What is Feng Shui?

The underlying principle of feng shui is chi.  Another word for chi is energy. It is an energetic, formative principal that is spontaneously expressed throughout all life. It is the underlying principle of energy linking all things. This principle is common to other traditions as well. The Hindus call it prana, the Japanese call it qi, and Catholics call it spiritus. Chi can be of the earth, the atmosphere, or of people.  The quality of chi is expressed through form, shape, color, sound and cycles of nature.  A lot of feng shui is concerned with ensuring that chi does not get stuck, stagnate, depleted or too concentrated.

What is the goal of Feng Shui?

When feng shui principles are employed, they can increase the energy in those areas of our lives that we wish to enhance, minimize non supportive energies, while at the same time experiencing a greater sense of overall balance, harmony and contentment. It is, however, not a magic bullet. Feng shui is only one component in life. It can not overcome all challenges in life, but can give us greater awareness to change the things in life over which we do have control.

Are there different kinds of Feng Shui?

There are many different methods or schools of feng shui that are being practiced today. New methods are being revealed as more of the old books are being translated into English and are being taught. Among all these different schools there is little consensus as what is mutually agreed upon. There is no “this is the best school of feng shui” or “this is the only true school feng shui”. They all are valid and have effectiveness, depending on the level of expertise of the practitioner and the willingness of the client to implement the feng shui remedies given by the practitioner.

Feng shui is a part of Chinese metaphysics, which is a vast and very deep subject. There is a whole cosmology that exists that attempts to explain how the universe works and our relationship to it. The knowledge acquired through an understanding of the I Ching is of paramount importance and contributes to the understanding of feng shui.

Firstly, it is important to understand that a major school of feng shui works within a framework of time and space. In other words, there is a belief that we, as humans, are in direct relationship with time according to specific cycles that have been laid out over millennia. This applies to both Chinese astrology, of which there are many different types, as well as feng shui. 

Secondly, it is import to understand that most feng shui that is being taught today is about our relationship to how the energy flows in the environment in which we live and work. There are two types of feng shui to consider in the environments, one is physical, referring to actual visible surroundings, such as landscape, mountains, buildings, waterways, roads, and the interior design of the building, as well as the placement of furniture. The second type is more abstract, and that is the directional influences, which are invisible, but which can have a significant influence on us. When evaluating feng shui influences, it is necessary to take into consideration both the visible and invisible energetic qualities of the environment.

This has to do with how the chi or life force energy flows through a space and whether it is supportive or non-supportive to the people who live and work in the space. 

There are some aspects that are generally agreed upon by all schools and practitioners of feng shui. They are:

• One should have an understanding of Form School and how the forms in an environment, both external and interior forms, affect the people. 

• One should have an understanding of the Five Elements and how they relate to one another and how to balance the elements with one another. This includes an understanding of yin and yang.

• One should have an understanding of how to determine the best directions for sleeping, working and studying and which directions should be avoided.

• One should have an understanding of how symbolism and intention can affect the energy of the environment and the people in the environment.

• One should be aware of the annual energies that are present and how to adjust for them.

Once the energy of the place has been cleared and ideally the people have been cleared as well, then it is the perfect time to place the appropriate elemental remedies and symbolic remedies where needed. Additionally, arranging your environment to have “good form” will allow for the chi to flow in a more balanced and beneficial way.

Why All The Feng Shui Methods Work

People have come to believe that having good feng shui in their home or business is a way to attract and have prosperity, good relationships, health, etc. This is true.

However, as I have explained, there are several different methods or schools of feng shui. Energy or chi is evaluated and interpreted differently by a feng shui practitioner, depending on the method or methods that they have learned and what they believe according to what they have been taught. Aside from Form School or Landscape Feng Shui, which is the basis of all feng shui methods, there is generally not a lot of consensus as to what is agreed upon in terms of how to analyze and interpret the energy of a place and the ways to adjust the energy of a place. If you have read more than one book on feng shui you have probably noticed some inconsistencies or conflicting information.

With so many different methods being used by practitioners with their clients, why do they all seem to get positive results for their clients when many of the methods seem to conflict with each other? The simple answer is Belief, Intention and Resonance.

Everyone creates their reality based on both their conscious and unconscious beliefs. This statement is both a scientific and metaphysical fact. If you, as a client are drawn to and resonate with a particular practitioner who practices a particular method of feng shui, then there is an implicit agreement between the two of you, based on belief,  that the recommendations for adjusting the feng shui of a place will balance the energy and generate harmony and attract the things you are desiring. It is even more powerful if there is agreed upon intention behind the feng shui remedies. It is as simple as that.

There is a lot of common sense that is attributed to having good feng shui. Such as not having your back to a door, not being in alignment with something sharp, not having a lot of clutter, not having dead and dying plants in your environment, paying attention to the symbols and artwork that are in your environment. Are they uplifting, do they support what you desire? Most everyone can agree on these types of things.

Know that feng shui works. When looking for a feng shui practitioner, ask questions about what method or school of feng shui they practice. If you resonate with them and believe they can help you, then consider using their services. If not, don’t. It is as simple as that.