First of all, I decided after visiting the San Francisco Bay area so much lately that I have learned a thing or two about how the locals think. So, we're moving the location of the Level 2 class from San Rafael to Downtown. There! No bridge crossing and fighting out-bound traffic for all you city dwellers.

This Level 2 class (one held both in San Francisco and the other in Orange County) is going to be so much fun because I'm finally going to get to share some of the information that I've been working with since writing Move Your Stuff, and some new stuff that I've been working with since doing research for my next book. Some new topics include:

Sacred Geometry and Divine Proportion

The Psychology of Space

Food Energetics

Level 2 Bagua Work

Feng Shuiing Thoughts and Beliefs

My Favorite Go-To Cures

Fast fixes for specific issues (as in prosperity, health, relationships, etc.)

And much, much more! You won't want to miss this class.

Click here to register: Feng Shui Palace Level 2 Class

Also, I'd like to invite participants to bring floor plans (the bigger the better) and perhaps photos to share in class so everyone can learn from real life local examples (and you can get your questions answered!) There will be a lot of time for questions and answers in this interactive workshop! Sign Up Special! If you sign up for a Level 2 Class in November, you will receive a complete set of "Conversations with Karen" CD's - a $74.95 value! Topics include: A Typical Consultation with Karen, Highlighting the Bedroom, Around the Bagua, The 5 Elements, The 9 Traditional Cures, Rich House - Poor House, Maximize Your Curb Appeal. See you there!

Secondly, I decided to introduce a new Food Energetics topic in my newsletters, because often, some of the obvious work that needs to occur with regard to health in my clients is a change in their eating habits. The contents of kitchen cabinets and refrigerators is tell-tale with regard to client health - but most people simply want me to stick with the "furniture-arranging" part of feng shui when I come for a consultation. For some - I'm talking about Americans here for the most part - this is a real button-pusher. I can hardly think of many examples where Americans are more resistant to change than a situation where they are asked to change the way they eat (perhaps letting go of cremation remains is close.)

We're going to start off with simple concepts and ideas and then grow into more complex topics on how to create health through food energy shifts. So, without further adieu:

One of the basic feng shui concepts is what's called "The Theory of Relative Positioning." This theory states that what is closer to you over time, has the most impact on you. This is the theory I lean upon when people write to me begging for help overlaying the bagua onto their very oddly shaped house. I always reply, if the lot has a strange shape, power up the home's bagua. When the home has a strange shape, enhance each room. If the room is odd or weak, you better get that furniture in a good position.

Well, it goes on further than that. If your furniture is even weak, you better get yourself in order. And that means working on your clothes colors and your food and water energy. Food and water and air hold energies that go inside your body - the closest energy force (along with your thoughts and beliefs) that you can work with and balance.

With that said, I wanted to start introducing some food energy tips in this newsletter to get you thinking about this "closest to you" physical energy form, and how to work it to your advantage. I hope it is useful to you, and I hope to someday see success stories that include food energy solutions!

And of course, for legal reasons, I must say that these tips are not intended to be medical advice, or to replace any therapies that you are currently using.

The common-to-some, oblivious-to-others bit of food energetics knowledge that I thought I'd start off this new segment helps those with any conditions like arthritis, or any inflammation disorders. Now, when I find these issues in peoples homes I almost always find high levels of electromagnetic radiation or electrical fields where the person spends a great amount of time (like the bed.) We do our best to mitigate the situation by unplugging things and sometimes even shutting down the circuit (at the "fuse box") to remove the negative invisible fields. But in addition to that, I ask them about their diet as well.

It has been widely known to some that eliminating all "nightshade" plant foods from the diet vastly improves and often eliminates these kinds of diseases. (Remember, this is not medical advice.) Nightshade plants include potatoes, peppers, tomatoes and eggplant. If you think you can possibly be aided by this information, ask your doctor if they have a problem with you trying this (I'm sure most will have no clue or even care!)

Giving arthritis the one-two punch of eliminating invisible electrical and EMF fields from your immediate surroundings and eliminating food energies that appear to exacerbate the situation could be the tip you've been looking for.

Sorry, no more salsa or potato chips, but fluidly-moving joints may be heading your way if you "just say no" to them. I've heard reports of MUCH less pain in joints in two weeks and as much as no pain in six. Please write back with your results and I'll post them in upcoming newsletters.

We've received more than enough response to our certification training idea so we have initiated planning the event. But it has become obvious that we will need to extend this training into two parts to allow time for absorbing and working with the information presented. Currently, we're planning four days of training including field consultation time in session one. Then we'll allow some time for you to do practice consultations on your own before part two begins. We'll get back together an additional four day session to complete the training. I really think that a two part course is invaluable to prepare your confidence level as a feng shui consultant.

