Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs!  (CFLs) 

Imagine that we are at Home Depot shopping for light bulbs!  The aisle stretches the full width of the store with a dizzying array of incandescents, halogens, CFLs and LEDs.  Once again we have to expand our vocabulary in the new jargon on light bulbs.  Today we will simply focus on CFLs and try to unravel the mystery of lumens, kelvins, CRIs, foot candles and color temperatures.  

Fully armed with our keyword, lumens, we have already stepped out of our comfort zone and are now looking for:  800 (75W) 1000 (100W) 400 (60W) 200 (40W) 100 (25W) lumens.  These are approximations since the manufacturers have been introducing energy efficient incandescents with higher light output for similar usage of electricity.  Thus if you start looking at GE’s Reveal and Philips Eco Advantage, you will simply be adding to the confusion.  Best therefore, once again, adjust your needs to lumens, and you can’t go wrong. By the way, did you know that there are also standard sizes for light bulbs with designations A19 (for the most common) A15 (somewhat smaller) and A21 (bigger), which will begin to matter for fitting a bulb into specific types of lamps.   

So far many consumers are not happy with CFLs for a number of good reasons: the light is too harsh, not bright enough, slow to light up, incompatible with dimmer switches and dangerous because of the mercury they contain. Manufacturers have started to address these issues resulting in a large selection of CFLs.  To make the proper choice, we need to learn a few more keywords.  

Our next keyword is color temperature which is expressed in degrees Kelvin (K) on light bulb labels.  Color temperature is a description of the warmth or coolness of a light source, but it is not an indicator of lamp heat. 

2700K CFLs produce a warm yellowish light, similar to that of incandescent bulbs.  They are good for rooms featuring amber or mahogany colors.  Warm light is preferred for living spaces because it is more flattering to skin tones and clothing.
3500K CFLs make rooms with bright reds or greens look their best. 
4100K CFLs make rooms with lots of birch or bleached wood look great.  Cool light is preferred for visual tasks because it produces higher contrast than warm light.
5000K CFLs (and 6500K) produce a bright light similar to daylight – particularly appropriate for rooms full of grays or slate.  There is some concern that they could interfere with sleep cycles more than bulbs lower on the color temperature scale.  Therefore, consider not using these bulbs near bedtime or in bedrooms if you have trouble falling asleep.   

In addition to color temperature we must consider the color rendering index (CRI) describing a light sources ability to accurately render the colors of people and things.  CRI is measured on a scale from 0 to 100.  The higher the CRI, the better the lamp will make things appear with a better visual perception of colors.

90 CRI 5000 K for an artist’s studio would render colors most accurately.
70 CRI 3000K, a light which is visually warmer would soften contours and surfaces and is appropriate for a kitchen and bath.  The lower CRI would shield people and food from too harsh an appearance.   

Bulb shape.  Most consumers don’t like the look of spiral-shaped CFLs, and they don’t work with clip-on lamp shades.  Therefore, bulb makers now offer a variety of cone-shaped bulbs that are also available for recessed fixtures and flood lights.    

Dimming ability is crucial if we want to adjust our ambient lighting.  CFLs are not dimmable unless the packaging tells you so.  To be compliant with the new regulations (once they are in effect), we need to replace our dimmer switches with new ones that are designed to be compatible with CFLs and LEDs. 

To complete our survey of light sources and measurement, we would like to mention footcandles (fc), which measure the light level of surfaces and reflections.  With a light meter as we used before automatic cameras and which is still the tool of professional photographers, we can take readings that will give us the following guidelines:

Outdoor light at noon                         summer 10,000 fc                winter 1,000 fc
Gathering rooms & hallsways                            25 fc
Bedrooms                                                                  12 fc
Kitchen and bathroom                                         50 fc
Task lighting                                                            50-100 fc  

Sort Through the Light Bulb Array
With Help from Pyramid Feng Shui!

Incandescent Light Bulbs!

In 2012, our vision for a lighter and brighter future is enhanced with feng shui adjustments that add the right kind of light to our environment.  Since 1879 we have lived in the comfort zone of incandescent lighting.  We have taken light for granted and are seriously shaken up when the power goes out.  We search for matches, candles, flashlights and batteries.  When a bulb burns out, shopping for a new one was always easy.  75 W, the most common strength, is highly visible in big lettering on the corrugated or cardboard box.  We know how much light we get when we see the Watt and we choose accordingly. 

