Faceted crystal balls are a very popular contemporary feng shui cure. Hold one of these lovely objects up to a sunny window or other light source and a multitude of tiny "rainbows" will fill the room. Each little rainbow contains all the colors of the visible spectrum, bringing both vitality and balance to the room.

This ability to split a beam of light and send it radiating in many directions makes faceted crystal balls an ideal protection against "secret arrows" of sha (negative) chi. This feng sui cure also radiates blessings wherever it is placed, and is a powerful magnifier of your intention.

Feng shui crystals are most often hung from the ceiling, in a doorway, or in windows, but they can be used anywhere you want to enhance chi. Good places to use feng shui crystals include:

• In the center of a long, narrow hallway to slow down fast-moving chi
• In front of any source of "secret arrows," such as a sharp corner or object near where you eat, relax, sleep, or work
• In front of a large window through which too much chi is escaping
• In the tai chi (center) of a home or room where energy feels low
• Directly over your head as you sit at your desk, to inspire mental activity (be aware that this can have an over-stimulating effect for some people; if you feel stressed and scattered, take the crystal down)
• Beneath a ceiling fan over your bed (or other key location, such as the dining table), to protect against "cutting" chi from the fans blades
• Anywhere you'd like to activate chi

For added impact, you can hang your feng shui crystal from a red string or ribbon cut to a multiple of nine inches (9", 18", 27"). The ball can hang any distance from the ceiling; it's the cut length of the string that is important. If you buy crystal balls from a feng shui supplier, they may come with red cord already attached.

Another way to add power to your crystal is to use a beaded string that includes smaller crystals and accent beads in colors that support the energy of a specific intention or area of the ba gua (green and purple for prosperity, for example, blues and black for career, or pinks and red for romance). Semi-precious stone beads such as amethyst, peridot, garnet, turquoise, onyx, and rose quartz can also be used to add beauty and good vibrations.

You can also place a faceted crystal ball on a desk, table, or home altar. Wear a little one on a red ribbon around your neck to activate your personal chi, or hang one from the rear-view mirror of your car to enhance, bless, and protect you while you drive.

The size of your crystal should be appropriate to the size of the space where you plan to use it. Crystals hung in the center of a large home or room should be 40mm or larger. The 30mm size is good for smaller spaces, beneath ceiling fans, or over your bed or desk. The little 20mm crystals are too small to have much effect on a room, but are just right for the interior of your car.

Faceted crystals come in many different shapes, and even different colors. A pink heart-shaped crystal, for example, can be a lovely addition to kun gua to encourage romance. For general use, however, or when you need a powerful cure, a colorless faceted ball is usually the best choice.

Remember to keep your crystal clean as dirt, dust, and fingerprints can also lessen the effectiveness of your cure, so be sure to clean your crystal at least once a year, or more often if necessary. After cleaning, you can take a moment to empower the crystal with your strong intention to protect, bless, or energize the space.