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Feng Shui Enthusiast PDF
Feng Shui Enthusiast PDF
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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.
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.
Nonetheless, it is still a point of view that among other things, require careful
consideration and thought. So what are the thoughts that prevail on the onset
of Feng Shui? Here are just some of these prevalent concepts that a Feng
Shui enthusiast or researcher may find useful.
Sense of Balance
The number one thing that Feng Shui promotes is balance. This balance
comes in many forms, in the color arrangement, in the spatial factors up to
the numbers that concern your working space or environment. The balance is
more promoted by the five Earth elements of Feng Shui and the bagua, which
is designed symmetrically and with complete reference to the different
elements of the earth by Feng Shui standards. The standards of Feng Shui is
made customized in every person, but it all boils down to having the right
sets of things that complement and balance each other out.
Sense of Positivity
A sense of positivity is also what Feng Shui promotes. Positive energy is the
thing most sought after by people who try to get the services of Feng Shui
consultants. This positivism needs to be maintained. Conversely, it wards off
all the forms of negative energy that may come in a given space. This is why
there are charms that help cure the bad luck in a given place, especially those
which have been established without guidance of Feng Shui.
The love for self is also promoted by Feng Shui. You will detect energy based
on what generally feels good to you. Love for self involves not subjecting
yourself to oppressive places or harboring negative energies that can be
counter-productive to your different activities.
Dreaming big and making the environment jive with that dream
Finally, Feng Shui is more anchored on the greater scheme of things. When
you have a dream and you intend to fulfill it in numerous ways, the best way
to start is to have an environment that embraces those dreams. If you dream
big and work hard, but your environment cancels all the things that you are
striving for, it will be a very difficult task for you.
Feng Shui ensures that there is alignment between the things you want and
the things that are manifested in the objects you see everyday.
In order to fill your home with good chi, you may need to have good quality
air as well as lighting. In feng shui, it is believed that chi flows through with
the help of air as well as natural light. Because of this, it is essential to make
use of these two elements to ensure that the home flows with good chi. To
allow the good energy into your home, you would need to open your
windows often to let natural air into the home.
You can also use air purifying plants or an air purifier at home to make sure
that the air remains clean and pure. Also try to allow as much natural light
into your home to allow good chi to fill your home.
Clutter is a known obstacle to the flow of chi. It can have an effect on health
as well as the overall energy levels and quality of life. Too much clutter can
drain your energy as well as impede good energy from flowing into your
home or life. Getting rid of the clutter can also help get rid of the negative
load that affects your life. By clearing clutter, you are creating a harmonious
environment in your home flowing with good energy.
In order to understand better how you can use feng shui to achieve a certain
balance in your life and home, you might need to know your own birth
element. There is a certain element that corresponds to your birth year.
Knowing what element your are born with can help you decide on what is the
best approach to achieve that certain balance in feng shui. You can use your
feng shui birth element to introduce the different expressions of the element
into your home through the use of colors and the balance of the other
complementary elements in your life and home.
According to feng shui, each person has his or her own kua number that
corresponds to one's date of birth and gender. The kua number also tells of
each person's energy needs. In the school of feng shui called the Flying
Stars, people may belong in either one of two energy groups- the East or the
West. For the East Group, their kua numbers may either be 1, 3, 4 or 9.
For those on the West group, their kua numbers can either be 2,6,7 or 8. you
can use your kua number to determine directions and orientation of structures
such as your home or where you face when working in order to ensure good
positive energy to flow through. These feng shui basics can help you start off
in making your life and home flow with good chi.
Ideal System
The ideal system is where water produces wood, wood yields fire, and fire
fashions the earth. Then, the earth forms the metal and the metal
consequently produces the water. The overbearing and ugly system is when
the elements contradict each other: wood burdens earth, fire destroys metal,
earth hampers water, or water kills the fire. If you are able to see the visual
properties of these elements, you may find that these arrangements prescribed
by Feng Shui also make practical sense, even if you do not necessarily dig
the concepts and foundations of Feng Shui.
Earth
You don’t have to be a geologist to understand good Feng Shui for earth.
Earth is generally composed of ceramics and rocks. If you want a happy
home, you must have a good dose of rocks and ceramics strategically placed
in tune with the other elements that are present in your home. Lacking in
earth, you may find yourself filled with instability and resilience that the
earth is generally known for.
