Make Every Day Special With Feng Shui
When you pay the kind of attention to order, aesthetics, and positive emotion that are a part of decorating a space according to feng shui traditions, you make every day special. Feng shui is the ancient art of creating harmony in your environment so that you will be able to live a balanced and beautiful life. Having this goal reflected everywhere you look within your home will help you feel pleased and contented throughout the day. With feng shui, you can learn to cherish the balance and beauty of each moment, even when you are going about tasks that used to feel mundane and ordinary.
Many of us have experienced the difference that improving our home or workplace atmosphere can make in our attitude. Think of the last time you decorated for a party, and how good it made you feel to infuse your environment with a feeling of festivity and celebration. Feng shui works in much the same way. With feng shui, you place objects with the goal of changing the energy in a room so that it will be more positive. Feng shui creates a feeling of balance, which helps give a space an orderly and peaceful arrangement so that you will feel calm and happy when you are there. This can help you look forward to every day, not just holidays.
With feng shui, it is easy to make your home or office feel like a special place even if you don't know the first thing about interior design or aesthetics. When you decorate according to feng shui tradition, you follow a set of simple rules that will guide you as you create an environment that you and your loved ones will enjoy spending time in. Using feng shui as a guide to improving the look and feeling of an area will help you make the right decisions about everything from furniture placement to light sources. With feng shui, you will learn to create beauty so that you can enjoy it on a daily basis. When you re-create your home environment or your work space according to feng shui principles, you will be increasing the aesthetic pleasure that you get at all times.
There is no limit to how much incorporating feng shui into your home or workplace can improve your quality of life, or increase your happiness and sense of peace. Many people don't think of themselves as aesthetically sensitive, but you will never know how much of a negative impact your decor and furniture arrangements may be having on you until you change them for the better and enjoy the results. When you spend time in an area decorated in a feng shui style, you will feel lucky to be a part of such a calm, ordered, and harmonious environment. With feng shui responsible for surrounding you with beauty on all sides, even the simplest tasks can become a treat.
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Feng Shui Remedies for Christmas - Seven Top Tips!
Feng Shui Remedy No 1 - avoid other people's stress Christmas may result in your home being bombarded with long lost relatives, friends you haven't seen in ages and a whole host of other visitors. Whilst this may be fun, you'll want to protect your home and your family from other people's Christmas stress. Let's face it Christmas can be an emotional time!
The best way to do this is to burn incense sticks before your guests arrive. Smoke has always been a great purifier which is why you'll see large urns full of incense at the entrance of a Buddhist temple. People will stop to breathe in the smoke as a way of purifying their souls before entering the temple.
Similarly, if you burn incense or smudge sticks (the natural and not synthetic kind) you'll alter the energy of your home and the individual who enters. It is a signal to your guests that they are they are now leaving the outside world and entering a new and harmonious space.
I always remember my Feng Shui master smudging me with sage when I entered her home. At the time I did not fully understand the process or particularly enjoy it. However, I do remember how much calmer I felt afterwards. I appreciate that you may not want to wave burning sage in front of your guests but there's nothing to stop you burning a small bowl of herbs in the corner.
The most common and effective herbs for this purpose include sage, sweet grass or cedar.
Feng Shui Remedy No 2 - clear the clutter Yes, it's that ole clutter issue again. Christmas can bring with it a whole new opportunity for clutter to surreptiously enter your home. It comes in the guise of gift paper, cards, party invites, decorations, candles, unwanted gifts and the list goes on and on.
Try to keep a handle on what enters your home so that you avoid living in Santa's grotto and feeling totally overwhelmed by the experience. To ensure Feng Shui harmony in the home, work towards a clutter free environment - a welcome haven from the hectic outside world.
Feng Shui Remedy No 3 - use the color purple Color plays an important role in determining your general mood and state of mind. Long, winter nights and reduced sunlight can generally dampen spirits. So, think about introducing strong Yang colors such as purple to create Feng Shui harmony in the home.
Purple is a very powerful color which is closely associated with the color red and the fire element. It is ideal for stimulating chi flow and bringing vibrancy into your home. If your home lacks warmth or intimacy, purple will create a sumptuous, sophisticated and glowing atmosphere for Christmas.
Purple can be used effectively in the (nine) Fame and Aspiration area of the ba gua to enhance social recognition and reinforce your personal goals.
Equally, it can bring about passion and romance in the (two) Relationship area of the ba gua (situated in the top RHS corner of the room when you enter it from the main entrance or doorway).
If you feel purple is too bold a color try violet. Violet shades are great for meditation, healing and reconnecting with your spiritual side (which can often be overlooked during the festive season).
Please note that I'm not suggesting you totally redecorate whole rooms in purple or violet for Christmas. Just add a hint of purple vibrancy here and there and you'll feel the difference immediately.
Feng Shui Remedy No 4 - indulge your senses Since we've talked about color it may be worth mentioning the other four senses (sound, smell, taste & touch). Think about how these senses can be incorporated into your home at Christmas. Here are a few of my personal Feng Shui remedies for the senses:
Sound: Christmas carols & various songs such as Jona Lewie's 'Stop the Calvary' or the 'The Pogue's Greatest Hits' album Smell: Fresh pine needles on the Christmas tree Touch: A soft, wool sofa Taste: Mulled wine with cinnamon and, of course, chocolate! What are your favorite Feng Shui remedies for the senses and how can you make full use of them to create your ideal Christmas home?
Feng Shui Remedy No 5 - the ideal Christmas tree location Last week I received a mail asking "where should I place my Christmas tree?"
Christmas is a time when families come together so to reinforce strong family ties and home harmony I suggest placing your tree in the (three) Family and Ancestors area of the ba gua.
Family and Ancestors is also governed by the element wood and the color green so it's the perfect spot for your tree and any other Christmas greenery.
You may also be interested to note that a pine tree is a traditional Chinese symbol of longevity!
