Feng Shui

The Complete Guide to Feng Shui: Harmonize Your Space for Health, Wealth, and Happiness

Why is Feng Shui important?

• Health and Vitality: Feng Shui principles emphasise the connection between the environment and health. By arranging the space in accordance with Feng Shui guidelines, it is believed that the energy in the environment can support physical health, vitality, and overall well-being.
• Emotional Well-being: The arrangement and design of a space can have an impact on one's emotional state. Feng Shui seeks to create a positive and supportive atmosphere that promotes emotional well-being. It aims to minimise stress, promote relaxation, and enhance positive emotions, leading to a greater sense of peace and happiness.
• Prosperity and Abundance: Feng Shui is often associated with attracting wealth, abundance, and prosperity. By optimising the energy flow and arranging the environment in a way that supports prosperity principles, it is believed to enhance opportunities, financial success, and abundance in various aspects of life.
• Personal Growth and Success: Feng Shui is not just about the physical environment but also considers the individual's aspirations and goals. By aligning the environment with personal intentions and goals, it is believed to create a supportive and empowering atmosphere that facilitates personal growth, success, and achievement.
  
  

What are the fundamental principles of Feng Shui?

• Qi (Energy): Qi is the life force or energy that flows throughout the universe and all living things. In Feng Shui, the goal is to optimise the flow of Qi in a space. It is believed that when Qi flows smoothly and harmoniously, it enhances well-being, prosperity, and positive experiences.
• Yin and Yang: Yin and Yang are complementary forces that represent polarities in the universe. Yin represents qualities such as darkness, softness, and quietness, while Yang represents qualities such as brightness, hardness, and activity. Feng Shui seeks to achieve a balance between Yin and Yang energies in a space to create harmony and equilibrium.
• Five Elements: The Five Elements (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water) are fundamental energies in nature that are believed to influence the energy of a space. Each element has specific characteristics and associations. Balancing and harmonising these elements in a space is an essential aspect of Feng Shui. Specified below are the significance of each element and how to balance them. 
  • Wood: The Wood element represents growth, vitality, and new beginnings. It is associated with the colour green and is linked to the qualities of expansion, creativity, and flexibility. To incorporate the Wood element, you can add plants, wooden furniture, or decorative items made of wood. Use the colour green in your decor and ensure that the Wood element is well-nourished and not overpowering other elements.
  • Fire: The Fire element symbolises passion, transformation, and energy. It is associated with the colours red, orange, and purple. Fire represents warmth, illumination, and activity. To incorporate the Fire element, you can use candles, lighting fixtures, or artwork with fiery colours. However, it's important to use Fire in moderation and ensure it is balanced to avoid overwhelming or chaotic energy.
  • Earth: The Earth element represents stability, nourishment, and grounding. It is associated with the colours yellow, brown, and earth tones. Earth energy is supportive, nurturing, and grounding. To incorporate the Earth element, use earthy colours in your decor, add pottery or ceramic objects, use natural materials, and introduce square or rectangular shapes. A well-balanced Earth element provides stability and a sense of security.
  • Metal: The Metal element represents clarity, precision, and efficiency. It is associated with the colours white, grey, and metallic tones. Metal energy is often associated with organisation, focus, and mental clarity. To incorporate the Metal element, you can use metal decorative objects, metallic finishes, or display items made of metal. Avoid excessive Metal energy, as it can create a cold or rigid atmosphere. Balance it with other elements to maintain warmth and balance.
  • Water: The Water element symbolises flow, abundance, and reflection. It is associated with the colours blue and black. Water energy represents communication, intuition, and a sense of calmness. To incorporate the Water element, you can add a water feature like a fountain or an aquarium, use mirrors or reflective surfaces, or include artwork depicting water scenes. Ensure that the water is clean and flowing to maintain positive energy.

