Feng Shui (風水 or ふうすい)

Feng Shui (風水 or ふうすい) or sometimes known as Chinese Geomancy is a set of theory, research and methods based on longitudinal trials and error. Transmission of this Art is via both verbal and text. The pain point practitioner often face is trying to understand the poetic form of Chinese Language written at certain dynasty. As dynasty change, the culture-scape changes. Hence, the language references shifted.

In practice, there are 3 categories of Feng Shui:
1. Form Based (形), assessment and set up of Feng Shui primarily based on landform and structure.
2. Time Based (理), application of Feng Shui targets the timeliness.
3. Enchantment Based (法), using religion, spiritual insights or enchantment in the application of Feng Shui.

In general, most feng shui schools use these shared principles:

1. 炁 or 氣 Qi, Life Force or Flow
2. 八卦，BaGua or energy map as known in the west.
3. 五行，Five Elements (Water, Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal)
4. Y陰陽，Yin and Yang, concept of motion and stillness
5. 洛書，LuoShu Magic Square (3 X 3 Grid)
6. 河圖， HeTu Numeric Combination

If we navigate away from all the schools, methods and discipline. The “No Frills” concept of Feng Shui is rather deals with the follow 4 factors.

Environment – The landscape, contours and physical structure of the external environment. Is it overly Yang (陽) or too Yin (陰)? Can it be fix using internal lighting? Is there a feeling of calm and serenity? Whether windows and doors are getting overly strong winds, facing any corners or exposures to excessive light, glares and sound.

Intention – This is a goal setting statement. Basically, what the Feng Shui aims to achieve (i.e. wealth, health). Long to mid term Feng Shui or perhaps just a quick fix to overcome a current challenge.

Residents – The residents’ year of birth (年命), zodiac signs (生肖), Life Gua number (命卦), NaYin element (納音五行) plays a pivoting role in assessment. Whether the facing / seating (坐向), Gua (卦) or FenJin (分金) enhances the person or not. Whether the level/ floor enhances or depleted the residents’ energy.

Time Factor – This is sometimes known as Xuan Kong (玄空), the Li Qi (理氣) part of Feng Shui where practitioner factor in timely or untimely stars. Using the timely stars to facilitate the achievement of goal and intention.