Posted on August 5th,
2009
by John Kirchner
At MLuxe, we’re all about helping you find ways to make your life at home more enjoyable. For many folks around the world, the ancient art and science of feng shui (pronounced “fung-shway”) is a great way to bring about more happiness and enjoyment.
But what is it? How does it work? What can you do about it? To get some answers, we asked Rodika Tchi, a feng shui consultant and the About.com Guide to feng shui. Here’s what she had to say, and be sure to follow some of those many links she shared. This post is but a starting point to a wealth of information about understanding the basics of feng shui.
Q: For our readers who aren’t aware, can you give a basic definition of feng shui? Briefly, what are the origins or basic principles?
A: Feng shui is an ancient art and science developed over 3,000 years ago in China. It is a complex body of knowledge that reveals how to balance the energies of any given space to assure the health and good fortune for people inhabiting it.
“Feng” means “wind” and “shui” means “water” (pronounced fung-shway). Basically, feng shui offers a variety of easy ways to improve your life by working with your environment. From the feng shui use of aquariums to attract prosperity to the feng shui use of crystals and fountains, from the right feng shui use of colors to the feng shui use of clocks, there are many ways you can improve the energy in your home with feng shui.
Explore more info on the basics of feng shui and the history of feng shui.
Q: What is the significance of direction or alignment — the direction a door faces or which way a bed points and such?
A: Your lucky feng shui directions help you attract the quality of energy that is most nourishing, or suitable, for you (based on your date of birth.) Once you know your lucky feng shui directions, you will try to face them at work, at home, and when you sleep (the direction the crown of your head is facing when you are in bed).
You can find your lucky feng shui directions info here.
Q: Can you point out some big “red flags” that indicate a home has “bad feng shui,” if such a generalization can be made? Is there an opposite set of positive indicators, items that are conducive to bringing about good balance or energy flow?
A: Clutter is the most common red flag of bad energy in most homes. Very high EMF. Poor floor plan design choices, such as kitchen door or entrance facing the bathroom door. Lack of fresh, good-quality air. Lack of good quality light. Lack of beauty. Many things.
Here is a bit about bad feng shui energies (Si and Sha Chi) and and a bit about bad feng shui in the bedroom.
Q: What role does color play in feng shui?
A: Color is one of the easiest ways to shift the energy in any space with feng shui. Each color is an expression of one of the five feng shui elements: fire, earth, metal, water and wood. The elements are used in specific areas according to the feng shui energy map of your space, or bagua.
We have a feng shui color guide that will help choose best colors to create a harmonious feng shui home and a short video with feng shui color tips.
Q: How can understanding feng shui help a homeowner? What should I consider in the process of (re)designing or remodeling my home?
A: You should consider it only if you feel inclined to! There is no “should” in feng shui, really. The info here below explains why feng shui is important while renovating or remodeling.
Q: As a feng shui consultant, what are some of the first things you look for in a home, or what are a couple of the most important first steps you suggest?
A: I first check the flow of energy from the main door, as well as scan the overall energy of the home. Here are the suggested steps.
For more about employing feng shui at your home or to learn more about Rodika’s work, check her Feng Shui blog and the Feng Shui 101 page. And if you can’t find what you’re looking for right away, use that search box at fengshui.about.com — the site has more than 500 articles, and there’s a pretty good chance you’ll find answers to your questions.
Thanks again to Rodika Tchi for sharing some of her expertise with us!
Photo of feng shui compass courtesy of Dave Fayram on Flickr
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