Feng Shui Remedy No 6 - promote Feng Shui harmony in the home To ensure Feng Shui harmony in the home this festive season there's a few Feng Shui remedies you may want to implement:
* Remove sharp knives from being on show in the kitchen. By placing them out of sight you symbolically diminish the scope for irritability and family arguments
* Use an oval or round shaped dining table as opposed to a rectangle table. A circular shape is symbolic of eternal unity plus no one family member is required to sit facing the sharp edge of a table or 'cutting chi'
* Place sofas and seating in your living room in a circular or octagonal shape which is conducive to easy communication. Try to avoid L-shaped arrangements that may cause imbalance or one family member to feel cut off from the rest.
* Avoid placing a large coffee table in the center of your living room. Keep the center clear so that family members have a focal point where they may gather. By keeping the center clear you are freeing up chi flow.
Feng Shui Remedy No 7 - look after your inner chi If you're like me, Christmas can result in a plethora of rich food, alcohol, minimal exercise, office parties and a frantic rush against time to buy those all important presents. What tends to happen is that my inner chi becomes stagnant or clogged resulting in colds or flu.
The way to overcome this (which I don't always implement) is to create sacred space or what I call 'guarded time'. Don't be afraid to say no to the odd party or two. You'll be giving your system a much needed break and reducing the chances of your inner chi becoming stagnant or clogged.
Treat yourself to a relaxing evening at home. Turn all mobile phones off and surround yourself with candles. Indulge some of those senses we talked about earlier. In short, give yourself chance to recharge your batteries and regenerate mind, body and spirit.
On that note, I think I'll slip into a much needed bath right now! All that remains is for me to wish you a very happy Christmas and I look forward to sharing more Feng Shui news with you in the New Year!
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The Ultimate Feng Shui Positions For The Bedroom
While it is sometimes hard to understand, the best feng shui position in the bedroom is called the command position. This command position dictates the best feng shui position and it doesn’t only include the bedroom, it encompasses business such as your office or building where you work. It is said in the feng shui guidelines that if you can’t see the door from your bed, that you avoid issues and can easily be overcome with stresses and life can easily stun you.
The best feng shui position is to place your bed so that it is in line with the entrance door to your room, as this will create a more positive atmosphere that has positive energies about it. It is also believed that the best feng shui position can actually alleviate stresses, irritability and even health problems. Now if you can achieve all this through a simple repositioning of your bed to make the best feng shui position, it is highly recommended that you at least try it.
The best feng shui position for the bed is of high importance because in today’s society it isn’t uncommon to have a television in the bedroom and even a computer. According to the best feng shui position guidelines, it clearly states that you should not have your office in the bedroom so remove those computers and replace it with the best feng shui position. The idea behind this is that working and resting do not go hand in hand together and as such, creates negative energies that affect you and probably also the fact that unless you are independently wealthy, you likely don’t have that big of a bedroom that you can place both a computer and desk as well as a bed in the best feng shui position.
Speaking of small bedrooms, it is a very common occurrence that it is difficult to even put the bed in the best feng shui position and could cause problems due to space limitations, and it is important that you don’t place the bed on the same wall with the kitchen, bathroom, shower as well as any other ‘active’ items that might be on that wall. Do your finest interior decorating attempt to arrange the best feng shui position to receive optimal benefits even if it means taking the television out of your room!
If you follow all of these guidelines you will be sure to create a balanced atmosphere in your home or office.
If you want to learn more free feng shui office tips please visit our site which is free to the public. You'll find the best tips on everything to do with feng shui
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Feng Shui Decorating Guidelines
The importance of following feng shui decorating guidelines.
Feng shui decorating guidelines show us the correct way to place objects, furniture and how to decorate in order to achieve harmony. Living and working spaces and their decorations affect the people inhabiting them, and feng shui decorating knowledge studies the way to make that factor affect in a positive and harmonic way.
If you want to learn and be able to follow feng shui decorating tips, the first thing to do is to learn about feng shui in general and its main concepts. By learning this, you will find yourself naturally acquiring information on how to decorate any different spaces according to feng shui.
According to feng shui decorating guidelines, the way and the position in which we place our furniture, the colors we choose, the different objects and places we choose for them, everything can be done in a way that ensures harmony. Actually, in China people are used to look for a feng shui expert to guide them in occasions such as when they buy a new house.
Following feng shui decorating guidelines is not the same as decorating in order to make a space pretty or nice looking but it is about making it be in harmony with us. Actually, many times a decoration done by following feng shui would not look nice or be esthetically correct at all. By following feng shui, we could end up doing some of the things we would never have thought to do in our decoration.
For example, the position we place a bed can have main importance according to feng shui decorating tips. A bed should be placed in a position that allows the person to easily look at the door, but at the same time it should not be facing it directly and it should be against a wall. Even if this leads to an option which you wouldn’t have thought of for you to place your bed, you should do so in order to be able to sleep well and comfortable.
Feng shui does not see decoration with the same eyes a merely esthetically based decoration does. Feng shui decorating guidelines are meant to help people make their spaces as much harmonic and positive for their inhabitants as possible, even if esthetics have to be sacrificed for it.
About The Author
Jakob Jelling is the founder of http://www.fengshuicrazy.com. Please visit his website and learn all the feng shui tips you'll ever need!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jakob_Jelling
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Feng Shui Home Tips
Feng shui has been an ancient Chinese practice that has recently became popular even in the Western world. It aims to strike up a certain kind of balance in a certain environment making it more ideal for people to live in. This is the practice of feng shui that has gotten the attention of most people, particularly for use in their homes. Here are some useful feng shui home tips that you can make use of to make your home filled with that positive "chi".
