i

FENG SHUI

and

YOUR OFFICE

iiiii

Creativity in this project is the result of warm,inspirational love from my three lovely little grand-

daughters, Anjuli, Ella and Mia

viv

FENG SHUI

Aroon Ajmera

Illustrated by Gordon Redrup

and

YOUR OFFICE

FENG SHUI DESIGNS

viivi

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Born in India, Aroon graduated from New YorkUniversity in 1961 with a Master�s Degree inBusiness Administration. He has lived in Lon-

don, UK since 1967. In spite of being a busy bankerfor twenty-three years, he began his pursuit ofIntuitive Feng Shui at the age of fifty-six under oneof the world�s leading Feng Shui consultants andteachers, William Spear.

This new field has been the sole focus of his careersince 1996, leading him to set up Feng Shui DesignsLtd, now a well-established Feng Shui consultancyfirm with an ever-expanding international client base.

© Aroon Ajmera 2002Illustrations © Gordon Redrup

Published in 2002 by Feng Shui DesignsSarika, 57 Armitage Rd, London NW11 8QT

Distributed by Gazelle Book Services Limited, Falcon HouseQueen Square Lancaster, England LA1 1RN

The right of Aroon Ajmera to be identified as the author of the workhas been asserted herein in accordance with the Copyright, Designs

and Patents Act 1988.All rights reserved.

British Library Cataloguing in Publication DataA catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library

ISBN 0-9542462-0-9

Typeset by Amolibros, Watchet, SomersetThis book production has been managed by Amolibros

Printed and bound by

ixviii

CONTENTS

About the Author viiForeword xiIntroduction xiii

Part One

Ch�i & Feng Shui? 4What Energies are to be Aligned? 8Yin and Yang 11The Five Elements 13Geopathic Stress 16What Does Each Feng Shui Cure Do? 17Schools of Feng Shui 19How to Use the Bagua Map 23

He also pioneered the creation of the first Feng Shuiphotographic online Gallery. In addition to transform-ing his clients� lives through his consultations, Aroonalso teaches Feng Shui and is the author of the best-selling book, Feng Shui and Your Home.

He can be contacted at:

Feng Shui Designs Ltd, Sarika, 57 Armitage Road,London NW11 8QT

Tel/fax: +44 (0) 20 8455 1158E-mail: AAjmera999@aol.com

Web site: www.fengshuidesigns.co.ukPhoto Gallery: www.photobox.co.uk/fengshuidesigns

xix

FOREWORD

Although it is as old as the hills, the popularityfor Feng Shui in the West only really started inthe early 1990s. More than a passing fad, it is

definitely here to stay as interest in this fascinatingsubject continues to grow. Aroon Ajmera was amongthose who were on that first wave of interest, the pio-neers who were hungry for this new knowledge. I re-member Aroon attending a talk I gave at an interiordesign exhibition in London. It really fired up his im-agination and started him out on a long journey study-ing this ancient wisdom. Since then his new career hasseen him teach all over the world and make a differ-

Part Two

The Building 29The Reception 39Clutter 45Supportive Environment 55Furniture Design and Configuration 69Equipment 83Images, Artwork and Plants 91Logo and Stationery Design Principles 97Placement Guide for Staff & the Bagua 107Placement Guide for the Office & the Bagua 113Placement Guide for the Desk & the Bagua 119Glossary 121

xiiixii

INTRODUCTION

Ihave written this little book to give you sometips for creating a supportive and harmoniousenvironment in your office.

The constantly changing invisible energy forces inan office can have a dramatic impact not only on thephysical, emotional and spiritual wellbeing of its em-ployees but also the health of the business. Offices al-ready use the services of interior designers to enhancethe comfort and aesthetics of the working environ-ment.

By incorporating the Feng Shui principles in the lay-out of an office, staff morale, creativity and team spirit

ence to the lives of many people. He has packed a lotof great information into this simple list of tips whichis no small achievement.

The principles of Feng Shui are as relevant in theworkplace as they are in the home and with many peo-ple spending a large proportion of their time there, itis extremely important to make sure that their officeenvironment is balanced. This book will give you aneasy and useful starting point for creating a more har-monious and less stressful office.

