What Is Feng Shui and How Does It Work ?

Feng shui is commonly referred to as the ancient Chinese art of placement; and its proponents maintain that practicing this art can increase one’s luck, financial resources, and mental as well as physical well being.

The History and Origin of Feng Shui

The practice of feng shui dates back over 3,000 years. The earliest reference to its philosophy is found in the History of the Former Han Dynasty, which contains a reference to the Golden Box of Geomancy and Terrestrial Confrontations for Palaces and Houses, although no actual copies of either book have ever been located (Kwok & O’Brien).

Founded on the belief that the forces of nature, namely wind and water, can shape and alter the environment, feng shui literally means “wind / water” and is technically “the art and science of reading a landscape” (Kwok & O’Brien).

The Importance of Chi or the Cosmic Breath

Practitioners of feng Shui recognize the importance of chi, which is the cosmic breath (or breath of life) and depicted in Taoist science as “a great dragon coursing through time, space, heaven, and earth.” Chi can be either “sheng,” which is positive and indicates moving upward or waxing; “si,” which is negative and indicates dying; or “sha,” which is also negative and indicates harmful energy. (Simons).

Feng Shui and the Relationship Between Yin and Yang

Practitioners also realize that imbalance between natural forces results in a “blockage” that prevents chi from freely circulating and, ultimately, negatively impacts the environment; but feng shui provides a way of divining the cosmic forces “yin and yang,” which are the two natural forces (feminine and masculine — luminous and fluid versus heavy and solid) that shape and balance all life. (Kwok & O’Brien)

Good and Bad Feng Shui and Their Link to Environment

Feng shui is both inward and outward, for just as one’s state of mind affects one’s environment for good or ill, the opposite also holds true, and the condition of the surrounding environment affects one’s internal condition (mental and physical) for good or ill.

Consider for a moment how when people are unhappy, distraught, angry, or pessimistic, their mood affects not only the other people around them but also their very surroundings; for example, the house may be messy and uninviting, lawns and flowerbeds scraggly and weed-infested, or pets unhealthy and ill tempered. This is true because people’s energy, whether negative or positive, is transposed to everyone and everything in their immediate vicinity.

On the other hand, if people are happy, at ease, calm, or optimistic, their frame of mind again has an effect upon other people as well as their surroundings. As a result, the house is neat and inviting; yards and flowerbeds well tended; and pets healthy and even tempered.

The environment has the same power to exert influence. As a result, it affects not only people’s state of mind but also their physical health, ultimately impacting every aspect of their lives, including relationships, careers, and fortunes. This influence explains why if a house or property possesses “bad” feng shui, in the form of “Si Chi” or “Sha Chi,” the people who reside in that house or on that property will be negatively affected and, therefore, depressed, bellicose, fatigued, anxious, ill, etc.

The Art of Feng Shui and Achieving Balance

The art of feng shui is about achieving alignment and stability between opposing forces, so if homeowners can learn the principles of the discipline, which will enable them to read their surroundings (both inside and outside), they can position objects (everything from outbuildings to plants to furnishings) so that yin and yang become balanced and chi (the breath of life) can circulate freely throughout and around the environment. This balance will ultimately lead to improved mental and physical health of every family member, including pets, as well as increased financial resources and all around good luck.