Dear Trisha:
 
I have searched high and low for advice on where to place a "compost" pile in the back yard and cannot find any advice.  It consists of tree limbs, yard clippings, and the like.  {Is this wood to earth?}  I understand allowing things to rot in one's presence is not always agreeable, but I also do not want to contribute to the landfill if possible. . . .any suggestions?
 
April
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Hello April,

There are many people who have asked this same question. In my opinion, a compost pile is a good thing. It's not a matter of "rot" - it's more of metamorphosis. Just exactly as you mentioned, the chemistry of a compost converts organic materials into rich earth. This decomposition is part of the natural cycle of life - the final cycle before rebirth. Without this part of the cycle of life we'd be drowning in death. Yuk!! With this part of the cycle, all that has gone before is regenerated into new life.

The Marriage & Romance gua is an area of earth energy. It holds the energies of mother earth, the female head of household, and the internal organs. The yin/female energy is as necessary for procreation as is the yang/male energy. Your compost pile will constantly increase the amount of earth energy in environment, directly feeding and strengthening your energies.

The Wealth & Abundance qua is an area of wood energy. It holds the energies of the wind - invisible yet without which there would be no life. The energies here are like a bountiful apple tree full of fruit, providing shade, nutrition, building material, and even firewood. The compost pile here would constantly feed the wood energy in the environment, feeding and strengthening your Wealth & Abundance. 

I'm not recommending two compost piles, just pointing out that they can be good in both places. The choice is yours. You can always create a garden in the opposite gua and enrich it with your rich compost. 

Thanks for your question. 

Trisha

Hello Everyone,

I have avoided getting into this discussion as I did not want to present you with anything that could be perceived as negative. However, as I always prefer to address questions or concerns rather than avoid them, I figure we might as well jump right in. So let's sit back and consider the concerns I received in this e-mail last weekend:
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Trisha--Feng Shui ? This is unscientific HOKUM! I'm amazed (and disturbed) that AIA would touch it just because one or two percent of the population might believe it. Next they'll offer a course in "Creation Science" (sic). Scary!

John Architect
Houston
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I know that there are con artists and predators who prey on the weak, ignorant and superstitious. I mean no disrespect to any of my colleagues or to any of you architects, designers and builders. But what I'm teaching has nothing to do with superstition or religion. In fact, the study of how all matter is made of energy is all about quantum physics and theory of relativity.

Here is my reply to the unnamed architect above:

Hello John,

Thank you so much for your reply. I completely understand your point about unscientific hokum. The entire superstitious craze about bamboo, buddhas and three-legged frogs with coins in their mouths makes me absolutely want to throw things.

This is NOT what my course is about. There is nothing on my website or in my teaching ANYWHERE trying to sell you superstitious trinkets. The course has nothing to do with superstition or religion. In fact, it's much more about quantum physics. The Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle is taught in every course and seminar that I give.

The study of feng shui that I am teaching is all about understanding what makes humans comfortable. You probably never considered what it is about your favorite chair that makes it so nice for you. However, if you thought about it a little you might be able to reproduce that good feeling in another location. The elements of safety and comfort that support lives are simple to implement once the logic behind the principles are understood.

Energy makes up everything in the universe. Humans not only feel it, they can harness it. Even if they can't see it. Just because you can't see electricity or radio waves doesn't mean they aren't there. Nor does it mean you're subscribing to superstitious nonsense if you have GPS or satellite radio in your car.

I encourage you to keep questioning those in feng shui who are all about selling trinkets and good luck charms. I thank you for making the point for me. I invite you to simply consider that there might be something of value to learn in a five thousand year old study of what makes humans comfortable. That knowledge might make a difference in your next home design.

Sincerely,
Trisha
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Of course it turns out John had an excellent reason for his skepticism:

Trisha--thanks for your thoughtful clarification. My own experience has been with the Feng-charlatans--one of whom recently killed the sale of a $525,000 architectural quality loft condo in an early modern restoration Good Brick Award building downtown because of "bad Chi" or some such nonsense. I think she was trying to solicit a bribe, which if paid, no doubt would have revealed "good Chi"--whatever THAT might be!

Regards,
John
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My final reply to him:

Oh my goodness, John. That's a horrible story! If whomever this person was had been the real deal, she'd have known how to manipulate that energy to make the chi beneficial. Chi is just the Chinese word for energy. There is no such thing as good or bad energy. Energy is energy. There may be too much of it or too little, but there is always something that can be done to balance energy that's out of balance. The most simple solutions are the ones I find to be the most effective. It may take a little creativity, but there is no situation that cannot be remedied. None. True professionals know that. No wonder you feel the way you do.

Tell you what - the best way to outwit a snake is to have more knowledge than they do. If you take my course you'll know how to counter debate the next feng-charlatan that tries that trick on you. I'd venture to guess that you'd know an amazing percentage more than anyone playing this game of "I see it, but you can't understand." If you'd rather not take the course, at least call me so I can give you enough information to save your next half million dollar sale!

Best of luck. I hope I get a chance to meet you one day.

Trisha Keel

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If you would like to ask a question or express a concern, please feel free to email me or send your question through my Contact Page.