Enjoy.Gina Lazenby

July 2002Co-founder of the Feng Shui Society and author of

The Healthy Home, Feng Shui House Book andSimple Feng Shui

xiv

can be positively influenced. This in turn reduces ab-senteeism and staff turnover. Inappropriate conflictand internal competition between employees can alsobe diluted.

When you pay attention to how and where peoplesit, and the colours, materials and amount of naturallight in an environment, their efficiency will soar,making a significant contribution to the success andthe profitability of a business.

This book weaves the principles of Feng Shui intothe interior design of your office and ultimately helpsyou create a stress-free working environment.

Read it, enjoy it and transform your business intoone that is healthy, creative, stable and successful.

Aroon AjmeraJuly 2002

1

PART ONE

2 3

�We shape our buildings, thereafterthey shape us.�

Winston Churchill

4 5

Feng Shui enables us to create environmentssuitable for their intended activity by identifying theimbalances and adjusting them to enhance the qualityof our lives.

WHAT IS FENG SHUI?

The direct translation of Feng Shui (pronouncedFung Schway) is �Wind and Water�, the two el-ements of nature that shape our very existence.

Feng Shui can be defined as the practice of analysingand influencing the interaction of people, buildingsand the environment, which ultimately leads to hap-pier and more successful lives.

Originating in ancient China, its basis is the under-standing of a vital energy force called �Ch�i�. It hasbeen used in the Orient for over 3,000 years and is abody of knowledge, which links our inner self to ourouter environment.

6 7

CH’I

The paths of Ch�i flowing within the body are calledmeridians and the manipulation of Ch�i within thesemeridians forms the basis of acupuncture, acupressureand shiatsu.

The underlying principle of Feng Shui is Ch�i.Ch�i is simply the energy that surrounds us inall forms of life. Ch�i can be of the earth, the

atmosphere or of people. The quality of Ch�i is ex-pressed through form, shape, colour, sound and thefeelings that it generates.

The Ch�i of the earth can be negative or positive.Negative earth energies can have detrimental effectson the immune system and the human psyche. Detec-tion of their paths and manipulation can enhance ouremotional stability and prevent long-term illnesses.

8 9

There are three different sources of Ch�i:

1 Heaven�s energy�or astrological energy of ourtime�provides us with a source of guidance.

2 Our own energy��wind and water� (in the form ofour breath and blood) inside our body.

3 Earth�s energy�or the energy of our environment.

WHAT ENERGIESARE TO BE ALIGNED?

We can influence our own energy with a proper diet,discipline and meditation for our body, mind and spirit.The energy of our environment can be altered throughFeng Shui tools such as colours, materials and shapes.

10 11

YIN AND YANG

These are the two cosmic forces of energy whichare opposite, yet complementary. There is nobalance in the universe without both of them. The

forces of heaven are Yang and the forces of earth are Yin.Yang is: light, dry, loud, hard, full, hot, active, sun,

fire, male, summer, day, and contracting, gathering,durable, horizontal, thicker and smaller.

Yin is: dark, wet, quiet, soft, empty, cold, passive,moon, water, female, winter, night, expanding,dispersing, delicate, vertical, thinner and bigger.

For positive, auspicious Feng Shui there must bebalance and harmony between Yin and Yang.YIN AND YANG

12 13

THE FIVE ELEMENTS

M uch of Feng Shui theory is based onunderstanding how these elements (earth,metal, water, wood and fire) interact in the

physical environment, resulting in either harmony orimbalance.

The elements are involved in three kinds of cyclicalrelationships�the productive, the exhaustive and thecontrolling cycle.

The productive cycle runs clockwise. The exhaus-tive cycle runs anti-clockwise. The arrows within thediagram represent the controlling cycle.

THE FIVE ELEMENTS

14 15

In interior decor, the elements are represented bycolours, shapes and materials. When an environmentneeds balancing, one way to solve the imbalance is toadd or subtract the colour, shape or material that eachelement expresses.

