To the initiated, it is the ancient Chinese art of arranging buildings, objects, and space to achieve harmony and balance in a way that will bring peace and prosperity. The term ‘feng shui’ literally meaning ‘wind-water’ or ‘fluid’, and it was believed that landscapes and bodies of water would direct the flow of Chi (life energy) through places and structures. Feng Shui divides the world into the five elements of wood, fire, earth, metal and water, which are said to be the building blocks of a well-balanced home and life.
Most Feng Shui rules are straightforward, and will include simplifying or decluttering your space using soft colours and natural textures, plants, strategic lighting, a focal point, water elements, and comfortable furniture, and creating a peaceful outdoor space.
Adding plants to ward off negative energies
So many plants, and which to choose! Adding plants will bring living energy into spaces, purify the air, balance Yin and Yang, and symbolise growth, abundance, and vitality, but keeping them alive and thriving is key, as dying plants might draw bad energy into your home.
Bamboo – in particular ‘lucky bamboo’ - Dracaena sanderiana - is for good luck and positive energy. The number of stalks dictate specific blessings for love, wealth, health, or overall luck, and are often sold in specific bundles of, say, 3, 5 or 10, symbolising different fortunes.
Bamboo is said to generate an atmosphere of calm, and is easy to care for if you keep two simple things in mind: plenty of sunlight (which we have in abundance in Portugal!), and a clean growing substance, whether it be water, water beads, or soil.
Basil is a plant that is said to have the greatest capacity to generate abundance. In addition to its power to ward off bad energies, it is widely used in rituals of prosperity, fortune and good luck, as well as in energy cleansing baths. It can be added it to bundles of herbs used in smudging rituals - the purposeful burning of herbs to use the smoke to cleanse or change the energy of a specific space. Keep it near your kitchen or dining room so you can cook with it too!
Jasmine is a plant well-known for attracting positive energy, love, wealth, and good fortune, due to its sweet scent and beautiful flowers. It symbolises purity, grace, and prosperity, and they say it is very important to have jasmine flowers in your home on the first day of the year.
Chinese Money Plant - Pilea peperomiodes - known by the common name Chinese Money Plant, is a favourite when it comes to attracting good luck and a prosperity. It brings life and freshness to a space, while also purifying the air. Its name refers to its ability to attract fortune—provided you care for it.
Given that the plants described here are relatively easy to care for, you won’t regret inviting them into your space.