Feng shui for love, prosperity and health

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Jenny Blume - Feng shui for home's entrance

As a feng shui consultant, my goal is to create uplifting homes and workspaces. As cures and enhancements are implemented your health, wealth and relationships should all feel the positive effects. A home or office that has been properly ‘feng shuied’ feels warm and inviting, not only to you, but to everyone who enters. When needed, space clearings can lift the energy even higher.

Previous clients have benefited from unexpected job offers, better relationships with family and neighbours, improved health, more relaxed pets, surprise windfalls, long desired pregnancies, enhanced creativity and a fresh sense of energy and enthusiasm.

I work with clients via phone, email or in person, mainly in the Sydney, Gold Coast, Byron and Tweed areas, or I’m happy to travel when needed.

Color and art advice

Well-chosen colours will not only harmonise your home or workplace and provide a psychological lift, they can improve your feng shui.

Being a designer of 30 years, advising on colours and artwork is a specialty. I include basic colour advice in all feng shui reports, or alternatively, I’m happy to consult or advise at an hourly rate.

Feng shui consultations

Onsite feng shui appraisals/reports average $390 for apartments; homes average $490-$690, depending on size, distance and complexity. Prices include onsite visit and EMF check.

When consulting I use a combination of traditional feng shui schools, including compass school, form school and flying stars (a more complex system that factors in time). I also assess balance, energy flow, colours, plants and artwork.

Your report will cover relationships, health, finances, career, kids and creativity.

For a quote text or call 0411 631 940 or email jennyblume@iprimus.com.au

“Amazing help with our home design … love, love, love your suggestions! Pretty much every point you’ve mentioned were things I’ve at least considered changing … I’m so happy I found you. The suggestions you’ve made are going to make a huge difference!!” – TC, February 2021

“Thank you SO much for your help and advice. After making the changes suggested in your feng shui report, the problems with our neighbours disappeared almost overnight. Things were so tense but it’s totally turned around … what a relief. I can’t thank you enough!” – GM, April 2021

Read more client testimonials

Astrology readings & forecasts

I offer detailed personal astrology readings, plus write weekly forecasts for Woman’s Day and New Idea magazines. Call or text 0411 631940 to book a reading (from $85) or check out your 2024 star sign forecast here

Feng shui romance activators

Feng shui energies change from year to year, and from home to home, but for everyone, an inviting bedroom and attractive ‘south west’ sector will help to activate romantic energies. You’ll need a compass to find your ‘relationship sector’, or try Google maps.

  • If single, place bedside tables and lamps on both sides of your bed, and turn both on at least once a week.
  • Display a pair of Mandarin Ducks in your bedroom; when possible, opt for pairs of objects rather than single items.
  • Assess the artwork in your bedroom and remove anything that conjures up lonliness or sadness; limit family photos.
  • Place two rose quartz crystals – the stone of love – in the south west or by your bed.
  • Display peonies, either real, silk or depicted, to attract romance; these work especially well in the south west.
  • Declutter near your bed, and lift the vibe with low-key lighting and sensual essential oils like ylang ylang.

For a quote text or call me on 0411 631 940

 

 

Colour therapy at work

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Colours can have an instant impact, but they can also affect us in more subtle ways.

Red is well known as an appetite enhancer (KFC and McDonalds might be onto something!), making it an ideal choice for restaurants and fast food outlets, but if you want to turn people off their food, use purple, mauve or black.

Yellow stimulates the mind, making it a perfect choice for call centres or workplaces where people need to stay alert. Yellow can also work well in schools and study areas, as it aids concentration.

Shades of orange and yellow can also be used to lift the spirits and cheer up patients in hospitals, while bright orange is said to lessen emotional shock – making it an excellent hue for emergency rooms.

pinkprisonShades of pink and peach tend to calm people down, making them ideal colours for prisons, hospital waiting rooms and counseling centres. Some US prisons have even tried painting cells pink, and as a result, noticed less aggression*.

Blue can also calm the mind and reduce stress, but day in day out, some people can find blue a depressing colour – especially if a person’s spirits or energy levels are already low.

Shades of turquoise and aqua, on the other hand, are creative, invigorating colours, making them ideal for media industries and design-related professions. As they aid communication, they can also be a great choice for boardrooms and conference centres.

Green is the colour of balance and growth, making it ideal for health industries, mediation rooms and legal offices. It can also help patients to heal, making it a perfect colour for rehab centres.

*In 1979, directors of a Naval correctional centre in Seattle, US, painted some prison confinement cells pink in order to determine the effects this might have on prisoners. The rates of assault before and after the interior was painted pink were then monitored.