As soon as costs are finalized, we will be taking tuition deposits via our web site. Look for it in the upcoming newsletters. One change though will probably be that we won't do the "rent-a-house in Laguna" idea because there seems to be legal and liability snafues involved. (Gee, the idea seemed so simple - who knew?)

To confirm your interest or comment on in this training series, e-mail me at karen@fengshuipalace.com

I've already started the initial consultations with this group and boy are we going to have fun working together over the next 12 months! It's going to be a real hoot when these people finally report on their changes after a full year of mindfully placing everything in their environments.

Four people however, have decided either to just have a one-time consultation or changed their minds, so we do have those spots open for this yearly follow through feng shui coaching consultation. Here's what I wrote up about it last month, in case you were not on the mailing list then and have no idea what I am talking about:

Thanks to my friend and fellow feng shui consultant Janet Woods, there appears to be a way to create better service and a higher likelihood of results with feng shui consultations. What I always thought needed improvement in a consultation is even though I request that my clients get back in touch with me after three months so we can fine tune the energies, most people don't. Because this service is free, I'm left scratching my head wondering why. Did they get everything they wanted right away? Did they not do any of my recommendations and are too embarrassed to call back? Did they lose momentum and just aren't the follow through type? Did they think everything was going to change just by my being there and they had no work to do? Did they not want to wade through the "internal changes" that inevitably happen when the environment starts to change? After making a few calls, it appears that it is a mixture of all of the above.

If you've read my book, you probably remember the "Really, My 17 Cats and I Are Fine, We Don't Need Anyone Else" story. What you didn't get in my book was the long term changes that occurred with that gal because she had me return twice a year for several years. She hired me on her birthday and her "half birthday" ( a good mindful start, eh?) Very long story short, she went from being a complete recluse in an odorous, completely disheveled home, to an outgoing writer, speaker, and get this - western swing dancer, actually physically interacting with others. Yes, it was a long haul, but her consistent work and tenacity paid off. You see, who could have predicted all that back in the beginning? Her initial words were, "I really don't like being around people, and don't really need them" when I asked her why there were no pictures of people in her home. So, when the onion was peeled, we found that indeed, once balanced energy entered her life, she wasn't as opposed to being with people after all.

For those of you who get great results immediately from simply using my book or having me come in person to your properties, perhaps this is not for you. But for those of you who don't seem to get the desired results, change your mind after you do get results, lose focus on how to finish the job (especially of clutter clearing,) or just plain old need hand holding with the process overall, here's what we're going to do.

I have decided to take on a limited number of people on a one-year basis, and "feng shui coach" you throughout the year so there is no loss of momentum, and there is a continued mindfulness throughout the year with regard to creating the most supportive environments possible to support the ever-changing you. The equation looks something like 1+1=5, meaning that with both of us working together on your goals, there is exponential benefit: You'll have someone to cheer you on through your life-changing process and you'll have someone to lean on when times get tough.

The process will consist of:

1. An on-site consultation (if local) or a telephone consultation. If necessary, I will follow up with an e-mailed priority list of the changes suggested. (Some people can't listen, comprehend, and take notes at the same time.)

2. Quarterly follow up plan. This may include a completely new feng shui consultation, (some people may move, renovate, or drastically change their space,) or a list of modifications to the existing home/office. It may also include distant space clearing or other rituals done by me for you and your environment.

3. Monthly e-mail letters where interim questions are answered, or a monthly telephone call if necessary.

4. Other one-of-a-kind help as needed.

For the initiation of this new service, I have decided to roll it out with a special price of $1200.00. (Payment options will be available.) Because there is only so much time for me to do this I will be limiting this service to somewhere around 27 people.

So, if there is ever a time to be specific about your holiday wish list in that ol' helpful people box, now's the time! This could be a great "New Year, New You" gift to yourself and your family. To sign up, please contact my assistant Mary at mary@fengshuipalace.com

It is my hope that with this new service, there is a perfect choice for everyone, and that there will be a much higher rate of clients getting EXACTLY what they are looking for out of their feng shui consultation.

A picture is worth a thousand words, so, let's learn from each other! Send me your before and after jpegs and I'll post them online (we're getting ready to re-work the website again.) I know a lot of people would appreciate creative ideas on solving: a weak "armchair position," a clutter situation, strange ceilings, obscured doorways, incongruent functions in a room or space, home office situations, spaces that felt too big or lonely, spaces that felt too small or claustrophobic, basement spaces, attic spaces, bedrooms, color changes, foyer and entry spaces, front yards, problem situations with neighboring negativity, etc.

So, when getting ready to "fengshui up a room," don't forget to take those precious "before pictures!"

