What is Feng Shui?
Feng Shui, a term that is a blend of the Chinese words for “wind” and “chi” (or “qi”), it first appeared in China in 4000BC where the Yangshao and Hongshan cultures provide the earliest known evidence for the use of feng shui, using Astronomy as a way to find correlations between humans and the universe. The core theme of Feng Shui lies in the study and observation of Qi or Chi energy. Find out what Qi/Chi Energy is here.
The history of Feng Shui
The ancient art of feng shui is often associated with ancestor worship and traditional Chinese culture, but it also had very practical applications. The practice began in farming communities centuries ago when people sought to placate their ghosts through suitable burials which could benefit them both spiritually as well economically by ensuring success on earth while keeping away bad luck or illness during this lifetime.
Focused moreso towards material gain than any other mindset, Feng Shui was (and to some extent, still is) about creating the most favourable conditions for achieving specific goals – be it a good harvest, financial security or even just a happy and healthy family life.
The idea behind Feng Shui is to harmonize with nature and bring harmony to one’s home or office. This concept was believed to have been brought to Westerners by Matteo Ricci (1552–1610), one of the founding fathers of Jesuit China missions who first wrote about feng shui practices. His account tells of feng shui masters studying prospective construction sites or gravesites “with reference to the head and the tail and the feet of the particular dragons which are supposed to dwell beneath that spot”.
Feng Shui has evolved over the millennia and there are now many different schools.
Forms of Feng Shui
Definitions vary greatly depending on what school or theory you follow. Some believe that there are three major schools/branches of thought:
CLASSICAL FENG SHUI (Form School and Compass School)
FORM SCHOOL, The Form School branch of Feng Shui is based on the idea that our physical environment can be used to influence our lives. This includes the shape, size and orientation of our home or office, as well as the objects we place within it. The goal of a Form Feng Shui assessment is to learn more about your natural environment, as well as identify any areas where there may be negative energy. This can help you access (or avoid) these spots so that they do not affect the quality of life at home!
A three-part process includes understanding what influences our surroundings on earth – like stars and planets in space; assessing the Qi/Chi energies around us now or historically before construction began for an estate property which will depend largely upon its orientation towards certain directions according to those qi gathering points nearby, and finally determining whether the building and location are auspicious or inauspicious.
COMPASS SCHOOL, The second branch of Classical Feng Shui, the Compass School (or Eight House Feng Shui), uses a lunar-solar calendar (Luopan) with influences based on 8 directions and their unique Qi, rather than Form. A Compass reading will tell you what energies are currently affecting your home or office, as well as how these energies may change over time. This system can be used to determine the best placement of furniture and objects within a space, as well as the best time to make renovations or changes.
Compass School can be divided into two types:
- Yang House – Yang House represents dwellings for people. Yang house uses Flying Star and Eight Mansion Feng Shui.
- Yin House – Yin House represents burial sites for the dead. The two main classical systems for Yin House are San He and San Yuan.
The concept of feng shui is based on the idea that your home’s energy can be changed by calculated formulas. These calculations are often done using physical landmarks such as mountains or rivers, but they also take into account certain concepts like “negative” Qi which causes illness in people living there (or who visit frequently). The more time passes since those moments happened; the worse off you’ll feel because disease takes up residence within our bodies overextended periods-not just during an attack.
Form and Compass Schools are not necessarily two separate schools; rather, they should be viewed as a part of the larger feng shui concept. The physical formations around us can have an impact on our internal energies through time-space interactions.
BLACK HAT SECT TANTRIC BUDDHISM FENG SHUI which focuses on spiritual and holistic experience.
In the 1970s, Grand Master Lin Yun Rinpoche developed a style of feng shui that was distinct from other schools. He believed in bringing together different traditions and teaching them as one system with many aspects – like Confucianism. This is also what makes it so popular today; people find spiritual value when they practice this type of engineering (focusing on balance).
The Black Hat Sect Tantric Buddhism Feng Shui system is unique in that it uses the Bagua, or energy map, to assess a space. The Bagua is divided into nine sections, each representing a different area of life. By understanding the energy flow within these nine areas, you can make changes to improve your life.
This system is also known for its use of the Five Elements – wood, fire, earth, metal, and water – to create balance. These elements are used in combination with the Bagua to create a more complete picture of your life and how it can be improved.
The traditional practice of feng shui is based on the idea that one’s surroundings affect them. Black Hat, which originated in China and came into popularity internationally around 1900s-2010s, applies different principles when assessing space than other types such as White or BaZi – but this doesn’t make it less authentic for many Asians who rely heavily upon these traditions
Many people do their best to preserve old ways by adapting what they believe are genuine practices from earlier generations; however, there has been some criticism against those doing so because sometimes these adaptations deviate too far away from authenticity without maintaining any fidelity towards origins.
NEW AGE FENG SHUI which focuses on products as enhancers of Qi.
The New Age concept of feng shui is a way to enhance your home by using certain items, colours and patterns. These include crystals or figurines that can be placed in the house for different outcomes depending on what you want from them;
- Whether it’s good luck during sporting events like football games where they’re often placed at doorways as entrance totems.
- Protection against negative energy from due east region (the direction corresponding with black smog)
- Attracting wealth spirits onto property lines where there are lots more opportunities available
Whatever the goal, there are plenty of products on the market that promise to help you achieve it through feng shui. This New Age Method is perhaps oversimplified in that it takes a more general approach to Feng Shui. While it may be effective for some, it may not be as beneficial for others who need a more specific approach in order to achieve balance in their lives.
The traditional practitioners of feng shui are not thrilled about the New Age departure from tradition. They argue that without proper consideration, this new idea only creates more confusion and misunderstandings in an already complicated field-the study or observation on Qi/Chi energy.
While there are many different schools of thought when it comes to Feng Shui, the most important thing is to find what works best for you and your individual needs. By understanding the concept and how it applies to your life, you can create a more positive and balanced environment for yourself.
How to use Feng Shui in your home or office
There are many different ways to use Feng Shui in your home or office in order to improve your life. Here are a few tips on how to get started:
1. Make sure that your space is clean and organized. Clutter can block the flow of energy and make it difficult for you to achieve balance and harmony.
2. Pay attention to the layout of your space. Make sure that the furniture is arranged in a way that promotes positive energy flow.
3. Use colours and objects that represent your goals and aspirations. For example, if you want to attract wealth, you would use green or purple.
4. Place objects in strategic locations. For example, you might place a plant in the Wealth corner of your home to encourage the flow of abundance.
5. Be mindful of the energy you bring into your space. Make sure that you are surrounded by positive people and things that make you feel good.
Can Feng Shui help you sleep?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the effects of Feng Shui will vary depending on your individual circumstances. However, in general, using Feng Shui principles can help you create a more harmonious and balanced environment, which may lead to improved sleep quality. There are many things you can do to apply Feng Shui to your bedroom, such as:
1. Make sure that your bed is in the proper position. It should be placed so that you can see the door from your bed, but not directly in line with it.
2. Choose calming colours for your bedroom walls and bedding. Blue and green are said to be particularly soothing.
So should I apply Feng Shui to my Life?
The heart of all feng shui systems lies in understanding and observing qi (or chi) energy. To answer this question you should explore what Qi or Chi is and how it matters here.
