In the context of the five elements, clutter is a negative expression of the element Earth; it indicates worry and neglect.
Clutter at the doorway is indicative of blocked access to the world. It means either that you are putting obstacles in the way of your goals or that you are burying yourself. Cluttered shelves overhead, or having things piled up to the ceiling, is indicative of obstructed yang energy, which ultimately results either in conflict with others or in feeling overwhelmed. Clutter at the money point of your space interferes with the development of your finances. Clutter at the power point of your space interferes with the growth and development of your career as a whole. Chronic clutter, or disorganization, on top of your desk is indicative of resistance to your work and of growing discontentment that can lead to trouble. Clutter under your desk crowds your legs and causes you to become irritable and/or confused. If you have things stored under your desk, even if they are neatly arranged in boxes, store them somewhere else. You will feel better. You can deal with clutter in closets by sorting out your things, discarding what is no longer useful, and organizing what is left in marked boxes, envelopes, or whatever containers are appropriate.
Clutter and the Five Elements
Clutter as viewed by the compass affects the corresponding elements in your work space as follows:
If clutter is found throughout your work space, in the middle area, or in the northeast or southwest area, it affects the element Earth and indicates too much worry. In addition, clutter in the northeast area causes plans and schedules to become confused, and clutter in the southwest area gives rise to all sorts of obstacles and overall bad luck.
If clutter is found in the west or northwest area, the element Metal is affected, indicating problems of communication and conflict with others over control issues. In addition, clutter in the west attracts the disloyalty of employees or co‑workers, and clutter in the northwest attracts quarrels.
If clutter is found in the north area of your space, the element Water is affected, indicating a tendency to ignore problems that call for attention. In addition, clutter in the north brings accidents and business failures.
If clutter is found in the east or southeast area of your space, the element Wood is affected, indicating a tendency to become confused, indecisive, and irritable. In addition, clutter in the east gives rise to obstacles to growth and losses ofmoney, while clutter in the southeast causes wasted effort and overexertion.
If clutter is found in the south area of your space, the element Fire is affected, indicating resistance to authority or abuse of power. In addition, clutter in the south attracts bad friends and quarrels.
No matter where it is, the obvious remedy for clutter is to remove it. The more open and well organized your space, the more easily you can breathe and get on with your work. Many times I have been called in by clients whose work spaces were cluttered and who were complaining about the sorry state of their professional and financial affairs. But once their work spaces were decluttered and reorganized, they saw their businesses and finances pick up dramatically. There’s nothing magical to it. When your mind is clear, you know what you’re doing.