In Pyramid Feng Shui we distinguish between general lighting, task lighting and indirect (ambient) lighting.  For task lighting, we consider additional factors:

• The level of general lighting
• The type of task
• The age of the person
• The season
• The contrast between task lighting and general surroundings (ratio should be 3:1)

Even with these considerations, we were able to pick the proper light bulb for our purpose.  Things became slightly more complicated when halogen bulbs, with a longer lifespan, were added, as well as full spectrum lights, flood lights and spot lights, which are usually higher in watt.  These were used to highlight art, architectural and landscape details, and special effects.   

All of the above will change as we stand at a crossroads, and from our vantage point we have to choose the direction of future lighting.  Government guidelines tell us that incandescent lighting will be obsolete, and that we must choose between wide arrays of futuristic looking light bulbs.  The highly visible lettering of 75 W or the equivalent has shrunk and is now part of a litany of incomprehensible tech terms for light bulbs that are imbedded in inaccessible plastic casings. 

With Pyramid Feng Shui, we want to help you cut a clear path through the jungle of light bulbs by stepping back and learning more about our familiar incandescent light bulb.  After that we will move into the complexity of futuristic lighting.  In addition to the large 75 W lettering, the old cardboard box gave you information about light output and life span, both of which you could readily ignore.  Let’s just review the simple facts:

• Watt                     is the measurement of the amount of electricity used by the light bulb e.g. 75 W
• Life                       indicates the number of hours the light bulb is expected to last e.g. 1000 hrs
• Lumens                is the measurement of the light output of the bulb e.g. 800 lumens for 75 W

On futuristic light bulb packaging, watt has shrunk to smaller lettering equal to life and lumens.  We know already that energy efficient light bulbs have a longer life than traditional light bulbs.  But did we know that this lifespan is based on usage of 3 hrs @ day, and that frequent switching on and off will shorten the life expectancy?

To understand the future of lighting, we need to be familiar with lumens and learn that with higher watt comes higher lumens.  This is very important to understand since energy efficient light bulbs use less electricity and therefore require fewer watt for the same amount of lumens.  We need to shift our concept of light and brightness from watt to lumens, and since we are creatures of habit, this is a dramatic change in pattern and thinking.  For now, lumens is the key word to remember when you go about adjusting your feng shui lighting to fit the task. In our series of newsletters, we will help you decipher additional key words that matter on your path to a lighter and brighter future.  

Start Learning the New Language of Lighting Today
With Pyramid Feng Shui!

Color of the Year!

Tangerine Tango is the color of the year for 2012.  

According to Pantone, the famous color forecaster, we have moved from the friendly Honeysuckle Pink of 2011 into the more active and futuristic shade of a vibrant orange.  They call it “a spirited orange” that continues to provide the energy boost we need to recharge and move forward. 

The Pantone Color Institute, in its effort to distill the prevailing mood into a single hue, suggests that color can answer to people’s needs and that in 2012 Tangerine Tango encourages us to face everyday troubles with vigor and action. 

 In feng shui we sense a synchronicity in trends that express the feeling of the zeitgeist, encapsulating a mood, an attitude and an increased momentum of moving into the future.  Therefore, we address all needs with reference to the elements and what they represent.  The fire element is the unifying principle for 2012 in both color and light.

Feelings, notions and abstract ideas can graphically manifest in the layout of the feng shui ba gua.  When we stand at the entry to our space, which is the point of the” self in the now” and look straight ahead, the farthest area in our visual field represents the future.  Symbols of what we strive and wish for should be placed into this sector of the ba gua.  A bouquet of flowers in our enticing Tangerine Tango will stimulate visual acuity with a positive outlook for a better future.  Since fire is the missing element in this year of the Dragon, the futuristic shade of Tangerine Tango can be used to balance the elements in your personal choices for fashion, home and business environments.  We recommend Tangerine Tango as an accent color rather than a dominant color since it can be overwhelming in its intensity. 

Another interesting and parallel trend in this year of change and positive development is the popping up of neon colors in a variety of hues and shades.  Again, as accent colors they can transform the grays and blacks of recent fashion trends into an updated version of mood enhancing coordinates.  If you really can’t stand a futuristic orange, a neon lime green will boost the missing fire element in this year of the green Dragon.  Neon colors and the mix of yellow into red to create Tangerine Tango expand our vision for the study of light as this year’s theme of adding fire for a lighter and brighter future.     

Add Color to Your Day
With Pyramid Feng Shui!

