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, June 2, 2009

Bathroom Basics Feng Shui Style

Recently I have had some questions from readers about bathrooms. I thought it would be a good time to talk about the smallest room in the house. Well now-a-days it isn't the smallest anymore. People are turning their bathrooms into meditation spaces, gathering spots with sofas and chairs and in some cases they are becoming palatial spaces. But for most of us the bathroom remains a humble place to take care of very human needs.

When planning a new house or major renovation that includes the bathroom there are some things to consider. One of the most important is where to put the bathroom. Here we can think of some common sense rules. The bathroom is prone to smells, bacteria, leaking pipes and excess moisture. These are all things we want to avoid in the rest of the house. If you put your bathroom into the middle of your home it opens up the whole house to these problems. If it is in the middle you will not likely have an exterior window to open to release smells and moisture. If this is the case then you must be sure to have an efficient ventilation system.

You also don't want to have your bathroom next to the front entrance or in view of the entrance. Not only is it unsightly and potentially smelly, you don't want your guests to be greeted in this manner. For the same reason you don't want to see the bathroom from the kitchen. Having a bathroom on the second floor over the kitchen is also a no-no. If pipes leak you can imagine this would not be a good thing.

I have talked in the past about the elements fire and water. They are in opposition to each other in a controlling relationship. Your stove is fire and the bathroom is water. So avoid placing your bathroom on the other side of a wall with a stove. As the "vibration" from toilets flushing or showers running creates a disturbance energetically as well as in sound, do not place your bed against a wall opposite the bathroom.

We start and end the day with a visit to the bathroom. Keeping it clean and hygienic is extremely important. As in any room of the house you want to avoid clutter. Piles of wet, dirty towels or shelves overflowing with cosmetics and cleaners need to be avoided. Even the bathroom closet should be kept as neat as possible.

The current trend is towards master bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms. This may be the fashion but from a feng shui standpoint it is not desirable. Often the closet separates the bed and bath. This traps moisture from the bathroom leading to musty or even moldy conditions in your clothes and closet. Even if the entry to the bath is direct from the bedroom that just moves the problem to your bedroom. You can place some moisture loving plants in the area to help alleviate the problem. Bathrooms should always have a door on them!



Autor: Diane Kern Diane Kern
Level: Platinum
Diane Kern has been trained in the ancient art of Feng Shui in the traditional method. The knowledge has been transmitted through 13 generations from ... ...

Diane Kern has been trained in the ancient art of Feng Shui in the traditional method. The knowledge has been transmitted through 13 generations from Masters to student via an apprenticeship of extensive study and practical field experience. Ms. Kern was included in a small group of students selected by her Master for advanced training. She is a member of an international team of experts, Alliance Feng Shui, whose resources can be called upon to accomplish your goals.

Ms. Kern assures the privacy and confidentiality of clients. Your name will not be used for advertising or referrals. The culture of integrity, respect and discipline instilled by her Master ensures you a productive working relationship and attention towards successful completion of your goals.

http://dianekern.com


Added: June 2, 2009
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

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