What is Feng Shui ?

Inhaltsverzeichnis

the Luo Pan compass close-up

“There’s nothing in the world, that doesn’t change. Nothing lasts eternally the same.”                                                                                                                           Zhuang Zi

 

Well, what is Feng Shui finally?

Nowadays, there’s much about Feng Shui in magazines and on TV. And yet: Feng Shui is neither to be understood as a “one-hit-wonder”, nor as fashion trend! Its roots in history are much too long for that.

Here you have the opportunity to get a glimpse of this vast world. For a deeper understanding the doors of my trainings, workshops and seminars are widely open for you!

All material is oscillating. An invisible, fine energy which is known to adepts of all cultures is responsible for this vibration. In Feng Shui we call it “Qi”.

Qi is elementary life energy which exists in our bodies as well as in the whole universe. Flowing unstoppably through all living it connects the material level to the emotional and mental levels.

In traditional Chinese medicine and Feng Shui Qi has been known for thousands of years.

Qi is radiated by any item, no matter what size or shape. In the human body the energy paths are called meridians. They form the foundation for acupuncture treatment.

Our earth has similar meridians which are called “points of power”. Feng Shui combines the human Qi with the Qi of the environment so that the person builds a firm unity with his surroundings.

Thus, each one of us can use the maximum of his latent potential.

Why does Feng Shui work?

For more than 2000 years the Chinese have been pondering on the functioning of the Earth and its influence on people.

These reflections brought into being the metaphysical studies of Feng Shui.

The concern of first Feng Shui masters went to the simplest needs. At times, they found good meadow places for the cattle, fruitful land and water to survive. Then again, they decided which side of the river is beneficial for the life of the people.

The masters watched the everlasting earthly cycles. From the beginning, luminaries were used for time measurement. Sunrise and sunset marked the limits of a day, while moon phases indicated the monthly cycles. Further, its huge influence on the water tides was detected. The fact that eighty percent of the human body consist of water brought the insight that the moon’s effect on people is directed by timely influence.

Every day, the sun rose at a different point of the horizon and completed one cycle within one year. Thus, the adepts created a calendar to determine times for sowings and harvests.

Almost at the same time when gravity was discovered the first feng Shui masters invented the Luo Pan, a special Feng Shui compass (475-211 B.C.). It combines various formulas that allow identifying the returning cycle as well as landscape formulas, which have a special relation with the calendar and the luminaries. With the help of these instruments sundry energies of the earth can be detected and profitably applied to individuals. Feng Shui experts use these special formulas to determine the personal favourable sky direction in consideration of the respective environment. “Compass Feng Shui” is an accurate science demanding special minuteness in measurement.     

Landscape Feng Shui

Landscape Feng Shui is a part of classic Feng Shui. In this field, the literal translation of wind and water is of special importance. Dealing with the environment Landscape Feng Shui explores the shape of all things that have been moulded by wind and water. Outlines and ground elevations, the uneven curves of mountains, hills and other landscape forms induce Qi to meander beneficially or to flow unfavourably. (Qi (or Chi) is elementary life energy, which flows through the body and the whole universe.  It combines the material with the emotional and mental levels.)

 

Water, the essential basis of our life, allows the human race to exist on earth. It behaves similarly to the Qi: it can be destructive or auspicious depending on the direction of its origin and destination. Accordingly, a calm-flowing brook turns – over decades – into a torrential river and influences thus the nearby vegetation and the living space of man. The adepts likewise recognized that particular water runs brought the inhabitants the same energy qualities time and again. These insights and laws of nature have been retained on Luo Pan. 

Yet, it is not only the Luo Pan that Feng Shui experts consult. They have to insert all their senses. They breathe in the smell of the earth and examine the air in order to determine the quality of winds. They trace the form of nearby hills and inspect the quality of surrounding vegetation. Detecting “poison arrows” (sharp and pointed objects and edges) they follow the flight direction of the adversary Qi and seize counter measures whereas advantageous elevations are invigorated.  

