Dear Karen,

We are having hard times financially and wondered if there is anything we could do feng shui wise to get the bad chi out and bring good in. I have already smudged a while ago and it doesn't seem to have taken effect.

- C.Z., USA

Karen's reply:

In my book I explain that incense is only effective for as long as its aroma is in the atmosphere. High quality incense can raise the energy of a space temporarily but it does nothing at all to clear out stagnant chi. I personally do not use or recommend smudging and am not at all surprised to hear it had no effect in your home.

It's impossible to know for sure without visiting your home whether you need feng shui advice, Space Clearing, clutter clearing or some combination of these. My best suggestion therefore is that you read and apply the information in Creating Sacred Space with Feng Shui, which covers all these aspects. You also need to look at whether the way you earn money is in line with your spiritual purpose. Many people with financial problems know what they really want to do in their life but fear of change keeps them in a rut.