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 “qi” (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 qi (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. Environmental Feng Shui can be as simple as correcting a room from being too light or dark. 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 .
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