Feng Shui

Feng Shui (風水), also known as Chinese geomancy, is an ancient Chinese philosophy that uses energy forces to harmonize individuals with their surrounding environment. The term translates as "wind-water" in English. Feng Shui is one of the Five Arts of Chinese Metaphysics, classified as physiognomy (observation of appearances through formulas and calculations). The Feng Shui practice discusses architecture in metaphoric terms of "invisible forces" that bind the universe, earth, and humanity together, known as Qi.

History

Feng Shui has been practiced for over 3,000 years in China. The Lo Shu Square, an early example of a Feng Shui tool, is believed to have been developed during the reign of Emperor Yu around 2200 BCE. The practice became increasingly associated with the Taoist arts, particularly under the influence of the book Zangshu (Book of Burial) written by Guo Pu of the Jin Dynasty.

Principles

The core of Feng Shui is the generation and circulation of Qi, which is considered the life force or energy present in all things. Two main tools used in a Feng Shui analysis are the compass and the Bagua. The Bagua is an octagonal grid containing the symbols of the I Ching (the ancient yin and yang divination texts). Each of the eight sides and the center corresponds to different life aspects, such as wealth, glory, family, and health.

1. 1. 1. Yin and Yang

Feng Shui is deeply rooted in the Yin and Yang philosophy. The balance of yin (feminine, dark, and passive) and yang (masculine, bright, and active) energies is essential to achieve harmony in one's environment.

1. 1. 1. The Five Elements

Feng Shui also incorporates the theory of the Five Elements (Wu Xing), which include wood, fire, earth, metal, and water. These elements are used to describe interactions and relationships between phenomena. In practice, they are used to analyze the compatibility of colors, shapes, and placement within the space.

Techniques

Feng Shui techniques may vary depending on the school of thought but generally include:

• Form School: Focuses on the shape and orientation of the environment.
• Compass School: Uses the Luo Pan, a Chinese compass, to determine the directional energies of a space.
• Black Hat Sect: A modern adaptation of Feng Shui that combines Tibetan Buddhism, Taoism, and common sense, which has become popular in the West.

Applications

Feng Shui is applied in various contexts, including the planning of buildings, the layout of furniture within rooms, and the design of office spaces to promote productivity and harmony. It is also used in the selection of residential and business properties.

Contemporary Relevance

Despite its ancient origins, Feng Shui remains relevant in modern architecture and interior design, particularly in Asia. It is also gaining popularity in Western countries, where it is often blended with contemporary environmental psychology and design principles.

Criticism and Scientific View

Feng Shui is often classified as a pseudoscience by skeptics and the scientific community because it lacks empirical evidence and is based on superstition. Critics argue that Feng Shui's effectiveness is based on placebo effect rather than any actual influence on environmental energy.

See Also

• Chinese Astrology
• Vastu Shastra
• Environmental Psychology