Element Colour Shapes MaterialFIRE red pointed or

triangularshapespyramids

plasticdiamonds

yellowbrown

EARTH squares, flatshapes

ceramics,clay, plaster,china, bricks,soft stone

white, gold,silver

spheres,circles,domes,arches, ovals,round shapes

stainless steel,brass, copper,bronze, iron,silver, gold,marble

METAL

black, blueWATER wavy lines,irregularshapes

glass

WOOD green, darkgreen

rectangles,tall, vertical

wood andpaper

shapes

16 17

GEOPATHIC STRESS

Geopathic Stress� means disease derived from theearth through the negative energies rising up thebuildings. Occupants can lose their physical

strength, energy, emotional stability and happiness. Itcan also cause serious long-term illnesses.

Being in close proximity of electromagnetic radia-tion of power transmission lines, radios, computers,mobile phones, printers or lamps, increases the effectsof �Geopathic Stress�. Anything that disturbs the natu-ral magnetic field of the earth (metal furniture frames,beams, radiators and plumbing, etc.) can have an ad-verse effect on our well-being.

WHAT DOES EACH FENG SHUICURE DO?

★ Mirrors give us an increased sense of space anddeflect negativity.

★ Wind chimes prevent negativity and moderateenergy flow.

★ Lights fill any missing areas and lift the energy ofthe space.

★ Flowers create happy Ch�i.★ Plants represent growth and shield you against

poison arrows from sharp corners.★ Water fountains/ponds enhance prosperity.

18 19

★ Paintings/sculptures uplift our Ch�i and can beused as symbols of protection.

★ Crystals energise areas with vibrant rainbowcolours.

★ Colours, used appropriately, lift energy levels.

SCHOOLS OF FENG SHUI

There are three principal schools of Feng Shui:

★ Form School★ Traditional Chinese Compass School★ Black Hat Sect School

Although the basic principles remain the same, eachone has a slightly different approach to the subject.

❋❋❋

20 21

The Form School focuses on the contours of land-scapes, in particular their shape, size and the relation-ship between the physical formations and a dwelling.The directions are symbolised by four celestial animals.The East relates to the Green Dragon, the West to theWhite Tiger, the South to the Red Phoenix and theNorth to the Black Tortoise. The most auspicious loca-tions for premises are derived by surveying the land-scape.

❋❋❋

The Traditional Chinese Compass School uses mag-netic directions to identify the flow of Ch�i comingfrom different directions, by dividing the space intoeight areas of life. South represents Fame, North rep-resents Career, East for Elders or Past, West for Chil-dren or Future, Southeast refers to Prosperity,Southwest to Relationships, Northwest to Mentors or

Helpful friends and Northeast to Knowledge or Wis-dom.

❋❋❋

The Black Hat Sect School is the most recent onewhere each house or office or room is judged from theposition of the main door. The Bagua template is usedand the main door is aligned to Career, Knowledge orthe Helpful friends sector to determine the location ofthe other sectors.

This book uses this simplified method to enable theeasy implementation of recommendations for your of-fice.

22 23

HOW TO USE THE BAGUA MAP

Place the Bagua on top of the floor plan of youroffice in such a way that the front door of youroffice lines up with segments 8, 1 or 6 along

the thick base line. You will then be able to identifythe spaces in your office corresponding to all the areasof your life.

Remember that you can also place the Bagua overthe plan of each room (such as a private office) in thesame way.

THE BAGUA GRID DOOR IN 8 DOOR IN 1 DOOR IN 6

24 25

DEFINITIONSArea Name Relates to your

6 Helpful Friends Guidance/Source ofinspiration

7 Creativity New Projects/Future

8 Wisdom Knowledge/Contemplation

9 Illumination Fame/Recognition

Area Name Relates to your

1 Journey Progression

2 Relationships Clients andColleagues

3 Elders Bosses or Advisers

4 Fortunate Blessings Wealth/Prosperity

5 Unity Health of theEnterprise

26 27

PART TWO

28 29

THE BUILDING

GOOD LOCATION

Look out for a quality environment for your office.Other successful businesses, plenty of trees, flowingwater embracing the front of the building, coupledwith open space and tall buildings behind, all contrib-ute to good Feng Shui for your office.

