One of my favourite movies as a child was Disney’s Mickey’s Christmas Carol, based off of Charles Dickens’ book A Christmas Carol.
I know, I know – must we really talk about Christmas already!? But, hear me out –
In the beginning of the movie, Scrooge (the mean miser) is visited during the night on Christmas Eve by the ghosts of Christmas past, present and future. The ghosts (of Christmas past, present and future) take Scrooge to a window (literally and figuratively) that give him insight into a time in his life.
Each ‘window’ shows Scrooge that if he continues down the same path in life, he’ll end up a miserable old man, who is completely alone (which he is on the path to already).
Scrooge is able to see the errors of his ways and wakes up a new person, er duck, giving generously to others on Christmas morning.
While this cautionary tale might not directly relate to most of us (being a miserable miser), it is a great example of how our environment (the windows) reflect back to us and give us glimpses into how our lives are playing out.
Whenever I think of the Bagua map in Feng Shui, I think of this movie and how each area or gua of the Bagua is like a window into a different area of our life.
So, what is the Bagua map, you ask?
The Bagua map is essentially a square map with 8 areas (guas) that relate to 8 areas of your life. There is also a centre section which has its own meaning. The Bagua map is placed on the floor plan of your home according to your architectural front door.
Each gua is associated with qualities from nature and the 5 elements (earth, fire, water, wood and metal), and when balanced, create harmony and balance in your life. Each gua balanced, supports the life you are meant to live.
The Bagua is based on the I Ching (Book of Transformations), an ancient Chinese text that observes that cosmic force of attraction between compliments creates a harmonious or unharmonious life.
Here is a short description of each area (gua):
Career
Your life often unfolds through your vocation. Do you feel like your career is on the right track? If not, are you willing to dive into the deep waters and mystery of what is inside of you to know your next best move?
Knowledge + Self-Cultivation
Do you spend time with yourself daily in solitude? How can you cultivate this practice and spend time connecting with yourself and to process the day?
Health + Family
This gua is about the health and nurturance of your body and your close relationships. What do you do to nurture both of these?
Wealth + Prosperity
What abundance and prosperity is already in your life? Gratitude always creates more abundance.
Fame + Reputation
Integrity. Are you in alignment with your own integrity in yourself as much as you are with others? This gua is about how others see you, but most importantly, how you see yourself.
Love + Relationships
How is your relationship with yourself? Do you want to attract a love partner into your life or improve one that you already have? Start with yourself and you will attract others that love you.
Children + Creativity
The joy of creation connects us to Creation itself. Think about when you were a child and how you created just for the pleasure of it. How do you express yourself creatively on a daily basis?
Helpful People + Travel
What is above, so is below. When you are in harmonious partnership with the seen and unseen parts of life, you will be in alignment with the cosmos. Your “helpers” (God, the Universe, Angels, Source, or whatever word you use) is here to help you.
Being in the right place at the right time with the right people comes from being in alignment with your Source or Helpers. How can you cultivate a relationship with your Helpers on a daily basis?
Centre
When you are grounded and centered in yourself and your life, your life flows. What practices keep your grounded and centred within yourself?
Your home as windows into your life.
Do you have an idea on what areas of your life need cultivating? Let me know in the comments below.