Your Doorway and Chi
First off, you can start on your doorway. Doors should always remain free and clear of clutter. With this in mind, you should try to remove any slippers or shoes that may be lying around the doorway. In feng shui, it is said that "chi" flows with the wind. With the slippers and shoes at the doorway, the "chi" would bring with it the smell coming from the slippers and shoes into your house and cause sickness.
The "chi" would then go about the home interior trying to find water where it can stay. In the absence of such bodies of water like water fountains and aquariums, the "chi" would easily be dispersed by the wind.
Of Water Tanks and Fountains
In feng shui, water is said to be a repository of the energy called "chi". That is why it may be good to have one in the home. But positioning is also important. A water fountain or fish tank should be positioned in an area that would attract positive "chi". But a wrong or unfavorable position would also bring in the opposite.
While good fortune awaits, wrong positioning would also bring in misfortune and bad luck. If you have noticed the latter happening to you after positioning a water fountain of fish tank at a certain area in the home, you may need to shift it to another location.
Chi in the Kitchen
In designing your kitchen at home, make sure that you do not place your refrigerator opposite of your stove. These appliances can stand for fire and water. With the two clashing, it may bring family members to experience frequent disagreements at home. This also goes the same with the stove being opposite with the wash basin or washing machine in your kitchen.
Feng Shui in the Living Room
If you recently have been experiencing considerable pressure at work, your marble table might be a factor that may be causing it, feng shui speaking. You can either try to work your way through the pressure or you can remove the marble table in your home and exchange it for a wooden one.
In the same way color may also affect some things in feng shui. For instance having a red sofa set in your living room may bring about work pressure, problems as well as obstacles.
The color red that signifies fire just doesn't work well in some areas of the home. These are just some of the feng shui home tips that you can apply to make sure that the flow of "chi" in your home remains on the positive side.
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Feng Shui Arrows
In Feng Shui, the term arrows refer to sharp objects that bring bad luck and negative energy. In a way, like an arrow, it cuts through all the positive chi or energy within an environment. These arrows are inadvertently distributed all over the world, and if you are a budding Feng Shui enthusiast, it may be helpful to know what “arrows” in life you must watch out for.
The Arrow of Staircases
The most popular arrow is the arrow from staircases. To locate this arrow, just try to find that space underneath the staircase of your home. From just standing there, you will already feel all the heaviness, not just from footsteps, but also from the energy that is being siphoned off in that area because of the staircase arrows.
As much as possible, avoid hanging out underneath staircases or placing living rooms directly underneath staircases. In case this is unavoidable and you are cramped for space, you may have to buy some Feng Shui charms to ward off then negative effect.
The Arrow of Complex Architecture
Complex architecture may be lovely to look at but not necessarily good for business. If you are really after getting the most out of your buildings and inviting all the positive energy, avoid complex structures. By complex structures we mean architectural designs which have too many pointed edges (e.g. star-shaped buildings.). All these arrows are actually detrimental to people who will be standing directly in front of these arrows.
The Escalator Arrow in Malls
Getting the right stalls from malls may be quite tricky, but here’s a rule of thumb: Avoid the stalls which are directly in front of the bottom step of the escalator. This is because all the energy and prosperity is being drawn off and invited out of the stalls by the negative arrow of the escalator. While people may think that positioning one’s self directly to where customers can view the store as they alight the escalator, it’s bad Feng Shui and detrimental to one’s profit.
Arrows from Attics
If you have an attic, chances are, you get the irregular ceiling shapes from the walls. Try to soften the arrows from your attic ceilings by hanging chimes and other charms of Feng Shui. The arrows from attics can invite more stress and carry over negative energy from the past, especially if you are using the attic to store up old stuff.
Arrows from Irregularly Erected Walls
Irregularly erected walls or walls that lean diagonally forward may be dangerous. If at all possible, avoid placing the bed beside the region where the wall leans. This is where the arrows will hit you while you are resting.
There are other arrows in the world, and you may actually name some more based from your direct experience. Whether the exposure to arrows may bring bad luck forever or not, the practical side of Feng Shui avoids complications and wants a bright space where light can quickly come through. All the other invisible elements like the energy just follow suit.
Despite the warnings on arrows, this is not saying that we must abolish arrows in our lives. The whole key to the Feng Shui concept on arrows is consistency and ability to put the arrows in a place where it can do minimal damage.
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Fame from Feng Shui
Famous Feng Shui Tip 1: Redden your atmosphere
Red is often attributed to good reputation and fame. So if at all possible, have a lot of red things in your atmosphere. But don’t overdo it, as success may not be exactly attractive when under some form of overdose. Make sure that you are able to decorate your office or home in red with good taste, and don’t make it clash with other furniture or things that you need to put in your home or office. The middle portion is usually the best place to have a concentration of red ojects.
Famous Feng Shui Tip 2: Fire it up!
Fire is good attractor of fame and favorable reputation, so make sure that you have some elements of fire all over your area. Have a candlelit area in your room, or better yet, amp up your fireplace. This way, you will be able to fire up your reputation with it.
Famous Feng Shui Tip 3: Put wood and fire together!
If you have fire, it may also be good to have some wooden furniture to go along with it. You don’t have to put them in direct contact with each other, because that would actually pose some hazards. All you have to do is make sure that you have a healthy balance of both these elements, for these are two elements out of the five that Feng Shui promotes you to have in your environment for a sense of balance.
Famous Feng Shui Tip 4: Prop up your achievements
You may have some proof of achievement. Now, if you hang these achievements on the wall, it invites more of the recognition that you aspire for. If you are really very shy about your achievements, you can at least display it in another part of your room, without being too blatant about it.
Famous Feng Shui Tip 5: Have a visual target or symbol for success
Aside from upholding the things that you have already achieved, it may also help you if you have some target of sorts, a symbol for your success. It is not just enough that you appreciate how much you have achieved so far; it is also equally important to look forward to things that you can still have in the future. Keep handy your symbols for success; it may be in the form of a sentimental pen if you are a budding Nobel Prize aspirant or maybe something else that holds specific and special meaning for you and your goals of success.
