By Stephanie Dempsey
Provided by Tarot.com
Camping season has begun, making this a wonderful opportunity to put your feng shui knowledge to good use. Practicing the art of placement in the great outdoors can make all the difference between a good camping trip and a great one. So before you pack up the car and head for your favorite scenic spot, consider these tips on creating the ideal campsite.
Place Your Tent -- Good tent placement is fundamental to having an enjoyable camping trip. Choose a level area so that you won't find yourself sliding downhill in the middle of the night. The tent should be placed on a spot that is slightly raised so that if it rains, water won't be flowing into your tent. As far as your overall campsite is concerned, your tent should be placed in the far left, so that you have a commanding view of the entrance.
Buffer Your Tent -- According to feng shui practitioners, the area behind a home, building or tent should have a protective structure like a tree, mountain or wall. The energy that this structure creates is called "tortoise chi." Creating tortoise chi behind your tent will protect you from strong wind. Try to make sure that a large outcropping of rocks or trees is behind the tent, and point the low end of your tent into the wind to prevent it from blowing down.
Cut Yourself Some Shade -- Although you don't want to position your tent directly beneath a tree, you should find a campsite that affords plenty of shade during the day. Ideally, this shady spot should be located at the far right of your campsite, where you will have a commanding view of the entrance. It will be much easier to relax in this spot if you can easily see what is coming and going.
Center Your Campfire -- Keeping your campfire in the center is only common sense, as it will radiate warmth to every corner of the site. Having a fire in the center will also promote good health and strong stamina, both of which are essential when camping. If it's windy, don't build a fire -- use a lantern for light and a stove for cooking. Be sure to keep both heat sources in the center of your campsite.
Store Firewood Reserves -- Keep your firewood to the left of the fire, so you won't have to tote it far. As an added bonus, the center portion of the left side of your campsite is ruled by the wood element. Placing wood here will keep your energy and enthusiasm high for the duration of your trip.
Early to Bed, Early to Rise -- If it's possible, position the opening of your tent so it faces east. That way, you can get an early start each morning.
Pick Your Privy -- Ideally, your privy area should be downwind from your campsite. The best spot for a privy is the near left corner, six or eight inches deep from the ground. Use the same spot every time so that your food and living areas won't be cluttered or contaminated with negative energy -- or unpleasant odors.
Keep Your Flashlight in a Safe Place -- Ideally, you should keep your flashlight or headlamp near the center back wall of your tent. It's probably a good idea to keep a flashlight in the center back portion of your campsite as well. Keeping a light source in the far center portion of a space will increase your chances for having fun on your camping trip. Always return your light source to the same spot, so you will know where to find it in an emergency.
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.
