Holistic Spaces | the feng shui podcast by Mindful Design

Can space reading be learned, or is it an innate gift?This week on the Holistic Spaces podcast, we explore a core feng shui question—and the answer is both practical and empowering: space reading is absolutely learnable.But it isn’t just about memorizing feng shui tools or following a set of rules. It’s about developing observation, intuition, discernment, and practice together.In this episode, we explore the balance between structure and sensitivity, and how feng shui can be both a system and a living, embodied practice.We also reframe intuition: not as something you’re simply born with, but as something that can deepen through study, repeated observation, and experience.We cover: -The difference between learning feng shui tools and how to actually read a space-Feng shui as a balance of yin and yang-The practical building blocks of reading a space, including the five elements, bagua, forms, shapes, colors, materials, arrangements, and rituals-Feng shui guidelines work best as perspectives and tools, not rigid prescriptions-The value of lineage, community, and learning from teacher to student as part of developing feng shui fluency…and much more!Mentioned in this episode:Our Feng Shui Energy Map EkitRegister for our free & on-demand Feng Shui plant workshop, available for a limited timeHarmonize your Home with Feng Shui PlantsEnhance your qi, prosperity and wellnessThanks so much for listening to the Holistic Spaces Podcast brought to you by Mindful Design Feng Shui School!-Sign up for our newsletter for exclusive complimentary special workshops and offers for our newsletter subscribers ONLY! -Make sure you’re following us on Instagram for feng shui tips and live Q&A’s.-Learn about our courses and certification on our website at: Mindful Design School.-Check out our older episodes on our Holistic Spaces Podcast archive.MORE QUESTIONSHire one of our Mindful design school Grads for a 1-1 consultation. We know so many personal questions come up. That's why you need a 1-1! Laura and Anjie offer all these freebies, but if you want to learn more it's time to ask a professional. learn more HEREORDER OUR NEW BOOK HERETime Stamps For This Episode:[1:02] Reading a space: tools and observation[2:11] Yin and yang in feng shui practice[4:44] Learning the foundational feng shui tools[6:18] Developing “yin yang eyes” through practice and community[7:26] Guidelines, frameworks, and learning to listen[9:45] The observation skills behind reading a space[10:52] Skill versus intuition[12:34] The answer: yes, reading a space can be learned[14:45] Closing thoughts and upcoming offerings

🍁Happy (to those in the Northern hemisphere) Autumn!!!🍂 A new month means a new qi forecast, and this episode covers the shift into October through the lens of feng shui. October marks a continued transition into the darker, quieter part of the year. The energy of autumn is contracting as qi returns to the earth. Trees shed their leaves, plants die back, and the cycle of growth comes toward completion. We explain autumn’s energy, what the solar terms and moon phases mean for the month, and how to work with the autumnal energy. Plus, Anjie offers an I ching reading for the Holistic Spaces listener community and we share a list of auspicious days for each of the Chinese zodiac animal.We cover: -October marking the shift from autumn into darker, quieter yin energy-The month’s solar terms-The season’s invitation for completion, release, and ancestor remembrance-October as the Month of the Dog, with supportive and challenging zodiac pairings-Ways to align with October’s energy-An I Ching reading for the Holistic Spaces listener community…and much more!Mentioned in this episode:Our Feng Shui Energy Map EkitRegister for our free & on-demand Feng Shui plant workshop, available for a limited timeHarmonize your Home with Feng Shui PlantsEnhance your qi, prosperity and wellnessThanks so much for listening to the Holistic Spaces Podcast brought to you by Mindful Design Feng Shui School!-Sign up for our newsletter for exclusive complimentary special workshops and offers for our newsletter subscribers ONLY! -Make sure you’re following us on Instagram for feng shui tips and live Q&A’s.-Learn about our courses and certification on our website at: Mindful Design School.-Check out our older episodes on our Holistic Spaces Podcast archive.MORE QUESTIONSHire one of our Mindful design school Grads for a 1-1 consultation. We know so many personal questions come up. That's why you need a 1-1! Laura and Anjie offer all these freebies, but if you want to learn more it's time to ask a professional. learn more HEREORDER OUR NEW BOOK HERETime Stamps For This Episode:[1:41] October’s seasonal energy[3:23] Solar terms: Cold Dew and Frost Descent[7:16] New moon and full moon reflections[9:25] Chinese zodiac forecast for October[11:47] Auspicious dates for each zodiac animal[12:18] Simple ways to align with October’s qi[15:06] I Ching reading: Fire over Lake[19:13] Embracing opposition and yin–yang balance[23:24] Practical feng shui applications for the month[26:17] Honoring ancestors and trying something new[27:30] Closing and upcoming offerings

