In many parts of the world, as Asian customs, traditions, and so on, become more and more popular, feng shui, the age-old Chinese approach of generating a peaceful as well as harmonious environment is enjoying the limelight. Translated wind (feng) and water (shui), it was formalized approximately 3,000 years ago, it’s a worthwhile method when it comes to achieving good fortune. This is because in Chinese culture, wind as well as water are affiliated. Consequently, there’s also such a thing as bad or negative feng shui, which easily translates to misfortune and bad luck. Now, the question still stands: Is feng shui real and is it good to invest money in it? Simply put is it on par with, say, palm reading when it comes to legitimacy and practicality? Well, to answer this, it’s best to learn more about this ancient method. Continue reading for details.
Fundamental Feng Shui Principles
- Yin and Yang
Yin and Yang, a principle of Taoist theory play a key role in feng shui. At its center is a stern belief of balance—balance between—Yin (feminine) and Yang (masculine). By achieving this, a good flow of Chi (concept of a life force) is achieved and this paves the way for a successful, happy, and content life. In line with these, it’s important to note that in feng shui as well as Taoist theory, yin and yang are exact opposites, but despite this, they are dependent upon each other, which is a must if you want to achieve balance.
The root concept of the yin and yang theory is the principle of duality or the belief that things are composed of balanced blends of two entities. Also, while a vast majority of spiritual beliefs out there are based in opposing dualities like good against evil, the Taoist system relies on the balance as well as equilibrium amongst opposites lead to the desirable state. Furthermore, discord takes place when one principle cancels out another one.
- The principle of five elements
Another key, say, component of feng shui and Taoism is the theory of five elements. With regard to tradition, the former believes that all things are made up different degrees of five elements: wood (green, brown), fire (yellow, red, orange, pink, and purple), earth (brown, yellow), metal (gray, white), and water (black, blue). The aforementioned elements are said to interact with each other in more ways than one. Sometimes, they can be constructive and sometimes the other way around. On the one hand, in the constructive cycle, trees get their moisture for water, wood acts as a fuel for fire, and so on. On the other hand, in a destructive cycle, metal cuts wood and so on.
Flexible applications of feng shui
Feng shui can be utilized in so many ways and the long list includes deciding the location, architectural features, construction, furniture placement, colors, plant location, exteriors, and so on. By establishing a positive atmosphere feng shui paves the way for improved family communications, restored cooperation, and even heightened financial incentives in the form of better sales and increased customers, just to name a few. Bear in mind that the said principles can be applied to basically any building design or decoration and not just in Asian or Chinese-based structures.
Feng shui astrology reading
In addition to the said applications, feng shui can also be used in astrology reading. This branch of feng shui is often called 9 Star Ki, also known as the astrology of the said system. It’s used to predict universal energies and other similar matters. In general, 9 Star Ki is very different from Western Astrology that utilizes stars. The stars in feng shui astrology are the 9 element variations and their position Lo Shu Square or the Nine Halls Square. Through this, you can determine the most favorable or advantageous times for certain activities. For instance, you can find out when’s the best to time to open a business, transfer to a new company, travel, and so forth. In addition, 9 Star Ki also indicates good directions when traveling. This, in an effort to avoid getting negative energies when moving from one home (or office) to another.
Feng Shui Basics
- Home entrance
A good way to start with feng shui is to clean out your home’s entrance since it’s the “mouth of chi.” This is very important since this where you leave public place and enter your own abode. Plus, everything that enters your home passes here. Putting this factor into consideration, you need to make sure that it’s clean, accommodating, and everything in between.
In line with this, a good feng shui exercise is to get rid of everything that blocks your entrance. That being said, move furniture and/or appliances that blocks your stairs or porch. Also, wash as well as clean your front area and door. It’s best if you’re going to use natural or organic scent and rinse them with salt water.
- Living room
The living room is considered by many as a yang room since fire is heralded by many as the most yang room. For this reason, it’s best if your living room is strategically adjacent to your entrance. Such straightforward move is essential in so many ways because it’s the first room that your guests can experience and this greatly contributes to attracting new friends or otherwise. A good feng shui exercise to address this is displaying your most decorative or fascinating possessions in your living room. When doing this, ask yourself what is the first thing that your visitors see. Is it a clutter of unpaid bills? Receipts? This should not be the case. It could be a captivating picture, statue, and so on.
In addition to the abovementioned pointers, it’s best if there is no mirror in your living room. This is because it should never be the first thing that you should see when you or your guests would enter your home or living room. One may experience discomfort when they unexpectedly see their reflection; which in turn, may prompt them to fix their make up, hair, and others, instead of feeling welcome. If you decide to still put a mirror, then you should place it on your side wall so that your reflection or that of your guests won’t be seen upon entry.
- Furniture Placement
Aside from being strategically adjacent to your entrance, it’s best if your living room is square or rectangular in shape. In case you have no way of achieving the said figure, then you can utilize a screen to block off extra space. This means, you need to arrange your furniture in such a way that they are going to face the room entrance. Again, the mouth of chi should always be open as well as unblocked. It’s most potent if it sits in a commanding position or in front of the entrance. It’s not ideal if you enter a living room, then become confronted with something that is not inviting such as the back of fridge or couch. Putting this factor into consideration, it’s best if you place a position against a wall.
- Windows
In feng shui, your windows should be covered, but not always (later on this issue). So, hang solid blinds, roll-up shades, or curtains to achieve this. Bear in mind that when it comes to this aspect, not all coverings are created equal. Consequently, wooden shutters, Venetian blinds, and other forms of slatted blinds are not recommended. This is because the shadows that they produce are shaped like knives. Also, at daytime, open your coverings so that the chi of the sun will enter your abode. During nighttime, employ your coverings again to contain the chi. Your luck will be better if your curtains reach the floor since this indicates a sense of abundance.
- Plants
Living things such as plants add life and vitality to your home. To add freshly cut flowers as well as silk ones are symbols of growth as well as abundance. This is most true when it comes to orchid since they are channels of luck in feng shui. However, after you’re the orchid blossoms become faded, keep the plant, then add silk orchids the next time it blooms. This way, orchids can appear fresh. In line with this, avoid any kind of cacti because they do not deliver good chi and in some cases, may even bring bad luck.
- Antiques
In certain cases, some commodities like antiques can hold negative chi from previous owners. This being said, if you feel that an antique possess such negativity, it’s best to extensively clean it. However, if you’re still experiencing any form of discomfort each time you touch or see it, then it’s best to get rid of it.
- Kitchen lighting
The of feng shui relates to comfort; this is why, the comfort of diners is a major concern. This is the reason why candles are great centerpieces on a dining room table. They add soft light and so much more. In line with this, utilize natural beeswax or unscented candles so as not to overcome food aroma.
Summing up
There you have it, some feng shui basics that you need to know. After reading this article, you can appreciate this method to the fullest and enjoy the benefits that they bring in the highest level. Remember, with the right attitude, patience, consistence, and so on, you can get the most of your feng shui reading and so much more.