Feng shui (traditional Chinese: 風水; simplified Chinese: 风水; pinyin: fēng shuǐ; pronounced /ˈfəŋˌʃueɪ/ foong-shoy in Chinese Mandarin, "fheng-schway" in American English) is an ancient Chinese system of aesthetics believed to utilize the Laws of both heaven (astronomy) and Earth (geography) to help one improve life by receiving positive Qi. The original designation for the discipline is Kan Yu (traditional Chinese: 堪輿; simplified Chinese: 堪舆; pinyin: kānyú; literally: Tao of heaven and earth).

The words feng shui literally translate as "wind-water" in English. This is a cultural shorthand taken from the following passage of the Zhangshu (Book of Burial) by Guo Pu of the Jin Dynasty:

Qi rides the wind and scatters, but is retained when encountering water.

Traditional Feng Shui practice always requires an extremely accurate Chinese compass, or Luo Pan, in order to determine the directions in finding any auspicious sector in a desired location.

Tuesday, April 7, 2009

Feng Shui Symbols

Colors, elements and symbols play a very important role in Traditional Feng Shui. Chinese symbols, such as wind chimes, three-legged toads and tortoises, are vital tools that help achieve harmony and balance inside the home. Such symbols invite enlightenment and a good environmental aura.

It is important that the symbols used during the process are highly sentimental; doesn't really matter if they are traditional Chinese symbols. Not all people can afford statues and fountains. Or in some cases, using plants or animals for Feng Shui is not possible due to home-rental agreement issues. Symbolisms can be simple candles, photographs, or even furniture and decor; as long as they portray personal value. Symbols that have stronger association or a certain bond with a person work better and are more effective and compelling. Although this is so, the positioning and certain number of symbols placed in a home is still important and needs to be highly considered.

There are a lot of things that people would want to change in their lives; aspects that we may want to amend, or in Feng Shui terms, cure. Each of these facets uses different symbols to attract positive energy flow. In example, in terms of good luck and protection, traditional Feng Shui uses the symbols dragon, tortoise and a mystic knot. It is said that these symbols will bring you not only protection but also good fortune and a full life. Whether these symbols are on something you wear like a necklace or a home d�cor like a figurine, it's completely up to you.

The symbol dragon does not only work in the aspect of protection and luck, but also, when correlated with a phoenix symbol, cures Love and Relationship dilemmas. Ever heard of the saying "it takes two to tango"? Well in Feng Shui, it is said that the Love aspect is best with partnered symbols. It is because an individual item may signify a lonely unmarried or solitary life. So if you are having Love issues, use paired symbols; mandarin ducks, matching candles, or even a crystal lotus that denotes romance.

As with problems with Wealth and Prosperity, symbols such as a gold Arowana, a Koi fish, Chinese coins and three-legged toads are very effective. A lot of people, especially with the economic crisis this country is experiencing right now, are hoping for financial stability. Traditionally, live bamboo plants or water fountains that are placed in certain areas of the house also invite money opportunities.

Feng Shui symbols don't necessarily need to be conventional Chinese illustrations or images. In the modern days, people use similar representations other than traditional Chinese figurines or symbols. As long as the symbols used attract a certain energy that allows good emotional response, they can be used in the process. And since the mastery of Feng Shui works based on intentions and objectives, the use of substitute symbols, such as personal belongings and or photographs, can also attract positive energy flow as long as it is an object that one can relate to. This is an advantage to people of different cultures, especially those that are not comfortable using traditional Chinese objects.



Autor: Lily Sarmiento

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Added: April 7, 2009
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