Famous Feng Shui Tip 6: Keep your humility intact
Of course, Feng Shui is no excuse for you to flaunt yourself too much in your environment. The best way to invite success is to maintain your humility. There are still other people who are better and smarter, so you do not have the exclusive right to be way above in the clouds.
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Enhancing Your Life with Feng shui
To apply this practice means having to recognize the relationship between man and the environment he lives in. The key to this practice is locating the all important qi by arranging objects inside or outside of your home or even your office space so that qi continuously flows freely in the space thereby producing a positive impact in different aspects of your life. This ancient practice and belief is still being applied today and here are some methods where the art of balance and harmony can make a difference in a person’s life.
Using the Five Phases Method
The five phases method relies in the five elements or phases of fire, earth, metal, water and wood. These elements interrelate with each other through a creation cycle where fire produces earth, earth produces metal, metal produces water and water produces wood. Each element also corresponds to a particular direction where water is placed in the north, fire is the south, east is wood, west is metal and earth is the center.
The best way to apply this method is to make sure that your room or the space you live in has a balance of all these elements to produce good qi otherwise too much of a particular element might go against the other elements and produce harmful qi instead.
Using the Flying Stars Method
Probably the most difficult method to apply Feng shui is the flying star method which takes into account the date your house or office was built, a detailed floor plan and the outside environment of the place. It is similar to having a birth sign in astrology only this time it’s your property’s birth sign.
Although this method can be complex, it is the most accurate of methods and usually done by master practitioners of the craft. What this method aims to achieve is to harmonize your space by finding out the best elements to enhance it and the elements that need to be avoided.
Using the Eight Mansions Method
The most popular application of Feng shui is the eight mansions method or the Ba Zhai. This method requires you to calculate your kua number based on your birth date. This will help you determine your auspicious direction because each kua number corresponds to a particular direction.
This method aims to find out which directions are good for you and which to avoid. It also helps you find out if you are compatible with that particular area you’re living or staying in. Finding out the best direction for you and enhancing that space can help you become more productive in terms of career, relationships, health and luck.
Feng shui-Proof Your Life
Testimonies of the benefits of this ancient practice are many and its effectiveness can be traced from ancient times otherwise this practice would not have survived today. The concept is simple and everyone can benefit with some semblance of balance and harmony in their lives. It’s just a matter of recognizing the value of qi and making sure everything in your surroundings brings you peace.
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Creating a Harmonious Feng Shui Home with Colors
Red – This is the color of fire, which represents divine energy. It is advised to use red with caution. Red is best as the color of small decorative pieces in your living areas, rather than with huge furnishings or wall color. This color brings confidence, joy, courage and passion into your life.
Blue – Creating a feeling of serenity, blue is the color of the sea and sky. This color is best used in the east and southeast portions of your home, in the form of wall color and decorative items. Depending on the kind of energy you need, you might want to employ deep blue to promote sleep, or lighter ones to liven up the space.
Yellow – Dull spaces with little sunlight will benefit from the color yellow. This is the color of sunlight, so it evokes a feeling of warmth and cheerfulness. It also brings the fire energy, but in a much gentler way than red. However, it is said that prolonged exposure to this color causes anxiety.
Orange – This color is a brilliant choice for your living room, dining area or elsewhere where lively and playful energy is needed. Orange evokes creativity, one’s sense of purpose and bubbly conversations. This is also the color of choice for those who find red too strong.
Green – Surrounding oneself by the green color of nature is refreshing and nurturing. This color represents the wood element, evoking the healing vibrations from nature into your home. It is best for those who need growth, peace and new beginnings. Having several different shades of green in the home makes the most of the color’s effects.
Purple – Excellent for spiritual and mental healing, purple should be used in moderation. Experts do not recommend this as a wall color, especially in the east and southeast areas of your home, since it is a very strong, high vibration color. Purple is best used in a meditation space; or go for lighter tones such as lavender in adding color to your room.
Pink – The universal color of love, this color is perfect to soothe and fill the heart with love. Pink brings a very fiery energy into your life, especially when coupled with orange. However, too much of this color in one’s home makes the residents tend to live illusive lives.
Black – Although it may convey a feeling of heaviness if used in large proportions, black symbolizes career and sophistication. The color is best used indoors, in the form of furniture shades, frames, and other small decorative items. Black adds depth and definition to any home space.
White – Excellent for use anywhere in the home, especially to contrast bright colors. White soothes the mind by filling it with energy of innocence, tranquility and a bright new future. However, try to limit an all white color scheme in the east and southeast areas of your home.
Feng Shui maintains that the colors used in our living environment as something that affects us physically, emotionally and psychologically. Picking the right Feng Shui colors in your home will attract the kind of energy that will work for you best.
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Clutter and Feng Shui
Anti-Clutter Feng Shui Tip 1: Sort your mail as it comes in
Incoming mail is one of the top sources of clutter. All those bills are not just stressful if mismanaged and stashed somewhere in your home, but it is also contributory to clutter in your home. If you are really serious about getting good Feng Shui, make sure that you are able to screen your mail. Establish a system for sorting all your mail. And this also holds true for other papers you may be keeping in your home. If you neatly categorize them and throw away the ones you no longer need, you will be much better off.
Anti-Clutter Feng Shui Tip 2: Opt for daily cleanings than reliance on major general cleanings
A general cleaning schedule is good, but if you are still not in the habit of cleaning on a regular basis, you may still find yourself filled with a clutter problem. So the best thing to do when you are trying to apply good Feng Shui is by exercising your cleaning powers on a daily basis, not just on a schedule. It does not have to be too rigorous if done on a daily basis. You can just start with the cleaning per day one area at a time to accomplish it effectively.
