Feng shui is deeply rooted in Chinese history. a long-standing tradition that grew out of an agricultural society, it was used to identify areas where families could prosper. follows the same principles today to bring harmony, happiness and success to homes, businesses and cities.
what is feng shui?
Feng shui is the Chinese practice of creating balance and harmony in a space to optimize the flow of energy and help you live in peace. To achieve harmony with feng shui, you need to bring all five natural elements into your home (water, metal, fire, wood, earth) and balance them all.
Reading: What is feng shui house
One of the most important feng shui tools is the bagua/pakua, which is the feng shui energy map. helps with applying the elements to areas of your home that reflect the aspects of your life you want to focus on: wealth, professional relationships, health or travel. The image below shows a map of the areas of your home and what aspects of your life they represent.
image: the bagua (source: architecture ideas)
For example, if you have been meaning to work on your career, you can incorporate water features at the (north) entry point of your home, such as a water piece of art, a water feature, an aquarium, a mirror or a play of dark colors.
the goal is to achieve balance – yin and yang
To achieve harmonious energy in the home, be proactive in maintaining yin/yang balance. yin is the passive energy that allows for relaxation, while yang is the active energy that supports productivity and socializing. while one cannot exist without the other, the overall balance is achieved by having yin in some rooms and yang in others. yin would be ideal for bedrooms and bathrooms, while yang would be needed in the kitchen, front door, and dining room.
See also: Feng Shui for Everyday: Cul-de-sac Houses – Spirit of Change Magazine | Holistic New England
In the end, the interaction of the five elements and forces is what nurtures a well-balanced home and creates an environment that invites positive energy. In Chinese culture, positive energy is called ‘qi’, pronounced ‘chee’.
tips to create good feng shui at home
1. keep the path to your front door clean and clear.
In feng shui, the front door is known to be the mouth of qi, the point through which energy can enter and flow. clearing the way to your front door makes it easy to warmly welcome positive energy into your home. look around your porch for trees and other obstructions that may block the entrance of qi.
image: the clear and welcoming path of the emperor
2. learn command post
Command position allows you to take control of your life and be prepared for whatever comes your way. By placing your furniture diagonally to your door, a position where you can see who or what is coming in, you are in a literal position of power. This applies to your bed, sofa, and home office desk. the commanding position allows you to sit back and relax: you are prepared no matter what.
3. clear clutter in all rooms to allow energy to flow.
Feng shui is about maintaining the balance between the elements of the house. If your home houses things that throw the energy out of balance, it can block the flow of qi. piles of clutter can mean disorganized thoughts that can overwhelm you. cultivating a clear space allows the mind to wander freely. this also allows you to maximize natural light by removing things that get in your way.
4. slow down the flow of energy.
See also: 8 Chinese Feng Shui Items You Should Bring to Your Home For Good Luck
Once all the clutter is removed, your next challenge is to slow down the flow of energy. keep the positive energy inside the house, keep it.
start with the paths of your house. Since there are rarely straight lines in nature, the ideal setup is where the two doors are not directly across from each other. this is especially true for the front door and the back door. You don’t want the good vibes to escape as soon as you walk in!
image: works of art block the entrance to the emperor
Placing artwork, rugs, plants or objects for people to stop before moving on can slow down the flow of energy.
5. choose your home location wisely.
It is believed that placing your home near cluttered areas invites negative qi. avoid living in front of cemeteries, near garbage dumps and power plants. Similarly, avoid living at the top or “end” of a t-intersection, as this can send a lot of power directly into your home.
Your home is a reflection of who you are and the kind of energy you want to invite. once you have an idea of what’s right for you, you’ll know when something goes wrong. you’ll know exactly what items to add or remove.
See also: Feng Shui 2017 tips for home: Year of the Fire Rooster