| Feng Shui  Feng shui is the
ancient Chinese system of arranging our environment so that we can live more in harmony
with our surroundings. The main principles of Feng shui are as follows.
1. The concept of Chi energy, this is understood a subtle flow of electromagnetic
energy which links all things in the universe and the flow of Chi energy is the basis of
Feng shui.
2. Yin and Yang, are the basic energies of the universe and are relative terms to
compare everything e.g. yang is summer and south and yin is winter and
north.
3. The Five Elements or Five Forces consist of
Water, Metal, Earth, Fire and Wood and
are a refinement of teh priciples of yin and yang e.g. Wood encompasses all growing
vegetable life and is realted to spring, the new sunrise and towards the
east. Its colour
is plant green, often with a tinge of blue to reflect the sky or the China
sea.
4. The Eight Directions or Trigrams, the eight different kinds of Chi energy that are
each associated with the eight directions of the compass.
Feng Shui for the garden.
 Garden feng shui is in many
respects the most important part of feng shui practice, "for it is here that the
quality of the energy that surrounds our living space is determined. If you can ensure
that the feng shui that surrounds the exterior of your home is good, then the auspicious
energies that are created will far surpass anything else you may do inside the
home."
North
(career) - A water
feature brings excellent feng shui, but make sure the water is not allowed to become
stagnant. Balance is important, so be careful not to dig a huge swimming pool which will
overwhelm the house - a fishpond, fountain or birdbath is usually sufficient !
Northeast
(knowledge) - Brick walls and paved surfaces are suitable here. A good
place for a rock garden. This area represents young sons in the family and a play area
would ideally be sited here.
East
(ancestors) - According to the principles of feng shui, the east is the
abode of the green dragon. A hedge or border of green plants is most
auspicious. This
location is also associated with the oldest son of the family, considered the most
precious because he represents the head of the next generation.
Southeast
(wealth) - An abundance of plants should be grown in this area. This
is the 'wealth' corner, and water features placed here can often bring exceptionally good
luck to the household. Make sure the water feature can be seen from the
house.
South
(fame) - Brightly coloured flowers, particularly red, will attract
energy.
Not a good place for a water feature, because water clashes with the element of fire
associated with this area. Make sure the flowers are flourishing and replace them if they
show signs of sickness.
South west
(relationship) - This area represents mother earth. Energising this
corner with lights is helpful. A Japanese-style garden with stone lights, pebbles and
stepping stones would be perfect feng shui.
West (children) - West is the abode of the feng shui
tiger, so plants should be
kept low. This is the area designated for the youngest daughter and white flowers are
especially suitable.
Northwest
(benefactors) - This area represents the head of the household and it
is particularly important that this area has good feng shui or the whole family will be
adversely affected. There is a lot of yang energy here and the best strategy is to keep
this part of the garden plain. Stones and pebbles are also suitable here. |
