Feng shui is a fusion of art and science. Though there isn’t any proof of its effectivity, people still practice and respect the beliefs connected to it. Feng shui came from China thousands of year ago. Thus, it is an essential part of Chinese culture.
Feng shui is two Chinese words associated with good health. In a literal sense, Feng is the “wind” while Shui is “water.” These are symbols signify health which is also part of having good fortune. Of course, health is not the only part of having good luck. It also includes other aspects of life you would see in your horoscope Philippines prediction. Success in career, finding the love of your life, and accumulating wealth are few of the signs of good fortune.
The Basic Principles of Feng Shui
Feng shui comes from the Taoist theory of yin and yang. The principle believes in the balance of the feminine and masculine presence in life. Yin is feminine while Yang is masculine which are both necessary to maintain the flow of chi—the life force flowing in and out of the body.
According to Taoist and feng shui theory, yin and yang are opposites. They depend on each other to achieve balance. The principle of duality is the root of this idea. The thinking states that the balanced blend of two things results in harmony. Thus, balance and equilibrium between opposites are what leads to a desirable state. Discord happens whenever a principle outweighs the other.
Another principle relevant to balance and essential to Chinese Taoism is the Theory of Five Elements. Feng shui practices hold the belief that all things contain varying degrees of the five elements which are earth, fire, metal, water, and wood. Colors, shapes, and textures represent each element and help bring stability to space, including the self. The elements can interact in several ways. However, some interactions destroy while others are constructive.
Feng Shui Symbols
Feng shui uses several instruments and symbols to understand the practices and find out the specific cures. Here are some of the feng shui instruments and symbols that help direct the flow of energy in your home or office you must know now.
Bagua
A bagua (bag-wha) is a feng shui energy map. It is an octagonal grid with the symbols of I Ching, the ancient oracle where the Chinese based feng shui. It helps in understanding the connections between different areas and specific aspects of your life.
You can use a bagua to map out the areas of your life. It covers love, health, wealth, and career. It is also useful in finding the right position for the pieces of furniture in your home. It shows which position and complementary objects results in the maximum positive benefit for your fortune.
To become competent in using the bagua map, you must first orient yourself with the main entrance to your home or entry to a room. Once you spot its location on the bagua, you can now use it to identify critical areas in the space where you can station different items that support the chi in the environment.
Luo Pan
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A Luo pan (lo’pan) is a feng shui compass. It has two bands of concentric rings that are around a magnetic needle. Translating the Chinese terms to English, Luo means “everything,” and pan means “bowl.” It means that the feng shui compass holds the mysteries of the universe.
There are several types of Luo pan. It is worth noting of the three main types–San He, San Yan, and Zong He. San He analyzes yin and yang based on elements and the bagua. It considers the look of the environment. Meanwhile, San Yan includes references from the flying start concept. The Zong He is a type of Luo pan that combines the San He and San Yan compass.
Things To Know about Feng Shui
Now that the basics of feng shui are out of the way, it’s time to know about the misconception about the practice. At the same time, feng shui comes with a few unspoken rules a lot of people don’t know. Whether it’s your first time to try it out or it’s been a while since you practiced the craft, here are ten things you probably don’t know about feng shui.
1. It is not a fad or a fashion statement
As people begin to become open to different culture and traditions, they also begin to have access to a variety of information. Part of acquiring knowledge is the art and science of feng shui. Travelers or those who get the chance to look into the practice can apply it to their homes and explore its benefits.
This phenomenon led people to believe that feng shui is a modern fad or a passing trend. Unfortunately, it is not. People, specifically various Chinese communities, practiced it for thousands of years. A lot of people still apply the practices as it became part of the world’s ever-evolving culture and way of living.
2. It is based on the scientific principle of energy
The ancient Chinese understood the importance of energy and the role it plays on the universe. They believed that energy is everywhere and it surrounds all things. They also realized the transfer of energy. People possess inner chi and can absorb the existing force in the environment when there’s interaction. The same is true with outer chi. You can harness energy in the environment in different ways and means.
