This Feng Shui & Astrology Connection Could Be A Game-Changer For Your Home

Western astrology divides the zodiac sign into four elements: fire, earth, air, and water. Feng shui, like Chinese astrology, distinguishes five elements: fire, earth, metal, water, and wood. Each element is associated with specific colors, shapes, and energy. When all these elements are working in harmony, the idea is that energy will be able to flow more freely around your home. Have a hunch you need some more fire in your life because you're a water sign? Or are you craving some more calming earth energy in your chaotic life? Here's a primer on how to welcome these energies using feng shui, from expert Kate MacKinnon.

Design Ideas to Activate Flow/Energy: Lights, candles, candelabras, a fireplace; hang a painting or sculpture with a bold splash of red or triangle shapes.

Design Ideas to Activate Flow/Energy: Terra-cotta pots, ceramics, soft fabrics and colors

Design Ideas to Activate Flow/Energy: Metal objects, metallic finishes and fixtures

Design Ideas to Activate Flow/Energy: Fountains, fish tanks, mirrors

Design Ideas to Activate Flow/Energy: Plants, wood flooring and furniture, sculpture

This basic exercise helps you get in touch with your own inner sense of ease and balance: Close your eyes and visualize a place you love to visit or imagine something that feels good to you. Try to engage all your senses by thinking about the sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and touches. Write down what you imagined and let it be a clue to the feelings and elements you want to bring into your living or work space.

Next, think about what you would like in your life and visualize that as well. Nine areas of life are examined in feng shui:

Write an intention for the areas you wish to enhance, expand, or heal. Use the present tense, as if you already have these things in your life. For example, "I am living with the love of my life, and together we are creating a home and family that provides love, laughter, and joy."

Display only the things you use or enjoy daily. Put away everything else. Even random paper clips can be clutter—find them a home or get rid of them.

As you're evaluating each item, ask yourself:

Decluttering is a process that can be emotionally intense, so do one area at a time starting with a single cupboard or drawer or under your bed. Completing one project will make a huge impact. You will feel your spirit lift, which will only motivate you to do more!