Probably the most common item people think of when the words 'Feng Shui' are uttered is the money toad.
The vision of a three-legged frog/toad with a coin in its mouth comes to mind, along with the idea that it is a symbol of money coming into the home or business.
It is surprising how few westerners know how to place this handy little item, or how many of them there should be.
This amphibian is thought to be lucky because it finds and holds wealth and can be caught with a string of coins.
It is portrayed sitting on a pile of coins and gold ingots and has two distinct purposes: attract money and hold money.
In the ancient Chinese myths, it is a symbol of the Moon Goddess Ch'an chu, an immortal who created the Yin, or feminine, principle.
It is also considered an immortal pet of Lui-hai, a mysterious God who blesses businesses and came to earth to find it.
Lui-hai used a string of coins to coax his frog out of the well it was hiding in.
While this frog is considered by most Asians to bring good luck, it is a Chinese symbol, tied to their ancient beliefs about astrology.
The coins and ingots that it sits on are also Chinese. Placement varies according to more modern ideas, as the ancient myths have now combined with modern business.
Many make the mistake of placing this symbol facing the door of the business, thinking that it symbolizes this helper going out to find money. Others place it on the floor, coming into the store but empty-mouthed.
Perhaps it is personal preference and works according to what the owner expects.
The ideal placement is one-third to halfway in, facing either the center or the wealth sector, with coins in the mouth.
The top number to have is usually nine but if one has a huge house, many more might be appropriate.
The best idea is to have at least two: one coming in with money in its mouth and the other going out, empty-mouthed.
One might also want to place the statue halfway into the home or business, facing the direction of the owner's wealth sector.
When using amphibians of different types and sizes, place them according to the Flying Stars sectors.
Some months red is not good but gold is, green is not good but white is, etc.
My standard placement is one big green jade toad, empty-mouthed, heading out the front door, with two gold-plated bejeweled ones in the center of the house, facing my Tiger direction (south-east), coins in mouth, sitting on a pile of gold-plated frequency-infused coins (infused with Prosperity, of course).
A red string with coins around the neck is said to help gather wealth; it also instructs your wealth helper to bring more back.
Put your little prosperity-finders to work and be grateful when abundant prosperity comes your way.
2010 Dr.Valerie Olmsted All Rights Reserved.