Feng Shui

Feng Shui, literally wind and water is most simply defined as the concept of appropriate timing and placement of structure, objects and color to direct the harmonious and prosperous flow of Qi (energy). It is a theory of interpreting space and its influence on the health, wealth and luck of people as they are influenced by the forms and colors around them and the energies that combine within these associations at various times. It’s history in China started with the ceremonial timing and placements of imperial tombs and then common gravesites to appease the dead preventing the ancestors from becoming “hungry” ghosts troubling their descendant’s abode. The application was then later applied to homes of the living to enhance health, well-being, prosperity and protect against calamity.

Over the 5000 years or so that Feng Shui has been in existence many schools of thought have come into being. Most of these different schools of Feng Shui build on each other and the general Chinese Taoist theories they utilize. However different practitioners will interpret different spaces and situations differently.

Classical Feng Shui which is usually a combination of form, compass, Chinese astrology such as Ba Zi and the flying star system all integrating at different levels provide one style of interpreting time and space in the continuum that is Feng Shui. There are also more modern interpretations of Feng Shui such as the popular Black Hat school and the intuitive style of Feng Shui. These newer schools still build on many of the traditional form and compass theories using parts in usually simpler methods which are sometimes wonderful for self work.

Many western practitioners of Feng Shui emphasize either the mystico-magical parts of the practice or conversely the more so-called scientific aspects. This leads to disagreements about what Feng Shui “really” is and what school is best, etc. In reality it is important to remember that all Feng Shui is made up of observations that have stood the logical test of time. Any practice methodology is really just important and useful as a focus of your own intent and neither the science nor the magic will work if the participant doesn’t invest their own energy and understanding into the process. Feng Shui is by no means a religious practice nor however is it hard science. It is a philosophy of living that has been inherited from China’s past and must be interpreted into our social present to have the depth of impact that has been come to be expected of its practice.

BaZi

BaZi readings are an integral part of the practice of Chinese Feng Shui. They are essentially a Chinese horoscope although with information taken from very different sources than Western Astrology.
Also commonly known as Four Pillars Astrology, Ba Zi is founded on the ancient Chinese calendrical system of the Ten Heavenly Stems and Twelve Earthly Branches. Every hour, day, month and year has both a Stem and Branch associated to it. Each of these Stems and Branches are associated to one of the five traditional Chinese elements or phases. It is the interpretation of the relationship of these elements and their associations that form the core of the BaZi reading.

The origin of BaZi is attributed to the scholar Li Xuzhong of the Tang Dynasty (A.D 618-907). It was also practiced and expounded upon by Xu Ziping in the Song Dynasty (A.D 960-1279). This ancient Chinese Art also derives much illumination from the text of the I-Ching or the Book of Changes used for study, insight and oracular interpretation.

In a nutshell, BaZi analyzes the unique numbers of an individual’s birth data and gender, matching them to a matrix of metaphysical knowledge based on the movements of Heaven and Earth and their elemental influences on him or her. Ba Zi reading scan be given with or without a Feng Shui reading.

FENG SHUI CURES

The practice of Feng Shui traditionally was used to locate and provide the prime locations and directions for optimal placement and hence optimal living or burying conditions. As the planet needed to accomodate more humans less optimal space became available. This was slowly interpreted in Feng Shui as the need to “cure” the less than optimal time or placement of things and people.

Therefore, the Feng Shui “cure” became the “something” that was used to fix the imbalance by the Feng Shui practitioner. It could be as simple as changing the direction a desk or bed faces or as complicated as restructuring door locations and rooms locations. The next level used was color. Color is a very powerful Feng Shui tool to help balance the five Elements and is a primary cure. The next level of “curing” began to take place with objects.

In a modern interpretation almost anything can be used to cure certain problems but most Feng Shui practitioners stick to things Asian as they have such a wealth of associations to work with. Much discussion has been given recently to some of these “modern cures” such as mirrors and bells. The ideas expressed being that such items are not traditional and cannot possibly affect the movement of Qi and therefore are useless. These so-called classical ideas do not allow for some of the basic logics of Feng Shui to be considered to a final conclusion.

For example let us consider light. Light is definitely a form of Qi-energy. A mirror reflects and receives light. Therefore a mirror is definitely affecting Qi as energy albeit on a low bias level. However as in Chinese medicine low bias affects can be very powerful if used correctly at the right time. So even though traditions may or may not include some of the object cures, we believe that they can still be powerful and helpful to the right person at the right time.