This week we celebrate episode 400 (!!!) with a seasonal conversation about the autumn equinox and its meaning in feng shui practice. We explore the shift from expansive yang energy toward quieter yin energy and share three practical rituals to help align your home and habits with the season. We discuss why this turning point matters in both nature and home practice, then offer three simple rituals to help you gather, simplify, and reset for the months ahead. Tune in for practical, seasonal ways to align your spaces and energy with the rhythm of the year.We cover: -The equinox signaling the transition into autumn in the Northern Hemisphere-The seasonal change and its connection to feng shui fundamentals, including the five elements, the bagua, and the movement between yin and yang-Autumn as a season of harvest, gathering, preserving, and preparing for winter-The metal element energy as a symbol of contracting, refining, clarifying, completing, and letting go-Three simple feng shui rituals to welcome the autumn…and much more!Mentioned in this episode:Our Feng Shui Energy Map EkitRegister for our free & on-demand Feng Shui plant workshop, available for a limited timeHarmonize your Home with Feng Shui PlantsEnhance your qi, prosperity and wellnessThanks so much for listening to the Holistic Spaces Podcast brought to you by Mindful Design Feng Shui School!-Sign up for our newsletter for exclusive complimentary special workshops and offers for our newsletter subscribers ONLY! -Make sure you’re following us on Instagram for feng shui tips and live Q&A’s.-Learn about our courses and certification on our website at: Mindful Design School.-Check out our older episodes on our Holistic Spaces Podcast archive.MORE QUESTIONSHire one of our Mindful design school Grads for a 1-1 consultation. We know so many personal questions come up. That's why you need a 1-1! Laura and Anjie offer all these freebies, but if you want to learn more it's time to ask a professional. learn more HEREORDER OUR NEW BOOK HERETime Stamps For This Episode:[01:40] Welcoming the autumn equinox[04:02] Harvest, gratitude, and seasonal reflection[05:43] Feng Shui, yin-yang, and the Metal element[10:19] Ritual 1: Harvest and winter preparation[13:31] Ritual 2: Let go and simplify your home[16:14] Ritual 3: A Metal element sound ritual[18:33] Autumn’s invitation: reflect, release, and carry forward[19:39] Closing and ways to stay connected

What does it really mean to become a feng shui teacher? In this episode, we’re joined once again by our dear friend Katherine Metz for a wide-ranging and heartfelt conversation about our experiences as feng shui teachers—and what it takes to move from learning the foundations to truly embodying the practice.We also discuss the Pure Professor program, our offering for deeper study and mentorship designed for everyone from feng shui certification graduates to experienced practitioners who are ready to take their work to the next level.We discuss the importance of long-term mentorship, meaningful teacher-student relationships, and ongoing access to senior guidance can be so transformative. Because becoming a great practitioner isn’t just about learning more—it’s about having the support, perspective, and guidance to turn knowledge into lived expertise.We cover: Katherine's role as an archivist of Professor Lin Yun’s teachingsThe crucial nature of learning within a lineageThe importance of cultivated wisdom The everlasting value of a mentor relationshipThe joys of teaching feng shuiHow experienced feng shui practitioners can continue to learn and grow...and much more!Mentioned in this episode:Pure Professor - Enroll now!Katherine MetzOur Feng Shui Energy Map EkitRegister for our free & on-demand Feng Shui plant workshop, available for a limited timeHarmonize your Home with Feng Shui PlantsEnhance your qi, prosperity and wellnessThanks so much for listening to the Holistic Spaces Podcast brought to you by Mindful Design Feng Shui School!-Sign up for our newsletter for exclusive complimentary special workshops and offers for our newsletter subscribers ONLY! -Make sure you’re following us on Instagram for feng shui tips and live Q&A’s.-Learn about our courses and certification on our website at: Mindful Design School.-Check out our older episodes on our Holistic Spaces Podcast archive.MORE QUESTIONSHire one of our Mindful design school Grads for a 1-1 consultation. We know so many personal questions come up. That's why you need a 1-1! Laura and Anjie offer all these freebies, but if you want to learn more it's time to ask a professional. learn more HEREORDER OUR NEW BOOK HERETime Stamps For This Episode:[07:38] Why lineage matters[10:27] Structure, freedom, and following a path[12:58] How practice deepens over time[15:32] Growing through experience[17:53] Feng shui as a broader life practice[20:28] What newer practitioners can miss[22:38] Following qi, intuition, and the moment[25:02] Mastery as an ongoing practice[39:15] “Simply show up”[42:13] What changes with deeper study[46:04] What can’t be learned from a book[49:40] What experienced practitioners are seeking[57:05] The joy and responsibility of teaching[63:35] Moving beyond a plateau[68:20] Closing invitation and upcoming offerings

In this episode, we continue our five elements series with a conversation about metal and its connection to autumn. We are once again joined by our mentor, feng shui master teacher Katherine Metz, to explore metal as wisdom, refinement, right action, and the ability to let go with precision and grace.Together, we move beyond the idea that metal is simply rigid or controlling. We discuss its quieter, yin qualities: reflection, joy, completion, clarity, and the wisdom that develops through life experience.We cover: -Metal as the element of wisdom and how hardship can reveal valuable insight-Metal’s qualities of clarity, precision, refinement, structure, and right action-Metal’s relationship to letting go, including releasing regrets, outdated habits, and things that no longer serve us-Metal’s role in communication, advocacy, and using language that is clear, precise, and considerate.…and much more!Mentioned in this episode:Pure Professor with Katherine & AnjieOur Feng Shui Energy Map EkitRegister for our free & on-demand Feng Shui plant workshop, available for a limited timeThanks so much for listening to the Holistic Spaces Podcast brought to you by Mindful Design Feng Shui School!Sign up for our newsletter for exclusive complimentary special workshops and offers for our newsletter subscribers ONLY! Make sure you’re following us on Instagram for feng shui tips and live Q&A’s.Learn about our courses and certification on our website at: Mindful Design School.Check out our older episodes on our Holistic Spaces Podcast archive.MORE QUESTIONSHire one of our Mindful design school Grads for a 1-1 consultation. We know so many personal questions come up. That's why you need a 1-1! Laura and Anjie offer all these freebies, but if you want to learn more it's time to ask a professional. learn more HERETime Stamps For This Episode:[05:39] What metal means in feng shui[06:59] Metal as color, shape, material, and quality[09:34] Metal as wisdom and clearer expression[16:15] Metal in the five-element system[21:44] Metal as alchemy and filtration[22:54] Joy, wonder, and curiosity as metal qualities[24:42] Reviewing, refining, and reconnecting in autumn[28:20] Gratitude, harvest, and releasing attachment[31:33] Grief, sadness, and the work of letting go