Anti-Clutter Feng Shui Tip 3: Clean as you work
While working on a project, clean as you go. This means that you will not just leave stuff lying around on the table as you do your work. This ensures that the work space remains clean, and this also implies that you are open for more productive work in the future since the space is wiped free of any traces from previously done work.
Anti-Clutter Feng Shui Tip 4: Be generous about your stuff
Give away the stuff you don’t need. This is a rule of thumb when it comes to cleaning up and freeing from clutter. Being generous involves giving away stuff you don’t really get to use. What you won’t use for a long time and collect dust may actually be an answer to somebody else’s problems. Just make sure that you are not transferring clutter but something that can really be of use to the person you are giving it to.
Anti-Clutter Feng Shui Tip 5: Dust frequently
Dusting frequently helps keep your place clean. Dust, when accumulated also forms the clutter which we are really trying to avoid in Feng Shui.
Anti-Clutter Feng Shui Tip 6: Evaluate your stuff brutally
If at all possible, have a peer to help you evaluate your stuff at home. What you may hold dear and refuse to part with is not just a sign of bad Feng Shui but may also be a sign of a hoarding problem. Aside from addressing your Feng Shui issues, the mindset on clutter ma also have to be dealt with accordingly.
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What is Feng Shui ?
Feng Shui is made of two words. The first is wind while the second is earth. Its teachings are based on Taoist vision and understanding of nature on the belief that the land is alive and is filled with energy. This in turn could make a kingdom successful or bring it to its downfall.
Aside from the water and the wind, Feng Shui is influenced by the theory of 3 other elements namely wood, fire and metal. It is this that also guides Chinese astrological sciences including the times, dates of birth and years as well as colors, seasons, directions and the planets.
The main tools for Feng Shui are the compass and the Ba-Gua. The Ba-Gua is an octagonal shaped grid containing the symbols of the I Ching which is the ancient oracle on which this is based.
Those who believe in Feng Shui say that those who know the Bagua of their home will be able to understand specific areas of their life.
The feng shui compass is also called lo-pan. This is used to access deeper information about a site or a building. It consists of bands of concentric rings arranged around the magnetic needle. "Lo" means "everything" and "pan" means "bowl", which can be interpreted as the key to the mysteries of the universe.
Through the years, several different schools of feng shui have emerged. If you are able to master the basic level, it is said that you will start to see powerful results which could be to your advantage both at home and in business.
Those who practice Feng Shui see it as a double edged sword because it can be mutually productive and also destructive.
In a productive cycle, fire produces earth which produces metal which produces water which produces wood and the fire again. In a destructive cycle, wood destroys earth which destroys water which destroys fire which destroys metal and then destroys wood.
To give you an idea what this all means, let’s say you were born on a fire year. Too much water in the home is not good because water destroys fire. On the other hand, if you put a lot of wooden décor into your home, then things will be good because wood produces fire. Aside from that, experts say that you will more likely prosper if you sleep on the south side of the house or apartment.
But the ordinary Joe does not have time to understand that. This is why many people these days consult Feng Shui experts when they are building an office or their home. By being able to have someone who understands these cycles, harmony and productivity is achieved.
So what is Feng Shui? For those who don’t believe in it, simply one way of making sure that you will get good fortune. As for those who take it seriously, it is what creates the essence of life around us. There must always be a harmonious balance between these elements so that you can live a healthy and meaningful life.
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The History of Feng Shui
To use this ancient technique, you have to understand the influence of cosmology on earth. You should also have knowledge of how astronomy and astrology influence the placement of buildings. You also need to understand Confucian classic, the weathering process, the forces of nature, the magnetic fields and how these all influence us. If you think about it, that is a lot to study.
The history of Feng Shui originated in the West Han dynasty around third century BC. Those who practice it believe that the earth is alive with energy. If people built a structure on a land that has revitalizing energy, then they would prosper. If this is placed in a site with bad energy, misfortune will occur.
Originally, Feng Shui was used to help place tombs for those who have died rather than for building homes for the living. Back then, they believed that choosing a good burial site will bring peace and prosperity to those who remained here on earth.
The instrument used to select the correct burial site was known as the “Lo Pan.” This invention was traced back to the Yellow Emperor where it is said that the “Lady of the Nine Heavens” gave him this knowledge.
This ancient compass was called the Hin Shi and is described as a square base called a diviner’s board, holding a bowl of water which floated a magnetic south pointing spoon. The Hin Shi then developed into the “Lo Pan” and during the Sang Dynasty, this was used to navigate at sea. When this was brought to Europe somewhere during the 13th Century, this was better known as the compass which helped navigators explore the rest of the world.
But going back to Feng Shui, if the “Lo Pan” can be used to pick good burial sites, couldn’t it do the same for erecting buildings where people could live? The answer is yes and so this device was now used to analyze the orientations in a relationship to the main door, the bed and the stove.
Since then, both the rich and the poor incorporate this in their architecture. Archeological studies have shown that ancient Chinese city planners were made in concentric rectangles surrounded by walls that were then surrounded by lakes, hills, valleys, gardens, courtyards and parks which were to enhance positive energy.
As for buildings, these were constructed to enhance a healthy relationship between family members and the country.
This is where Yin and Yang comes in which this is considered to be the foundation of the universe. Coming from Taoism, these two are complete opposites that cannot exist without the other.
For them, the left side of the building must represent Yang or the male force while Yin or the female force is on the right.
Examples of Yang in the past included sunlit roofs, built areas and an elevation in the front. For Yin, there must be empty areas, shadowed eaves, set back structures and elevations in the back.
The history of Feng Shui was almost forgotten when the communists took over in 1949. If it wasn’t for the masters who practiced it and shipped it out to Hong Kong or China, we would have never known it existed. Feng Shui made its way to the US only in the 1970’s. Various articles and shows have focused on it and people now use it to help in building a house or a building.