Another area of object cures can come in the form of imagery and association. This is where many of the statues that are commonly used as cures come into play. Again Chinese associations are used heavily here. For example Chinese tradition has always considered Cranes as a symbol of longevity so Crane images or statues can be used as cures to enhance longevity and good health when placed appropriately.

Below is a list of some of the commonly used Feng Shui cures and some associated meanings . Many of these items can be found in our Online store. You may found more information on cures in the store as well under the specific associated headings.

Common Cures

- Feng Shui Mirrors: 8 sided mirrors used to receive positive energy and reflect negative energy. Flat mirrors do both , there are also concave mirrors to receive and convex mirrors to repel.
- Crystals & Prisms: Round prisms are used to slow the movement of qi down long corridors or refract dying light entering from western windows. The setting sun is considered to be dying light. Quartz crystal is used for clarity near photos of family or loved ones placed in family gua areas.
- Windbells & Chimes: Used to regulate the flow of qi, can slow down energy in long hallways or move qi around gables and corners of houses.
- Wealth Charms: Usually these are chinese coin configurations but can also be hanging charms with various characters and symbols.
- 3 Coin Cure: Standard Black Hat wealth generation charm. 3 tongqian coins tied with red string usually placed in red envelope and used for example under a plant to serve as a money tree.
- 8 Coin Cure: 8 is numerologically significant as a generation number. The charm used to increase wealth is 8 tongqian coins tied together with red.
- Coinball: an octahedral coin ball used to produce and regulate wealth
- Abacus with 3 coins: Used for management of money
- Coin Sword: A sword made of tongqian coins. Used to protect wealth.
- Coin Frogs: This is a 3 toed frog with stars on back that has a coin in its mouth. Also used to generate and protect wealth.
- Turtle Dragons: The turtle dragon is seen as a balancing between heaven and earth, also as a wealth generation when on coins.
- Safety Charms: These are hanging charms or cards or paper talismans.
- Prosperity Gods: Guan Gong of course can be used to welcome wealth .
- Zhong Kui: Used to regulate spirits and exorcise Sha Qi in dwelling.
- Longevity Gods: The taoist Sanxian figures used to promote health and well being in an area.
- Cranes, Turtles, Peaches: All used to represent and promote longevity.
- Mobiles: Help to regulate and slow the movement of qi in a room.
- Tibetan Prayer Flags: Use for luck and increase energy in an area.
- Gourds: Serving as a symbol for longevity and medicine, they are used to enhance health.
- Shanshui Scroll Paintings: These are chinese landscape paintings that allow energy to enter into a previously blocked space.
- 8 Auspicious Symbols: Asta Mangala Symbols used to enhance luck, health and balance .
- Om Mane Padme Hum: Used to enhance energy and protect
- Scholar Stones: Represents the macrocosm within the microcosm, provides balance
- Penjing Potscapes: Used to increase energy in an area and represent balance of heaven and earth.
- Foo Dogs, Lions and Guai Shou: Used in pairs at a door or desk for protection

FENG SHUI PRACTITIONER

Allen Cline became interested in Feng Shui when he was studying Chinese Medicine at the New England School of Acupuncture in 1982. He began his first apprenticeship with Master Lee in Hong Kong in 1987 where he worked as an assistant to his office.

He furthered his studies in China by studying many of the classical structures such as the Temple of Heaven, various imperial burial sites and many smaller palaces and temples. At that time Feng Shui was considered illegal and barely tolerated in Mainland China although the folk tradition was still very strong especially in Southern China.

In 1988 Allen studied with Dr. Wang who was a medical Qigong practitioner who had a family lineage of Feng Shui practice. Upon returning to the states Allen continued his Feng Shui studies and integrated it into his private medical practice. He has a strong belief in form and structure affecting the healthand well-being of individuals who work or reside in them.

Over the nineties Allen was able to study with some renowned Feng Shui masters such as Yap Cheng Hai, Raymond Lo, Stephen Chang and LinYun. He now focuses on a synthesis of styles including concepts of green building and Bau Biologie.

He practices Feng Shui privately from the Turtle Dragon for individuals either in residence or preparing residence.