Feng Shui looks at all of life’s systems, patterns, and problems from a cyclical standpoint. So, we ask, are we in a disastrous pandemic because the cyclical renewal has gotten out of hand?
With the help of feng shui we can learn and understand what is at stake for Gaia and her destiny as a living organism. Feng shui is always personal and in this case the person is Gaia, the Greek concept of Mother Earth.
We first look at the Tao and the hierarchy of basic needs. At the bottom and bottom of the pyramid is sustainability. This requires avoiding the depletion of natural resources to maintain the ecological balance. If the basic needs of all species are met, nature will live in harmony.
The best graphic description of a living system that maintains homeostasis is the symbol tai ji, the great supreme. Yin and yang in perfect balance is the magic formula for checks and balances in a self-regulating system. Gaia has hit the recess button trying to clean up the mess that Homo Sapiens has created. Our carbon footprint has gotten too big. Excess has become the norm and yang has overflowed.
For a long time, Gaia has been sending signals with changing weather patterns and weather extremes. In vain! Greed has taken over the financial systems; buildings and houses are taller and bigger than ever; ships are floating monsters that dump garbage into the oceans; cars and planes have gotten bigger and faster; IT has increased speed and capacity beyond our wildest expectations; and our environment is toxic and polluted. Our garbage and waste has grown disproportionately. Obesity is the most widespread affliction with the most dire consequences for health.
Gaia has chosen the start of a new cycle for her feng shui deep cleansing. The year of the Rat with metal as the dominant element is significant for its implications. The Rat is a scavenger and finds dirt and debris in the most remote and hidden nooks and crannies. The metal element resonates with order and property. The strict observance of the protocol is a typical characteristic of metal, and requires the discipline that we all need to follow the guidelines imposed by the health authorities.
Gaia is responding with significant evidence often associated with a complete clearing of feng shui clutter. People stuck at home started cleaning out drawers and cabinets or starting home repairs and improvements. Cleaning and disinfectants have never been more essential.
The bagua reminds us of pressing and life-affirming challenges. Compassion and Helpful People are applauded and praised. Creativity and connectivity have found new places with virtual meetings, meetups, and excursions into virtual reality. A constant stream of jokes and dark humor brings instant relief and laughter.
As we move from current problems to future mitigation, health is central to any path we take to economic recovery and prosperity. Wisdom and Knowledge are fundamental to solve diagnostic problems and medical solutions.
Nature is responding with unprecedented speed and a new awakening of life without human intervention. Clean air and clear skies on starry nights reveal views that had been obscured by smog and pollution. Wildlife is venturing into deserted human terrain and enjoying the freedom. Le Le and Ying Ying, the pandas at the Hong Kong Zoo, finally had sex after 10 years of being together. Perhaps all they needed was the privacy of not being watched. Jellyfish are returning to the crystal clear waters of the Venetian canals undisturbed by the passage of Traghetti. We quote from the NYT Critic’s Notebook:
With Humans Away Critters you can play!