Metal
Electronic devices can actually have good feng shui as well. They are under
the metal category, which not just brings in the technological advancements
of this age but also the toughness brought about by metal materials in the
different elements of Feng Shui. Make sure that metal is not colliding with
fire elements, and this may even hold a practical significance because you
wouldn’t want any of your electronic devices to catch fire!
Water
Zen fountains and the like form the water aspect of Feng Shui. Just ensure
that water complements your metal. Overpowering your home with electronic
appliances may actually appeal to the gadget junkie but not to the Feng Shui
aficionado. Aside from the fact that water balances metal, you may also find
that it has visual appeal if a person finds a Zen fountain in the midst of a sea
of gadgets in the home which may be cool in function but not in appearance.
Fire
Candles and fireplaces are good examples of fire elements in Feng Shui. It
may appear weird to put a fountain beside a fireplace for it contradicts that
purpose, but many a movie had background sets with a fireplace and wooden
furniture that is well ideal for a night of romance. Too much fire can actually
drown the environment, so be very careful when lighting your environment.
In business settings, it may also be advisable to tame down the effects of fire
in the office. But it can be more unleashed in the personal setting, especially
in romantic ones.
Wood
Advantages of Applying
Feng Shui in Your Life
Many people are fascinated with Feng Shui and with many good reasons.
While others generally believe that it is just some oriental superstitious set of
paradigms on interior design (but that is just part of the extensive definition
for Feng Shui), the Feng Shui that we know now is actually comprised of
various schools of learning and incorporates the different cultures under
which it is housed.
The good thing about the different options pertaining to Feng Shui is that
even the layman can actually be able to understand and apply it immediately
in their homes without having to spend too much. And apart from that, there
are other advantages that only Feng Shui can bring if you can actually open
up your mind to try it.
Have you ever found yourself completely overburdened with clutter and
unnecessarily stressed out of your wits? Chances are, you are suffering from
a visual imbalance of some sort in your surroundings. Now, the best way to
introduce some sense of balance is by incorporating elements that provide
you with a sense of control in the outer balance of things. If you are able to
get some semblance of balance even in things as menial as your furniture,
you are bound to find balance in other aspects equally manageable.
Advantage Number 2: It helps you become more mindful of the little things
Mindfulness in the little things can actually be a good thing. Some of us tend
to be heavily focused on the big things of life that even the minor details like
home arrangement and office ergonomics no longer come to play. When
these “minor” aspects of life continue to take a backseat, they tend to
accumulate and produce a very stressful environment which can add up to
other problems and worries of life.
Meeting new people is another bonus of being a Feng Shui enthusiast. When
you are applying Feng Shui, chances are, you will be able to find another
person within your social network who likes the same stuff and can even help
you expand your knowledge on Feng Shui, no matter how limited it is to
begin with.
The main objective of Feng Shui is to invite all the good things to one’s life.
Prosperity and success can be more easily within reach and a positive
disposition may be expected if Feng Shui is practiced well.
Qi
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.
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.
Profiles of Feng Shui
Enthusiasts
Feng Shui enthusiasts have different niches. Different personalities and
cultural backgrounds are incorporated into the Feng Shui attempts. The good
thing is that you do not have to limit yourself to a certain make to be able to
apply Feng Shui. However, it may do you a lot of good if you are able to find
the groups of people who have the same interests as yours as far as Feng Shui
is concerned.
If you are after the more rigid type of the loose application of Feng Shui,
these are all possible depending on your preference, for Feng Shui is really
all a matter of channeling the right energy to make the environment work to
your benefit.
The best thing about Feng Shui is that it attracts a huge variety of people. You
don’t even have to look too far and you will easily find a person who is into
Feng Shui. And with the many challenges facing the world today, it is
understandable that we seek help in various places, including Feng Shui aid.
But different persons breed different motivations for applying Feng Shui, and
here are some of the profiles of people who engage in Feng Shui.
The Housewife
The housewife is the one who pores through magazines and seeks out Feng
Shui tips online and offline. She may also derive the techniques from other
fellow housewives and friends within the neighborhood. Her common focus
on Feng Shui would most likely be oriented on home and family matters. The
housewife who likes Feng Shui is most likely into interior designing of home
whether on an amateur or a professional level.