THE BUILDING

30 31

DO NOT BE A SITTING TARGET

Ensure that tall telephone poles, streetlights, or sharpedges of nearby buildings are not facing your frontdoor. Deflect their poison arrows by placing a Baguashaped mirror either on the front door or in the win-dow as appropriate.

AVOID POISON ARROWS

Ensure that your office building is not located at astreet�s dead end or at a T-junction. The flow of nega-tive energy can destroy the space and bring misfortune.If this cannot be avoided, safeguard the space by cre-ating a wall or planting shrubs or hedges. As a last re-sort, place a small mirror above the door or in awindow facing the street to deflect the negative energy.

32 33

ENERGY MUST BE CONTAINED

Buildings with clear glass walls on all sides are unde-sirable, as the ch�i will escape. Having at least two ad-joining solid walls in the design would conserve thech�i. Reflective glass-tiled wall buildings are also lessdesirable, as the ch�i will be deflected away.

SHAPE MATTERS

The most auspicious configurations for a building arerectangular, square or gently curving and the latter isthe most harmonious of the three. A modular shape ismore harmonious than a sharp-edged one. Your build-ing should not look hostile in relation to others in theneighbourhood as this may cause problems with har-monious relationships.

34 35

BE IN HARMONY WITH NATURE

A landscaped garden with a water feature facing thefront entrance brings in auspicious Ch�i to thepremises. Tortoises and fish in a pond depict success;rockeries represent stability whilst streams and plantssymbolise wealth and growth.

AVOID A CASCADING SHAPE

Buildings with narrowing shape on upper floors andcascading steps in its external design are also undesir-able, as the occupants of such buildings are likely tofind it difficult to conserve their prosperity. The energyslides down rapidly.

36 37

DOORWAY AND ENTRANCE SIZE

According to Feng Shui, the most important part of anybuilding is its main door, which in a sense is its mouth.A large entrance to your office is desirable as it bringsin positive vibrations to your premises. Revolvingdoorways are considered good as they constantlyrenew the flow of energy.

38 39

THE RECEPTION

FIRST IMPRESSIONS

You never get a second chance to make a first impres-sion. Ensure that your reception is spacious, welcom-ing, has a good combination of colours, textures,surfaces in terms of Yin and Yang, good lighting andadequate room for the energy to flow.

THE RECEPTION

40 41

PROJECT A HEALTHY SET-UP

Ensure the reception desk is uncluttered. The environ-ment moulds the morale of the receptionist and givesyour visitors a message about the overall health of yourbusiness.

CREATE A PARADISE

Visitors should feel the harmony in the atmosphere.Create a welcoming scenario with plants, water fea-tures such as fish tanks and fountains, soft colours andeye-catching artwork.

42 43

MAKE THE JOURNEY EVEN MORE PLEASANT

Lifts and stairways to other parts of the building shouldbe conveniently located, spacious and tidy. Remem-ber, at this stage, your guests have started forming animpression of your organisation and its image.

44 45

CLUTTER

GIVE A LIFT TO YOUR ENERGY

When you clear clutter in your office, on your desk, infiling cabinets or your computer, you pave the way fornew things and new projects, giving a lift to yourcreativity and energy.

CLUTTER…

46 47

CLEAR YOUR DESK

Clutter is the enemy of good Feng Shui. Keep yourdesk clear and let the energy flow freely around you.Keep files off the floor. Discard what you really don�tneed.

KEEP THE ENERGY FLOWING

Corridors in your office linking private offices andopen-plan areas are like arteries of energy, providingnourishment to the entire office space. Keep themclutter-free for an overall healthy atmosphere.

48 49

AVOID A CRASH

Clutter within a computer such as undeleted old e-mails and programs in your system that you never use,slow down the pace of your system and adverselyaffect your productivity. Just like your filing cabinetsand desk, your computer needs to be de-cluttered atregular intervals.

