Feng Shui: Q & A

Dear M.J.,

Many forms of gambling are legal, but gambling can be considered a type of moral crime. Think about it. Gambling is intended to take large amounts of money from players, whether or not they can afford it. Furthermore, it is designed to be addictive and to keep players coming back. Walk around any casino and observe. There are so many losers and so few winners. Are lotteries a reasonable way for governments to raise revenue? I don’t think so. As citizens, we should know exactly where our tax dollars are going and where they are coming from. Money raised through gambling is disproportionately collected on the backs of the poor.

There are ways to improve your luck. For example, you can order Chai Shen Poh, an odd female wealth god that wears stereo headphones and is called the "Queen of Gamblers". She is particularly helpful with gambling luck and I have seen her bring people good results. However, she will probably not work for you. When used by those who gamble in excess, she tends to make their luck worse! If you wish to try Chai Shen Poh, this colorful 3" resin figurine is available from AmeriChi Feng Shui, Box 983, Vestal, NY 13851-0983. Enclose a check or money order for $29.99 each including packing and shipping (NY residents, please add sales tax).

Since you say that gambling has gotten you into serious trouble, I suggest you stop right now. When you realize you have dug yourself into a hole, the first step is to stop digging! The idea that the big win is around the next corner is a delusion that is encouraged by lottery and casino advertising. We are always being shown that gambling is glamorous and that people do win. Yes they do, but the odds are bad!

Problem gambling is often about not loving yourself – trying to be a "winner" because you feel more like a "loser" on some level. There are many solutions to this problem and no one solution is right for everyone. One possibility is Gamblers Anonymous. A 12-step group. Another is individual therapy. And a third is working on your self-esteem. Read "You Can Heal Your Life" by Louise L. Hay – this outstanding book is an excellent starting point for learning to really love yourself! If you possibly can, attend one of the "Inner Feng Shui Weekends" that I hold periodically – call or e-mail AmeriChi Feng Shui for info.

CATBOX NEAR MAIN DOOR

Dear Julie,

Your main door should open freely, with no obstructions, welcoming in good energy. There should not be a bathroom near the door because it may pollute some of the good entering energy. A catbox is a kind of toilet. Can you possibly find another location for this necessary item? Possibly in a bathroom or closet? These would require installation of a cat door. There are companies, found on the internet, that will custom build an attractive wooden coffee or end table that conceals a litter box and has a small and discreet entrance on its side. This would be attractive in the living area of your apartment, and is a great solution!

WHERE TO PUT SWIMMING POOL?

We have recently moved into a new home and want to install an in-ground swimming pool in the backyard. Water is one of the five elements and this will be a whole lot of water. How can we know where to put the pool so that it makes things go better for us and not worse? Are there particular pool shapes that are better than others?

Dear Bruce,

A swimming pool is a large body of water and can have a strong effect on your life – either positive or negative. Proper placement of the pool is essential.

As a general principle, a home pool should be on the smaller side and located at a distance from the house. Generally, water in the north, east or southeast sectors of the property is likely to be beneficial. Water in the northeast sector of your property should be avoided for the foreseeable future.

A kidney shaped pool is generally a very good choice. It should be positioned so that the open side of the kidney "embraces" the house. Another good shape would be a rectangle with angled corners, forming an octagon.