Astral Health

Is a Japanese Pond Worth the Hassle?



Before you construct a pond, you might want to take into account that they can be a lot of work. They seem romantic, but they they can be very high maintenance. They can become fetid and smelly and attract a lot of mosquitoes.  They can also attract animals such as raccoons and rats.

Your pond becomes even more high maintenance once you dump koi fish in it.The koi fish in these ponds can also be easy prey for birds and animals and larger ponds may present a safety hazard to children in the neighborhood.

If all of this seems a little much for you than you might want to consider building a dry waterfall or riverbed instead. Dry waterfalls and riverbeds simply symbolize water and look like dry creek beds.You can easily construct one out of sand and stones. Simply think of the sand as substituting for the water.

 
The easiest of tubsbe constructed out of plastic tubs. These tubs are usually molded in irregular shapes. If the pond is over eight feet in length it is recommended that it be lined with black polyethylene sheets to slow the leakage of pond water into the ground. If you want to build a pond that is over fifteen feet in place then it is recommended that a professional construct it.

Peace Be Still …Sam

The Water Element in Japanese Gardens



A Japanese garden is not a truly delightful Japanese garden unless it incorporates an element of water. At least that’s my opinion but many people prefer the Japanese Zen and stone gardens.

Fountains are generally not characteristic of Japanese gardens, as they are too artificial. Fountain elements however are common in Chinese gardens. The one exception to this rule is with Koi ponds that need to be aerated by the use of a spray fountain in the middle of the pool. However rather than resorting to this, Japanese gardening purists would create a bubbling waterfall that tinkles into the pond to accomplish the same type of aeration. There just would be no drama.

 
Waterfalls and bubbling brooks also serve the very useful function of screening out the noises coming from neighbors or a nearby street.  The sound of water, which is called “preaching” in China creates a harmonious effect as well as an atmosphere that is more conducive to such activities as contemplation and meditation.  Usually the path of water through a property follows the path of the sun, from east to west, or from northwest to southwest which is an adaptation of a Chinese Feng Shui rule regarding the flow of prosperity in one’s life.

 
Peace Be Still, SAM

PROPER FOUNTAIN PLACEMENT



One mistake that beginning practitioners of Feng Shui often make is to think that a fountain is an all-purpose cure. This is because of the flow of water’s reputation for bringing good chi for an area however this is not true of every sector in your house.    Good places to put a fountain are:    At the front door, especially if it I faces the Southeast, North or East. However if you are single don’t place the fountain to your right as you look out the front door as that placement can hamper the finding of a mate (you will be rich but lonely!) 

  In the north sector of your office or living room to draw wealth    Places to avoid putting a fountain are: 

  The bedroom …in fact it is bad chi to have your bed in a second floor spot that is directly above the first floor spot of a fountain. It inhibits prosperity and causes nightmares.    In any enclosed space such as a big closet, a nook with dropping eaves or underneath a stairway as this can cause illness and misfortune. 

  To the right of a fireplace or a stove. The water element will consume the fire element causing poverty.    Peace be still, Sam 

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