Q:We have a rectangular office, which is run by my brother and me. We both share a long office table. There is a beam running above us, but both of us sit on either side of the beam to avoid sitting under it. Does this sitting arrangement protect us from the harmful effects of the beam? How harmful are these beams? Behind our table there is a toilet and the cabin door faces the elevator. Do you think the set up of our office is detrimental for our business?

Ramesh Lakhmani, Calcutta.

A: Feng Shui awareness has taught us that the beams carry the weight of the upper floor. The gravitational pull of the earth further increases the downward pressure of the beam. The person sitting under it is always under constant pressure, which causes tension and high blood pressure.

By sitting on either side of the beam, you have certainly protected yourself from its harmful effects, but it threatens to divide both the brothers.

It is better to take preventive measures rather to face rifts in future. The best remedy would be to conceal the beam with a false ceiling so that it creates a vanishing effect. Alternatively, you can make arrangements so that both of you can sit together on any one side, away from the beam.

Having your office door facing the elevator and the toilet behind your table is not conducive to good business.

You should relocate your table immediately. Shift the position of your desk diagonally to the main door, so that you are not lying in a straight line between the toilet and the door. Placing an attractive wallpaper or poster on the toilet door can counteract the negative energies of the toilet.

Q:We have recently moved into a new house where we find that most of the walls are slanting. We are using the north-eastern corner for storage. Ever since we moved in, we are having some problems or the other which leads to mental tension. Please advise.

Ashima Banerjee, Assam.

A: The north-eastern corner which you are using for storage is related to mental peace. I suggest you clear the stored articles from this room, and shift your temple from its existing place to this north-eastern room on an auspicious day.

This will instantly bring peace to you and your family members. Do not keep this area dark, and ensure that it is always well lit.

The slanting walls in the house further disturb the smooth flow of cosmic energy. This can be easily remedied by having a straight panelled wall.

Decorating the front of the wall further helps you to focus on the straight wall and divert your attention from the crooked wall behind. Alternatively, you could build a wardrobe parallel on the opposite wall in such a way that it gives a regular shape to the room. The back space can be utilised for storage. Crooked walls can also be straightened by simply having a soft curtain in a staight line.

Q:We have been living happily in our existing flat. Our son is getting married soon and since the flat does not have enough space, we are thinking of buying an adjoining flat on the same floor. We would like to know whether connecting these two flats could be harmful. Will it in any way disturb the Feng Shui of the present flat, which we feel is quite good?

Rohan Kapur, Ranchi.

A:Combining two flats into one is advisable only when together they form a rectangle or a square shape. In most of the cases, joining two flats together results in irregular shaped flats like U, L, S or T. These shapes are not considered auspicious in Feng Shui. If your two flats when combined form a perfect shape, then there is no harm in joining them. Otherwise it is always advisable to treat them as two individual flats with separate entrances. If this is the case, then your son can use the separate flat after marriage, while you continue to live in your present apartment, which you feel is lucky for you.

Q: Last year my son could not complete his higher secondary examination in the science stream. Though he studies hard, he lacks concentration and self-confidence. He also suffers from frequent stomach problems and feels tired most of the time. His bedroom is located in the eastern part of the house. I have recently started reading your column. Please suggest some measures to increase his self-esteem, concentration and his ability to study. Even our financial worries are mounting. Kindly suggest which area of the house when activated, will ensure flow of wealth.

Name withheld

A:Your son has been going through a difficult period of late. His kua number is 9 and the east, south-east, north and south are his auspicious directions.

He should face either east or south as they represent success and personal development for him respectively. According to the pillars of destiny, fire represents his intelligence and creative element.

That seems to be lacking in his chart. Introducing warm, fiery colours in his bedroom, will help enthuse and energise his body and mind.

Since fire represents energy, it is advisable to highlight the southern wall with pictures of sunrise or strong, glowing lamp.

He should also study facing the south. It will boost his concentration level and give him the much required confidence.To solve his stomach problems, it is best for him to face south-east while eating, as this represents his health direction.

For your financial problems, energise the south-eastern part of your house.

Do not clutter this part of your house and place tall, fresh growing plants.

Create a ‘green’ effect by adding shades of green on your upholstery. Keep a lamp on, every evening for three to four hours. This will clear, stale energy and attract fortunes for your family.