According to the Navy’s report, “Since the initiation of this procedure, there have been no incidents of erratic or hostile behavior during the initial phase of confinement”. Only fifteen minutes of exposure was enough to ensure that the potential for violent or aggressive behavior had been reduced, the report observed.

For more specific colour or feng shui advice email thetinstudio@gmail.com or call Jenny on 0411 631 940.

Click here to find out about Jenny’s consultations

The Ascendant

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At the eastern point of the horoscope sits the Ascendant, or rising sign. It represents the personality that we project to the world, our persona. People usually come across as their ascendant or ‘rising sign’ when we first meet them, and these traits can either work in harmony or in tension with the sun sign (which rules the inner self). Some people hide behind their ascendant, turning it into a sort of mask, while others embrace and integrate the characteristics.

Along with the persona, the ascendant rules the physical body, so someone with Cancer rising may be have a rounded face and a sensitive, nurturing nature, while a Gemini ascendant might bring an angular appearance and a chatty, jittery edge (nail-biting can be a dead giveaway).

Of course, if you have a planet sitting near the ascendant or situated in the first house, this will add complexity to the picture, but the interpretations below should form a good starting point.

mstreep chart sample.
I’ve used Meryl Streep’s chart to show where the ascendant or rising sign is … see the red circle on the left? That’s it. Her ascendant is ruled by Leo, while her sun is in Cancer. Hence, her love for drama and taking risks.

astrology symbolsOnce you know your ascendant, you can read up on the traits and see if they suit. It’s also worth reading my weekly and yearly astrology forecasts for your ascendant as well as your sun sign. They can resonate in a big way!

If you don’t know your own ascendant, try casting a free chart at www.astro.com

Your sun sign is just the tip of the iceberg!

ARIES

People with Aries ascendants tend to move quickly, talk quickly, and act without hesitation; in fact their boundless energy and enthusiasm are often legendary. Due to their confidence, they often come across as natural leaders and entrepreneurs, although their impulsive, excitable nature can lead to mishaps, especially when angry.
Traits: active or sporty, magnetic, extroverted, competitive, confident, headstrong, enterprising, often ruddy complexion

TAURUS

People with Taurus ascendants tend to take a more considered, slow and steady approach, but once their mind is made up, there’s no stopping them. Their senses are generally highly attuned, giving a love for good food, soft fabrics, music and finer things in life; comfort, quality and luxury often rank high on their list of priorities.
Traits: stable, dependable, refined, musical or artistic, stubborn, determined, acquisitive, often strong, sturdy or thick-set

GEMINI

People with Gemini on the ascendant tend to be energetic, agile and always on the go; they generally love a chat, and due to their natural curiosity, are often drawn towards books, films and media-related fields. Nervous habits are common in this sign, but plenty of exercise and physical activity can help to calm them down.
Traits: versatile, well-read, expressive, edgy, curious, active, impulsive, talkative, restless, often slim, tall or boney

CANCER

People with Cancer on their ascendant tend to be sensitive, caring souls; their home is their sanctuary, and like a crab, they retreat into their shell when threatened. Parenthood and teaching professions often appeal, along with food, health and finance-related fields, for comfort and material security are important to this sign.
Traits: sensitive, sympathetic, feeling, moody, intuitive, defensive, home loving, often pale, plump or round in the face.

LEO

People with Leo on their ascendant need to be noticed. The bigger and more glamourous, the better, especially when it comes to cars, clothes and their hair (or mane). Their confident, extroverted approach makes them natural performers, managers, motivators and salespeople, but beneath the exterior, the ego can be surprisingly fragile.
Traits: friendly, confident, loyal, glamourous, creative, dramatic, bossy, opinionated, restless, often bald or have ‘big hair’

VIRGO

People with Virgo on their ascendant tend to be intelligent, exacting, competent and discriminating. Their attention to detail is often impressive, but over-thinking things can lead to worry and negative thinking, or even OCD. A preference for stylish items and quality clothing often surfaces early, along with a love for facts and figures.
Traits: practical, methodical, hard-working, reliable, exacting, health-conscious, anxious, face often develops fine worry lines

LIBRA

People with Libra on their ascendant tend to be talkative, charming and charismatic. Their aesthetic eye is usually well developed, leading to a love for fashion, design and the performing arts. Relationships are often a preoccupation, along with issues involving justice and fair play. Their refined, stylish manner can be a dead giveaway.
Traits: diplomatic, stylish, romantic, cultured, chatty, indecisive, often well-dressed, with wide-set eyes or attractive features

