| |
Feng Shui, a mystical belief or a natural science?
Feng Shui has gained widespread popularity in the United
States and around the world. Originating in China more
than 2,000 years ago, it is quickly becoming a part of
architecture, building development, and home living. Much
has been written and reported about this topic. So truly,
what is this thing that recommends avoidance of sharp
angles and putting metal objects in your home for balance
and other strange recommendations?
Feng Shui is a body of knowledge that has developed and
grown for thousand of years. Originally, it was the
exclusive knowledge of the court meteorologists of
Imperial China. The meteorologist studied medicine,
geomancy, astrology, and other esoteric arts. These
meteorologists protected their knowledge. People of the
time knew little about it. Many people had heard about
it, but most knowledge outside the Emperor’s palace
was hearsay. Eventually this knowledge spread to only
selected families outside the palace. These first Feng
Shui masters used the knowledge to help common people.
The knowledge was passed from father to worthy son in
order to protect the family’s name and position.
Over the last 2,000 years, this tradition has continued.
However, with each succeeding generation, the Feng Shui
knowledge was leaked until a popularized version of Feng
Shui has developed in the West today.
What has grown to be known as Feng Shui in the West, is
in reality a popularized version of Feng Shui. Feng Shui
is not based on any religion, mysticism, or superstition.
Rather it is a mathematical science. Feng Shui is based
on four aspects: Building, Environment, People, and Time.
Most authors and practitioners today utilize only the
first two aspects, while leaving out the most important (although
more complicated calculations) of People and Time. Just
as the Earth is constantly moving and changing, so are
the energies of Feng Shui. Modern science has shown that
geomagnetics are in a constant flux. Feng Shui
calculations show changing results based on the variables
of building, people, time, and environment. There is no
fixed place for money, love, or study. Although the
"chi" (energy) for these objectives exist, they
are found in different places in different buildings. It
takes a qualified practitioner who knows how to uncover
these locations.
Much has been said about the "cures" used in
Feng Shui. Traditional Feng Shui does not prescribe any
flutes, mirrors, charms, chants, or other mystical
objects. Rather, a qualified practitioner only utilizes
the five Chinese elements of wood, fire, earth, metal and
water to bring a place into an energetic balance. These
elements can take the form of many objects such as a
brass pot, or an aquarium, but the actual remedies are
still strictly the element. Many books have written about
using mirrors as a Feng Shui cure. In actuality, mirrors
used to be made of polished brass (a metal remedy) and in
the Middle Ages, it worked as a cure. Today’s modern
mirrors do not have enough of the metal element to be
prescribed as a remedy. When asked today, about where to
put the mirror, most qualified practitioners answer
"In the bathroom, which is where it is needed most!"
Although a mirror can be used architecturally to hide a
pillar or make the room appear larger, it is not a Feng
Shui remedy. The objective of the remedies is to return a
natural balance of Chi (or life energy) to a building.
Feng Shui remedies are only based on the natural elements
and not the objects themselves.
As for avoidance of sharp angles, just as in art, rounded
edges are much more beautiful and pleasing than angles.
This is part of the environmental aspect of Feng Shui.
Other environmental "no-no’s" are having
too much light or darkness. Again, you are looking for a
balanced environment. Turning on a heater to warm a cold
house can be considered a form of Feng Shui from an
environmental aspect. Although these are basic examples
of environmental Feng Shui, a more detailed analysis of
the environment will be left for another article.
There are a lot of benefits to having a proper Feng Shui
analysis performed. People have reported increases in
wealth and love, and significant improvements in health.
Feng Shui can be shown to be both a science and an art.
The Science of Feng Shui is the detailed analysis of the
four aspects using mathematical calculations. The Art of
Feng Shui is the experience of how to best implement the
remedies. How much, exactly where, and for how long, is
the skills of a practiced Feng Shui master. Feng Shui is
not about making drastic changes, but making energetic
improvements in your living space that will result in the
best possible benefits for all who reside there.
Today unfortunately, there is much hearsay, superstition
and nonsense about Feng Shui. On the contrary, Feng Shui
makes complete sense and is based on logic and scientific
principles. How does one find a qualified practitioner to
render an analysis? Ultimately, it boils down to whether
what is presented makes sense. Just remember that the
ultimate objective of Feng Shui is to create a balanced
and harmonious place that is supportive to the people who
live there. It is a scientific study of the "built"
environment. Do not take any advice that does not sound
right to you. The most important piece of Feng Shui is
that the environment be supportive and comfortable for
the people who live and work there.
(c) 1998 & 2000 168 Feng Shui Advisors
|
|