The Year of the Dragon!

Chinese New Year on January 23^rd celebrates the beginning of the year of the Dragon.  Contrary to other more dire forecasts, Chinese Astrology does not predict an end of the world scenario.  In fact, the theme for the year is one of transformation, change and new beginnings. 

The Dragon is the auspicious creature of spring and the wood element, however, in the cyclical sequence of Chinese elements, we move into the year of the Water Dragon.  With the powerful forces of water feeding wood, we will experience a year of renewal, overcoming the disasters of the past few years, with new political and economic developments on a global scale. 

 The missing element in this year’s zodiac is fire.  When we add fire, we run the risk of clashing with water, therefore, we might consider adding wood in a sequential process of feeding fire.  According to Lillian Too, the fire element in 2012 signifies intelligence and creativity, therefore, bringing well thought out ideas to any situation improves the outcome and success.  The clever and the wise will prevail. 

 Since fire adjustments will be needed, we will continue our research and series on light bulbs with an additional section on the color of the year.  Keeping your home brightly lit is an easy way to keep the fire element in your environment.  Bright lights add sparkle, brilliance and luminescence, which can be uplifting and invigorating.  We do however suggest balancing the yang of bright lights with the yin of indirect lighting for times of relaxation and winding down before bedtime.  Then, upon waking, it is best not to illuminate brightly, causing a sudden dilating of the pupil, but to gradually adjust the eye from darkness to a dimmed shine of a low wattage candelabra.  I like to use a reading light, a hurricane lamp or a candle in the early am. 

Ironically, as of January 1, 2012 100-watt incandescent bulbs have been eliminated.  We can hoard what is left in inventories, but supplies will not be replenished by manufacturers.  Exceptions to these new laws cover specialty bulbs. Therefore you can still enjoy a range of luminescence with three-way bulbs, as well as many types of halogen bulbs, which are a type of incandescents that meet the new standards.

Stay tuned in February for more enlightenment on light bulbs and new regulations.

 Brighten up your Day
With Pyramid Feng Shui!

Festival of Lights!

Light is one of our most precious commodities, and yet, we take it for granted.  We waste it, and we don’t appreciate it until suddenly a storm hits, the power goes out, and darkness prevails.

There is however a primordial memory in the ubiquitous lighting ceremonies of trees, gardens and buildings.  In ever more decorative and elaborate displays, millions of lights illuminate the night at this darkest time of the year. 

We celebrate Christmas, the festive commemoration of the birth of Christ and divide history into B.C. and A.D. according to this momentous event.  Long before this historic landmark, light was revered worldwide by the ancients with December 25^th as the birth date of Mithra, the Iranian God of Light, and The Jewish Festival of Lights during which Jesus was born.   

Periodically, mankind has lived through revolutionary experiences with light from the discovery of fire to Thomas Edison.  The quest for light goes on, and now, in our most advanced era of technology, we once again will undergo a revolutionary innovation in our relationship with light. 

In celebration of the Festival of Light, we have devoted research and a series of newsletters to the latest developments in the use of light bulbs.  As we say good-bye to old-fashioned light bulbs, we reluctantly and with trepidations look for the latest, newest, and perhaps beneficial changes in future light options. 

We aim to stay informed as traditional incandescent light bulbs are about to be switched off.  The federal Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 set light bulb efficiency standards that will soon prevent the manufacture and importation of most incandescent bulbs.  That has created an uproar among many fans of traditional bulbs who complain about the cost, harsh tones, possible dangers and other drawbacks of the new bulbs.

What do we need to know about the new rules?  Stay tuned to more of our newsletters as we will try to make sense of the upcoming light bulb revolution.  We will study CFLs, LEDs and Halogens in our efforts to illuminate future usage and help you decide whether you need to continue hoarding incandescents.  We will try to dispel fear of the unknown with educated answers and with valid recommendations based on research. 

Illuminate Night and Day
With Pyramid Feng Shui!

 Lucky Bamboo – Dracaena Sanderiana!

Of all the indoor plants, lucky bamboo is probably the easiest to maintain for those without a green thumb.  Contrary to its name, it is not a bamboo plant but belongs to the family of Dracaenas. 

Dracaenas are beneficial as poison eaters that clean the air from chemical pollution.  Superstition has designated Dracaenas as money plants, i.e. promoting abundance and prosperity.  They are versatile in terms of feng shui placement.  Since all plants are of the wood element, resonating with growth and expanding energy, lucky bamboo will best enhance the community and empowerment sectors.  It can, however, easily adapt to other sectors because of its versatile characteristics. 