Ancient people developed feng shui to absorb energy in the environment and result in a positive outcome. At the same time, feng shui practices became the answer to harnessing chi and ensuring it positively affect different aspects of life. Whether it’s finding love, advancing in your career, building wealth, or establishing relationships, feng shui covers all of these aspects to achieve a sense of balance between yin and yang.
3. Colors play a big part
Feng shui runs on the Theory of the Five Elements. Thus, it’s vital to be familiar with the things that influence the elements. With that in mind, you must know how colors impact the quality of energy in a space. Different colors signify different elements. Shades and hues of varying degree support the element and heighten their influence in a place.
Though colors are often for aesthetic purposes, they are also useful in complementing the existing elements. As much as possible, the hues should not clash. Complimentary colors emphasize the nourishing effect of each shade on the quality of energy in the area.
4. Feng shui is more than furniture placement
A lot of people confuse feng shui practices with furniture placement. But, the practice of feng shui goes beyond that. It also factors in the kind and quality of material used besides the color. Moreover, it also tackles personal energy, birth elements, and even your Chinese horoscope. All of this information is important. You should consider them when looking for the right feng shui cure.
Feng shui also takes note of directions and other natural elements. You’ll find that each home and person has a specific cure. Each part of your home answers to a practical feng shui approach to attract the right energy and increase your chances of bringing good fortune. As stated before, feng shui is both a science and an art. Though it does not have solid proof of its validity, culture and the natural environment is the source of its inspiration.
5. Some spaces are critical to success over others
Feng shui cures result in changes to the design of spaces to ensure the balance of energy. The quality of energy in the area affects the people working or living in it. It can make them feel confident, healthy, creative, depressed or demotivated.
To get the right vibe, it is a must to strike a balance of energy in places of interest. Most of the time, people absorb their energy from the areas where they spend most of their time. That is why most people look for feng shui cures for living rooms, bedrooms, and offices. These places are full of movement. They are also the busiest places. It’s best to prioritize these areas before anything else to feel the changes in your life.
6. Most of the information on feng shui is incorrect
A lot of people are not aware of the principles of feng shui even those that are practicing it. There might be several resources available on the Internet, but the knowledge you gain from these sites won’t match those of a feng shui master. If you wish to know about feng shui, you should get first-hand information from a feng shui master. They are the ones who practiced the craft, so they have information that was not on print.
Also, it’s best to understand the underlying principle and theory about feng shui. These are the backbone of feng shui so having a deep understanding of them gives you an idea on how to work with the elements, feng shui tools and the conditions in the environment.
7. The entrance to any property is the key to success
Any opening, the entrance in particular, influences the success of your feng shui cures. It is the gateway where positive forces can enter your home or workplace. Therefore, you must maintain a well-maintained and inviting entryway. Moreover, it must be inviting. You can use a bright color for the front door or wind chime to attract luck and auspicious energy.
8. Feng shui cures are simple, everyday items
Feng shui cures, also known as adjustments, enhancements or remedies, help direct the flow of energy in your home. Some feng shui experts might tell you to buy this and that. In reality, you don’t need them. Improve the flow of energy in any area by using crystals, water, mirrors, and auspicious symbols.
Crystals are highly useful in modulating energy. They fill in the missing spots while encouraging sunlight and chi into any area. Meanwhile, water directs the flow of energy. Mirrors can activate, circulate, expand and deflect energy. You can use it to mislead unwanted energy. Auspicious symbols like the Buddha, lucky bamboo, dragon statue, talisman, and other items represent a good quality of energy.
The Power of Feng Shui
All of these are proof of the power of feng shui. Though there is no assurance that applying feng shui practices and placing cures at home and in the office leads to success in life, it is still useful if you wish to attain balance in life. With that, it’s up to you to decide if you will allow feng shui into your life or not.