SCORPIO

People with Scorpio on their ascendant tend to be private or secretive, especially when they feel emotionally exposed. Power and control are strong life themes, but when harnessed correctly, these traits can bring great influence and success. An air of mystery and charisma often acts as a magnet to the opposite sex.
Traits: passionate, driven, intense, secretive, sexual, powerful, competitive, often drawn to mysterious people, situations and places

SAGITTARIUS

People with Sagittarius on their ascendant often crave freedom and fresh air. Travel can be a major theme or they may be drawn to foreign philosophies, people and places; their search for answers often lasts a lifetime. Known for their sense of humour and outgoing nature, they are often quite private, or even aloof.
Traits: friendly, talented, generous, unpredictable, outdoorsy, adventurous, restless, often drawn to travel and the outdoors

CAPRICORN

People with Capricorn on their ascendant tend to feel old before their time; even as children they may feel more responsible and serious than others, but as they age they become more carefree. Still, they place high value on hard work, rules and respect; their sensible, grounded nature often makes them pillars of society.
Traits: practical, conservative, careful, industrious, wise, judgmental, reliable, organised, often tall or wiry with a lined face

AQUARIUS

People with Aquarius on their ascendant value originality, freedom and independence; they’re the scientists, innovators and eccentrics of the zodiac, but a surprisingly stubborn, sceptical streak can run deep. Often opinionated and always up for a chat, people with this rising sign follow the beat of their own drum.
Traits: friendly, inventive, unique, eccentric, freedom-loving, determined, stubborn, often drawn to colourful people and clothes

PISCES

People with Pisces on their ascendant tend to feel emotions deeply and resonate with other-worldly spheres. Mysticism, healing and the arts may attract them from an early age, but when ungrounded, escapist tendencies can surface in negative ways. Being creative souls, finding healthy, expressive outlets is essential.
Traits: sensitive, creative, caring, moody, imaginative, mystical, escapist, compassionate, often pale skin and cold extremities

Copyright Jenny Blume 2015

To book a professional reading email jennyblume@iprimus.com.au

 

The Saturn-Neptune dilemma

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As Saturn and Neptune form an exact square overhead (a stressful 90 degree aspect), many of us will begin to question life’s bigger issues … especially around areas involving freedom, control, creativity, spirituality, security and responsibility.

Saturn pushes us towards structure, routine, responsibility and so called ‘sensible thinking’, while Neptune rules more idealistic, ethereal worlds, along with confusion, deception and escapism (yes, watch those wines). As you can see, it’s not the most natural pairing. One planet deals with cold hard facts, the other with the alluring realm of dreams and illusion.

But Neptune is urging us to loosen our grip and see what happens, especially if our lives have become too structured and serious. It doesn’t deal with black and white, good and bad. Instead, it encourages us to dig deeper, to experience life more fully and reach out with love and compassion. It reminds us that we are connected to everything and everyone, whether we like it or not.

Depending on where they fall in your horoscope the effects may be subtle or intense … ranging from a shift in perception to an entire new philosophy on life, although with a full moon heightening the energy, the effects are likely to be strong.

If you’re unsure what to do, a great place to start would be with a dream diary or a few yoga or meditation classes. Take your time and let things percolate. Your subconscious will be unusually accessible over this period, so try to tune in.

* The Saturn-Neptune square first aligns on 26 November 2015, then again in mid-June and early September, 2016. It’s part of a larger 36-year cycle that began in 1989 and ends in 2026.

Feng shui for kids’ bedrooms

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According to feng shui practitioners, a harmonious, feel-good home reflects onto it’s occupants. To varying degrees we’re all tuned into our environments, but for sensitive types, and for children in particular, the effects can be strong.

feng shui for kids bedroomsBeing active little creatures, children often find it hard to switch off at bedtime. Bright colours and funky patterns may look appealing, but if the balance of yin and yang is out of kilter, vibrant rooms can overstimulate and rev kids up. Ideally, a child’s bedroom should be a peaceful place that promotes rest and relaxation. These feng shui fundamentals should point you in the right direction – and have your little one sleeping like a baby.

BED POSITION

Cots and kids’ beds work best when nestled into a cosy corner. For a sense of security, your baby or child should be able to see the room’s entrance from their bed, so if possible, position the bed diagonally from the door, with its headboard against the wall. Avoid having them sleep with their feet directly facing the door, as it will tempt them to get up and join you during the night.

In addition, your child’s bed should not share a wall with a toilet, as according to feng shui tradition, this can aggravate health problems such as bed wetting.

