When you hear the word “Feng Shui,” it sounds more Asian than pure English. The Chinese borrowed the idea of the word from an ancient poet who related human life to the surrounding environment. Hence the two words are Chinese words translated in English to mean “wind-water.” The concept claims to use energy forces to blend the ecosystem. It is also known as Chinese geomancy, an ancient pseudoscientific practice—aiming at organizing pieces in living spaces to build a balance with the natural world and attain harmony between individuals and their environment.
Rules of Feng Shui
The philosophy is generally known as Tao in Asia, which means “the way” in English. There are three basic principles of Feng Shui: the commanding position, the Bagua, and the five-element.
- The commanding position is the most dominant position of your room that you’d like to spend much time using. After you have determined such a position, it is in it that you place your desk, bed, and stove. Each of these items and positions represents an extension of your career, personality, and wealth, respectively.
- Bagua map- It is the energy map that is overlaid on the floor plan of your house. It means “eight areas” in English, which relate to eight diverse life situations such as career, wealth, or family, all of which have corresponding color, shape, number, and earthly elements.
- The five elements– These are five interrelated spheres working together to create a complete system. They are elements such as earth, wood, fire, water, and metal. The idea originates from Taoist Tradition.
Conclusion
Feng Shui works towards achieving the goal of relating everything around you with yourself. Though traditionally used to align buildings and spiritual structures such as tombs and other auspicious structures, it is used today to create positive energy in such structures.