The three major concepts of feng shui are the flow of energy; the balance of yin and yang; and the interaction of the five elements in the universe - fire, earth, metal, water and wood.
The flow of energy is expressed in nature, where perfectly straight lines occur only in very short segments, such as sugar cane and bamboo stalks. Even the tallest trees have irregularities, and it is a natural law that energy flows in wavy lines similar to breezes and streams. When energy travels in a straight path, as in the case of a roaring flood, its awesome power is unleashed. When a flood destroys everything in its path, it usually follows something man-made, such as a road. Freeways, tunnels, bridges, buildings and lampposts have straight edges that are conduits of negative energy called sha or killing energy. In feng shui, straight lines and the angles they create are called killing arrows.
The second important concept is the duality of the universe, expressed in yin/yang symbol of one dark and one light teardrop positioned in a circle. One teardrop has yin qualities which are female, soft, passive, nurturing, dark, fluid, even numbers and the right side of the body. The other teardrop signifies yang traits which are male, bright, hard, active, aggressive, odd numbers, and the left side of the body. The two halves comprise a whole, yet there is an element of each in the other.
A fluid S-shaped line divides the two teardrops and personifies the balance within the universe, nature, the environment, and the self. It is our task to maintain the balance of yin and yang within our physical, mental, emotional, spiritual and intellectual selves. Achieving this balance results in feeling grounded - much like a rock that is pounded by the elements but remains solid.
The third concept includes the five universal elements, each of which relates to the others in two ways - a creative connection that provides strength and power, and an overpowering or destructive relationship that denies same. Knowledge of these relationships is critical in feng shui; placement based on misinformation or ignorance can result in an effect opposite to the one you want to achieve.
Generative Cycle
Fire generates earth
Earth generates metal
Metal generates water
Water generates wood
Wood generates fire
Destructive Cycle
Fire melts metal
Metal cuts wood
Wood moves earth
Earth dams water
Water puts out fire
In the Compass school, the eight areas of a room correspond to the same areas in the adjourning rooms. N-NE-E-SE-S-SW-W-NW will always be the same in all rooms. The following list details the eight compass directions and what they represent in the Compass School:
North: career, business success, black, winter, water, metal, tortoise, 1
Northeast: knowledge, wisdom, self-development, success in school, turquoise, tan, winter becoming spring, earth, fire, 8
East: Family life, health, nutrition, harmony, prosperity, green, spring, wood, water, dragon, 3
Southeast: Wealth, prosperity, abundance, green, purple, spring becoming summer, wood, water, 4
South: Fame, fortune, longevity, festivity, joy, red, summer, fire, wood, bird, 9
Southwest: Marriage, mother, relationships, love, romance, spouse, yellow, white, pink, red, summer becoming autumn, earth, fire, 2
West: Children, children's fame, creativity, white, autumn, metal, earth, tiger, 7
Northwest: Supportive, helpful people, international trade and travel, interests outside the home, father, gray, metal, earth, autumn becoming winter, 6
Put the right objects in the right locations in order to achieve harmony with the universe, nature and yourself. You can activate the areas of your life that you wish to improve, such as health, career and love. Much of what you do is based on common sense, sound architectural design, intuition, geography, meteorology, astronomy, interior design, ancient Chinese philosophy and Chinese folk beliefs. As you tap into the tao, or flow of the universe and its rhythms, these are the keys you will use to create a more holistic, natural and simple way of life. Keep your heart pure and your intentions strong, and see how this fascinating and wonderful tradition transforms your life.
Just a few more tips to improve your Chi:
Do put an aquarium in N areas (business and career success) or in E or SE for prosperity. In every corner of the world, water - in the form of rivers, lakes and oceans - has brought trade, commerce and prosperity.
Don't put an aquarium in or facing a bathroom or a bedroom. This is considered unlucky and can result in loss of fortune.
Do keep your basement free of clutter.
Don't locate a bedroom in the basement. Finish basement rooms for occasional use only - a family room, guest room or game room.
Do hang a crystal in a dark corner to activate chi in that location.
Don't keep your colored crystals in the sunlight as it will cause them to fade.
Do try to have more space in front of your desk than behind it. You need the support of a wall behind you and space in front of you to allow good chi to beat a clear path to you and your business.
Don't position your desk directly in line with the door or under a beam. If you do, you will be receiving negative sha energy or will be located under oppressive sha which causes illness, accidents and misfortune.
Do put red, pink or yellow orchids in a clay terra cotta pot in a SW area if you desire children. Put white or yellow orchids in a metal container in a W area. Orchids symbolize the perfect man, love, beauty, refinement and many offspring.
Don't have pictures or vases of peonies in your bedroom if you are already married. This flower will encourage your partner to stray or seek love interests outside your home.
Do plan a new view, surprise or delight to be revealed at every step or turn along a garden path.
Don't forget the most basic law of gardening and life: you reap what you sow. Plan and nurture seeds of kindness, honesty, compassion and integrity, and that's what you will harvest.
Happy Friday :) xo
Humble thanks to Angi Ma Wong for the Dos and Taboos of Feng Shui
