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 FENG SHUI 

What is it?
DEFINITION AND EXPLANATION OF FENG SHUI
Feng shui (pronounced "fung-shway") is an ancient Chinese system of aesthetics, symbolism and purposeful placement that utilizes the laws of both heaven (astronomy) and earth (geography) to improve fortunes by maximizing chi (life energy.)  The Chinese character feng translates as "wind," and shui  as "water."

What is it used for?
CONDITIONS THAT FENG SHUI MAY BE HELPFUL FOR
- Space clearing
- Energy clearing
- Remodeling, building, or purchasing a home
- Looking for a new relationship or want to improve your current one
- Improving health
- Increasing joy
- De-cluttering
- Improving career or find a new job
- Creating a more harmonious environment
- Improving relationships with friends and family
- Enjoying a greater sense of balance in your life

Where did it come from?
HISTORY OF FENG SHUI
Early texts and records indicate the principles of Feng Shui have been practiced since the Tang Dynasty (618 –907 CE.) Feng shui masters were consulted in selecting prosperous sites for places of dwelling, burial and agriculture. Traditionally, feng shui was an important consideration in choosing a place to live, finding a burial site, and agricultural planning.

The Landscape School of Feng Shui was originated by Master Yang Yun Sang. Master Yang emphasized the importance of selecting a site using careful examination of the shape of mountains, hills, valleys, and water formations.

Approximately 100 years later, the Compass School gained popularity. This institution was mainly influenced by the teachings of a master named Wang Chih who developed his teachings during the Song Dynasty (960–1279 CE).  In this school, practitioners used calculations based on compass directions and the I-Ching trigrams arranged in the octagonal symbol of the BaGua (eight diagrams used in Taoist cosmology to represent a range of interrelated concepts.)  The Compass School is best known for introducing the use of timing and integrating the client's date of birth into calculating positive energies and directions.

The Compass School is known for its use of the “yin-yang theory” and the “Theory of Five Elements” (earth, water, metal, fire, air.) The dimension of time was also first introduced as practitioners used calculations to identify the best timing for optimal energies in specific places. Additionally, the concept of the Kua Number was introduced as a way to calculate auspicious energies and directions based on the client's date of birth.

In late 19th century, these two feng shui schools merged.  Today, there are three main categories of feng shui schools:

Traditional or Classical Feng Shui Schools: This includes the Form/Landscape School and the Compass School. Within these, there is further division into such schools as Flying Star, Eight Mansions, and others. The Form School does not reference compass points but instead utilizes shapes and symbolism.   However, the Compass School does make use of the feng shui compass, as well as other guides such as the lo shu square and specific feng shui calculations.

Black Hat Sect Tantric Buddhist (BTB) Feng Shui School:  Developed in the U.S. in the early '90s by Grandmaster Thomas Lin Yun, the BTB School is a combination of Tibetan Buddhism, Taoism and Classical Feng Shui.

Intuitive/Modern Feng Shui is commonly used in the West and is a variation of traditional feng shui.  This form utilizes techniques more appropriate to Western culture and tastes rather than traditional Chinese symbols.  The Western School of Feng Shui and the Pyramid School are noted schools teaching this style.

What is it based on?
THEORY OF FENG SHUI
Feng Shui is the interplay between the seen, (our surroundings) and the unseen, (energy and intention) and the acknowledgement of the interconnectedness of all creation.

All schools of feng shui are based on the Taoist vision and understanding of nature, particularly on the idea that the land is alive and filled with chi (vital energy.) In fact, centuries ago the Chinese believed that the land’s energy determined the fate of the kingdom.  Taoism has contributed the following principles to feng shui:

- The theories of yin and yang, a universal way of describing the interactions and interrelations of all natural forces that occur in the world of phenomenon as inseparable, oppositional, transforming and balancing.

- The five feng shui elements: wood, fire, earth, metal and water. The elements are all depicted by different colors, and have certain patterns of interaction among themselves.  Such interactions can either be productive or destructive.

The Compass and the BaGua are the major tools utilized in a feng shui evaluation. The BaGua identifies the connection between specific areas of your home to specific areas of your life. Traditional Chinese symbols (such as fountains, plants, colors, mirrors, or windchimes) are used as remedies to correct negative, harmful or weak energy in an environment.  Such symbols have a profound cultural history and significance.

Feng shui symbols are believed to influence their surroundings by the specific energy they add.  This effect is strengthened by the connection between the symbols and the individuals who see and experience them.  Modern users do not necessarily have to apply traditional Chinese symbols when using feng shui.

How is it done?
WHAT A SESSION OF FENG SHUI IS LIKE
Modern feng shui practitioners may consult long distance by phone or email, or visit your space in person.  Some may specialize in applying their knowledge indoors, outdoors, to homes, offices, temporary housing, public buildings, or in planning construction. If utilizing a long distance consultation, the client may be asked to supply a to-scale floor plan, the building date, and facing direction in compass degrees.

A feng shui practitioner first evaluates the client’s personal energy and his surroundings to determine if the current environment is supporting the client’s objectives and aspirations.  Some practitioners specialize in one school of feng shui, or integrate several.

During a feng shui consultation, simple cures will often be suggested to produce an atmosphere that is tailor-made to support the needs of the client. The goal is to relieve stress and empower the client with natural energy to help improve all aspects of their life, including health, wealth, relationships, creativity or recognition.

Who does it?
FENG SHUI PRACTITIONERS
There are currently no state or federal laws to regulate the practice of feng shui.  Training is available from a variety of sources, including in-person, correspondence and online.  Courses of study include training in different schools of feng shui, and may range from several hours to several years. Certification earned indicates completion of a certain program.  As Western interest in feng shui continues to grow, U.S. practitioners may include professionals such as architects, interior designers, garden and landscape designers, healers, specialized consultants, and others. If you are planning to have a feng shui analysis of your home, it is recommended to inquire about the practitioner's training to see if it meets your needs and expectations.