We moved last year from a small condominium to a large 175 year old farmhouse. I decided since we were starting from scratch in redecorating and arranging our furniture etc., that this was a good time to explore this Feng Shui everyone was talking about.
Feng Shui, as it is currently practiced is based on 5000 year old Chinese Philosophy. The basic idea is that man will live better and more successfully if he is in harmony with nature rather than working against it. Five basic elements are identified-water, earth, fire, wood and metal. The balance of these elements and flow of chi(energy) are vital.
Your house, gardens, office etc. can be set up to maximize the flow of chi and insure that all the elements are represented.(by color, objects, materials etc.) Baguas or maps are made of the space as a whole and of the parts-an overall bagua for the house and then individual ones for each room. Each space has areas that represent various aspects of life-marriage, family, fame, education, financial success, health etc. If your love life is lacking-you need to check that area of your home. Placing certain materials and colors in that area is supposed to achieve harmony and your love life will improve.
I’m betting your not buying this so far! There are some aspects of Feng Shui that make sense even for the skeptic. The flow of chi(energy) is vital. Chi is blocked by clutter. It does make sense that an uncluttered space creates more harmony in our lives.
Some other’interesting’ suggestions include-
Beds should be positioned so the sleeper can see the door.(this is interesting in our house because our bedroom as two doors)
Chi can flow out through windows, drains and toilets. Wind Chimes are often hung to redirect the chi back in. Apparently drains are to be kept closed. I can’t say I believe this but I will say that my nine year has finally got in the habit of putting the lid down because I told him what I was reading.
Dried flowers etc. are not used because they no longer have’life’
As so often happens when the Western World decides to adopt an Eastern Philosophy, Feng Shui has become quite the money maker. Interior Decorators and Feng Shui practioners have partnered to’fix’ the homes of the rich and famous. There are many web sites and shops which sell the necessities(chimes and statues etc). The original ideas have become blurred by those who hold themselves out as experts while adding their own flourishes and hype.
I did find reading about Feng Shui interesting although I did not apply many of the ideas. The book I purchased The Western Guide to Feng Shui by Katherine Tehrah Collins was very readable and balanced. Her approach did not require the use of specific objects but relied on the combinations of color and other representations of the elements. This book like many others has a number of case studies detailing the improvements in people’s lives when they made changes in their homes.(I think, one could argue that, as soon as someone believes they have made a change that will improve their life, there is a change in attitude that probably accounts for the changes that occur)
As with anything, the wise will take and use what makes sense to them and disregard the rest.