Have you ever wondered what a compass reveals? At first glance,
it maps the directions of the earth’s magnetic fields, helping
us find out bearings. While this is true, the ancients who developed
the Luopan, the magnetic geomancer’s compass over 4,000 years
ago included rings to read astronomical, astrological, and mathematical
data. This information interprets the relationships between people
and their environment, enabling them to positively transform their
lives. The ancients understood, as modern medicine now accepts, that
acupuncture directs the flow of energy in the body. Similarly, Feng
Shui directs the energy of the environment.
What is Authentic Feng Shui?
Feng Shui is the art of living in balance and harmony with one’s
environment. Feng Shui, meaning “wind” and “water” are
two of the most powerful forces of nature. Being able to harness the
positive energies of our environment creates success and transformation,
as the energy surrounding you supports and nourishes your activities.
The Way it Works
Feng Shui requires in-depth observations of the environment, people,
locations and time. How these factors interact with one another reveal
what’s happening on an invisible, energetic level. These assessments
are made using astronomical, astrological, and mathematical systems,
including the birth data of all occupants. Once an assessment
of these patterns is formulated, recommendations can be made on a case
by case basis, describing how to advantageously tap auspicious
energy and minimize the negative. Any changes made should harmonize
with your own personal taste and style.
History 101
Around 2200BCE in Neolithic China, Feng Shui was developed. The art
was refined over many centuries, and produced many learned scholars.
Many emperors forbid the dispensing of Feng Shui to their subjects,
thereby securing their power. Violation of this law lead many masters
to their death.
Until the recent revolution, Feng Shui was an integral part of daily
life. It is said that Mao Tse T’ung was a master practitioner,
and used Feng Shui in his rise to power. Afterwards, he outlawed its
practice and destroyed many ancient texts. This had been foreseen,
and the most valuable texts had already been removed to Taiwan. No
longer exclusive to the realm of the Chinese, thus began Feng Shui’s
journey to the West.
Feng Shui enters American Mainstream
An increasing number of people who would never have considered using
Feng Shui in the past are now applying its principles. A varsity coach
at a prestigious university asked me to perform an audit on his home
and offices on campus. Skeptically, he made the recommended changes
and has since enjoyed tremendous benefits at home with family and finances.
His biggest triumph has been a breakthrough for his team, winning every
match. This had not been predicted by their previous seasons’ records.
Major corporations such as Merrill Lynch, Charles Schwab, Citibank
and TD Waterhouse have been reported to incorporate Feng Shui design
principles. British Airways, Cathay Pacific, and Trump Towers add to
a growing list.
Questions about Feng Shui
Worldwide fascination with Feng Shui has bred acceptance within the
mainstream, but do most people know what real Feng Shui is all about? What
is the difference between traditional Feng Shui and the numerous “new” schools
that have arrived on the scene? There is some misunderstanding,
and the need exists for clarity in defining authentic Feng Shui from
the more modern “pop” versions.
People are beginning to realize that in order to obtain lasting results,
superficial skimming won’t stand up to scrutiny. Anyone seeking
information faces a deluge of hundreds of books, articles and programs,
many with confusing and contradictory premises, as well as self-proclaimed
practitioners that have used a few of these contradictory books as
their sole form of training.
What guidelines should we use to distinguish Feng Shui advice? First,
discard superstition. Traditional disciplines such as Taoism, Chinese
medicine or Feng Shui require time and diligent commitment for understanding
and mastery.
New Feng Shui
“New” Feng Shui originated in America roughly 20 years
ago. Its novelty and promise of “cures” created a sensational
wave rich with Chinese cultural symbolism and products.
Feng Shui jewelry, candles, air fresheners, charms and other items
linked questionably to superstition and the bottom line are sometimes
combined with intentionality and symbolism.
Symbolism is an unrelated philosophy. Spiritual, emotional or cultural
bonds energetically embossed on certain objects can be healing and
transformative. As Albert Einstein succinctly stated, “Symbols
have the capacity to touch us not just on an intellectual level, but
on behavioral and emotional levels as well.” As such, bringing
attention to a problem and giving it presence in your surroundings
can help at any level, but remains separate from Classical Feng Shui.
Traditional Feng Shui relies on time-tested mathematical formulas
that work regardless of a person’s belief. However, it was the
introduction of this “new” American movement that earned
Feng Shui a misunderstood, misrepresented place in the mainstream,
albeit a very popular one!
In Asia—where I have lived and also received my training–several
of the oldest, most respected masters became concerned that real Feng
Shui was in danger of being lost to an American marketing trend. As
a result, Classical Feng Shui was introduced to the West around five
years ago, and is now becoming more widely accepted as the industry
standard.
Case Study
A ‘new’ Feng Shui consultant recommends to a man going
through a contentious divorce, that he place a couple of pink or red
candles in his “relationship corner” to pull in new relationship
energy and quell the angst of his departing spouse, along with other
symbolic “cures.” Psychologically, he felt better having
shifted his environment around a bit, and felt boosted by having made
the effort and enlisting support, but things continued to decline.
A traditional Feng Shui practitioner was called in, who took an accurate
compass reading of the external land forms, and the house. He was asked
for the move-in and construction date, as well as his birth date. Charts
were created, combined and assessed for compatibility. It was discovered
that he has a great house, but he entered through a door in his “loss” direction,
his bed was in one of his “arguments and lawsuits” directions
and a water fountain was activating “financial drain.” This
man was miserable, and open to change. The fountain was turned off,
the bed was moved into his best sector, the side door became his main
entrance as it was in his “wealth and success” direction.
Other changes were made based on the internal layout, his four best
directions, and harmonious flow of energy throughout the house. This
is an actual case, and after implementing the recommendations, he achieved
an amicable, out-of-court settlement that both parties were pleased
with, as well as improved health and career gains.
As you can see, traditional Feng Shui becomes fun and rewarding once
the basics are down. The process is easier when you work with your
own timing and what you already have.
| Authors
Details: Melissa Kushi - Web Site |
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