Feng Shui

Feng Shui (pronounced fung schway) is an ancient Chinese tradition of placement and design that guides human beings in living harmoniously with their environments. This practice of arranging space for optimum well being was first devised almost 4,000 years ago as farmers in China sought appropriate locations for their homes that would bring the greatest opportunity for good health and prosperity.

The Chinese term "feng shui" is a form of shorthand for a quote from the Book of Burial (third c. BCE):

The qi that rides the wind stops at the boundary of water.

Feng Shui sees the world as completely alive with its own chi or personality that is directly affected by such details as the arrangement of furnishings, the location of doors and windows, and the choice of colors and materials. Balancing the chi is the key to good Feng Shui. When in balance, there is a harmonious interaction of yin and yang energies (light/dark, hot/cold, male/female, etc.), and harmony and good fortune prevail.

This explanation of Feng Shui is a simple description of a complex discipline. Feng Shui masters spend their entire lives studying universal energies and their relationship to human beings and their environments. In Hong Kong where Feng Shui flourishes, it’s a rare business owner who doesn’t consult a Feng Shui expert about the auspicious placement, design and decor of his business and residence. In recent years the practice of Feng Shui has increased significantly in the western culture as people search for ways to achieve a balanced and prosperous life through a more holistic approach to their environments.

The Bagua

The Bagua, originating from the I Ching or Book of Changes, is an eight-sided map that overlays the floorplan of a lot, building or room. Each of the eight sections and the center corresponds to a section of life experience: career, wisdom/knowledge, family, finances, reputation, relationships, children/creativity, benefactors/supportive people, and health.
By overlaying the Bagua onto a floorplan (it stretches to fit!), it is easy to identify the locations of these life areas and how chi flows through the structure. If any areas are “missing” or weak in some way, simple solutions can adjust the chi flow to strengthen the area and bring it into harmony.

Simple Solutions
Feng Shui offers many simple and practical solutions that can be integrated into the contemporary home or business. Colors, textures, plants and mirrors are just a few of the many elements that easily create good energy flow and transform an environment to one of harmony and well being. 

Because people are the heart of the universe they should be able to determine their own fate. - from the Yijing

Feng Shui is not an excuse to lay on the couch and expect that a mirror or wind chime can fix everything in your life. In Chinese tradition, Feng Shui is third on the list after what you were born with and what you do with your gifts - that means your life is still your responsibility.

… the art of laying out grounds after the Chinese manner is exceedingly difficult, and not to be attained by persons of narrow intellects. - William Chambers (1723-96) . . .

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