Many people have asked for more information about what we call "The Tradition of the Red Envelopes" as it relates to Feng Shui. Here's my disclaimer, right at the beginning: I can only tell you the way I personally practice the tradition, which is exactly as I was taught in 1996. I know it is done differently now but I have never changed the way I was originally taught because it is what feels RIGHT to ME.
We know that the Chinese and some other cultures consider RED an Auspicious Color. Giving money in these envelopes is considered to bring good fortune to both the giver and the receiver. They are often times give at birthdays, anniversaries, during the Chinese New Year and at weddings (when they often carry the symbol for "Double Happiness).
They are used in Feng Shui as an Energy Exchange between a Mentor and a Client. As a matter of fact, during our school whenever we were provided with a Blessing, we were required to give our Mentors Red Envelopes. Some asked for NINE (an Auspicious number in Feng Shui-although some schools use the number Eight) and they were each to contain money; the amount of money wasn't an issue.
When I am asked to do a Feng Shui Consultation for a client's home, business, or corporation I will be using the Blessings to clear their space and, if possible, the land. Our job, after receiving the Envelopes was to sleep with them under our pillow or mattress for the following nine nights to keep the connection with out clients.
We were taught in school that the money in the envelopes is not important but it will cause you misfortune if you keep it. It MUST be donated to any place that you see will benefit from the money. Years ago I used to wait until I had an amount large enough to make out a check and I sent it to St. Jude's Children's Hospital, a place that has always been close to my heart. In later years I've sent the money to The Jones Manor in Oyster Bay, Long Island, New York; an elderly residence I had written about once. They are completely non profit and any amount helps these residents to have a much better life. During the years I have donated a significant amount to both and feel wonderful about being able to do it.
It wasn't until I was named as Chapter Director for the Long Island Chapter of the International Feng Shui Guild that I was finally able to meet some other local Feng Shui Consultants. When I had graduated years ago we had a graduating class of 33 with only two others in my class being from New York. One never went on to practice Feng Shui and the other I eventually lost contact with. During our meeting the discussion of the Red Envelopes came up and I spoke of my donations. The other two consultants looked at me dumbfounded!
"That money is not DONATED, it is considered a Measure of what you are WORTH; don't you think you're worth anything"? I was advised that all these years I had been doing it WRONG. It seems both of them had been taught to advise their clients that the money in the envelopes was in addition to their fee, it was their tip and a measure of their worth as a Feng Shui Consultant. They advised me if I had been taught anything different, I was taught "wrong." One consultant did recall in the "early" days they had taught students to give the money away but realized they'd make a "mistake." I do know now that they are, in fact, taught to keep the money and it IS considered a measure of worth.
I went back to double check and review my old notes. And had to think about it for a while. I had actually added to the tradition as I had a thought one night: if we're working with Energy and staying connected with our client's during the following nights after a Feng Shui Consultation, what if they actually INFUSED the envelopes with their INTENTIONS. Would it strengthen their Intentions? I kept my old ways but for the last seven or eight years have asked my clients to write out their intentions and put them in each envelope along with the money, which is still donated.
I noticed that some times I would "see" a different change then we had discussed or something would come into my mind that didn't make sense at ALL to me and I'd share it. It DID make sense to my client's; in EVERY case they knew exactly what I was speaking of. I do not read them and I'm certainly NOT psychic in any way, but the Energy Exchange IS powerful!
I don't see my method as wrong, I see it as different; it is the way I was taught and it makes ME feel wonderful. I have all the respect for the way other's practice this ancient Energy Exchange-and yes, I DO know my worth, especially when I bring a check to The Jones Manor in person and see their eyes light up!
*Carole Provenzale has been a Certified Feng Shui Consultant since 1997 and is the Founder of Feng Shui Long Island providing on site visits for Long Island and New York City for Homes, Businesses, Corporations, Apartments, Offices, Pre-Purchase, Renovations and New Construction and distance consultations are available by personalized, one on one phone Consultations.
And differnt it is.....just keep doing what you're doing...there is no right or wrong...just what 'feels right' like you said.....will make all the difference in the world....to be passing positive energy out ...will surely bring some back...take care :)
I so enjoy your posts. Always interesting, always informative and your tradition sounds like a very good one. How can you go wrong, if the money is energy (and it all is), to share that energy. As you give...
Carole,
I think it's wonderful that through your work those less fortunate like the children in the children's hospital and the residents of Jones Manor are benefiting as well. It seems to be win-win-win in three directions and I imagine the traveling energy must be very good, INDEED!
good for you for doing it your own way....and the way your were taught.