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The Golden Ratio and Feng Shui
Beauty Equals Symmetry
The beauty of objects may be measured by its closeness to the golden ratio. The symmetry of objects is the attribute that tells if a thing is beautiful or not, for the most part. People naturally love balance of elements, and for the chi to flow, the Golden Ratio must apply.
The Golden Ratio in History
The Golden Ratio is manifested in various works of art that have been lauded by the world as masterpieces. The genius in Da Vinci lies in the symmetry of his works that reflect the Golden Ratio. The drawing of the Vitruvian Man is a classic example of man who had the ratio of 1.62 all over his body and was considered as a picture of perfection.
The Golden Ratio in Famous Places
Famous places such as the pyramids of Egypt also employ the Golden Ratio. The half of the bottom layer of the pyramids of Egypt is also a factor of 1.62.
The Golden Ratio in Plants
Even plants have distinct characteristics of Golden Ratio. They establish a Fibonacci sequence in the number of leaves. Even the eyes of a pineapple follow this golden ratio. Much of the things that are viewed as beautiful by the naked eye establish the factor that possesses the Golden Ratio in one way or another. The Fibonacci sequence can be more or less seen in the beauty of nature. Even human DNA has factors that are assimilative of the Golden Ratio.
The Golden Ratio to Facial Features
If the ratio of your nose to your chin to the horizontal space between your nose and one side of your cheek is more or less the same as the Golden Ratio, you will find that the face is judged as attractive. In some experimental studies done by scientists, where they showed pictures of women to infants, the ones which had an impact were the more symmetric faces.
Applying the Golden Ratio in Your Office Space
In your office space, it is quite easy to apply the Golden Ratio for establishing balance and good Feng Shui. Just make sure that the rectangular objects in your office follow the 1.62 golden ratio. You don’t need a ruler to measure it on the dot. Just by looking at relative sizes between objects that practice the Golden Ratio will already suffice for giving good balance and Feng Shui to your office space.
Applying the Golden Ratio in Your Home
The Golden Ration may be a bit trickier to apply at home than in your office. You might have to apply the ratio to different furniture in your home. Or, if at all possible, the actual room space must at least have the Golden Ratio in it if your furnishings are round or not viable for the Golden Ratio.
Good Feng Shui is actually possible if you already have the Golden Ratio in your home or office.
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Simple Feng Shui Tips for the Home
Many modern aficionados assert that feng shui is the practice of arranging objects, such as in the home, to help attract positive energy. The following are a few basic feng shui tips for the home:
1. A marble table in the house is not good for the career since it attracts work stress. A red sofa set too is often said to give rise to work obstacles and troubles. Replace that marble table with a wooden one, and that red sofa with any other color.
2. Have enough lighting in the rooms because light is an important source of energy. In dull spaces where natural light from the window is limited, paint the walls with yellow, which represents sunlight.
3. The bed should be placed next to a wall. You must not also sleep in a way where your feet are pointed towards the door, as this has negative connotation. A mirror where you can see yourself in as you are lying in bed has to be removed, or covered with a blanket as you sleep.
4. The doorway should not be obstructed with anything, such as shoes and other items. A clear entrance allows the positive energy to freely enter the room. It is also advised that the seating is so arranged that anyone inside the room will be able to see the door.
5. Placing mirrors in the room help positive energy dart through the area. They amplify the amount of light inside the room. Mirrors also make the room appear much larger than it actually is, giving a cozy vibe.
6. Plants represent nature, and having your self surrounded by them evokes the healing and nurturing vibrations of nature right into your room. However, dying or dead plants attract negative energy, so take them out immediately.
7. Make sure that there is no refrigerator, washing machine, dishwasher and even sink placed opposite the stove. Fire and water clash; this might stir up negative energies that may cause the family members to have disagreements with one another.
8. Never allow your children to sleep on the floor because it may cause them to get sick often. Ideally, positive energy flowing underneath the bed is beneficial. So it is advised for your children to sleep in beds with space beneath them. However, it is not recommended for them to use double bunk beds because the child sleeping beneath will get sickly.
9. The flowing of positive energy is generally interrupted by disorder or clutter in the room. Positive energy should be allowed to flow freely in the room, and from one space to the other. Clutter has to be removed especially from the center of your house, which is considered the heart of the house.
10. Keep your bathroom clean and the bathroom door closed at all times since you don’t want the negative energy inside it flow outside. You might also want to close all doors in the home as you sleep as it helps provide health domestic relationships and promotes health.
For beginners, feng shui does not have to mean using particular tools to come up with a harmonious home. Sticking to the basic aspects is enough to attract the right energies into your home.
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Love, Relationships and Feng Shui
1. If you are married or in a relationship, hang pictures of you together with your mate.
2. For married couples, place a pair of objects in the far right corner of the bedroom otherwise known as the southwest corner. A few good examples are a pair of Mandarin ducks or cranes as these are symbols of marital bliss. Another is a heart shaped figurine made from pink quartz crystal.
3. You surely have mirrors in the bedroom. If they are facing the bed, relocate them because it reflects the couple on the bed. Some believe that this will cause a failure in the relationship because of the entry of a third party. Believe it or not, televisions are just as negative as mirrors do get rid of it.
4. As for the bed, make sure that this is not in direct line to the door. This is because the dead take your with your feet first. It should also be accessible from three sides as this will allow you to keep your partner.
5. You should always treat yourselves to fresh flowers and once they wilt, replace it. Never put these in the southwest corner of the room as this will clash with the element of romance, namely earth.
6. If there are any abstract, dark or sad artworks in the bedroom, take it out. These things encourage negativity when this room should be peaceful and safe for those who sleep there. You can replace it with a painting of Peonies, love birds or silk flowers as these represents love.
7. You must never work out in the bedroom because this represents hard work that is often a hindrance of romantic space.
8. Should the bedroom doors squeak, fix it because it blocks romantic energy from entering the bedroom.
9. For those who have toilets and unfortunately this is located on the south west corner of the room, don’t worry because you can fix it by hanging a five rod wind chime.
