Monica Hess

I remember President Johnson's "War on Poverty" in the 60's. My grandmother would pick up government cheese and marvel at how, "They just give it away, honey!" Although she didn't really need it, she got it because it was free and the people of those mountains never passed a bargain. She gave out her share to anyone who needed help, whether they were family or neighbors.

Granny would pick through clothes donated by people from all over the country, and give them away to any and all who asked. Her front room had piles of used clothing waiting for anyone who wanted to root through them. Granny was a thrifty, generous soul. She clothed many more than her own with whatever she found. But, my grandmother was luckier than many. She lived on a bluff, overlooking 100 acres of beautiful Cumberland River bottom land. The view from her back porch was spectacular. This was the difference.

In the mountains, far reaching views are rare. Most people look out their front door to see a mountain sitting in their way. The look out the back door and see an even closer mountain. Valleys there are not the valleys known to most of us, with gentle streams and little fields. Valleys in Appalachia are Hollers...with barely enough room for a little garden plot and so deep that the sun is blocked for a good part of the day.

So, what's Feng Shui got to do with Appalachia? Without the view, with the mountains so close, the people do not see the world. They see only their little piece of land. The mountains block out possibilities, as solidly as they block the sun, while holding the people to them like magnets. This magnetic attraction keeps them tied to the mountains, and to the poverty that will always be there.

Some have accused companies of taking advantage of these people. I suppose the coal companies have abused their workers, but on the other hand, jobs in the coal mines have always paid very well compared to jobs outside the mines. It was a trade-off, and one the mountain people were well aware of.

I remember hearing stories about my grandfather's brother and his family, how they would spend their money, buying cars and fancy clothes while the coal mines were running. The pay was excellent and they loved to spend it. Then when the mines shut down the relatives would move in with my grandparents because they had nothing saved. Soon though...the mines would be hiring again and back they would go to the same old routine. Is this the fault of the coal company? No. But, it is directly related to the Feng Shui of the mountains.

These spendthrift relatives of mine could not see a world outside of those mountains. To them this was all there was. They saw no future, so they would not and could not prepare for it.

When we look at those who manage to leave these mountains, we find several common factors.

1. Many were drafted.

2. A few had a view that awarded them vision into the future.

3. Some were helped by family members to get out.

4. Some married well and left with their spouse.

These people didn't wait for a company to bring them jobs. They saw a future and took charge of their own lives. Those who can't see past the mountains are destined to become a part of them.

Is Feng Shui Fake?

Do you think Feng Shui is all smoke and mirrors? Silly Superstition? Do you think it works only if you "believe in that nonsense"? Well, you're not alone. What's interesting though is that one of the top Feng Shui Masters in the world once also had a poor opinion of Feng Shui. Then he dug a little deeper. He expected to find it to be nothing more than superstition, instead he found wisdom and truth.

Joseph Yu wasn't always a Feng Shui Master. His studies at the University of Hong Kong were in math and physics. Joseph set out to disprove what he considered superstition. The more he studied the more truth he found. The problem was that the truth was mixed with superstition.

These were the beginnings of his Feng Shui Research Center, where Feng Shui students from all over the world come together to help each other weed out the truth from the superstition. Now you can pick a qualified Feng Shui Consultant from a list of hundreds who have been graduated by this former skeptic.

The good thing about all the Fake Feng Shui is that it's started people wondering if there is anything to this art. Just remember, fake Feng Shui is very simple and seldom gives lasting results. So, if you're someone who thinks things through before following every little trend, maybe it's time to look into the real, ancient art of Feng Shui and see just how much it will help you.

I've studied many years under Master Yu and I'm qualified to assess your situation. After all, in the current economy, we all need every edge. Feng Shui can help you sell your house, buy a house, and be happier in the house you're in. Quite a valuable tool for anyone.

Feng Shui This - Is Feng Shui Fake?

The horses are running at Keenland. It's time to bring up the seemingly odd pairing of horses and feng shui. For a long time now I've been working on the feng shui of horse farms...figuring out whether the space in the house, farm office, and barn is being used correctly. And, what exactly would be good feng shui for a horse farm anyway? By studying Calumet and other historic farms, I've determined what flying stars will help create a great horse, and what will help that horse win.

I now have some very important data through the help of the librarians at the Equine Library at Keenland. (who knew there was such a library?) It's amazing the resources that turn up when you start digging. At any rate, I now have enough information to determine the feng shui chart of Calumet Farm. I've gone back in time to the glory days of the 30's, 40's and 50's when Bull Leah, Whirlaway, Citation and Alydar made the name of Calumet a household word, to the tragedy and bankruptcy of the 80's and 90's.

The chart of the house begins when it was built in the fourth period, 1938. It brings in the 4th period money star. There is also a prominent 5 water star, 3 energy for strong competition, and "best in the business" mentality. The 5 rules the 5th period and brings with it great accomplishments during that cycle. The stars were working for Calumet back then.

However, we're now in the 8th cycle and things have most definately changed. Things have to be done a little differently if Calumet wants to be on top again. Those same stars that built the most famous horse farm in the world are the same stars that turned on Calumet when their glory days were done.

Now the 8's rule, and their energy is gentle. Great money can still be made, but the technique will be a little different than before. The chart of the house is only part of Calumet's luck. There's also the farm office to consider, as well as the stallion barn and the barns where the mares and foals are kept. All of it counts. I have not managed to get all the details on the other buildings yet, but expect to have them soon. When I know more I'll be able to give an accurate assessment. I have my suspicions, but I'll wait.

For now, I'm enjoying digging deeper into the feng shui of this beautiful farm. I will give some serious advice though, in case anyone from Calumet is reading this blog. They need to be extra careful with transportation this year. If at all possible, keep the horses out of the south sectors of the barns. And, avoid digging to the direct north or south of any important building.

The first Saturday in May of 2009 looks like a great day for Calumet. Until then though, mind the store carefully.

Nestled in the woods just below Walmart and Lowes at Hamburg is a beautiful little creek made for hunting tadpoles. One day soon there will be a park here, but for now those of us who want to visit this special place have to "sneak in" and enjoy it without the crowds and picinic tables.

I went there today to hunt tadpoles for my own backyard pond, and found it to be a beautiful little oasis in the city. A crow circled above and fussed at me for disturbing his world while I chased the tadpoles and crawdads. Crows are considered magical to many, and even those who don't think of them as magical birds will acknowledge their wisdom. They're among the smartest of birds, and they're probably smart enough to know it. So, when I see a crow I wonder what he's trying to tell me. Maybe he's just guarding his own little piece of paradise.

Water is very powerful. It brings good energy, or bad energy, to our doors. Here at Hamburg the little creek slowly winds its way through shopping areas, homes and under roadways. The effect it has on each home or business is determined by the use and placement of each building. What's good for a home may not be good for a business.

But, for the community it's a wonderful feature. Lexington is full of these little places, and I'm so glad the developers of Hamburg have chosen to preserve this one.

Monica Hess, Feng Shui Consultant, Author, Instructor and Lecturer, Lexington, KY

www.monicahess.com

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Feng Shui Research Center and The Feng Shui Network