Gardens as a Sanctuary

 MORE: https://insurancerebuild.me/2016/07/20/garden-sanctuary/

Our yards are extensions of our homes.

They are what greets your visitors, identifies your boundaries, and provides you with nature, recreation, vegetable growing potential and refuge from our chaotic worlds.

They always have been, since the beginning of time.
Gardens have become our sanctuaries.  We ritualistically tend to them and that custom has become part of cultures all around the world.

Upcycling, Rebirthing, New Life.

Upcycled metal filing cabinet | Sleek Modern Planter 

AFTER:  reimagined as a planter box

BEFORE: old metal filing cabinet

The art and philosophy surrounding re using consumer goods is a lifestyle choice. I believe that society simply doesn't need too many more new things and I think, we ought to re imagine purposes for products.

 Creative solutions save you money, give you a sense of pride and reduce landfill overflow.

Earlier this year, I put a shout out on social media that I was looking for old metal filing cabinets.  I only got one, but one was all I needed.  I took the inner components & drawers out and spray painted the exterior.  Then we (Hubby helped) laid it on it's side, inserted a plastic box and filled it with earth.  Now, I have a fantastic planter box that we will allow to rust over the years because I rather like the look of an aged patina.

Our entire cottage interior had been completed with up cycling in mind.  In fact, one photo in particular has made a few rounds on Pinterest.

Upcyling is resourceful, it brings new life to unused items and when used creatively and attractively, becomes an accepted custom and environmental belief that generations can cherish.

Using Hardi Plank siding as a tub surround

Using end pieces of wood to craft an entire wall

Re using metal shed walls behind woodstove

Alchemy of Salt Water Cures

Before adding Water to Salt Water Cure

Salt has a long history of use in rituals of purification, blessings and magical protection. Many cultures and areas of metaphysical study, such as Feng Shui use the reaction of salt with metal and water - as a cure for negative energies. 

Within the art of Feng Shui, we learn to use shapes, colours and actions to heal chi. By actions I mean, sound, flame, light intensity and movement.  It’s the alchemy of the reaction. 

Most people have been advised to have a fish tank, but don’t know specifically that, its the fish MOVING the water in the tank,  that is the cure, not necessarily the fish. In the case of hanging a wind chime, do know that it isn’t the visual existence of the decoration, it’s the sound of the chimes when they are moved.  If there is no wind - one must ritualistically tap the chimes for the sound.  No sound - no cure. 

A person who has knowledge of Flying Stars in Classical Feng Shui will be able to advise you where and when to place a salt water cure.  For example; 2016’s Year of the Fire Monkey will have an undesirable energy that will emanate from the North East.  If its presence interacts with your home’s natal chart poorly,  it can bring the potential for great disharmony.  Till February of 2017, most homes will benefit from a salt water cure in the NE section of their home.  However, don't be too alarmed as the NE is where the most "healing advantages" come from until 2014 and it is a good Earth Element. 

I have tried several variations; glass bowls, plastic bowls, 6 pennies, or 6 I Ching coins. I’ve used plain table salt, kosher salt, rock salt & sea salt.  I have tried to make the cure look decorative with domes or plants and one year, crystals.  Every year’s outcome has looked different.  Each "masterpiece" was based on the perceived nature of the other stars (still/active/natal)  & time energies that the particular annual negative energy - that is present - will encounter. It’s a fine balancing act that teaches you to be creative. One definite requirement is to not have anything jagged, triangular or fiery red in colour. Absolutely no lit candles.  But nothing is absolute as each element (fire, water, earth, wood, metal) should exist in each room to complete a cycle of production. 

It is said that the salt water cure is most powerful if left exposed aiding the intended foaming reaction- the salt will expand and crust over your bowl. That “alchemy” creates a scientific state that affects the ions in the air thereby purifying.   Keep it activated by adding water when it is dry.  

Decorative Dome is actually an additional cure 

This year I took a large copper bowl with a corroded  patina.  In it, I have placed a glass bowl with a layer of kosher salt in it.  On top of that, I put a circle of 6 I Ching coins.  Then I poured enough water to cover it and topped it with an open - free form - metal dome hood.  

The dome shape is actually an additional cure and it supports the combination of identified Feng Shui energies that are present in my home. 

In a few weeks the reaction will start and I will be sure to replenish the water.  I will not dump it out until next year and then…. I’ll make a new one and place it where the negative energy is expected to fly.  

Flying Stars Feng Shui is a fascinating, energy philosophy practice that employs many age old rituals.