Feng Shui is rooted in the Taoist philosophy which states that everything is “the Tao” or “the Way”. There are two fundamental concepts:
Ch’i or Qui - the “Divine Breath”, “Breath of the Contented Dragon” - “Prana” in India, Ki in Japan and “Spiritus” in Roman Catholicism
Yin and Yang - representing perfect balance
Ch’i:
The Universal life force, the flow of which connects everything we can know both materially and spiritually. Every person, creature, plant, rock, environment, event and activity involves the flow of cosmic energy. For the skeptics there is now a wealth of scientific research to reinforce claims that environmental factors: color, sound, image, light, plants etc. have a positive or negative effect upon our wellbeing. Ch’i not allowed to flow freely becomes blocked and stagnant like a pond choked with debris. Eventually the vegetation and wildlife become ill and die due to lack of light and food. Similarly ch’i becoming stale in the body can make us feel tired and depressed. If left unchecked it can result in serious illness. Negative energy accumulates and results in feelings of discomfort when entering a new place. Particularly when considering a new home.
There are three types of Ch’i:
Shar Ch’i
Sha Ch’i
Sheng Ch’i
Shar Ch’i:
Negative energy connected to exposed, windswept, unprotected areas. Can also collect in neglected corners.
Sha Ch’i:
Negative energy meaning “poison arrows”: the Chinese believe that ch’i, pierced by sharp points, creates bad luck. Think of tall pointed obstacles such as lamp posts, pylons etc. Narrow corridors, straight roads pointing at the house, sharp corners or edges of buildings and waterways with acute bends. Also known as “killing Ch’i”.
Sheng Ch'i – Positive Ch’i:
To get an impression of Sheng Ch'i take a tour of your surroundings. Think in terms of light, sound, air, water etc. circulating freely. Dark, cobwebby corners and sharp points can arrest the flow of ch’i, allowing it to become stale (Shar Ch’i). Sweep away the dust, clear the clutter, banish the spiders and introduce more light. Front doors opening directly onto stairs draws the energy straight up without a chance to circulate below (Sha Ch’i). Hang a round or oval mirror on the wall opposite the first door leading to the ground floor. Make sure the reflection doesn’t cut the heads off tall people. These remedies will re-direct the flow of ch’i (Some experts are now saying that mirrors have no place in Feng Shui, others say they represent water, but I have found this method effective, so it’s up to you). If you have a straight road or other “poison arrows” directed at your front door, place a light outside or hang a wind chime. Light and sound are powerful mediums in warding off bad ch’i.
Yin/Yang:
The Tao recognizes these cosmic principles as complementary aspects of universal energy. Constantly in flux, the concept of balance and harmony symbolized by Yin and Yang is intrinsic to everything, and central to the principle of Feng Shui. To promote health and wellbeing, Yin and Yang must be in balance to enable good Ch’i.
Yang:
The heavenly active force is seen as nature in straight lines and robust structures e.g. tall trees, mountains, straight roads, solid buildings. A positive force often referred to as masculine and is connected to: sun, summer, south, light, heat, day, dry, the color red etc.
Yin:
In contrast Yin, the creative, passive force is seen as nature in softer lines e.g. rounded bushes, winding streams. Yin is feminine and is related to: earth, winter, north, dark, cold, night, wet, shadows etc.