AVOID SPAGHETTI SCENARIO

Tangled or exposed electrical and computer cablesrepresent clutter, thereby enhancing the risk ofphysical accidents and fire. Keeping them concealeddramatically reduces subconscious stress levels.

50 51

REPAIR OR REPLACE BROKEN GADGETS

Anything that isn�t working represents clutter and con-tributes to increased stress levels. Light bulbs, clocks,wall sockets, taps, chairs or even air-conditionersshould be repaired or replaced at once.

MAKE A CLEAN POLICY

Clutter on your windowsills and dirty windows giveyou a murky view of the outer world. Keep the energyfresh and alive by keeping windows clean, regularvacuuming and dusting.

52 53

DO NOT AMPLIFY YOUR PROBLEMS

Do not place cures and enhancements such as crystals,plants and water features before clearing the clutter.Otherwise you may double your problems rather thanresolve them.

54 55

SUPPORTIVE ENVIRONMENT

PENDING MATTERS SLOW YOU DOWN

Watch out for big piles of �in� tray. The higher thestack, the more you will feel overwhelmed. Mountainsof paperwork make you feel defeated before you haveeven started. A clear desk means a clear mind, bettercreativity and more job satisfaction.

SUPPORTIVE ENVIRONMENT

56 57

LIGHTING LIFTS YOUR CH�I

Lighting must be good. Research shows that people aremuch more motivated and healthier if they sit nearwindows. Dark corners are lifeless areas.

PEACE ENHANCES PRODUCTIVITY

Noise pollution from computers, printers, copiers,traffic, telephones and air-conditioning systems are themost disruptive factors in offices. Where possible, tryto isolate noisy equipment from working areas.

58 59

CREATE A COMFORT ZONE

If the atmosphere is too cold, too hot or too dry, thenrectify the situation by using humidifiers, lush plantsand appropriate images containing cooling shades ofblue or warming shades of red.

FEEL SAFE

Don�t hang any plants or have lights suspendeddirectly above your head. Desk lamps are OK. Officelighting is often another energy-draining source andmust be adjusted as required for the comfort of thestaff�s eyesight. Light colour schemes create a nurturingenvironment.

60 61

IDENTIFY NEGATIVE EARTH ENERGY

Dowsing can help detect areas that contain GeopathicStress and negative earth energies. Relocating the desksor clearing the space with the help of an expert canprevent poor health, low performance and the inexpli-cable irritability of staff.

CLEAN AIR IS VITAL

Toxic chemicals from furniture create air pollution andcomputers generate electromagnetic fields. Deal withthese by regular cleaning and ventilation. Placingplants and raw crystals help absorb negative vibrationsand cleanse the environment.

62 63

COLOUR CAN BE A BALANCING TOOL

Cream generates warmth and helps in reception areas.Blue calms the nerves and lowers noise in areas withtoo much activity. Yellow promotes creativity, greenenhances judgement and white is suitable for creatinga feeling of spaciousness and purity.

CHOICE OF COLOURS

Colours affect your energy levels although the choiceis a subjective matter. Pale colours for walls are oftenrecommended as strong colours have greater influenceon your emotions and the effect filters through to thequality of your work.

64 65

FLOOR-COVERING SIGNIFICANCE

Wooden floors create rising energy and stimulate livelyconversations whereas natural wool carpets make youfeel calmer and grounded. The first option willtherefore be more suitable for a place like a staffcanteen and the latter would be ideal for offices andmeeting rooms.

ENSURE A VISUAL FLOW

The transition from the colour of the carpet to the wallcolour must be soothing to the eye and complemen-tary. This promotes harmony in the environment.

66 67

BLOCK EXCESSIVE SUNLIGHT

Excessive sunlight through windows creates very activeenergy with glaring and hot sunrays. Using heavydrape curtains or suitable roller blinds are preferableto using conventional blinds. Sharp blades like edgesof blinds create poison arrows.