Lucky bamboo is happy to grow without soil in a few inches of water, therefore self/career/now as well as compassion/support will benefit.  Relationship and creativity sectors can be engaged by using appropriate type of containers.  Last but not least, the future/fame sector is promoted by adjusting wood in empowerment and thus feeding fire.  These myriad applications of lucky bamboo make it a desirable helper for feng shui adjustments.  As for containers, consider shape, size, color and materials to serve your feng shui goals. 

Best is the ease of care since stalks of lucky bamboo, when placed in water, will grow an extensive root system and immediately sprout clusters of delicate leaves at the knotty junctures.  Smaller plants can be used in multiples of odd numbers while larger stalks can be decorative focal points in larger vases.  While young and flexible, lucky bamboo can be trained to form interesting growth patterns such as curls and braids. 

Lucky bamboo is most comfortable in a few inches of water that can easily be refreshed periodically in a ritual of rinsing and cleansing the root system.  A gentle bit of plant food will boost its tendency to grow fast. 

A most welcome characteristic of lucky bamboo is its low light tolerance which helps with easy placement in any kind of light conditions.  Beware of direct exposure to the sun as sunrays will scorch its delicate leaves.  Lucky bamboo, although originating in the dark, tropical rainforests of Southeast Asia and Africa, is not happy outdoors in our climate zones, and thus will do best as a year round indoor companion.     

Lucky Bamboo Will Be Happy To Stay
For A Cure With Pyramid Feng Shui!

House Plants! 

In our last newsletter we talked about transitioning plants from the garden to the indoor environment.  Now that they have adjusted, it’s time to think about where they might be happiest as well as fulfill their mission as feng shui helpers.

The areas where feng shui activation with plants is most beneficial are zhen gua and xun gua as they are wood associated.  We thus look for the family and prosperity areas in the overall footprint of the house but also in each individual room or space. 

Then we check for light conditions and how each plant might thrive.  Flowering plants usually require the brightest spots.  For low light, check the labels and perhaps select the philodendron family of plants.  Lucky Bamboo is the most tolerant of plants and easiest to maintain.  It lives in water and is happiest in a nice ceramic jar.  In fact, any plant that grows in water is extremely adaptable to the indoor environment.  Peace Lilies are low light plants that clean your air of airborne poisons.  In windowless spaces, i.e. no light at all, you’ll have to settle for silk or plants on pictures. 

All growing plants, irrespective of color are of the wood element.  Therefore they resonate with upward and expanding energy, a good countermeasure for the draining energy of bathrooms. 

Be aware of shapes in selecting your house plants and beware of cacti.  We prefer softly shaped leaves and dismiss prickly, spiky or thorny plants as they promote arguments and belligerent behavior.  One of my students removed the cacti from her kitchen windowsill and consequently improved her relationship with her mother-in-law. 

Placing your plants can be tricky.  You don’t want to create a “grown-in” feeling.  Check where you might need a powerful focal point to capture the gaze.  That’s where a splendid orchid or a colorful bouquet will be best.  Stagnant corners or poison arrows can easily be cured with plants.  You can add a decorative touch of silhouette lighting by placing an up-light behind a plant and thus creating interesting shadow patterns. 

Plants are living creatures, so why not engage them as part of your helpful people family.  Watch what happens, and don’t forget to say thank you. 

Let Your Plants Enliven Your Day
With Pyramid Feng Shui!

Plant Life!

Depending on your climate zone, September can bring the first frost.  That’s when your house plants want to move indoors. 

Those lush potted plants that have been enjoying outdoor air on your patio or garden, rejuvenating their photo synthesis, are now ready to move inside.  Your plants are living creatures and will thank you for providing a happy transition.  They are moving from the vast outdoors to the confined space of the indoors.  Put them near a window at first, so they can adjust gradually to the different light. 

Your plants are like children.  They will thrive with loving care in a nurturing environment.  Once they have adjusted to indoor living, you can start thinking about their feng shui positions.  We will cover that topic in our next newsletter.  So for the time being, we still voice our concerns about the transition period. 

A good hosing down, spraying or even suds can eliminate any bugs, scale or other parasites they might have picked up outside.  Maybe they have grown a bit unruly and need to be trimmed to fit into their designated space.  If your plants suffer from lack of light, they might be helped along with a plant light that will enhance growth and health. 

Only after they have gone through the transition period, they might benefit from a gentle dose of plant food.  Let them deal with one change at a time and don’t try to force them.  If your indoor climate is very dry, you plants might enjoy occasional misting.     

During a period of Indian summer with plenty of sunshine or some gentle rain, your plant children might enjoy a daytrip to the outside, just for a quick replenish of chlorophyll before winter sets in. 

We look forward to returning with feng shui recommendations for placing your plant children into positions where they might benefit your overall or specific feng shui wishes.  As you are moving them indoors, you might want to take a look and ask yourself whether you are really fond of each of your plant children to the point of caring for it all winter long.  Otherwise, perhaps now is the time to find a new home for those that do not fit your indoor scheme. 

Air is part of our invisible qi that we should consciously be aware of. Airing out at least once a day with open windows will nurture you, your plants and your pets.   

Your Plants Will Thank You Every Day
For Good Care With Pyramid Feng Shui!

Greetings to all who share the wisdom of feng shui!

August!

In many countries August is like a pause in the rhythm of life.  Here, Congress is in recess and the president goes on vacation.  All of France is asleep or away.  For some of us August is a transition month and looms like a giant question mark – is it still summer?  “Autumn is in the air” we say, as we describe subtle weather changes. 

Feng shui wisdom correlates late summer with the earth element.  So perhaps August should be a time of reflection and stabilization.  Summer activities are winding down and the fire element has exhausted itself at the zenith of summer heat and long daylight hours.

If August is getting you down, it’s a good time to add some earth, i.e. yellow to those fiery reds of summer as it will give you a subtle boost instead of wild expectations.   Yellow, the color of clarity and enlightenment will also help if you decide on an August retreat.  A brief period of contemplation and meditation is desirable in preparation for the new school year or going back to business. 

Think of earth as the refueling element where you will find your resources replenished with a steady supply of new energy.  Restraint is helpful as too many choices of what to do next will zap your energy.  Categorize your distractions and create a free window for renewal.  Some orange sticky notes are helpful reminders for the next task.

Earth energy is fertile ground for new ideas to take root and grow – therefore, listen into the silence and dwell in the space and time you have created during this open window in August. 

 To encourage personal renewal and reflection, we shorten this newsletter and give you the opportunity to create your own next paragraph:

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Create Your Open Window on this August Day
With Pyramid Feng Shui!

 Summer Slump?

Have you ever experienced midsummer slump? Mood swings and the lows of midsummer doldrums, heat fatigue, post partem blues (even after a splendid vacation), and – could it be possible – boredom will get you down and begging for a change.

With feng shui tools we can diagnose the basic syndrome and come up with a cure.  A vision board with mood-lifting images might be one.  Another could be the happy tunes of a favorite show, like Mamma Mia for example.  Icecream may not be the answer if extra pounds are part of your summer struggle.   A small piece of 70 % dark chocolate may stimulate the taste buds, as well as provide the extra phenylethylamine for a quick pick-me-up. 

Perhaps you noticed that we are talking about qi (chi) and the senses.  Another, often underestimated mood make-over is the qi of our olfactory experience.  Sniffing something pleasant is a faster way to cheer up than looking at a treasured souvenir or hearing a favorite song. 

Charles Wysocki, PhD, a behavioral neuroscientist at Monell Chemical Senses Center in Philadelphia says that “the olfactory system is like an interstate highway connection to the emotional part of the brain, while our visual and auditory systems are more like country roads.” 

Research shows that the cheeriest scents may be citrus.  One study at Ohio State University found that sniffing lemon oil can improve your mood-regulating hormone.  Citrus is also recommended to overcome those dreaded 3 pm slumps because the pick-me-up scent of citrus can increase your energy.  Stimulating the olfactory nerve inside your nose activates the limbic system of the brain which is associated with mood.

“Citrus scents boost your mood” says Alan Hirsch, MD, director of the Smell & Taste Treatment & Research Foundation in Chicago.  He suggests that “age may be in the nose” since women wearing a grapefruit fragrance were perceived by men as being an average of 6 years younger.

The struggle with those extra pounds can also be overcome with scents like green apple, banana or peppermint.  Smelling these scents several times a day may cut cravings according to Dr. Hirsch in a study on weight loss where participants lost 30 lbs. in 6 months.

Smell Those Slumps Away
With Pyramid Feng Shui!