The term "Feng Shui" has quickly become one of the buzzwords of the new century, joining a list that includes "yoga" and "vegan" as words with hip connotations. Thanks to the influx of home decor television shows, such as the wildly popular "Trading Spaces", mainstream America is now familiar with the reference to the Asian art of space arrangement. However, though many use the term, few actually understand what it really means. Far more than just a new way to set up the kitchen chairs or hang pictures on the walls, feng shui actually encompasses a broad spectrum of arts and sciences and includes very specific acetic, as well as scientific, requirements.

Sharon Baldoni's love of the ancient Chinese practice predates the recent fad. For more than the past ten years Baldoni has been studying feng shui and is currently one of the Rogue Valley's only commercial practitioners of the art. The former fashion and interior designer was drawn to the practice because it brought together all that she was interested in, combining her love of design with her passion for feng shui's religious, almost mystical, aspects. "This is where it all comes together," she said. "You get interior design, Chinese philosophy, quantum physics... everything," said Baldoni.

To understand feng shui's many complexities, the best place to start is with the proper pronunciation. "I've heard everything, but the correct way to say it is 'Fung' (rhymes with tongue) 'shway'," she said. "That's the easy part. Now things get more complex."

Feng shui is based on the principle that every space is divided by a rune sided grid, known as a bagua. Each area off the grid represents one of the following categories: family, wealth, reputation, marriage, children or creativity, mentoring or travel, career, knowledge and physical and emotional health. If these sections are properly arranged according to the various color, shape and elements than one's ch'i, or life force, will be able to circulate freely. This allows the individual to maximize his or her potential in all of those categories. Also of importance are blessings and prayers. According to Baldoni, it doesn't matter which religion one uses, as long as you using the space recognize the importance and power of prayer. These principles can be applied anywhere, from a multi-acre home down to the top of one's desk. Though these constitute the basic principles of arrangement, there are exceptions and no two cases require the exact same placement.

Regardless of the individual scenarios, some of the biggest mistakes can be fixed by obeying a few simple rules. First, Baldoni stresses, never, ever, place your back to the door in any situation. Whether it is your computer desk or favorite armchair, always place them in such a way that allows for a front view of the room's entry. Secondly, but along similar lines, avoid arranging living room furniture around the television, but rather place it so it faces the home's main door. "This," said Baldoni, "is very basic. You never want to keep your back to the door since it generates considerable negative energy."

If one wishes to learn further complexities, a consultation session with Baldoni can last anywhere from two hours to several repeat sessions . "I begin by touring the property, and the space," said Baldoni "This gives me an overview of the situation and of any obvious problems. Then, I sit with those using the space for at least a thirty minute interview. This is crucial, as it helps me understand the individual problems and situations that need attention. Feng shui is not a cookie cutter, it's not one size fits all. I can only give individual advice.

This advice has proven to be life changing for many of her clients. Recently, she arranged the Grants Pass retail store Tierra Del Sol and the owners saw amazing results in the form of increased profits and productivity. Similar results were seen in everything from doctor's offices to government buildings. "Sometimes " she laughed, "I'll have people call me and say you need to un-feng shui me!'. It will work way too well and the client will be overwhelmed by the increase in business."

But Baldoni makes a great effort to stress that feng shui is not an instant cure-all. Though it can help set the stage for the possibilitv of positive change it can't make the change without the participation of those in the space. "What I do, what feng shui does, is allow the positive to happen to you," she said ' "I point out what the obstructions are, where the problems are You need to recognize that as well and help put the rest of the puzzle together. I'm like a fairy godmother that opens the door and allows the divine intervention. I don't create that intervention to enter. I uncover it and simply lead you."

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