go. We need to make these changes for the protection and betterment of our home, family and land. We appreciate your spirit (s) and give thanks to your sacrifice." If you would like to re-apply the offerings, you could. 

If anything, be respectful and mindful of the tree spirits and let them know you are sorry for their removal and thankful for the energy they have and continue to provide for you and your family.