Feng shui is a Chinese system of harmonizing the environment so that everyone benefits. It is now used all over the world by companies and individuals wishing to create balance and serenity in their surroundings. The concept itself is not based on any science. So, it’s understandable that there are strong believers in feng shui and there are people who merely roll their eyes and look upon it as a waste of time.
However, feng shui is one of those things that really doesn’t hurt to try. It may be beneficial and even if it’s not, there really isn’t anything to lose.
You don’t need to go to China and sit on your knees in a monastery to learn feng shui. It’s not kung fu and it’s a lot simpler. The basic concept is to make the surroundings that you are in flow with positive energy or chi. This could be your home, office, shop or any place of business. Businesses feel that when their stores are flowing with positive energy, people are happier and more willing to whip out their wallet and buy stuff.
Understanding the effect of light and air on feng shui is crucial. Since chi flows with the assistance of light and air, the place needs to have good ventilation so that there is “good air” and it has to be well lit. At home, it is a good idea to open your windows whenever possible to let fresh air into the house. Indoor locations should use air purifying plants or an air purifier to create the same effect. Similarly, try and let in as much natural light into your home or place of business.
There is an old saying that goes, “Cleanliness is next to Godliness”.
Conceptual image of Feng Shui with five elements
You can’t have good feng shui if you’re a hoarder or your place of business is messy and disorganized. One of the fundamentals of feng shui is to unclutter the home or office. Clutter blocks the flow of chi. It’s an obstacle that impedes good chi from reaching you. This will affect your health and energy levels. Unnecessary clutter drains any positive energy that may be present. By throwing away the unnecessary junk, you are removing the negative load that affects your life. You’re also creating a harmonious, pleasant environment in your home that is serene and flowing with positive energy.
Feng shui in the home is often done on a very personal level. If a feng shui practitioner is hired, most often they will check your birth element. This is one of the most important aspects of feng shui. The harmonizing is different for each individual. Your birth year will correspond with your birth element. This can be easily checked online. It could be wood, fire, earth or metal. For example, those born in 1977 would be a fire element.
Once you know your element, it’s just a matter of researching how to introduce the different expressions of the element into your home through the use of colors and the balance of the other complementary elements in your life and home. The next thing you will need to know is your kua number. According to feng shui, each person has his or her own kua number that corresponds to one’s date of birth and gender. The kua number also tells of each person’s energy needs.
The Flying Stars (a feng shui school) states that people may belong in either one of two energy groups- the East or the West. For the East Group, their kua numbers may either be 1, 3, 4 or 9. For those on the West group, their kua numbers can either be 2, 6, 7 or 8. By knowing your kua number you’ll be able to determine the directions and orientation of structures such as your home or where you face when working in order to ensure that positive energy is flowing through unimpeded and in abundance.
These feng shui basics can help you start off in making your life and home flow with good chi.