Up Where They Belong

Finding the correct placement for your all-important statues and figurines goes a long way toward elevating the levels of positive, clean energy in your home

QUESTION OF THE WEEK: I have all types of statues and figurines in my home. I have heard that statues can bring both bad luck and good luck, depending on what they are and where they are placed. Is this true? Can you offer some guidance?

I get questions about this at almost every personal consultation, because most people have statues and figurines and want to make sure they are placed to their advantage. Today I’ll share the concepts behind statue placement to give you a basic understanding of how to read the symbolism of your items so that you can confidently and intuitively place them.

Intuition? I thought there are specific rules?

Certain ancient feng shui traditions have specific placement rules. We, of course, live in a different time and culture and own a variety of figurines, so the rules may not always apply. Adopt an approach to placement that will encompass all possibilities. In most cases, that means applying common sense and using your inner knowing as to what feels right in your own environment.

All statues and figurines have an “energy”

All statues and figurines symbolize the likeness of something and have an associated “energy.” You can use this energy to your advantage by understanding what it means to you, and you need not use traditional Chinese items to have “good feng shui.” Any items you have and love will provide energetic support.

It’s about symbolism

The power of symbols and their associations have been used for centuries in feng shui. The energy provided by them stimulates you visually and subconsciously, and the more you like your figurines, the more effective they become for you. After a decade of studying and applying feng shui, I have distilled some information about this topic that I hope you find useful.

Look at each statue or figurine you are questioning: • If you don’t like it, even mildly, or if it reminds you of an unpleasant past or brings up any emotional discomfort when you look at it, do not try to talk yourself into keeping it. Let it go without regard to who gave it to you or how long you have had it. • Next, ask yourself what its “energy” means to you. Is it a protector — an angel or a personal animal totem such as a bear, wolf, owl or tiger? Does it represent wisdom — a deity, an Einstein figure or an owl? Do you see it as a calming or compassionate influence like Mother Teresa or Goddess Quan Yin? Do you admire its traits? • If the figurine has no symbolism but you want to keep it for its visual appeal, place it where you will see it often and don’t worry about the details of placement.

Once you’re clear on what the figurine or statue represents, you’ll be able to follow some simple guidelines. Regarding Buddha, Jesus, saints, goddesses and other deities: • Avoid placing them in the bathroom, which symbolizes draining energy.

• Avoid placing them in the bedroom, especially in a place of sexual intimacy, unless they are stored in a cabinet that can be closed. • Place them higher than eye level, and avoid putting anything above them, for instance, a shelf. Never place them on the floor because such placement shows dishonor and disrespect. • Placing them to face an entrance is excellent. Public areas like the living room are also considered positive.

Regarding active figures such as dragons, tigers, lions and other “high energy” symbols with life force: • Avoid bedrooms or resting places like meditation rooms. • Place them facing a window or front door so that they can protect you yet have “freedom” and space.

All other figurines

Always trust what feels right and ask yourself, “If this figurine were alive, where would I want it to be?” Good symbol placement means good feng shui! Also, don’t forget to keep your figurines clean so that clean energy continues to flow to you.

Welcome new opportunities

To enhance the opportunities that come into your life, hang a mirror in an area that will reflect something positive: a pleasant image or a happy area of your house. Or, simply hang a mirror across from a window with a pleasant view.

Alice Inoue is a life guide at Alice Inoue Life Guidance, LLC, a company committed to assisting people in living empowered lives. Alice shares her wisdom as a professional speaker and personal consultant, and offers a series of instructional DVDs on feng shui, as well as her award-winning books on feng shui, happiness and spiritual life wisdom. Visit www.aliceinspired.com to read her blog, sign up for her newsletters and download useful feng shui tips.