Feng Shui - The Basic Principles
The Best Feng Shui – Pick a School that Feels Right for You
Feng Shui is pronounced fung shway. The literal
translation of the two means wind and water.
Feng Shui is the ancient Chinese art of placement based upon a philosophy of
the movement of chi or natural energy through our environments. When
thinking of wind and water, think of flow. Wind can be a gentle breeze or a
tornado. Water flows as a gentle stream, is a raging flood or a stagnant
pond. By following the patterns of nature, a Feng Shui practitioner advises
on the placement of everything from an individual object in the home or
workplace to the positioning of a building on property. Chi is the breath of
life and a positive energy. Everyone would cease
to exist without an abundance of Chi in the body and in the environment
around them. The ancient Chinese believed that Chi was the foundation of the
entire universe. It is the principle behind Chinese science, philosophy and
medicine. Feng Shui seeks to balance and enhance the Chi in our homes and
work spaces, thereby improving our
health and energy.
There are different schools of Feng Shui and it can become confusing to the novice. There are two main schools of Feng Shui. The Land Form School and its modern branch of Black Hat Sect Tantric Buddhist Feng Shui places a bagua to the front door. The Compass School orients the bagua to the points of the magnetic compass. Both schools base their philosophies on the concept of Chi, and how we can use it to support our life and goals. The Land Form School focuses on the Chi of the Earth and its direct effect on life. The Compass School focuses on the Chi of the Heavens and seeks to align environments with the stars and planets present at the time of birth. Four Pillars School of Feng Shui is based on astrology and is not that common. It uses the date and place of birth to determine how to enhance or adjust things in life. Nine Star Key uses the stars to determine a lucky and unlucky day. Math is required and is a pure science that leaves little flexibility. Eight House Feng Shui uses individual kua numbers. The kua number of the male in the home is used to bring harmony to the house. Flying Star is used in Asia and uses a combination of numerology and astrology. Most people in America use either the Compass School of Feng Shui or Black Hat Feng Shui.
Black Hat Feng Shui, (which is what I practice) is very inclusive. Black Hat Feng Shui is used no matter what belief or religion is held by an individual. Visualization and intention are key to attaining results of a desired goal. Intention in Feng Shui is everything. I relate using intention in Feng Shui to the law of physics. Energy will follow what you focus on. If I am looking for a job, I will not find a job just sitting on the couch watching TV. I have to physically do the things required of find a job including setting up and sending out the resume, making phone calls, going on interviews, etc. Chi or energy will follow my intention of getting a job. It is the law of the Universe. BTB Feng Shui also has mysticism about it. Everything in the Universe is made up of the same “stuff”. We are one with the Universe so it is so it is logical to ask the same “stuff” to assist us with our goals. This is where the Feng Shui cures and tips, enhancements and adjustments come into play.
In China, Feng Shui practitioners use metaphors to address life issues. A metaphor for losing money would be if there is a fireplace in the wealth corner of the house and the money is burning a hole in your pocket. You are not literally burning money, but the element of wealth is wood and the fireplace is metaphorically burning money in your life. Feng Shui utilizes tools to adjust the flow of energy when addressing goals in life. Such Feng Shui tools would include mirrors, red ribbons, wind chimes, flags, flutes, Feng Shui sprays, etc. It is common to use sound, scent, movement, color, nature and more as cures to adjust energy issues. As an example, if I want more money in my life, I might bring in the color purple. Why? Purple is the color of the wealth area of the bagua. The bagua portrays the nine areas of life and when we position the bagua over a home or business, it shows where there are missing pieces and additions. If there is a missing piece in the wealth area, there might be missing money as well. I do not have to use color. I could place a wind chime in the corner of the back of the property or wealth area of the house and call in money through sound. Elements are also used as Feng Shui tools. The elements and corresponding symbols consist of earth/square, water/wavy line, fire/triangle, metal/round and wood/columns.
In Feng Shui, every thing is alive, every thing is related, and every thing will assist you in your journey of life. Have a clear picture of the intention, make some adjustments or use enhancements and trust the Universe to help you achieve your goals.
“Success depends on where intention is.” - Gita Bellin
See Also: History of Feng Shui ● Glossary of Terms ● Questions
