Wind & Water, Go n-éirí an bóthar leat

May the road rise to meet you.

May the wind be always at your back.

May the sun shine warm upon your face; the rains fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand.

Or, as My Grandfather Callaghan, a native of Ireland used to close with "And may you be a long time in heaven before the devil knows yer gone".

As second generation Irish and having spent a lot of time with my maternal Grandparents as a child I have grown to love and study my Irish roots. They run deep.

Both sides of my Family come from the Northern most tip of Ireland on the West of the Isle, County Donegal. On my Father's side, the Friel's are direct descendants of St. Columba (Comcille) a warrior, poet, statesman and scholar.

The ancient Druids of that area, not unlike the ancient practitioners of Feng Shui, relied on signs from nature within their environments in order to thrive. Many Feng Shui and Celtic practices draw similarities. As we approach Saint Paddy's day this popular Irish blessing (author unknown) has been in my thoughts.

Keep in mind Saint Patrick's Day is a much-commercialized American Holiday with little to do with its true origins. Historically, and even still today, March 17th is the Feast Day of St. Patrick. First and foremost a Religious Holiday for Catholic Irish, celebrating one of the Churches greatest evangelizing Saints.

But back to the blessing I started with. Note the reference to wind and rain; The road gently rising, the sun (not the wind) on your face and the rainfall to water your fields? For me, these references call to mind Feng Shui, which translated into English literally means "wind water".

In the Irish language Go n-éirí an bóthar leat means "May the road (journey)be successful for you".

Similarly, the goal of Feng Shui is to create balance and harmony between you and your surroundings. Through Empowered Arrangement, we work to improve our environments by creating a gently flowing, more successful path.

Ireland is known as the Emerald Isle because it is has a very lush, green landscape. In Feng Shui green inspires growth, renewal and new beginnings. Perfect for Spring!

Here are some ways you can incorporate green into your Feng Shui Practice this March;

Within the five-element theory Wood is represented by different shades of the color green when used in the Ancestors/Family, area of the Bagua. For Ancestors and Family, the ruling season is also Spring.

This section relates not only to blood relatives, but also, your chosen family. Such as, close friends and or any support system that provides you nurturing and guidance.

Health hint:

This gua is associated with your feet, ankles and knees.

The five elements operate in a constructive/destructive cycle. Wood creates fire so it will enhance or activate whatever gua you place it in. Metal is used to control wood. (saws to harvest trees) so add metal element items to create balance or tamp down too much wood. Use rectangular, column or tall straight shapes as well.

In practice:

Always keep in mind the 60/40 rule when working with the elements. You want to use this ratio to maintain balance. (60 % of the ruling element , 40 % of the others).

Wood is also the ruling element in the prosperity and abundance area (but here the color is purple not green). Use wood elements (crates, wicker, carvings, planters, art etc) in rectangular shapes in this gua. You may also use water elements which nurture wood just be sure not to drown the forest.

Remedy:

Remove metal picture frames and replace with wood to create balance.

In practice:

Use Plants in either of these positions with deep green rounded leaves to symbolize growth, and abundance. As water nurtures plants/wood you may consider using complimentary shades of greens and blues.

Remedy:

If you have a fireplace in the family area - Fire burns wood so, even if you never use the fireplace this is A LOT of fire element and you likely need to create more balance. Add a print or painting of a calm water scene to douse the fire amongst all the wood.

In practice:

Painting a wall in the related gua is also a nice way to incorporate the five element theory and enhance.

For 2022 the Sherwin Williams color of the year is Evergreen Fog, described as "a tranquil gray-green hue that takes inspiration from nature". This color is in keeping with our theme here. You can see it at https://www.sherwin-williams.com/color-of-the-year-2022.

(The above is not a sales pitch for S.W. or an affiliate link but Divine Ch'i is on the Sherwin Williams business advisory board and we use their products as well as others)

"The World is full of magic things patiently waiting for our senses to grow sharper"

William Butler Yeats