Success Story 1:

I was reading your book before bed. when I awoke in the morning I decided to remove a metal shelving unit from the family area. I had been trying to decide about visiting family. All of a sudden, I didn't feel the ambivalence any more -- it would be OK if I decided to go see them. That night I resumed reading your book again -- and it was then that I learned what I had done! I hadn't read yet that metal in the family area cuts relationships! Thanks.

Success Story 2:

Under the heading: Too Much of a Good Thing:

I decided to have some fun with feng shui. I got this huge red blanket for my bed "to heat things up," and placed some adult films in a case under a television in my big master bedroom. I got so much action that I had to slow it down by tossing out the DVD's. It truly was like living in a training camp for sexual acrobats - really great - for a while. It got so crazy - I ended up putting the blanket somewhere else. However - after telling my story, several friends immediately ran out to get red blankets - some of them getting hit on by the store's check-out people where they bought them. Intention is powerful.

Here's the link to report your success story! (It's at the bottom of this page) Feng Shui Palace Success Stories

Question 1:

I need some clarification on mirroring away walls. When you mirror away a wall by placing a mirror on the wall and facing the wall, does it "bounce away" the influences of the wall itself (art, paint, etc) OR does it only bounce back what is on the other side of the wall?...the part I really want to bounce... Can you mirror away a wall (say a closet) but place the mirror inside the closet or would that more likely double the items it reflected rather than mirror away the closet? Thank you for all your invaluable help!

Answer 1:

Send us your holiday giving lists - and I'll sign a book for each one! We also have feng shui cures, helpful people boxes and gift certificates too! Feng Shui Palace Product Specials is the link.

A gift for the boss, client, family member, or friend that has everything: I will be available for "gift consultations" just after the holidays throughout California.

Book two or more gift consultations and receive the extremely special rate of $379.00 each.

Call us to purchase gift consultations at 714-508-9935 (Pacific Business Hours)

1. I am learning my lessons with ease, joy, and gratitude.

2. I am taking time to rest.

3. I always choose to consume food energies that are helpful to my body.

Most of my lecture work these days comes from private companies and venues that cannot be accessed by the public (thus the lack of events in my travel schedule.) If you know any meeting planners, destination management companies, or conference heads who are looking for a speaker to do a keynote, workshop, or breakout session, I'd love to be given the chance to forward my information. Think of the groups you belong to and see if a feng shui speaker can bring a new dimension to the conversation. It may just help get me to your town or get you a referral fee! Feel free to let me know by e-mailing me at karen@fengshuipalace.com

Thanks in advance.

California

I make a great Xmas gift to others. I will be available for "gift consultations" in January and February throughout California. Book two or more gift consultations and receive the extremely special rate of $379.00 each. Call us to purchase gift consultations at 714-508-9935 (Pacific Business Hours).

San Francisco Bay Area, CA

December 14-18, 2006

I am available for consultations in the area. Call me at 714-508-9935 to set up a time. The special discounted rate of $450 is still on!

Orange County, CA

January 6, 2007

One-Day Level 2 Seminar From 10AM to 5PM

Karen will be giving her best level two feng shui tips in a one-day level 2 feng shui seminar at Awakenings in Laguna Hills, CA. (25260 LaPaz Road, Laguna Hills, CA.)

The class registration fee is $397.00. Early-bird special before December 1 is $297.00 so reserve your spot now by calling Awakenings at 949-457-0797. To register online, visit Feng Shui Palace Level 2 Seminar. Advance ticket sales only - There will be no walk-ins admitted.

A pre-requisite for taking the class is to have read Karen's book "Move Your Stuff, Change Your Life" and have an understanding of basic introductory feng shui terminology and concepts. To purchase a copy of "Move Your Stuff", go to: Feng Shui Products

San Francisco Bay Area, CA

January 19 and February 2, 2007

Friday Night Feng Shui - Level 2 Seminar Series

Karen will be giving her best level two feng shui tips in a two part series on Friday nights in the San Francisco Bay area at the Four Points Sheraton in San Rafael, CA. (1010 Northgate Drive, San Rafael, CA) The two Friday night sessions are held on January 19 and February 2. The sessions begin PROMPTLY at 6:30PM and will end at 10PM.

The class registration fee is $397.00. Early-bird special before December 15 is $297.00 so reserve your spot now by clicking at Feng Shui Palace Level 2 Seminar Series . Advance ticket sales only - There will be no walk-ins admitted.

A pre-requisite for taking the class is to have read Karen's book "Move Your Stuff, Change Your Life" and have an understanding of basic introductory feng shui terminology and concepts. To purchase a copy of "Move Your Stuff", go to: Feng Shui Palace Products

With intentions of being of service,

Karen

If you are having trouble reading this newsletter, please go to the newsletter that is printed online at Feng Shui Palace Newsletter