Time and space

First of all it is important to determine the locality of a house and subsequently to decide upon the living areas of each inhabitant. The nearby surrounding plays an essential role in the Feng Shui consultation. The house should stand in a wind sheltered landscape free of disturbing sharp edges. Apart from that, special attention is paid to the direction of doors, the sleeping direction and the line of sight. These elements are individually adjusted to the inhabitants of the house. The objective is an optimal alignment of each person. 

The same energy influences different people in different ways. Thus, a house has can affect its inhabitants individually. Feng Shui helps to determine the distinct energy of a house. A skilful placement of a person increases his potential and its conductive use. The results are a healthy sleep and high accomplishments, allowing the person to return to its balance.

In the royal house of ancient China, whole advisory bodies were committed to find the right place for the emperor.  

Feng Shui plays an important role in the so called “earthly luck”. The Chinese sciences teach us about three types of life: Tien, Di and Ren.

Tien symbolises the „heavenly luck“ – the destiny we are born with. It is said that we cannot alter this part of destiny because our place of birth, the parental home and our country of origin we were given by heaven. We are not free to choose our families. Di, the „human luck“, is what we acquire by our education and tenacity, our virtues and deeds. This luck can be controlled by the decisions we make in the course of our life. Ren signifies the “earthly luck”. Being the art to discern and use the forces of nature Feng Shui is of great impact in this element of luck. Our place of living has an enormous influence on our wellbeing and opportunities. On this level, Feng Shui can help us strengthening the positive aspects of heavenly luck and reducing the negative ones. In other words, Feng Shui stimulates the part of life concerning the environment of an individual.

Why does Feng Shui work? Because it operates with the energies of time and space which have a great influence on man – individually and for more than 2000 years.

The Cosmic Trinity

Tien – Di – Ren

  • Tien – the luck of the heavens is what we normally call fate. This term denotes the circumstances which we have been born into and cannot change: skin color, our family’s financial situation, nationality or whether we are being raised by our natural parents or by step-parents. This type of luck determines our life by approx. one third.

     

    Di – the luck of man is created by our actions and handling of things. Through hard work, stamina and considerate treatment of our environment, we are able to influence the luck of man. Like the luck of the heavens, the luck of man determines our life also approx. by one third.

     

    Ren – the luck of earth is the subject of Feng Shui. Through Feng Shui we are able to raise the positive aspects of the luck of the heavens and to reduce the negative ones. The luck of earth can determine our life by up to fifty percent. It can also raise the luck of man, as health and vitality enable

    us to work more effectively. 

Qi

Qi is a concept from China dealing with the origin of all life on earth.

What exactly is Qi?

-The life energy or vitality of the universe – an energetic potential

-The invisible vibrations that give life to every living thing

-A force that informs the entire universe. The power of Qi can be felt on top of the highest mountains as well as on the bottom of the ocean. It knows no spatial or temporal limits.

There are three kinds of Qi. They are mutually dependent and play an important role with regards to health:

-food-Qi (from within)

-breathing-Qi (from within)

-light-Qi (from outside)

A disturbed Qi-household as e.g. caused by night-work or jetlag can result in illness.

An imbalanced person often becomes ill a lot quicker than a balanced person. We then speak of a lack of Qi. Every illness is caused by two things:

1.  a trigger (weakened immune-system)

2. a cause (e.g. a virus)

 

How do we make use of Qi?

-Feng Shui enables us to track down the Qi of nature and to use that Qi

-Qi Gong and Asian martial arts help us to cultivate the Qi of the body

-meditation allows us to improve the Qi of mind and psyche

Feng Shui attempts to provide man with a good Qi-exchange.

The properties of Qi:

Qi must possess certain properties in order to be of use to man:

1.  proper movement/vibration (it has to meander)

2. a certain speed (circular)

Feng Shui has divided the properties of Qi into different categories. It distinguishes between four properties that it regards as beneficial to man and four properties that it considers as harmful. Sha Qi is the most harmful Qi property and should be avoided at all costs.

Yin and Yang

In order to classify Qi there exist the terms of „Yin and Yang“. The day always changes between Yin, which signifies night, and Yang, which is connected with the period of the day. In this sense, everything rests in a constant exchange of elements.  These forces take turns at one another and can never be considered separately. For if there was no night, how should the day be called?

Yang

. . . .

