May's Color of the Month

It’s May, and Spring is in full swing...hopefully!
This month’s Color of the Month is Green, not a specific green, but any green you want. The many incarnations of this restful color make it a welcome addition to the homes’ color palette. In Feng Shui, green and its element wood represents all types of family, ancestry and unity within; useful in the east of a room or home. Greens are the traditional colors of life, vigor, fertility, resurrection and youth. An idea would be to use green with family photos in wood frames or with plants and trees. “YUCK, I don’t like green,” you might say, but chances are the word makes you picture a dark, “electric Sears polyester jumpsuit” green from the 70’s; I’m with you on that one! But a trip to the home improvement store or a ride out into the desert, reminds us that green has infinite possibilities. Here in New Mexico the many varied hues of the desert greens never cease to amaze me. Of all the greens these are my favorite; maybe because they naturally enhance the reds and browns in the landscape, or maybe because they seem softer than the yellow greens back east. It’s best to utilize several different but related shades of green to maximize the Feng Shui energy effects.
The Greek writer, Pliny, commented that Green gladdened the eye without tiring it, and that green is perceived as fresh and vivid, never monotonous. Green is traditionally considered a "cool" color, known for its relaxing and refreshing qualities.

Here’s a secret design tip: Green does not require the eye to focus, therefore the walls can seem further away.

May's gemstone of the month is the luscious emerald.
All throughout history, the emerald has been revered and held in high esteem by almost all people. The ancient Egyptians mined emeralds near the Red Sea between 3000 and 1500 BC.
In ancient lore and mysticism the emerald was thought to improve memory, increase clairvoyance and strengthen faith.
The emerald even was used like we use aspirin, as a cure all of sorts!
May is included in the second sign of the Zodiac, Taurus the bull.
People born in the Taurus sign are steady and stable, "salt of the earth." Taureans may be stubborn as a bull, but are honest patient and gentle, and are dependable friends.

So, my friends, take a look around your home, look at furnishings and your accessories. Could your home benefit from a bit of relaxing green? If so go ahead make a color change and enjoy!!