COLOUR

As mentioned, babies and young children need less stimulation, not more, so avoid bright or bold colours in their bedrooms and opt for gentle shades instead. Creamy whites, soft yellows, pale greys and pinks, mauves and greens are all ideal; shades of blue can feel cold and depressing, so stick to neutrals and warmer shades. Of course, there are always exceptions to the rule. Shy or quiet children can benefit from brighter, more yang colours such as tangerine or sky blue, but stick to mid-tones, as darker shades can feel oppressive.

For older kids yellow is said to stimulate the intellect, making it an ideal colour for study nooks, while teenagers are often drawn towards purple and more self-expressive colours.

 FURNITURE

For little people, large wardrobes and chests of drawers can loom large, so where possible, keep them away from beds.

Corners of furniture can also create a disturbing energy (acting like an arrow), and kids can be especially vulnerable; if any corners are pointing directly at the cot or bed, try to shift the piece away. Mirrors can also be distracting, but only when visible from the bed. Avoid having shelves over beds as well, as they can create a heavy, pressing energy and disturb sleep.

Finally, place a happy family photo in your child’s bedroom, as this will promote feelings of love and security – even when your child is grumpy or having time out.

Copyright 2015 Jenny Blume

The times are a’changing

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virgo jenny bume astrology sydney.

Jupiter, the planet of expansion and learning, is gearing up for a major transition when he officially enters the sign of Virgo (on August 11). Over the past year, Jupiter’s transit through the sign of Leo created opportunities for love, creativity and children – along with plenty of Leonine glitz and glamour – but now the solar system’s giant will take on a more frugal, considered tone.

At it’s core Virgo wants to help, wants to do meaningful work, and wants to make the world a better place.

This down-to-earth placement will turn our collective attention towards areas involving healthcare, education, food, service to others and sustainable living. Concerns about chemicals, farming practices and global warming are likely to take centre stage, which in turn could dramatically speed up government reforms and clean energy development (yippee).

Virgo has a strong back-to-basics vibe as well, which could see more people growing their own veggies or dusting off their old sewing machines, craft gear or woodworking tools; after all, it’s the sign of precision, patience and craftsmanship.

As expansive Jupiter moves through Virgo, the sign of service and charity, more people may also decide to donate money or volunteer their time; at the very least, charitable causes and food-related issues will hit the spotlight. Natural and alternative therapies should also benefit from this year-long transit, along with co-ops, health food stores and farmer’s markets.

It’s back to the future … who knows, macramé, crochet and tie-dying might even come back!

Click here to find out about Jenny’s services and personal readings

Bedroom feng shui basics

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As most of us spend a third of our lives in the bedroom, it’s worth getting it right. Why not start with these feng shui basics?

Ideally, your bed should be positioned diagonally from the door, against a solid wall. Placing beds directly under windows is not generally recommended, but if it’s unavoidable, be sure to draw the curtains or blind at night. Facing ensuite doors should also be avoided, as the watery energy may adversely affect your health.

Try not to position your bed directly under a beam; when running across your body they can affect your health (for example, across the stomach may bring digestive problems), while lengthways can cause rifts in relationships.

Feng shui looks at the total environment, so electromagnetic fields should be assessed (if possible, with a Gauss meter). Spending time in high fields can disturb sleep and play havoc with your health, so move chargers and modems, and check that you’re not sleeping near a meter box.

Feng shui for romance

Colour can affect us in powerful ways, especially on a primal level. Transform your bedroom from bland to boudoir with a good splash of red, and while you’re at it, ditch the white sheets. Shades of red, ranging from deep pink to burgundy, represent passion and arousal, while white symbolises purity and innocence. Enough said.

Smells can awaken our deeper senses in an instant, so pop an oil burner near your bed, make up a massage oil or try a few drops to the bath. Ylang ylang’s exotic qualities work as an aphrodisiac for many people, while oils like Cedarwood, Jasmine, Neroli, Patchouli, Pine, Rose and Sandalwood can also increase desire.

Activate your love sector, located in the south west part of your bedroom, with crystals, candles, romantic images or flowers (fresh or silk). When possible, place objects in pairs and display images that conjure feelings of romance. Save photos of your little darlings for the living room and make your bedroom an ‘adults only’ space.

Email jennyblume@iprimus.com.au or call 0411 631940 if you’re interested in a consultation. Sweet dreams!

To learn more about feng shui, click here

Time to slow down and ressess

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Happy New Moon! Falling in the sign of Taurus, the May 18 new moon highlights issues around food, comfort, love and money. Interestingly, Mercury is at a standstill today as he prepares to go retrograde for the next three weeks, but don’t panic: it’s a great time to revisit old ideas or delve deeper into your needs and desires. Something that passed you by might even come back into your life, a sort of second chance. The key to success over the coming month is slow down, revise and research … don’t push things through before they’re fully cooked.

