Ground Breaking and Feng Shui

We have an expression in our own Western culture: "ground-breaking." It refers to something momentous, brand new, significant, and capable of changing the way we think, behave, respond, or create in the future. A "ground breaking" scientific discovery can lead to the cure of a specific disease and forever alter scientific research thereafter.

A "ground breaking" musical performance or artistic achievement can lead the way for variations on a new trend or open doors for like-minded people who needed such a catalyst or leader to precede them.

In a more literal sense, we still use the words "ground breaking" to refer to the beginning of a construction project. The day we "break ground" is the day the first shovel or tractor comes in to move the earth. So, how did the literal action of moving dirt take on the metaphorical connotation of important change? This is actually a major feng shui concept at its core. Both primitive and evolved cultures have historically tracked the seasons and the climate, created calendars, established farming schedules according to the cycles of the moon and we have basically looked to nature for the timing of many important activities and rites of passage. The power of the earth, combined with the timing of nature is understood naturally by people of all backgrounds.

Buildings are an extension of the earth and literally made of earthen materials, such as stone and concrete. We have made our homes in caves and we have built tall virtual mountains called "skyscrapers." Even the biblical saying "from dust to dust" reminds people of our connection with the earth.

When the rays of sun hit the ground (or the concrete foundation of a house being built), it establishes a connection between earth and sky (heaven.) Feng Shui practitioners like to quote Sir Winston Churchill, who said, "We shape our buildings and then they shape us."

The timing of when we alter or move the earth can have an enduring affect on the people who inhabit that area or that structure for many years to come. This is why so many people refer to the Chinese Almanac and feng shui calculations for the best time to begin a construction as well as when to specifically avoid the beginning of a construction.

Like other popular expressions, such as "going with the flow" or "setting the tone," the words "ground-breaking" have their origin steeped in metaphysical awareness.

This year, 2009, the directions of northeast and southwest are both tugging at each other and are considered precarious directions for building or remodeling. Some of my clients are building new houses this year which are sitting in the northeast or southwest. (The expression "sitting" means the back of the building.) Since the back of the building is the "spine" and partly the essence of the building, I have advised each client to proceed cautiously and we have even gotten into the details of what months and days are better than others to begin the project.

Autor: Kartar Diamond

Kartar Diamond is the author of four trade paperback books on Feng Shui and an e-book titled "Feng Shui Tips for for Realtors" available for download on her website, http://www.FengShuiSolutions.net
Another e-book, "Feng Shui Tips for Architects" will be available in August 2009.

Diamond has been a traditionally trained practitioner since 1992 and she has had thousands of clients.
You can find Kartar Diamond on Facebook as well as Twitter under the name FengShuiRx

Added: August 26, 2009
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/