68 69

FURNITURE DESIGNAND CONFIGURATION

DESK SHAPE, SURFACE AND COLOUR

Desk shapes and surfaces can have a significant impacton your energy levels. Round-edged desks are gener-ally preferable, as they tend to support creativity.However, square furniture is better for money andmanagement. Natural and light wood colours are pref-erable to contrast black or white colours. Non-reflec-tive surfaces are better than highly polished or glasssurfaces.FURNITURE DESIGN AND CONFIGURATION

70 71

VANTAGE POINT

Make sure your desk is diagonally facing the door, sothat you are in control of the room and you can seewho is coming in. If your back is to the entrance youwill subconsciously feel uneasy and this will drain yourenergy. Place a small mirror on your desk to rectify thisproblem.

THE THRONE

Chairs should ideally have a stable five-spoke base,adjustable height, tilt mechanism for the seat andsupportive armrests as our breathing and digestiondepends on the positioning of our arms.

72 73

BE THE FOCAL POINT

Avoid putting pictures and art above your head. Don�tlet the attention of your visitors be distracted from you.

SIT LIKE A KING

Sit with a solid wall behind you rather than an openspace. This will enhance your feeling of being sup-ported. If you have a window or a walkway behindyou, reinforce your defences with a bookcase or, at thevery least, a plant.

74 75

TAKE THE WEIGHT OFF YOUR HEAD�

Avoid sitting under large beams, overhead shelves orcupboards. Sitting under suppressed energy fields willstifle your growth or promotion prospects.

DON�T BE SWEPT AWAY

Avoid sitting in the line of energy, i.e. facing a door, alarge window or someone else within two metres ofyou. This can disrupt harmony. Place plants or a smallbarrier to shield yourself if the desk arrangement can-not be changed.

76 77

BALANCE THE ENERGIES

Open-plan offices already have Yang (active) energy.Maintain the balance by avoiding the use of bright col-ours.

AVOID BEING TARGETED

Avoid having the edges of walls or the sharp cornersof large furniture like filing cabinets and bookshelvespointing directly at you. These create poison arrows orcutting Ch�i, which is harmful for your well-being. Plac-ing leafy plants in front of the edges helps neutralisethe negative effects.

78 79

SOME PRECAUTIONS

In a workstation layout, ensure that a screen issupporting your back and the entrance to your area iswithin your full view.

ISOLATION WITHOUT PRIVACY

Workstations such as cubicles in an open-plan officeresemble a maze and are not productive as they seemto lower the staff morale.

80 81

STRIKE A BALANCE

Open-plan offices with workstations need to incorporatea level of privacy together with ease of communica-tion with other colleagues. Wave-shaped desk-divid-ing screens are ideal for creating this balance.

82 83

EQUIPMENT (COMPUTERS,TELEPHONES ANDMOBILE PHONES)

LIBRARY LEVEL PEACE

Photocopiers, fax machines, computers and printerscreate excessive noise pollution. Try to isolate thesein a space away from working areas.

EQUIPMENT

84 85

KEEP A SAFE DISTANCE

Sit at least three feet away from the back of a computerto avoid the ill effects of electromagnetic fields. Placea plant near the computer to create humidity in theenvironment and a raw crystal such as an amethyst toabsorb any harmful negativity in the area.

RAISE THE COMFORT LEVEL

Prevent the energy drain by raising the comfort level.Be it an anti-glare screen, a radiation filter for eyestrain,a more comfortable keyboard or a nicely shapedmouse. Have it.

86 87

BE TIDY�LOOK SMART

Telephone cords and computer cables should be wellconcealed and should not therefore run across yourdesk.

COMMUNICATION PORT

Place the telephone in the far right corner of your desk(the relationship area) to get the best out of anyinteraction with colleagues and clients.

88 89

HEALTH HAZARD

Mobile phones can expose you to excess electromag-netic radiation and should be used as little as possible.

AVOID YOGA POSITIONS

Cradling the phone between your neck and shouldercan block your �Ch�i� and accelerate a feeling offatigue.