10. The bedroom should be well ventilated so old energy moves out of the room.
11. It will also be a good idea to buy yourselves a gift as this symbolizes your relationship. Put this in a prominent place in the room or the home so you are able to remember your partner.
12. But what if you are still single? Well Feng Shui may also work for you. You do this by making a wish list of what qualities you want in an ideal partner and also the ideal relationship. These are two different things and when you write it, be specific. It may not happen today or tomorrow but one day, your ideal partner will show up and you can have your dream come true.
Feng Shui can help you keep the love alive in your relationship by blocking out negative things and then embracing those that are positive. This may mean relying more of Yin which symbolizes femininity more than Yang which is masculinity but it is all good as this causes a healthy balance with the opposite sex.
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Harmonizing with Feng shui
The purpose of the application of this practice is to locate that Qi or that vital energy in your surroundings by creating balance and harmony around you. Here are some Feng shui theories that can give you a better grasp of this concept of balance and energy.
The Power of Qi
Qi is everywhere and the key is to find it. This energy is a result of interactions in the environment like the yin and yang and the five elements of water, fire, earth, metal and wood. This theory believes that the way you arrange your surroundings and position certain objects around you can affect your energy levels. It also believes that these energy levels can even influence your health, wealth, relationships and even luck. By properly organizing your environment, qi can flow through the space freely and can create a positive effect to those who live in the area.
The Union of theYin & Yang; Yang
The yin and the yang are two opposing forces or energies that work together creating a unity of opposites. The yin is characterized as the passive energy that is associated with the characteristics of water, cold, peace and tenderness while the yang is described as the active energy like those from heat, fire, excitement and speed. In other words if yin is matter, yang is energy and neither of them can exist without the other. The key to understanding this practice is to achieving a proper balance of yin and yang in our environment.
Balance through Bagua
The bagua is a popular Feng shui instrument that is shaped like an octagon and is divided into the eight cardinal directions of North, South, East, West, North East, North West, South East and South West. The theory of the bagua is that each of these directions corresponds to a part of our life. For instance, the North portion of the bagua pertains to one’s career while the south pertains to the fame or reputation of a person. The other categories of the bagua are family, children, prosperity, relationships, wisdom, and travel.
The theory of the bagua also believes that each of the eight directions pertain to a part of our life and in order to activate the energy or improve a certain part of our life is to find the direction it corresponds to and make the qi flow into that space positively.
Finding the Harmony
Understanding and appreciating the art of Feng shui is accepting that there is an existing relationship between you and your environment. The theories of this practice present information on how a person can achieve balance and harmony with the environment which can have a great impact in particular areas of a person’s life.
Although each person has their own potentials in the area of health, wealth, relationships and luck, what this practice really teaches is how to enhance these areas for practitioners to make the most out of their lives.
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Feng Shui Tips for Business
When it comes to your store, how you design and arrange interiors as well as its exterior may affect the flow of good chi. First off, you should start by looking at your store's facade. In order to achieve good feng shui, your store's name, design and display should stand out. This is the result of good chi flowing into your store. The strong flow of the energy can be created by a strong and clear presence in the environment. In terms of your store, it should catch the attention of a passer by through its attractive display clean store name and good lighting.
After you have made well with your store exterior, you then need to check on your interiors. When you come inside, try to take note of what part of the room that instantly take your attention. Are you attracted to look towards the right or towards the left? The location to where you are drawn is considered to be the flow of chi inside your store. You can then make use of this idea to determine how you should make the good chi flow through your store. For this you may need to create some pathways for the energy to flow in the same way that you would want your customers to explore and see the items that you are selling.
The way you arrange your office space can also affect your business. This goes with how you place your office tables and chairs. It is good feng shui advice to always sit with a solid wall behind your back. It is not good feng shui practice to sit with your back to the window for long periods of time. In the same way, you should not be sitting with your face front on a solid wall while working.
And because light and air flow greatly affects the flow of chi in the practice of feng shui, you should also try to make good use of it in your office. Try to make sure that air has a means of going inside your office by trying to open windows. Try also to let as much natural light as possible into your office in order to create an area where good chi might flow constantly. The positioning of your office furniture should also be considered so as not to impede this flow of energy into your office surroundings.
Since most offices today exists in a sea of polluted environments. This would not be a good area for chi to flow in. Air pollution in particular must be resolved by making use of different feng shui items that may aid in clearing the air for the good energy to flow in. air purifying plants can be used in order to help clean the air inside the office.
Other feng shui items such as essential oils, crystals and water fountains can also be used to cleanse or raise the energy levels in the office.
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Feng Shui Theories
Qi
The Qi, pronounce as "chi", is a difficult word to understand and is usually left as it is, without translation. In the most literal sense, the word means "air". In today's feng shui, Qi is similar to the word "energy". A more traditional explanation of Qi as it relates to understanding of local environments, the orientation of buildings, and the interaction between the land to the vegetation and the soil quality. An instrument that is used to determine the flow of Qi is the luopan.
The theory of Qi stems from the different beliefs from the Axial Age. One such belief holds that the heavens influence life on Earth. This may seem outrageous to some people, but scientists today now know that space weather exists and can affect some technology such as GPS, power grids, communication and navigation systems, etc. and the internal orienting faculties of even birds and other creatures.
Polarity
Polarity is another theory used in the practice of feng shui. It is expressed in feng shui as the Yin and Yang Theory. Polarity that is expressed through yin and yang can be compared to a bipolar magnetic field. It is made up of two forces- one creating a force and one receiving it. Yang is the force acting and yin is receiving. This interaction is considered as an early understanding of Qirality. The Yin Yang Theory and connected to another theory called the Five Phase Theory or Five Element Theory.