Yin

Heaven

. . . .

Earth

Sun

. . . .

Moon

Day

. . . .

Night

Light

. . . .

Shadow

Activity

. . . .

Rest

Hot

. . . .

cold

Fire

. . . .

Water

 

 

 

Thus, both forces can be read only side by side. In order to subdivide Yin and Yang more detailed there are the 5 changing periods: fire, earth, metal, water and wood.

The 5 Elements: Earth

EARTH can be dry or moist, it can be washed away. It can be hard, but also soft and crumbly.

The earth energy collects and gathers.

Chinese name:

tu

Energetic quality:

equable

Sky direction:

centre

Season:

late summer

Climatic factor:

moisture

Direction of effect:

balancing, gathering

Life phase:

maturity

Developing stages:

transformation

Flora

ripe fruit

The quality is …

receiving seeds and producing cereals

Animal:

naked

Taste:

sweet

Colour:

yellow, brown

Yin-organ of storage:  

spleen

Yin-hollow organ:

stomach

Layer of body:

muscles (flesh)

Opener/organ of senses:

mouth

Manifestation:

lips

Function of senses:

tasting

Emotion:

thinking, brooding

Vocal expression:

singing, monotonous voice

Body fluid:

gastric juices

Smell:

sweet-smelling, fragrant

 

The 5 Elements: Fire

FIRE has pointed red flames, is hot, dry and stops burning after consuming its nourishment. Its energy is rising, pulsating dynamically and expanding.

 

 

Chinese name:

Huo

Energetic quality:

Yang in Yang, Big Yang

Sky direction:

south

Season:

summer

Climatic factor:

heat

Direction of effect:

dispersal

Life phase:

youth

Developing stages:

growth

Flora

bloom

The quality is …

ignating and rising

Animal:

feathered

Taste:

bitter

Colour:

red

Yin-organ of storage:  

heart

Yin-hollow organ:

Small intestine

Layer of body:

puls, blood vessels

Opener/organ of senses:

tongue

Manifestation:

complexion

Function of senses:

speaking

Emotion:

joy

Vocal expression:

laughing

Body fluid:

perspiration

Smell:

burned

The 5 Elements: Water

WATER flows and has no solid form – it can take any shape. Deep water in lakes is dark, when the sun is not shining onto it.

But when it reflects light many irregular fluent forms appear.

It waters plants and animals, it refreshes man. At other times, however, it appears as a wide torrent and sweeps away everything.

The energy of water is fluent and dissolvent.

Chinese name:

shui

Energetic quality:

Yin in Yin, Big Yin

Sky direction:

north

Season:

winter

Climatic factor:

cold

Direction of effect:

crystallising

Life phase:

death

Developing stages:

storage

Flora

stagnation, conservation

The quality is …

to water and subside

Animal:

scaled (fishes)

Taste:

salty

Colour:

black, blue

Yin-organ of storage:  

kidney

Yin-hollow organ:

bladder

Layer of body:

bone, bone marrow

Opener/organ of senses:

ear

Manifestation:

hair (head)

Function of senses:

hearing

Emotion:

Fear

Vocal expression:

Sighing, moaning

Body fluid:

Saliva, moistening the teeth

Smell:

rotten

Die 5 Elements: Wood

WOOD grows high, is green and supple.

There is young and flexible wood, but also old brittle wood that can break.

It is food for stove fire and protection for man and animal serving as wall and roof.

Its energy is rising and spreads like a crown of a tree.

Chinese name:

mu

Energetic quality:

Yang in Yin, young Yang

Sky direction:

east

Season:

spring

Climatic factor:

wind

Direction of effect:

rising

Life phase:

birth

Developing stages:

birth

Flora

seed, shoot

The quality is …

being flexible

Animal:

furry

Taste:

sour

Colour:

green, blue-green

Yin-organ of storage:  

liver

Yin-hollow organ:

gall bladder

Layer of body:

muscles (tonus),tendon

Opener/organ of senses:

eyes

Manifestation:

nails

Function of senses:

seeing

Emotion:

rage, fury

Vocal expression:

screaming

Body fluid:

tears

Smell:

sour urine and sweat

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