On this page:-

- Ancient Origins of Feng Shui - Fengh Shui Principels Today - What Proper Feng Shui is Not -

- Basics of Feng Shui - Natural Elements - Yin and Yan - Chi

Ancient Origins of Feng Shui

The origins of feng shui, which literally translated means 'Wind  Water',  go back at least four thousand years in Chinese history - the time when people began to settle and farm crops and animals.  The objective of feng shui then was really about survival – a way to identify supportive locations, well-protected from enemies and harmful natural elements, on which to build dwellings where the inhabitants would thrive, enjoy good health and abundant harvests. Prosperity then modestly meant managing to produce enough food for the family’s needs.

Ancient geomancers studied land formations and traced dragon lines (earth energy pathways). They also sought an elemental balance of yin and yang, ensured that the flow of beneficial chi could be harnessed and took into account cosmic cycles. The outcome was that people experienced life enrichment by living in harmony with the laws of nature.  These same traditional concepts are still fundamentally important to feng shui today.

Feng Shui Principles Today

The continuing fundamental principle of feng shui is the understanding that features in the natural or man-made environment around us and the arrangement of our living space continually affect our overall well-being. Environmental objects, locations of various rooms and activities in a property, helpful or detrimental water, prevailing natural light and winds, cyclical seasonal influences, the moon and other heavenly bodies all cause a significant influence upon the quality of our lives.  They can shape our mood, health, personal and work relationships and the success of our desired prosperity

Today it is hardly possible to have the perfect setting for a building due to existing nearby features, planning restrictions and other impositions of modern living.  However, feng shui is having a beneficial influence on current design and decor trends, encouraging more supportive surroundings and an easy-flowing, uncluttered living style.   Feng shui has been described by a contemporary architect as ancient building by-laws to abide by today.

When we relate comfortably to our environment we feel more balanced and positive so we are better able to harness positive outcomes. Most of us have experienced feeling an atmosphere, either good or bad, as soon as we walk into a place.  Its feng shui is a significant part of that feeling.  Feng Shui Living acknowledges and bides by the wisdom of classical Chinese geomancers and Sylvia has been trained extensively in classical feng shui and environmental design. She has a realistic, logical approach and a flair for transposing authentic traditional principles into today’s modern living environment.

What Proper Feng Shui Is Not

Real feng shui is not superstitious or mysterious and is neither religion nor magic. It cannot claim to change your destiny, although it may support you to help  overcome adversity and improve the quality of your life. True feng shui does not recommend quirky talisman or ‘transcendental cures’, nor is it about placing a money plant in your "wealth corner" or a love potion in the far right hand corner of your home.

Hazards are not 'cured', but sensible Feng Shui adjustments can protect you from their adverse effects. Mirrors and wind chimes mirrors can cause more harm than good by disturbing the energy flow if they are misplaced, so they are used with care in proper feng shui. Bagua mirrors are disapproved of by most Chinese masters as their placement can attract much misfortune.

Basics of Feng Shui  - Natural Elements, Yin and Yang, Chi

The five natural elements used In feng shui are Water, Wood, Fire, Earth and Metal, also known as the five phases or transformations. They may be either real organic substances or metaphoric representations and they are associated with specific compass directions. They also relate to colours and shapes, aspirations, family members and seasons. Elements may be introduced to enhance or calm a given area and to strengthen, weaken or control each other, depending upon their relationship.  They are used in various ways to influence space supportively.    

The opposite pairs of female and male, water and fire, earth and heaven, passive and active, dark and light, winter and summer are examples of yin and yang. The concept of yin and yang is rooted in the I Ching - the Book of Changes -  and expresses the interactive relationship between contrasting objects, actions or time cycles.  A balance between yin and yang is desirable to achieve harmony and equilibrium in a place.

Chi is more complex than the western word 'energy'. It is the oriental word for the intangible natural vital energy field that emanates from everything in our universe, including the movement and quality of air that circulates around us, the earth's magnetic field, the gravitational pull of the moon, cosmic radiation, sunlight, colour vibrations, solid objects and the flow of our thoughts and emotions. Healthy Sheng chi brings with it the opportunity to enjoy stability, harmony, abundance and success, whereas the presence of undesirable Sha chi can cause unhappiness, sickness or financial loss.  Chi influences how a place feels and how we respond in it.

Sylvia Bennett is a leading consultant in Feng Shui London UK.