• Bagua: The Bagua is a symbolic map that divides a space into eight sections, each representing different aspects of life, such as wealth, relationships, career, and health. By overlaying the Bagua on a floor plan or space, Feng Shui practitioners can identify areas that correspond to specific life areas and make adjustments to enhance the energy in those areas. Here are the different life areas represented by the Bagua Map:
  • Wealth and Prosperity: This area is associated with abundance, financial well-being, and material possessions. Enhancing this area can involve using colours like purple or green, incorporating symbols of wealth, and keeping the space clutter-free.
  • Fame and Reputation: This area relates to recognition, reputation, and social standing. Enhancing this area can involve using colours like red or orange, displaying awards or achievements, and creating a focal point in the space that draws attention.
  • Love and Relationships: This area is connected to romantic relationships, partnerships, and love. Enhancing this area can involve using colours like pink or red, displaying artwork or symbols of love, and creating a nurturing and harmonious environment.
  • Family and Health: This area pertains to family relationships, physical health, and overall well-being. Enhancing this area can involve using colours like green or blue, displaying family photos or sentimental objects, and creating a space that promotes relaxation and healing.
  • Centre (or Tai Chi): The centre area represents balance, unity, and overall well-being. Enhancing this area can involve using colours like yellow or earthy tones, creating a focal point or gathering space in the centre of the room, and promoting a sense of harmony and balance.
  • Creativity and Children: This area is associated with creativity, self-expression, and fertility. Enhancing this area can involve using colours like white or pastels, incorporating artwork or creative materials, and creating a playful and inspiring environment.
  • Knowledge and Self-Cultivation: This area relates to personal growth, learning, and self-improvement. Enhancing this area can involve using colours like blue or black, creating a dedicated study or meditation space, and displaying books or educational materials.
  • Career and Life Path: This area pertains to career, life purpose, and professional development. Enhancing this area can involve using colours like black or dark blue, arranging the space to support productivity and focus, and displaying symbols of career success.

• Compass Directions: Feng Shui also considers the orientation and directions of a space. The compass directions, such as north, south, east, and west, are associated with different elements and energies. Aligning the space with favourable directions based on the individual's goals and intentions is considered important in Feng Shui.

• Clutter Clearing: Clutter is believed to obstruct the flow of energy and create stagnant or negative Qi. Clearing clutter and maintaining an organised space is considered essential in Feng Shui to allow for the smooth flow of Qi and create a more harmonious environment.
  
  

Feng Shui tips for the home:

• Position your bed, desk, and stove in the "commanding position," where you have a clear view of the room's entrance without being directly in line with it.
• Avoid placing furniture with sharp edges or corners that create a harsh energy flow. Use rounded or curved furniture instead.
  
  

• Consider the overall colour scheme and ensure a balanced use of colours throughout the space. Avoid overwhelming or clashing colour combinations.
• Use colour psychology to create desired moods and atmospheres. For instance, use calming blues in bedrooms or vibrant yellows in areas meant for socialising.
  
  

• Keep your space organised and tidy to create a sense of calmness and order. Use storage solutions to minimise visual clutter.
• Pay attention to hidden areas like closets and cabinets, as they also impact the overall energy of the space.

• Incorporate natural elements like plants, flowers, or natural materials (wood, stone) to connect with the earth's energy and create a sense of vitality.
• Use lighting strategically to create the desired ambiance. Soft, warm lighting promotes relaxation, while brighter lights enhance focus and activity.
  
  

Feng Shui tips for office or workspace:

• Desk Placement: Position your desk in the "commanding position," where you have a clear view of the entrance to the room or office. Avoid sitting with your back directly facing the entrance, as it can create a sense of vulnerability. If necessary, place a mirror on your desk to reflect the entrance.

• Clutter-Free Environment: Keep your workspace clean, organised, and clutter-free. Clutter can create stagnant energy and hinder productivity. Use storage solutions and organisers to keep your desk and surrounding area tidy. Have a designated place for everything.

• Balanced Lighting: Ensure a good balance of natural and artificial lighting. Natural light is preferable, so position your desk near a window if possible. Use task lighting to illuminate your work area effectively. Avoid harsh, overhead lighting that can create glare or discomfort.

