By Stephanie Dempsey
Provided by Tarot.com
Birthdays set the tone for the entire year ahead. If you want to ensure a happy, prosperous future, throw a big bash. By integrating a few principles of the ancient practice of feng shui into the proceedings, it could make all the difference between a good year and a great one. Don't be shy about pulling out the stops -- birthdays are a means to draw attention to the people we love. If that means making lots of noise and a big mess, so be it!
Roll Out the Red Carpet -- Red is the color associated with ceremony in feng shui. Make this the dominant color in your decorating scheme. The brighter the shade, the more fame and acclaim the guest of honor will receive in the coming year.
Take a Picture, It Lasts Longer -- Display a large, attractive photograph of the birthday boy or girl in a prominent place -- like the center portion of the far wall where the party is being held. This picture should have been taken within the last year; old pictures keep people mired in the past, and aren't appropriate for birthdays. Hang the picture slightly above eye level, where it will prompt everyone to put the guest of honor's needs first.
Let There Be Light -- Birthdays are a time to single out the people we love. In feng shui, light is a used to draw attention to worthy people. Training a light on the guest of honor's photograph will boost their reputation in the coming year. Alternately, you can position a candelabrum beneath the photo. Be sure to use red candles to further enhance the birthday person's fame.
Nine Is Fine -- The number nine is considered the most auspicious single numeral in feng shui, as it symbolizes fulfillment. Hand out squares of red paper and ask all the party guests to write down nine things they appreciate about the guest of honor. Put the lists in a big red envelope and hand them to the birthday person at the end of the party.
Sweet Smell of Success -- According to feng shui practitioners, spicy scents are linked to festivities. Warming a pan filled with water, cloves and cinnamon on the stove is a good way to infuse your home with a warm, invigorating scent that will keep the party lively and fun.
The Winner's Table -- The far left corner of any room governs prosperity. Position a table on a diagonal slant in this corner. Cover the table with a green cloth and place the birthday gifts here. Green symbolizes growth and will ensure that the guest of honor will enjoy an abundant year ahead.
Burst Onto the Scene -- Sunbursts contain ceremonial energy that are highly appropriate for birthdays. Arranging a centerpiece of red flowers in a sunburst formation will add dynamic energy to the festivities.
Shape Up -- Triangular shapes contain bold, exciting energy that is ideal for parties. Incorporate as many of these shapes as you can into the birthday party's décor. Fold napkins into triangles on everyone's dinner plates, have everyone wear pointed birthday hats and hand out conical horns to herald the guest of honor.
Star Power -- Celestial bodies contain the fire energy associated with special occasions. Decorate the birthday cake with suns, moons and stars. If it doesn't turn out right, you can always serve everyone Lucky Charms!
Fire Up the Music -- Upbeat, fiery music is most appropriate for birthday parties. Choose samba, salsa or big band songs to liven up the room. The volume should be loud, but not deafening. Compile a few CDs beforehand, so you can keep the music pumping all night long.
About the Author
Stephanie Dempsey is an accomplished author, feng shui practitioner and astrologer. She has contributed to several New Age titles, including 'Your Birthday Sign Through Time: A Chronicle of the Forces That Shape Your Destiny' and the upcoming 'Love Signs and You: The Ultimate Astrological Guide to Love, Sex, and Relationships.' She holds a degree in feng shui from the Mountain Institute of Tribeca in New York City.