The so-called "five elements" of feng shui are water, wood, fire, earth or soil, and metal. These elements are said to be composed of yin and yang in precise amounts. The interaction between the two forces became the foundation for the practice of feng shui and how it is said to strive to achieve balance.
Bagua
The two ancient diagrams that are known as the bagua are common fixtures in the practice in feng shui. They can be compared to the cardinal points of the compass today. The bagua diagrams are also linked with the sifang or "four directions" method of divination that was popularly used during the Shang dynasty although the sifang is considered to be much older.
It was also known to be used at Niuheliang as well as a big fixture in the Hongshan culture's practice of astronomy. And it is in this area of China that can be connected to Huangdi, who was also known as the Yellow Emperor. It was Huangdi who was known to have invented the south-pointing spoon.
The cardinal directions that contained in the bagua diagram are said to be determined by the marker-stars of the mega-constellations known as the Four Celestial Animals. The East is considered to be the Blue Green Dragon. The South is the Red Bird. The West is also known to be the White Tiger while the North stood for the Dark Turtle.
These feng shui theories also loom large even in today's practice of trying to achieve a good balance in the environment as well as the lives of people.
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Feng Shui History
The astronomical history of Feng Shui is evident in the ancient instruments that were developed in its practice. The earliest known Feng Shui instrument may have been what is known as the gnomon. This instrument was used along with trying to circumpolar the stars in order to determine the north and south axis. This was basically used in laying down early Chinese settlements.
The ancient Yangshao and Hongshan cultures in China provide the earliest evidences of the practice of feng shui. As early as 4000 BCE, doors from Banpo dwellings were aligned to the star called Yingshi just right after the winter solstice. This allowed the homes to be sited for better solar gain. During the Zhou era, the star Yingshi was known as Ding and had a great influence in trying to determine the appropriate time to build their capital city. This is according to records on the Shijing.
Another example of the practice of ancient feng shui can also be found from the grave at Puyang that dates back to about 3000 BCE. This particular grave contains mosaics of the stars called Dragon and Tiger along with the Beidou, known in the Western world as the Big Dipper constellation. The mosaics seem to be oriented along the north to south axis. The presence of round and square shapes were also found at the Puyang tomb as well as at the Hongshan cultural ceremonial centers and the former Longshan settlement. These evidences suggest that the practice of gaitian astronomy (belief in a round earth and a square earth) was already present in the ancient Chinese society.
One of the oldest instruments used in ancient feng shui were the liuren astrolabes. These ancient instruments consist of a lacquered, two-sided board equipped with astronomical sightlines. The oldest of the liuren astrolabes have been found and discovered from tombs dating from 278 BCE and 209 BCE. These ancient astrolabes show the cord-hook diagram and some those found even include the magic square of three. The markings on these instruments remained unchanged, from the ancient astrolabe down to the first magnetic compasses.
The practice of astronomy that bears a striking resemblance to many modern feng shui devices and theories were also discovered on a jade artifact found in Hanshan that dated at around 3000 BCE. Ancient structures in China which included its palaces in the capital cities are all influenced by feng shui in their design and layout. The rules that were followed were written during the Zhou era on the "Kaogong ji", or the "Manual of Crafts".
The magnetic compass was initially invented for the practice of feng shui and has been in use since its invention. Traditional feng shui instruments include the Luopan or the earlier south-pointing spoon or the zhinan zhen. This shows the extent of feng shui history and its long standing practice in ancient Chinese history.
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Feng Shui for Different Home Areas
The kitchen
- The stove must be away from the door, but the cook should be able to see the door. If not possible, install a mirror.
- Never position the stove opposite the sink, refrigerator, or dishwasher. A clash of the elements fire and water is not a good idea.
- Keep your cupboard and refrigerator well stocked with food supplies. It implies wealth and abundance.
- Avoid positioning the stove directly in front of a window. Placing the stove to the side of a window is better.
The bathroom or toilet
- Never place the toilet opposite the kitchen. The feng shui fire and water elements will clash in this situation.
- The toilet must not be placed adjacent to the front door. Place the toilet somewhere far away from the front door.
- Avoid positioning the toilet door directly opposite the front door. This may lead to wasted opportunities.
- Place a huge mirror behind the bathroom sink. But never use the kind that is split in the middle, often seen in bathroom cabinets.
- Make sure that the plumbing fixtures in the bathroom and toilet are not leaking, especially the faucets.
The bedroom
- The bedroom should not be adjacent or opposite to a bathroom or toilet. If this is unavoidable, make sure you keep the bathroom or toilet door closed at all times.
- Position the bed as far away from the door as possible. But make sure you still have a good view of the door from the bed. At the same time, do not place your bed where your feet are pointed towards the door when you are sleeping.
- Mirrors should not be placed where they reflect your image as you sleep. Round and oval shaped mirrors are ideal, but make sure they are larger than your head.
- Sleeping directly on the floor is not suggested as it does not allow the Chi to flow beneath you.
The stairway
- Traditionally, the favorable number of steps in a stairway is an odd number. A spiral staircase is also a blunder because it confuses the Chi.
- The worst mistake that can happen is when the staircase leads directly to the front door. This leads to the loss of opportunities, and the residents tend to be always rushing, seldom settling in.
- A good way to slow down the flow of Chi outside the front door is to hang a wind chime on the ceiling above the base of the staircase. A heavy figurine at the floor level below may also act helpful.
Lobbies and hallways
- Hallways need to be free of impediments and are needed to be well lit. It should also be clear to anyone where they are to go next in the house.
- A nice piece of art may be hung on the wall to the end of a hallway. However, never place a mirror there; it will only reflect back the entering Chi.
- There should be no hallway in the house that leads directly to a toilet. If it is already there, just make sure the door is closed at all times.
These are some tips to overcoming and preventing Chi flow problems, giving you a harmonious feng shui home.
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