• Ergonomics and Comfort: Choose an ergonomic chair and set up your workstation to support good posture and comfort. Place a small plant or a crystal near your desk to bring positive energy and promote a sense of well-being.

• Inspiring and Motivating Elements: Decorate your workspace with items that inspire you, such as motivational quotes, artwork, or personal mementos. Incorporate elements that represent your goals and aspirations, such as a vision board or a list of affirmations.

• Balanced Elements: Incorporate elements of nature to create a harmonious environment. Place a small indoor plant or a desktop fountain to introduce the Wood or Water element. Balance the presence of elements like Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water in your workspace, depending on your goals and intentions.

• Personal Space and Boundaries: Create a clear separation between your work area and personal space, especially if you work from home. This separation helps maintain work-life balance. Use dividers or curtains to visually separate your workspace from other areas of your home or office.

• Good Air Quality: Ensure proper ventilation and good air quality in your workspace. Open windows when possible or use an air purifier to keep the air fresh and energised.
  
  

Feng Shui for health and well-being:

• Enhanced Energy Flow: Feng Shui aims to optimise the flow of energy, known as Qi or Chi, throughout a space. By arranging furniture, objects, and colours in a way that promotes a smooth energy flow, Feng Shui can create a sense of balance and harmony. When Qi flows freely, it can support physical vitality and mental clarity.
• Stress Reduction: A well-designed space according to Feng Shui principles can help reduce stress levels. Clutter-free environments, organised spaces, and soothing colours can create a calming atmosphere that promotes relaxation and reduces mental and emotional strain.
• Restful Sleep: For bedrooms, the placement of the bed, choice of colours, and control of lighting all play a role. By creating a peaceful and nurturing sleep environment, Feng Shui can support restful sleep, which is essential for physical and mental rejuvenation.
• Natural Elements: Feng Shui emphasises the incorporation of natural elements, such as plants, water features, and natural materials. These elements can connect us with nature and its healing properties. Being in contact with nature has been shown to reduce stress, improve mood, and enhance physical health.
• Emotional Balance: Feng Shui considers the impact of the environment on our emotions and mental state. By creating a space that supports positive emotions, such as joy, inspiration, and tranquillity, Feng Shui can contribute to emotional well-being. This can help reduce anxiety, improve mood, and promote mental clarity.
• Mindful Spaces: Feng Shui encourages mindfulness and intentionality in our living and working spaces. By setting clear intentions and incorporating meaningful objects, Feng Shui can remind us of our goals, values, and aspirations. This can positively influence our mental and emotional state, aligning our environment with our inner selves.
  
  

Feng Shui for Wealth and Prosperity:

• Activate the Wealth Area: In Feng Shui, the Wealth area is associated with abundance and prosperity. Locate the Wealth area in your home or workspace using the Bagua Map, and focus on enhancing this area. Use colours associated with wealth, such as purple or green, in the Wealth area. Display symbols of wealth, such as a wealth bowl, a money plant, or a wealth ship.Keep the space clean, organised, and  clutter-free to allow the flow of positive energy.

• Enhance the Prosperity Flow: Remove any obstacles or blockages that hinder the flow of energy, such as furniture or clutter blocking pathways or doorways. Repair any leaks or plumbing issues, as they can symbolise money draining away. Ensure that doors can fully open and that nothing is blocking their movement, as this represents the opening of opportunities.

• Activate the Abundance Mindset: Surround yourself with symbols and reminders of abundance and prosperity, such as affirmations, vision boards, or artwork that represents wealth and success. Set clear financial goals and intentions, and regularly visualise yourself achieving them. Express gratitude for the financial abundance you already have, as gratitude cultivates a positive mindset.

• Use Water Features: Water is considered a symbol of wealth and abundance in Feng Shui. Consider incorporating a water feature, such as a small fountain or aquarium, in the Wealth area or near the entrance of your home or workspace. Ensure that the water is clean, flowing, and well-maintained. Stagnant or dirty water can create stagnant energy.