90 91

IMAGES, ARTWORK AND PLANTS

VISUAL VIBRATIONAL WORLD

Symbology is important in Feng Shui. Check to seewhat negative and positive messages are being givenout by the choice of posters and art around you. Arethey dull, flat and limiting landscapes? Stark, aggressiveimages? Abstract and confusing lines without clarity?

IMAGES, ARTWORK & PLANTS

92 93

SCULPTURES ADD STABILITY

Sculptures enhance stability and add grace to theenvironment. Ensure that the sculptures selected are inproportion to the space they are displayed in and thatthey project positive vibrations.

AVOID NEGATIVE VIBRATIONS

Negative images include battle scenes, sinking ships,swords, daggers, missiles, sunsets, waterfalls oranything dead, e.g. plants, fishes, animals or people.Positive images include sunrises, birds in flight,flowers, parks, gardens and landscapes. Negativeimages drain our energy whereas positive ones lift ourspirits.

94 95

CREATE A FOCAL POINT

First impressions are important�make sure your visi-tors see something like a plant or a work of art, some-thing on which to focus their energy when they entera room. It will help them to feel more comfortable andrelaxed.

96 97

LOGO AND STATIONERYDESIGN PRINCIPLES

MESSAGE FROM A LOGO

A logo gives out a message about a business andsometimes its products too. It should therefore beidentifiable, attractive and appropriate and convey thestability of the company by a shape that is supportiveand solid.

LOGO & STATIONERY DESIGN PRINCIPLES

98 99

EVALUATE

Is your logo merely a design at environmental level ordoes it project anything about your company such asits skills, its values, its identity and its spirit? You cancheck this with regard to the needs and the vision ofthe company.

IMAGE CREATION

Your logo also creates a corporate identity. It is thevisual representation of the company and what itstands for. It should symbolise power, authority and thevitality of your enterprise.

100 101

TIME LINES

Incorporate time lines. The future is to the right andup; past is to the left and down. If the design incorpo-rates layers, the future is in front and the past is be-hind.

DESIGN RULES

Consider the choice of name, purpose of logo and itslocation on business cards and stationery.

.

102 103

SHAPE SIGNIFICANCE

An oval shape like a womb is caring. A circular shapesignifies global presence. A square box indicates sta-bility. A sound foundation is projected by a solid baseline.

SIMPLICITY IS THE BEST POLICY

Keep the text, image and use of colours simple and inproportion to the size and the shape of the logo.

104 105

VISUAL FLOW

Maintain a connection between the name, address,your name and the logo on a business card. Thesimplicity of less text and a clutter-free layout conveysmore and creates a lasting impact.

DESIGN TIPS

A good design incorporates visual balance, avoidsdownward arrows depicting decline, and does not usea cross in the central part as this signifies unresolvedproblems.

106 107

PLACEMENT GUIDE FOR STAFF& THE BAGUAArea No 1�Journey

Journey represents your career path and progression.The RECEPTION for your office may be located in thisspace as it is the entrance to your organisation.

Area No 2�Relationships

The Relationships area is associated with your recep-tivity, dealings with your staff and colleagues. ThePERSONNEL department could be allocated to thisspace.STAFF PLACEMENT GUIDE & THE BAGUA

108 109

Area No 5�Unity

Unity is the central area of your organisation andshould be kept uncluttered. If you have to use thisspace, have an INTERNAL MEETING room here.

Area No 6�Helpful Friends

The Helpful friends area relates to generosity in termsof time, money and friends. Your MANAGING DIREC-TOR�S office may be located here.

Area No 3�Elders

The Elders area relates to your foundation, roots andancestors and in a business environment your ultimateboss. Ideally, your CHAIRMAN�S OFFICE could behere.

Area No 4�Fortunate Blessings

The Fortunate Blessings area generates the auspiciousomens of the material world. The FINANCIAL CON-TROLLER or THE ACCOUNTS department may belocated here.

110 111

Area No 9�Illumination

The Illumination area contains the energy of enlighten-ment, fame and recognition. The PUBLIC RELATIONSor MARKETING department would be best suited here.

Area No 7�Creativity

Creativity corresponds to new ideas, projects or yourfuture. A BOARDROOM or a MEETING ROOM wouldbe most suitable in this space.