The striving employee who likes Feng Shui aims to make a miniature balance
of earth elements in his cubicle. This may involve him or her putting a small
mirror for water, a jacket to ward off the excessive metal in the corporate
workplace and many others. The striving employee may also invite relaxation
and peace of mind by means of a plant ornament or any lovely fixture that
doubles as a Feng Shui charm and a form of esthetic display.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
Creating a Harmonious
Feng Shui Home with
Colors
Color is something that Feng Shui makes use of in attracting positive energy
into our living space. When you are planning your home’s color schemes,
you should pick accordingly to the kind of energy you need. This guide will
assist you in choosing the best colors for you to come up with a harmonious
home.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The first step is to draw a layout of your home. When you are doing it, you
are noting down the north points in the house.
Then it is time to work on the door. Ideally, the front and back door must
never line up with each other. This is because according to the principles of
Feng Shui, energy that enters the house will just go out without bringing any
benefits to the homeowner. If this is the case in your home, put a plant or any
other obstruction with an angled throw rug to encourage a path in a sideways
direction.
To bring more energy in the home, bring in some light. This doesn’t mean
turning the lights on but simply opening up the curtains so the sun can come
in. You should also add green plants since in Feng Shui, the color itself brings
joy and happiness. Other decorative items you can use include mirrors, wind
chimes and brighter colors.
You can also bring good fortune to the home by putting in an indoor water
fountain. This is because water refreshes Chi. At the same time, you can
throw in some goldfish as this also encourages wealth. Just make sure to keep
the pond clean and never let it stagnate.
Red is a very strong color in Feng Shui because it is hot, passionate, rich and
celebratory. You must use this color for a living room set because too much
of it may bring restlessness, a burst of anger and over stimulation. If you
want to use it, use it only for details and accessories.
When you note down the north point of the home, it will be easy for you to
work in other areas such as the southwest area of the house. This area is vital
because it will allow you to have satisfying relationships. You can do this by
eliminating clutter and replacing it with symbolic items ideally in pairs. Some
good examples are candles and other figurines. Never make the mistake of
putting wooden or green items here.
As for your dining room, the best ones to get are circles as this symbolizes
heavenly blessings. The chairs should be even in number and comfortable to
sit in. The décor should be simple so people will not get distracted and be
more focused on having a good meal.
Watch out for exposed beams. If there are, these should be covered up
because it creates an oppressive downward energetic flow that may cause
health problems and other misfortunes in your life. The other option is to
have two Feng Shui flutes installed at 45 degree angles on the beam, one at
each end.
As for the bedroom, make sure that the bed is not directly facing the door.
You shouldn’t also place a mirror on the opposite side of the bed as this could
attract a third party into your relationship.
Peace and prosperity can only be achieved by decorating your home with
Feng Shui. You can start now with some of the basics then get help if you
think you need it.
Feng Shui for Different
Home Areas
The Chi, a positive energy that brings in prosperity, should always flow
freely through different areas in the home. The following are simple feng shui
tips for the different areas in the home.
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.
- 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.
- 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
- 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
- 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.
- 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.
These are some tips to overcoming and preventing Chi flow problems, giving
you a harmonious feng shui home.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
For one thing, the Yin and Yang illustration is a very famous facet of Feng
Shui. It simply states that opposites are necessary to be able to appreciate the
beauty of things. You cannot appreciate the good without bad, light without
darkness and so on. This theory of opposites and balance extends to the
elements of the earth: water, wind, fire, wood and earth. These elements are
also in balance if good Feng Shui is present.
The Feng Shui concept is already organized in its scope. Any person you ask
about Feng Shui may tell you its symbols: the bagua, the yin and yang
diagram and the charms used by Feng Shui experts to cancel bad luck.
However, the main concepts are not entirely original. The philosopher
Heraclitus from Greece is credited for having first denoted the concept of
having opposites. And consequently, psychology on colors and other visual
media can also state some theories that are resonant with Feng Shui precepts.
Interestingly, there are more women drawn to the Feng Shui habit than men,
who may or may not be conscious that they are actually supporting a form of
belief system that establishes males as strong and females as weak. But other
than the Yin –Yang concept, there is no other outward manifestation of this
gender bias.
Is it really a good thing to believe in Feng Shui and apply it? The answer is
relative. It depends on the person who is asking and the background under
which he or she is raised. If you are born in an open-minded culture which
holds less restrictions on what you can and cannot do, the applying of Feng
Shui may be a non-issue. Meanwhile, if you are under a movement that
opposes the main beliefs of Feng Shui, you may have to make a more
substantial choice of lifestyle changes.