• Activate the Career Area: The Career area in Feng Shui is connected to the flow of income and opportunities. Enhancing this area can indirectly support financial well-being. Use colours associated with career success, such as black or dark blue, in the Career area. Display symbols of a thriving career, such as a vision board depicting your ideal job or successful role models.

• Keep Your Finances Organised: Maintain an organised system for managing your finances, such as a dedicated workspace or filing system. Pay attention to your financial paperwork and bills, keeping them organised and up to date. Clear any financial clutter, such as old receipts or unnecessary documents.

• Balance Energy Expenditure: Be mindful of energy expenditure in your home or workspace. Ensure that energy-consuming devices, such as electronics or appliances, are used efficiently and not wasting energy unnecessarily. Repair any energy leaks, such as drafts or insulation issues, that can symbolise financial leaks.

Feng Shui for Love and Relationships:

• Bedroom Placement: Position the master bedroom in a location that promotes a sense of privacy and tranquillity. Avoid placing the bedroom directly above a garage, kitchen, or noisy area. Place the bed in the "commanding position," where you have a clear view of the entrance to the room without being directly in line with it. This positioning fosters a sense of security and empowerment.

• Balance and Harmony: Create a balanced and harmonious atmosphere in the bedroom by using complementary colours, such as soft, soothing tones or romantic hues like pinks and reds. Use pairs of objects or artwork to symbolise unity and partnership. For example, place two bedside tables, two lamps, or a pair of mandarin ducks, which are considered symbols of love and fidelity.

• Remove Distractions: Eliminate distractions from the bedroom that can hinder intimacy and connection. Remove electronics, work-related items, or exercise equipment to create a space solely dedicated to rest and romance. Minimise clutter and keep the space tidy to create a calm and inviting atmosphere.

• Symbolism and Imagery: Use symbols and imagery that represent love and romance. Hang artwork or photographs that evoke positive emotions and memories. Choose images that depict happy couples, beautiful landscapes, or symbols of love. Avoid displaying single or solitary objects, as they can symbolise loneliness or separation.

• Lighting and Sensuality: Optimise lighting in the bedroom to create a romantic ambiance. Use soft, warm lighting, such as dimmers or bedside lamps, to create a cosy and intimate atmosphere. Incorporate elements that stimulate the senses and promote sensuality, such as scented candles, soft fabrics, or soothing music.

• Harmonise Elements: Balance the elements within the bedroom to create a harmonious energy. Use a balance of Yin and Yang energies by incorporating soft, flowing fabrics (Yin) and sturdy furniture (Yang). Incorporate natural elements, such as plants or flowers, to bring the energy of nature into the space. Avoid dried flowers or plants with thorns, as they can symbolize stagnant or sharp energy.

• Relationship Corner (Bagua): Locate the Relationship corner of your home or bedroom using the Bagua Map. Enhance this area to support love and partnership. Use symbolic objects associated with love and relationships, such as heart-shaped items, paired objects, or artwork that represents love and romance. 
  
  

Feng Shui for career and success:

• The Bagua Map: Start by using the Bagua Map to determine the Career area of your home or workspace. The Career area is usually located at the front centre of your space or the far left corner.

• Enhance the Career Area: Activate and enhance the Career area according to Feng Shui principles. Use colours associated with career success, such as black or dark blue. Display objects that represent your profession or industry, such as awards, certificates, or tools of your trade.

• Desk Placement: Position your desk in the commanding position, where you have a clear view of the entrance to the room without being directly in line with it. This placement allows you to feel in control and aware of opportunities coming your way.

• Symbolic Support: Use symbols that represent career success and growth in your workspace. This can include items such as a vision board with images of your career goals and aspirations, a successful role model's picture, or objects that symbolise achievement and progress.

