Feng Shui and its History

Feng Shui originated 3000 years ago in China. It is the ancient art of placement in our living spaces (homes, gardens and offices). Feng Shui Masters spent their lives learning about aspects of life and how environments enriched or depleted people's Chi' (energy). They studied how to arrange environments to enhance people's lives. Feng Shui is a combination of art and science. From a Feng Shui perspective, not only are we alive in the world we occupy, but all the things around us are also alive with Chi' (energy). The buildings we live in, the land around us, and the furnishings we choose are connected in a dynamic relationship that shapes the quality of our life.

The school of Feng Shui that I choose to practice is called 'Essential Feng Shui'. This school honors the essence of Feng Shui's eastern heritage, while seeking to adapt it to the needs of western culture. This practical approach makes Essential Feng Shui unique. Feng Shui is one of the most beautiful, simple and affordable techniques you can use to enrich your life and living environment.  (The beautiful Element Diagram Picture - Western School of Feng Shui. All rights reserved.©1996-2014 Western School of Feng ShuiTM PO Box 232416, Encinitas, CA 92023 760-828-0128 www.WesternSchoolofFengShui.com)

Chi'

What is Chi'? Chi' is a Chinese word that translates to 'energy.' Chi' is in all things. When our Chi' is depleted (or blocked), our physical body is compromised. The same applies to our outer environments (living spaces). Chi' that moves too fast, or Chi' that is blocked in a living space, will cause challenges and feel uncomfortable for the people who live in the home.

The Bagua

The Bagua is an ancient map of the eight treasures of our lives. It retains the same power and wisdom today that it did 3,000 years ago. Using the Bagua is a great privilege. It provides us with a simple checklist for creating our best intentions in any area of our life. There are nine sectors (guas) of the Bagua. The eight surrounding guas represent the outside areas of our life. They are Career, Knowledge and Spirituality, Health and Family, Wealth and Prosperity, Fame and Reputation, Love and Marriage, Children and Creativity, and Helpful People and Travel. The ninth gua is located in the center of the Bagua. This is considered our inner core, or our center. From our center, everything goes outward. From our outer world, everything goes inward.

Yin and Yang

In our living spaces, we are looking at the Chi’ that nourishes us, which Feng Shui concentrates on enhancing. We are always looking to have balance between two extremes which are referred to as Yin and Yang. Yin relates to the feminine qualities such as curved, soft, short, round, etc. Yang refers to masculine qualities such as straight, hard, tall, angles, etc. When dramatic architecture or design becomes extreme, it can result in a Feng Shui nightmare. Exaggerated forms may be viewed as incredible artistic features, however they do not make a cozy habitat for humans. Balancing the Yin and Yang qualities in spaces creates a “just right feeling”. This creates harmony and a certain human friendly tranquility is born.

The Five Elements

The 5 elements that are considered the building blocks of everything in our world are: Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water. Feng Shui observes that human beings are made up of the 5 elements. We therefore feel most comfortable when there is a balance of the elements represented in our living environments. In Feng Shui, we seek to create this balance.

Feng Shui is a tool to help us restore ourselves to our natural state of spiritual beauty. It teaches us ways to bring peace and harmony into our environment.

According to Feng Shui, the places we habitually visit (home and work) are direct reflections of our internal world. This dynamic works in both directions. The more organized, beautiful, and lovely we make our outer world, the more organized, beautiful, and lovely our inner world becomes. By working with Feng Shui, we benefit ourselves and everyone around us. By creating peace and prosperity in our own lives we contribute to peace and prosperity in the world.