On a cautionary note, Mercury retrogrades often disrupt movement and communication, so allow more time for traveling over this period, avoid buying electronics or installing software and be sure to double-check important documents (hidden details may come to light in the following weeks).

Sabian Symbols, where every degree of the zodiac (all 360 of them) is connected to an image, often contain interesting insights. Following is an excerpt from Lynda Hill’s book: The new Moon is occurring at 27 degrees of Taurus: AN OLD INDIAN WOMAN SELLING BEADS AND TRINKETS  ‘An Old Indian Woman’ is ‘Selling Beads and Trinkets’. She probably spends a great deal of her time selling these small products of her culture for very little reward. The modern world often shows little regard and doesn’t respect the crafts and skills that are well respected within her tribe. Meaning: Do not underestimate yourself or restrict yourself to what you think others believe you are capable of. Everybody has talents and abilities, including you.

Interested in a personal astrology reading or feng shui consultation? Click here

What does 2015 have in store?

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jenny blume astrology and feng shui - sydney

If you’ve been searching for equilibrium, it’s good news. Okay, things might get off to a slow start (let’s say relaxed!), but the Easter Supermoon should usher in a more productive, optimistic era. As the turbulent celestial energy begins to stabilise and subside, it should be easier to get a firm footing and reach our goals.

On a larger scale, Saturn’s shift into big-picture Sagittarius will propel environmental and global issues into the spotlight for the next two years (and see your feet grow itchy!), then from winter, Jupiter’s move into earthy Virgo territory could fuel a growing interest in whole foods, natural therapies, old-style crafts and wellbeing. I don’t know about you, but getting back to the basics sounds good to me!

20140118-204539.jpgPersonal astrology readings
Want to know where you’re heading … or curious about your career, relationships or hidden talents? Your sun sign is just the tip of the iceberg!

Jenny offers personal astrology readings, including an annual forecast (roughly 60 minutes) for AU$180 or $190 written. Once  recorded, a private link will be sent to you. Annual astrology forecasts $140. Phone 0411 631 940 (Australia) or email jennyblume@iprimus.com.au

Client testimonial: ” Thanks so much for your reading, Jenny. Accurate accurate accurate… All very relevant and very informative…”  – TC, August 2014

Click here for 2015 starsign forecasts

8 feng shui tips for 2015

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jenny blume feng shui - colourful doormat

As they say, it’s out with the old, and in with the new! New Year is the perfect time to make fresh starts and lift the vibe, so get the ball rolling with some DIY feng shui. Have a happy 2015!

1 Attract more luck

An inviting entrance will draw good fortune into your home, so lavish it with love to create a bright, uplifting space.

Give your doormat a wash or if you’ve had a really rotten year, buy a new one.

Good lighting can really enhance a home’s feng shui, especially if your entrance is hard to find; for an extra sparkle, add solar lights to the garden or trees – and not just for the festive season but year round.

TIP: Fruiting trees, like cumquats and mandarins, can attract more luck and fertility into your home.

MOON GUIDE: Flowers and leafy veggies planted under fertile moon signs tend to thrive. Best days in January: 1, 23, 24

2 Clear the clutter

Clutter can act as a type of barrier, trapping you in the past and making it difficult for new people and opportunities to enter your life. If you don’t love, need or use an item, pass it on!

3 Clean your kitchen

In feng shui a clean, attractive kitchen is a sign of health and prosperity. To encourage a steady income, use all of your hotplates, and if your back faces the door when cooking, add a mirror or reflective splashback.

4 Move your mirrors

Strategically placed mirrors can draw light or pleasant views into a room, but reflecting dark or ugly areas will emphasize problems. Mirrors in bedrooms can ‘double’ arguments, so cover them up at night if you want to calm the vibe. Avoid reflecting your front door, or you’ll scare people away.

5 Cleanse your space

Energy in homes can become stagnant, so fling open your windows then burn some sage to banish bad vibes. To boost your energy levels, burn citrusy oils like lemongrass or bergamot.

6 Reassess your art

Think carefully about what you’ve inviting into your home. Depictions of sadness or violence will conjure up negative feelings, while images of beautiful places or loved ones will promote a sense of peace and wellbeing. Sunrises, flowers and rural scenes are especially fortuitous.

7 Rev up romance

Support your bedroom’s relationship sector, located in the south west, with crystals, candles, pink items, romantic images or silk flowers. Display items like rabbits, birds or elephants in pairs.

8 Fix leaking taps

According to feng shui, water and wealth go hand in hand. Start by fixing leaky taps, as they represent money going down the drain, then tackle any mold or stagnant water around your home.

Click here to find out about personal feng shui consultations with Jenny