Knotty Tales!

The Chinese Knot has a symbolic meaning that not many of us would have known. There is a long history of using knots in decorating clothes or hanging them from the ceiling or on the wall. Skilled knot artists weave complex knots and sell them as souvenirs.

They are called panchangjie (winding long knot) and it is tied and woven from a single length of cord. Interestingly, each shape has its own symbolic meaning. Most knots are symmetrical and double layered with two cords entering the knot from its top and two leaving from its bottom. Each type of knot has been named after its shape and its symbolic meaning. Knot weavers use a variety of colours, but they usually prefer weaving deep red ones as it signifies good luck.

Origin
The Chinese Knot started as an ornamental art in the Tang and Song dynasties. In the Tang Dynasty era (618-907), it was used for artistic decoration and to express thoughts and feelings. The traditional art form was carried on by succeeding generations. During the Ming and Qing dynasties, people started to name the various knots with the square knot expressing peacefulness and the ruyi (good-fortune) knot expressing auspiciousness. The word for 'knot' itself is 'jié' and is related to several other terms that reinforce the symbolic meaning of the knots. For example, 'tuán jié' means 'to unite,' 'jié hūn' means 'to marry,' and 'jié guŏ' means 'result,' bear fruit,' or 'outcome.' In ancient times and even at present, lovers give a knot as a token of their love. The 'true love knot' and the 'double happiness knot' are given or used at weddings to express mutual love and growing old together with devotion. Even today, Chinese knots are rich in symbolic meaning, and they therefore hold sentimental value when given as gifts or passed down through families.

Modern Usage of Artistic Knots
Along with being messages and symbolic gifts, the Chinese knots are still used on traditional Chinese clothing and as good luck charms. They are a means of fastening traditional garments instead of buttons. These days, even silk is used to make these clothing knots. They are used as jewellery like earrings, rings, bracelets and necklaces too.

Auras for Healing

Spiritually, aura colours can impart energy for healing. Take a look at some of the aura colours and the meanings associated with them.

Yellow is optimistic, easy-going, creative and playful. It symbolizes intellect, creativity, happiness, the power of persuasion and also cowardice. On a physical level, it associates with the spleen and to the person's energy source known as the "chi". In healing, using yellow promotes clarity of thought.

Blue symbolizes spirituality, intuition, inspiration, calm and inner peace. It is also associated with sadness and depression ('the blues'). In healing, blue is used for cooling and calming, both mentally as well as physically. People with a great deal of blue are often very sensitive and supportive of others. They are the ones people lean on for moral and emotional support during a crisis.

Purple is linked with power, both earthly as well as spiritual. In healing, purple is used for mental disorders. In the aura, purple signifies higher spiritual development.

Indigo relates to the third eye and shows an intuitive and sensitive person. It indicates an individual who takes an interest in the extra sensory perception or paranormal activity. Their attention wishes to turn inwards.

Orange symbolizes the individual's relationship to the external world. It focuses on the needs and wants of the physical body and the ways in which these are satisfied. In healing, orange may increase immunity and sexual energy. In the aura, it signifies thoughtfulness and creativity.

Pink represents unconditional love, which means a love that seeks nothing in return. It is also the colour of friendship and sociability. In the aura, it signifies balance between the spiritual and the material.

Brown is the colour of the earth and represents material success, practicality, concentration and study. In the aura, it indicates "down to earth-ness" and common sense.

Red symbolizes passion, strength, energy, courage, physical activity, creativity, warmth and security. It is also linked with aggression. In healing, using red brings warmth. However, it is a powerful colour and should be used in moderation. In the aura, it signifies materialism, materialistic ambition, a focus on sensual pleasures and a quick temper.

New Beginnings for 2017!

New Year means new beginnings, an opportunity to start afresh. And what better way to do that than getting your home/office Vaastu right? Here are some décor tips to start off 2017 with:

1) New Year New Calendar
You may love the graphics on your old calendar, or are just too lazy to change it or get a new one. But according to Vaastu, one must get rid of the old calendar as it reduces chances of progress and you are stuck with old stories instead of thinking of creating new ones. Do not hang the calendar in the south direction; you can hang it in west, east or north. Also choose calendars that have happy vibrant pictures instead of dull or sad ones which are believed to release negative energy. You can even get a personalized calendar made with your favourite family photos!

2) Detoxify your Home
Now is a great time to get rid of things you don't require anymore. Find all the things you haven't used in the last year or so and give it away to someone who will actually use it. Neat, tidy and organized places attract positive energy and good vibes. You could also donate old outfits, utensils or furniture to the needy, and kick off the New Year with a good deed done. De-cluttering always feels good!

3) Resolutions Poster
Do you make new resolutions every year but find it difficult to keep them after a month or so? Buy inspirational posters or make your own so that your resolution is always visible to your eyes and it will encourage you to keep them all through the year. A framed poster also makes a nice piece of décor for your empty walls, make sure it is colourful and in contrast to your wall paint!

4) Get Rid of Negative Energy
If 2016 was not too good for you, and you're looking forward to a better year, add some items to your home that attract positive energy. A Buddha statue, vase of fresh flowers, bowl of sea-salts or a sea-salt statue or running water fountain statues are some great options to add to your living room as they all invite positivity.

5) Home Makeover
Just like a lot of us go a for a new look for the New Year with a new haircut or hair colour, it's a great idea to give your room or home a makeover with a fresh new paint job. So, if you have been procrastinating, now is a good time! Pantone recently announced Greenery to be the colour for 2017, you could add that to one of your rooms too.

Let's hope you have fun setting up your home's Vaastu décor. Have a great New Year!