Placement of a fire feature, like this Moraga resident's fire pit, can help activate the Feng Shui fire element. Photo Cathy Tyson
Many of us associate summer with adventures near and far, joyful family time and lots of outdoorsy activity. So what is good Feng Shui for maintaining our own personal Qi (energy) when it's really hot outside and potentially draining?
According to the Feng Shui Five Element theory, summer is governed by the Fire Element. Fire allows us to be self-confident, compassionate and to easily communicate with one another, openly and warmly and represents vitality, energy, enthusiasm, creativity, mental activity, intuition, memory agility, and sparkling movement. "Activating" the fire element in our homes includes activating these abilities and qualities in our lives; not having Fire activated can mean we lack passion, spontaneity and flair.
Feng Shui philosophy states that energetically our spaces or dwellings influence us a great deal of the time. The fire element rules the fame and reputation area of the Feng Shui Bagua map, so placement is important. For example, make sure you place your barbecue grill or fire pit in the back middle area of your yard. Placing candles or spherical sculptures in the back middle area of your home will also activate the fire element, helping send your good reputation far and wide in the world as you define it. Avoid placing a predominance of the fire element in the near right area of the home - the Helpful People area - since that area is ruled by the metal element and fire melts metal (and your helpful people will cease to exist).
A Feng Shui water feature added to the back left area of your yard will soothe the self. It is essential to balance the dominant seasonal element of fire with the water element, as water overcomes fire. Use water fountains, koi ponds, pools and tubs to incorporate the water element into your homes and gardens. Water elements are especially well placed in the back left area of the yard or patio which is ruled by the wood element, because water creates wood. Water fountains or ponds with koi are not recommended for the Fame and Reputation area (back middle) which again is ruled by fire, because water overcomes fire. Avoid water in the far right area as well, because the earth element is dominant and water also overcomes earth.
Understanding the Fire Element at the level of personal spirit can help us connect to love, laughter and enthusiasm more readily this summer. Enjoy the season!
Balance out the fire element by incorporating water features into the back yard, like this waterfall at a Moraga home.
Michele Duffy, BTB M.F.S. is an Orinda resident who, since 1999, enjoys creating "Space as Medicine" Feng Shui one space at a time, as well as hiking in nature, cooking, spending time with her family; Canyon Ranch Feng Shui Master, International Feng Shui Guild (IFSG) Red Ribbon Professional. For more info, visit www.mandalafengshui.com, email spaceharmony@gmail.com, or call 520-647-4887.-
According to the Feng Shui Five Element theory, summer is governed by the Fire Element. Fire allows us to be self-confident, compassionate and to easily communicate with one another, openly and warmly and represents vitality, energy, enthusiasm, creativity, mental activity, intuition, memory agility, and sparkling movement. "Activating" the fire element in our homes includes activating these abilities and qualities in our lives; not having Fire activated can mean we lack passion, spontaneity and flair. 
Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA