Gail Solomon introduced Linda Lenore, one of three non-Asian Feng Shui masters in the U.S.
Linda has learned the Chinese system of Feng Shui that studies the relationships of things in the environment in order to achieve harmony with the spiritual forces believed to influence all places.
She has been doing it for 25 years.  She teaches the subject in adult education classes at DeAnza College and at the Park and Rec center -- classes can be 2 hours, or 5 days.  She also does private consultations in homes and gardens, and has written a book that we can buy today.
Linda has a lot to talk about, and she suggested that we take notes to supplement the pages of information she handed out. 

Linda Lenore’s background
Linda learned about drapery making and home décor growing up in her family.
Later, when she remodeled her own starter home, she liked the process, and went back to school to learn how to run a successful design business – that way she could also get wholesale prices!  One class was given by a great Chinese Feng Shui master; he talked about how a room could be bad for a child’s health, and could lead to his death. That had happened to Linda, and she became a believer in the principles of Feng Shui. She has learned over the years that Feng (which means wind) Shui (which means water) can be adapted to western homes with the use of beautiful things and functional forms put in the right places.

Tips from the First School of Feng Shui to give your home the sense of protection:
To start the process, be aware of your environment.
Put a wind chime (metal, or bamboo) outside by the front door if you have a business. It will attract attention and money to the house, and bring good energy. Other things to add: a wind sock, flag, lights.
Linda moved a chime from her back door to the front, and got 3 new clients. The chime she likes has 3 bells on it, for the 3 elements of life: heaven’s blessing, human energy and earth energy.
Crystals and bamboo flutes can give a house negative energy, and detract when you are selling it.
The best site for a home or building is with mountains behind it, and on either side, for protection. Similarly, an armchair gives support at the back, and on each side.  
The shape of a house has the same symbology as the body: The door is the mouth and nose, windows are the eyes (keep them clean to see clearly); the chimney is the breath of life; studs are the bones; water pipes and electrical wiring is the circulatory system.
Yin is on the right side of the home or room (the nurturing, quiet, tiger side) – best place for a throw, a pillow, rounded arms of a sofa. Outside, put a statue, stepping stones, a path, a meditation garden on the right.  If a family room or kitchen is on the right side, add energy with fiery colors. 
Yang is on the left side (the youthful, active, healthy, dragon side) – best place for plants that are green all year round, a play area for children, your kitchen, the outdoor barbecue. If bedrooms are on the left side, quiet them down with pastels, soft fabrics, pillows.
Water (fountain, waterfall, water feature) should run towards the house. Water attracts health and wealth.
At your front door, the color red attracts the most energy: a red phoenix, mailbox, flowers, pots, a welcome mat. Also good: fragrances, wind chimes, a “Bless this House” sign -- something unique to you.

Basic BaGua is the opposite of the First School, and gives guidelines for putting order in each space of your home. Going clockwise, as you enter, the space is an octagon, with one area at the top, one at the bottom, 3 each on the right and left sides, and a large central area.
Their significance is based on life situations, colors, elements and the physical body:

1. Career – black, water, ears. The entryway or central hall. Black and white floor, photos, a fountain.

The left side of your house (left brain activities):
2. Knowledge – blue, hands. An area for books, your library, blue accessories.
3.  Family – green, wood, feet.  Your family room, best place for photos, wood items, plants, green paint and bedding.
4. Wealth – purple, hip. The back left corner, where you spend/save your money. A good spot for your office, a piggy bank, a circular water feature.

5. Fame – red, fire, eyes.  The mid-section of the house, where you exhibit values, integrity. Put candles, the mission statement of your business, red accessories.

The right side of your house (right brain activities):
6. Partnership – pink/peach, abdomen. Bedrooms. Bring in things that symbolize partnership: A pair of cranes, a loveseat, a table for two, a spiritual or religious statue or symbol.
7. Children – white, metal, mouth. A nurturing area for children – maybe the nursery or playroom. Decorate with creativity. Metals should be soft, not sharp.
8. Helpful people – gray, head. An area of travel, stimulation. Best location for books, pictures, stereo, computers and electronic equipment.

9. The large central area of the octagonal diagram for the Basic Ba-Gua is a space signified by
yellow, earth, health. This includes spiritual, emotional and physical health.

Making things work in every space is an art, and a science. For instance, don’t put a bed under a window, or in direct alignment with a door. It pulls the energy out.

Another way to make sure your house is healthy for all its occupants is to use green design practices together with Feng Shui. 

Linda concluded her talk with a lovely Chinese proverb that essentially says that order in the home can lead to order in the nation, and peace in the world.