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 16, 2009

Gemstones and Feng Shui - The Five Elements and How to Enhance Them

Five elements are traditionally used when working with Feng Shui in your home or office. These elements are water, fire, wood, metal and earth. The nine areas of the bagua map are each associated with an element. By incorporating the appropriate gemstones within the area, you can enhance the powers of the area and the ch'i flow within it.

Water

Water is the element associated with the Career and Knowledge & Self-Cultivation areas of the bagua map. The main gemstone for this element is opal, since the composition of opals can naturally include up to 10% water. Another gemstone for water is the pearl, since pearls are born of the sea.

Fire

Fire is the element associated with the Fame & Reputation and Love & Marriage areas. Peridot, which is found in meteors and volcanic rock, is the primary gemstone for this element. Obsidian, which is formed by hot lava, is an alternate gemstone to enhance the Fire element.

Wood

Wood is the element associated with the Health & Family and Wealth & Prosperity areas. Jet, which is formed from plants, is the primary gemstone for this element. A secondary choice would be amber, which is created from ancient tree resin.

Metal

Metal is the element associated with the Creativity & Children and Helpful People & Travel areas. Malachite, which consists of 57% copper, is a natural choice as the primary gemstone for this element. Another option is azurite, which also contains copper.

Earth

Earth is the element associated with the center area of the bagua map. Andalusite, which is also called the "earth stone", is the primary gemstone associated with this element. Another gemstone for the earth element is tourmaline, which is also called "something little from the earth".

By understanding the relationship between gemstones and the five elements in Feng Shui, you can increase the positive ch'i flow and enhance the properties of the nine areas of the bagua map!



Autor: Mariann Bell Mariann Bell
Level: Platinum
Mariann Bell is a mother of two (one with autism), wife, special education teacher, and feng shui, interior design and meditation devotee. In her spare ... ...

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Added: June 16, 2009
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