Animals and Feng Shui
“You are already practicing good Feng Shui just by having a Pet.” Read more about the basics of Feng Shui and how pets can enhance our chi and energy as well as making special space for them in this lively piece by Susan Fefferman
- Fish represent Abundance
- Turtles symbolize Longevity
- Dogs bring active Chi & Unconditional Love
- Cats are seen as financial success
- Birds are symbols of new opportunities
“Pets themselves are Feng Shui,” according to expert, Yvonne Phillips, author of the book Feng Shui ABC. They emit a strong, positive, upbeat or what we call Yang or Fire energy in your home because they are constantly in motion, even when you are not there. And best of all, when you are at home they generally want to be in the same room with you, which in turn generates ‘good energy’ around YOU.
Adding fire energy to your life in the form of an animal can make you more passionate and give you motivation to do the things you like. Pets can help with depression, loneliness or bring a welcome change if you’re in a rut. They just make life better.
Feng Shui is often referred to as a form of therapy, because of it’s ability to enhance our spirit and wellbeing when practiced correctly. This applies to animals too. It’s very important to know that pets are particularly sensitive to the energies around our home and surrounding environment. Animals have the ability to sense things that humans don’t. If you watch your pet, they can give you an idea of how the Chi is working in your home.
Flowing, positive chi is good for all two and four legged folks alike and leads to great health, strong and flexible bodies, a great appetite, interest and curiosity in life, and a want to participate with other animals and people.
Basic Feng Shui Principles
- Pets sometimes make a mess, but they prefer cleanliness, just like we do.
- Cleanliness & Clutter-free is an important part of Feng Shui. A pet should feel safe, secure and clean in the areas where they eat or sleep. Wash food & water bowls regularly being careful not to leave any soapy residue.
- Launder bedding when needed.
- Pick up the poop (inside & out) regularly!
- Groom, exercise & give your pets a healthy organic diet, and fresh water daily.
- Plastic food bowls are a Feng Shui “no-no.” Choose organic options such as ceramic, metal or glass instead. And try not to heat their food in a microwave either. The hazardous EMF’s can be toxic!
Even if you don’t realize it, the way you treat people, pets and plants is very important for your own self-image and well being.
Negative chi can come from an animal’s physical or environmental unbalance. Many animals avoid areas with stagnant chi flow, possibly do to clutter or unuse. A balanced animal will go into those areas to bust it up and get it flowing for their people and themselves. Pay attention to where your pets like to sleep and relax, to see if there are areas in which they may be acting up or not going into or avoiding. When an animal becomes physically unbalanced or is responding to an environmental imbalance, that disruptive energy causes greater distress and can be the cause of these behavioral issues:
- Excessive barking
- Unaccountable fears
- Marking/going to the bathroom inside of the home
- Not wanting to go for walks
- Chewing things up
- Chewing on themselves for no apparent reason (& not due to allergies)
Tip: put a cushion/bed in the Fame section (South) where your fire chi carrier(s) can re-charge.
As the founder of Harmonious Surroundings, a full-service Feng Shui and Interior Design company, Susan’s mission is to help others bring balance, tranquility and harmony to their surroundings.
Were you surprised to learn that animals in Feng Shui are considered part of the fire element from the Five Elements? If you want to learn more about managing fire energy, read this article from Diane Gallin. And even more articles in our Five Elements article series.
