Discover What Feng Shui Is

Learning Feng Shui

It’s important that we use the term “real” feng shui simply because there have been many practices that have been called feng shui when in reality they have nothing to do with this special custom and what it represents.

Feng Shui - What is it?

The simplest explanation of what feng shui is, can be said as the placement in the most ideal locaations of human-built elements, so as not to disturb but rather encourage the natural energy emenating from the environment around. The main goal is to have all the elements work in harmony, including nature, the celestial bodies, and even those elements seemingly clashing with each other, such as hot and cold or female and male. Ensuring that all such elements harmonize assures you of the proper implementation of feng shui.

Feng Shi And Nature

The cultures of asia and in particular China have utilized nature to understand their own standing and place within the universe. For many, they have also replicated the many elements of nature for their own pursuits and gains such as the movements and techniques in the various forms of martial arts designed to mimic the movement of different animals. At a time, music was often even supposed to replicate the sound and rythm of nature such as the wind, and further more instruments were made from the elements of nature such as the shells and reeds.

For the Chinese nature has always played a role in their lifestye, where in herbs were used for medicine, plants used to adorn their houses indoors and so on.

This respect for nature is very important in the teachings of feng shui, as its beliefs include the thought that everything in nature must be respected equally and all parts must harmonize.

Qi or Energy

For the Chinese, they believed (and for many today still do) in qi, or in other words the natural energy that is created from all living things.  Qi is believed to be a kind of life force or spiritual energy.  It is frequently translated as “energy flow,” or literally as “air” or “breath.”  This energy is thought to flow freely from not only humans and animals, but from the earth itself.

In feng shui, not interfering with this energy is of great importance. This energy or qi mush be allowed to flow freely throughout the home and any other establishments. It will be discussed further about how qi is not interfered with and ensured that this is followed in the home.

The Stars and The Sun

Astronomy was also very important in ancient Chinese culture.  Many structures were designed around the placement of the sun at the time of building.  It was also very important that homes be built so as to allow adequate sunlight in as many rooms as possible.

Bringing All The Elements Together

To re-iterate, in the ancient Chinese culture it was of great importance to ensure that all these elements worked together so that harmony is encouraged for any individual and the environment around them. This way of thinking is indeed how the practice of feng shui began many centuries back.