• Lighting and Ambiance: Good lighting is crucial for a productive and energising workspace. Incorporate natural light whenever possible and use task lighting to illuminate your work area. Avoid harsh overhead lighting that can create a stressful atmosphere.

• Clear the Clutter: Clear clutter from your workspace to allow for the free flow of energy. A clutter-free environment promotes clarity, focus, and productivity. Keep your desk organised and only have items that are necessary and inspiring.

• Balance of Elements: Create a harmonious balance of the five elements (wood, fire, earth, metal, and water) in your workspace. Each element represents different qualities and can support different aspects of your career. For example, adding a metal element, such as a metal frame or decorative objects, can enhance focus and mental clarity.

• Mindful Work Breaks: Resting is essential in keeping focused on your goals. Take short breaks during work to rejuvenate and recharge. Step away from your desk, stretch, or engage in a brief mindfulness practice. This can help improve focus and productivity when you return to your tasks. 
  
  

Common Feng Shui myths and misconceptions:

• It’s a mere superstition: Feng Shui is often mistaken as a superstition or a belief system based solely on luck or magic. In reality, Feng Shui is a complex system of principles and techniques rooted in Chinese philosophy, geography, and the understanding of energy flow. It takes into account the physical environment, personal energy, and the relationship between individuals and their surroundings.

• Feng Shui guarantees instant results: Some people may believe that implementing Feng Shui principles will bring instant wealth, success, or happiness. While Feng Shui can create a supportive environment, it's important to understand that it is not a magical solution. It works in conjunction with other factors such as personal effort, skills, and external circumstances. It can enhance the energy and opportunities in your environment, but it does not guarantee immediate or automatic results.

• It’s just interior decorating: Feng Shui is not merely about interior decorating or arranging furniture in a specific way. While aesthetics play a role, Feng Shui encompasses a deeper understanding of the energetic flow and balance within a space. It takes into consideration factors such as the orientation of the building, external surroundings, the flow of natural light, and the personal energy of the inhabitants.

• Feng Shui is a one-size-fits-all approach: Another misconception is that there is a universal set of Feng Shui rules that can be applied to any space. In reality, Feng Shui is a highly personalised practice that considers the unique characteristics of each individual and their specific environment. The same principles may not apply universally, as different spaces and individuals have different needs and energy dynamics.

• It requires drastic or expensive changes: Feng Shui does not always require significant renovations or costly changes to the physical structure. Small adjustments can often make a significant difference. Feng Shui is about creating balance, flow, and harmony in the space, and this can often be achieved through simple modifications and mindful rearrangement of objects and furniture.
  
  

Where to get guidance in implementing Feng Shui principles

• "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Feng Shui" by Elizabeth Moran and Joseph Yu
• "The Essence of Feng Shui" by Joey Yap
• "Move Your Stuff, Change Your Life: How to Use Feng Shui to Get Love, Money, Respect, and Happiness" by Karen Rauch Carter
• "The Feng Shui Garden: Design Your Garden for Health, Wealth, and Happiness" by Gill Hale

• Compass (Luo Pan): A traditional Feng Shui compass used to determine the directions and orientations in a space.
• Bagua Map: An octagonal grid used in Feng Shui to map out different energy areas in a space.
• Five Element Cures: Objects representing the five elemental energies (wood, fire, earth, metal, water) used to balance and harmonise the energy in a space.
• Crystals: Various crystals are used in Feng Shui to enhance specific energies or qualities.
• Wind Chimes: Wind chimes are used to activate and harmonise the energy flow in a space.
• Mirrors: Mirrors are employed strategically in Feng Shui to redirect or expand energy.
• Indoor Plants: Plants are used to introduce vibrant and fresh energy into a space.
• Water Features: Water features such as fountains or aquariums are used to activate and balance the flow of energy.
• Feng Shui Symbols: Various symbols representing qualities or intentions are used to activate specific energies in a space.
• Essential Oils: Specific essential oils are used in Feng Shui to enhance energy and create a desired atmosphere.