Feng Shui also has its own Yin and Yang to speak of. If you are really intent
on ruminating on the deeper aspects of Feng Shui, you may have to dig
deeper beyond what you see on promotional materials and even hate
literature against Feng Shui. For the most part, Feng Shui is quite harmless in
nature and it does not really explicitly cause major changes in one’s lifestyles
or belief systems.
But if in case you choose to be more meticulous, you may find that analyzing
beneath the layers of promotion of Feng Shui that there is more to it than just
rearranging furniture.
The Wonderful Colors
of Feng Shui
Colors affect people in different ways. By using the right colors, you can
strengthen the elements of Feng Shui. These wonderful colors are divided
into cool which is Yin and warm which is Yang. There must a balance at all
times because everything possesses these two components.
Aside from Yin colors being cool, it also represents healing and relaxation.
To give you an idea, here are the colors.
• Blue has yin energy because it reflects love. It also creates a feeling of
peace and trust. Since it is the color of both the sea and sky, Feng Shui
experts associate it with adventure and exploration. Among the different
shades of blue, navy blue is the color that best describes intellect and
wisdom.
• Black symbolizes money and income. It is great for those who are focusing
on their careers especially when this color is combined with metal. In Feng
Shui, it is the color of emotional protection and power.
• Next is purple that lies at the end of the spectrum. In Feng Shui, it is
associated with spiritual awareness as it is excellent for physical and mental
healing.
• White represents confidence, poise and purity. Feng Shui experts use this
color in combination with gold and silver as it generates a calm atmosphere.
• Tan or being represents the colors of the earth. It portrays neatness and
helps conceal emotion.
• Lavender is the color of sexual indecision. Feng Shui experts believe this
color suggests an ability to be manipulated.
There are other colors aside from those mentioned that represent Yin and
Yang in Feng Shui. If you want to know more about it, do some research as
this is written in books and also posted online.
Each of the colors above represents one of these elements and by making
sure there is balance, you will be able to bring prosperity wherever you need
it like in your home or for your business.
For instance, if you want balance in the bathroom, you shouldn’t add the
color black as there is enough water already there. Doing so will cause an
imbalance and surely you wouldn’t want that to happen.
The wonderful colors of Feng Shui can be used to your advantage depending
on the energy you need. For you to achieve prosperity, you have to bring
them into your home or office not only in the colors of the wall but also the
furniture and décor as well.
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.
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.
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.
In choosing the right Feng Shui symbol, you must have some emotional
relationship to the object you are using as a Feng Shui symbol. Some of the
Feng Shui symbols are meant to provide cures for bad luck. The others are
meant to supplement what is already inherently there in your home or office.
The mood that you want to convey must be established right from the very
beginning before you shop around for Feng Shui symbols so that you will
find the appropriate symbol that will fit your needs.
Crystals
There are quite a lot of crystals available for Feng Shui, and familiarizing
yourself with each one of them and their functions will help you acquire what
you need to be able to invite prosperity and abundance in your life. When
you are using crystals, make sure that you take good care of it and wash it
regularly to avoid dust or clutter from overpowering it.
Essential Oils
Some of the more relaxing oil varieties include the lavender oil, which is very
good for helping you attain peace of mind in your environment. Essential oils
are very conducive to providing a positive environment for your home or
office. Just make sure that you use the right amount of oils so that you will
not overpower your environment with too much oil. Also, for purposes of
variety, have some stock of various oils so that you will be able to experience
different modes of environment even by just changing the scent.
Fountains
The right orientation for the Feng Shui bagua is also important if you are to
use it in your home. The Feng Shui tools that you might need must also
complement each other so that you will not find yourself in the middle of a
clashed set of Feng Shui symbols. Chinese coins tied with a string are also
another form of good luck charm.
Animals
Animals are also considered part of the Feng Shui symbols. Some of the
attributes of the animal being used is actually assimilated by the environment
according to Feng Shui experts.
Color is also an important aspect of Feng Shui. The visual appeal must not
only be derived on what goes with where, but it must also be grounded on the
right colors you need. It all depends on the mood that you want to convey.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Dusting frequently helps keep your place clean. Dust, when accumulated also
forms the clutter which we are really trying to avoid in Feng Shui.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The Power of Qi
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.
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.
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.
Links
Teachings of the Ascended Masters www.tsl.org
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