Area No 8�Wisdom

The Wisdom area represents meditation and contempla-tion. The RESEARCH and DEVELOPMENT departmentcould be allocated to this space.

112 113

PLACEMENT GUIDE FORTHE OFFICE & THE BAGUA

Area No 1�Journey

Water features�such as fish tanks, seascapes, fountainsrepresenting progression.

Area No 2�Relationships

Pictures of office outings�such as Christmas parties orstaff cricket teams to represent relationships withclients and colleagues.

OFFICE PLACEMENT GUIDE & THE BAGUA

114 115

Area No 6�Helpful Friends

Pictures or sculptures of your spiritual idols such as aBuddha to represent guidance and source of inspira-tion.

Area No 7�Creativity

Conference areas and project desks to represent yourfuture. A crystal vase to energise the space with vibrantrainbow colours.

Area No 3�Elders

Pictures of sunrises, fresh flowers in a vase or largeplants to represent your advisers.

Area No 4�Fortunate Blessings

Money tree plants, water features, three gold coins tiedwith a red ribbon, or a small treasure chest to representluck and prosperity.

Area No 5�Unity

Healthy landscapes or a large ceramic sculpture toenhance stability as this space represents the health ofyour enterprise.

116 117

Area No 8�Wisdom

Computers, heavy books, files, bookshelves andreference material to symbolise knowledge andcontemplation

Area No 9�Illumination

Awards, certificates, presents, trophies, and paintingswith predominantly red colours to represent recogni-tion and reputation.

118 119

PLACEMENT GUIDE FORTHE DESK & THE BAGUA

Journey: (Middle bottom) You are sitting in this space

Relationships: (Far right) Telephone/ Mobile or anyinstrument of communication.

Elders: (Middle left) This is the past. Your incomingpost tray.

Fortunate Blessings: (Far left) A small potted plant, asmall wooden sculpture of your favourite deity, somecoins in a box and, possibly, your computer.

DESK PLACEMENT GUIDE & THE BAGUA

120 121

GLOSSARY

Aura Energy field outside all living bodies.Bagua Octagonal grid used for locating the various

sectors of your life in your office.Celestial Belonging to heaven or divine.Ch�i Cosmic energy force, which exists in the

environment, underground and within us.Clutter Things which you possess but neither use

nor love.CuttingCh�i Inauspicious energy line emanating from a

sharp, pointed object or structure (alsoknown as poison arrow).

Unity: (Middle) This is your work area. Keep it clean,tidy and free of clutter.

Helpful Friends: (Near right) Calculator, paper clips, asmall stapler, colourful pens, pencils, etc.

Creativity: (Middle right) This is your future. Your out-going mail tray.

Wisdom: (Near left) Reference material, files, books,etc.

Illumination: (Middle top) Red objects like paper-weights, a red desk clock, a small trophy.

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Relationshipcorner Far right area of your office from the front

door corresponding to your clients andcolleagues.

Wealthcorner Far left area of your office from the front

door corresponding to prosperity andwealth.

Yin andYang Two opposite and complementary types of

cosmic energy forces. Yin is dark, passiveand receptive energy. Yang is light, positiveand creative energy.

Dowsing A procedure to detect negative earthenergy and EMF with the use of instrumentslike rods or pendulums.

EMF Electromagnetic Field.Feng Shui (pronounced Fung Shway) means wind and

water. It is the art of balancing theenvironment and living in harmony.

Fiveelements Water, wood, fire, soil and metal.Geopathicstress The effect of negative earth energies,

detrimental to your well-being.Harmony Bliss.PoisonArrow See cutting Ch�i.

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Happiness is not a state to arrive at, but amanner of travelling.

Accentuate the positive, eliminate thenegative.

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Happiness does not depend upon who youare or what you have, it depends solely upon

what you think.

Life just is. You have to flow with it. Giveyourself to the moment. Let it happen.

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Thoughts are energy. And you can makeyour world or break your world by your

thinking.

Peace is the fairest form of happiness.

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The goal of life is living in agreement withnature.