Megan Dobson: Feng Shui

“Feng Shui is basically an environmental science and its origins are simple. It is based on an interpretation of the natural world which enabled the Chinese to create efficient agricultural systems, and also the study of the movement of the heavenly bodies in order to determine the passage of time. Over the centuries, the interpretation grew more complex and became removed from its original purpose. As its exponents spread out from China across the world, their beliefs altered to fit into local beliefs and customs and, inevitably, folklore and superstition grew up around them. Fortunately, the ancient Chinese preserved the information in written form. In essence, all societies retain the knowledge contained in Feng Shui, but it has become absorved into different disciplines. In China it underlies all aspects of life, from nutrition and medicine to exercise and the arts. By understanding the basic concepts, we can choose designs, meaningful images and symbols from our own culture to support us in our lives.

As practiced today, Feng Shui gives us advice on how to create environments in which we feel comfortable and supported. By recognizing problem areas in our lives and taking positive steps to improve them, we can connect to the energy of the spaces around us and bring about desired changes.

The single factor which sets Feng Shui apart from other philosophical systems in that it has the capacity for change built into it.

Feng Shui uses formulae which determine the rising and falling energy in a given time span of an individual or a house.

The philosophy of Feng Shui is embraced by people who are aware of the impact their surroundings have on them and feel the need to take action to improve their lives.”

Feng Shui enables us to position ourselves within our environment to our best advantage. It helps us determine the most favorable positions for us, and can be as specific as supportive layouts, colors and designs.

Feng Shui is about interpreting our environments.

KEY CONCEPTS: (Refer to handout)

The Way – “The Tao”

Yin And Yang

Five Types of Energy—Elements

The Symbolic Bagua

Magic Number

The philosophies of Feng Shui are sensible and fascinating.

As the philosophies are clear, manageable and adaptable, Feng Shui provides and accessible means by which modern lifestyles of today can connect with and understand the culture and people of Ancient China.

Works Cited:

Hale, Gill. The Practical Encyclopedia of Feng Shui. Anness Publishing Ltd., 1999.