((-:
Jo
I've encountered many ways of using the envelopes Carole - there are common traditions, Feng Shui traditions, Buddhist traditions.
It can be confusing, but need not be. (A Master told me that,
shh, some traditions are superstitions) I think that what is meaningful to the individual and done with intention is what is important - even those believing superstitions!
;)
Reading this was fascinating. One of the reasons I always read your articles :-) I love traditions, especially those from cultures that differ so vastly from my upbringing.
I do not think the exchange of positive energy can possibly be wrong. Your care and giving spirit certainly comes through.
Sally, I don't believe there is a right or wrong, either, I just believe they are different. It's what I learned and I have always loved where that money goes to those who truly need it.
Cristal, That absolutely IS a wonderful gift! And very thoughtful and kind of her. I wish the best for you in this New Year!
Eric, Thank you for your comment. I've modified it somewhat but putting the Intentions inside the Envelopes really makes them focus on what they want--and I always believe it Intensifies the Energy.
Jo, Thank you for your postive and giving spirit--and your "new" Localism Success and Accountability Group, it is going to benefit EVERYONE who joins it and I'm just hoping you can keep up :)
Lisa, I felt awful that day....and came home to dig up old notes. I like the way I'm doing it and it works for ME. So I'm sticking by it :)
Joan, You are so right, Intention in Feng Shui is the most important thing; things cannot change without it. One of the reasons the Secret resonated with so many is "The Law of Attraction" which is the same as "Intention."
Harley, Thank you for your kind comment. I feel wonderful when I donate that money and feel it is going to a place that truly needs it. One of my clients with a Corporation actually matched my fee with their donation, what a wonderful thing to do!
Deborah, I love the ideas and beliefs behind it as well! I believe anything that has been done for centuries has a power and energy all it's own behind it.
Deborah, Isn't it amazing that the true Masters even have different perspectives? Whether it's superstition, beliefs or intentions it's a wonderful tradition. One of the things that makes Feng Shui is so confusing is all the different perspectives, we all see the same thing in a different way. And makes every single consultant different. Out of the 33 graduates, none practiced exactly alike!
Kris, I love old traditions as well, from ANY faith or believe. And it's amazing how many are so similar.
Kathy, Thank you for making it to the end, it was another LONG post :) I love the traditions and it helps others. It is a winning combination I believe.
Carol, It works--for me, anyway. Although I can't sleep with them directly under me anymore, it was really interferring with MY sleep and energy. They are placed nearby on a small altar.
Cynthia, AR can be exhausting and sometimes trying to keep up is impossible :) I am watching your Localism points and enjoying them all! All the money I donate is well used and that's a wonderful feeling.
Hi Carole,
Very good post. I like your way of thinking! I think your giving the money to a charity that is close to your heart has even more positive energy flowing. You said it makes you feel wonderful, how can you beat that!!
There is a spiritual principle that what you give you get back ten fold Carole -Awesome post and example you set for others!
Sincerely,
Grace
Carole - Jeez, your nature shines through in every single post. I smiled like I haven't in the longest time in reading this post. Even if it were a tip, should YOU decided to donate it, does it make you any less worthy? And that your clients are knowingly donating to others in need, blessing others...well...that in itself is pretty special. How could that possibly be 'wrong'?
You are amazing.
Jackie
Trace, Thank you, that charity is very close to my heart as are the people that live and work there. I will be back there again in the spring to try and help them again.
Jeff & Grace, I always taught my children that good things you do come back to you in one way or another...when my son came home late yesterday I asked him why. He said he saw an elderly woman trying to shovel and stopped to do it for her! I guess some of what I taught actually got through :)
Marzena, Feng Shui is complex and there is much more to it then I ever imagined--I'm still learning every day!
Jackie, That is what they teach now so I thought some consultants would come on and critisize this post; I just do it the way I was taught and it feels right. I honestly don't see how it could be wrong either but they were adamant---I had to defend myself :(
Gayle, That's an interesting take on it. I was careful to go back and check my notes and they warned it would cause us misfortune to keep them. And if they are a sign of worth and have to be given prior to the Consultation, how could a client judge? I may have created more questions then I answered with this post but I could only tell what I learned and how I practice.
Teri, I know, I felt a little bruised that day. I'd been doing this longer but they were a bit rough on me! I like my way and it works.
Awesome Carole - Your son has learned well time, talents and treasure are given to us to share with others :)
Sincerely,
Grace