The words Feng Shui in Chinese literally means Wind and Water. The Chinese have long observed that some surroundings are better then others, and for centuries they have used geomancy to improve the quality of life.
Today, Feng Shui has evolved into a refined art used to enhance luck and well-being through the modifications of layout and orientation of work-places and homes and is gaining popularity in the West.
The aim of Feng Shui is a complete harmony and a deep sensitivity with the natural order. Many aspects of Feng Shui are based on intuition and commonsense.
I've enjoyed using feng shui for several years.
For myself, it is the simple arranging of furniture to
let the energy flow better in my house and in my work space. Small things
helped like:
- Not having my back to the door have helped me work easier.
- Cleaning up clutter helped me relax (ie. I could find things easier!)
- Widening the front path makes coming home more inviting
- Putting a large mirror behind the stove made it so I wouldn't be surprised when someone came up behind me (and helped prosperity... though that isn't as logical)
- Putting a mirror up at the end of a hallway makes it not seem like a dead end
- Making paths between rooms and through rooms wide and easy to use allows me to walk around easily (as well as get the chi to move)
- Oiling doors so they didn't squeak reduced irritation
Here is a list of standard "cures" that I've used:
- Clean up clutter
- Arrange furniture so you can face the doors while sitting (or add a mirror so you can see behind you)
- Making the environment much more comfortable (sitting away from drafts, adjusting lights, etc.)
- Add crystal balls on the ceiling to help move the energy of your space
- Add wind chimes or musical instruments to regulate energy
- Add colors or art to bring in desired energy
- Add trees, flagpoles or upward pointing lighting to raise energy
I am NOT a practitioner of Feng Shui. However, I feel that using it in my life has made my environment much nicer. When I first had Feng Shui done on my house, I doubled my salary within a month or two. The second time I had Feng Shui done, I was given a $30,000 raise - without asking.
Feng Shui Books
Here is my list of useful Feng Shui books. They are listed in my favorite order. (In association with Amazon.com for quick, reliable service - and discount prices!)
- Feng Shui Made Easy: Designing Your Life With the Ancient Art of Placement - by William Spear
I found this book very easy to follow and use. Great for beginners! Wonderful advice.
- Sacred Space : Clearing and Enhancing the Energy of Your Home - by Denise Linn
Explore a new way of approaching Feng Shui with house clearing rituals and problem solving techniques. A very deep book with lots of wisdom.
- Feng Shui Anthology: Contemporary Earth Design - by Jami Lin, Ardis Heiman (Illustrator), Rita Lewison-Singar (Editor)
This book incorporates the viewpoints of many feng shui practitioners creating a more rounded viewpoint. Find valuable tips and practical ideas.
- The Complete Illustrated Guide to Feng Shui: How to Apply the Secrets of Chinese Wisdom for Health, Wealth and Happiness - by Lillian Too
Practical information needed to understand and apply feng shui principles to their own environments and lives.
- Interior Design With Feng Shui - by Sarah Rossbach
A very easy to understand book on Feng Shui
- The Western Guide to Feng Shui: Creating Balance, Harmony, and Prosperity in Your Environment - by Terah Kathryn Collins, Terah Kathryn
Feng Shui teacher Terah Kathryn explains why the arrangement of readers' homes and workplaces affects every aspect of their lives, including relationships, health, and finances.
- The Modern Book of Feng Shui: Vitality and Harmony for the Home and Office - by Steven Post
A well written book on feng shui.
- A Soul in Place : Reclaiming Home As Sacred Space - by Carol Bridges
Feng Shui from a different perspective. Combine Feng Shui and meditations to discover how to improve your home and your life.
- 101 Feng Shui Tips for the Home - by Richard Webster
Many books on feng shui are geared toward homeowners, but Webster applies feng shui principles to individual rooms as well as the whole house, which makes 101 Feng Shui Tips for the Home just as useful to apartment dwellers.
- Feng Shui Design: From History and Landscape to Modern Gardens & Interiors - by Sarah Rossbach, Lin Yun
Very informative on Feng Shui; beautifully illustrated.
- Feng Shui for Cats: By Cats, for Cats - by Roni Jay
Entertaining and colorful guide not only instructs the curious cat in the ways of feng shui, but also shows "how to manipulate your humans into maximizing the chi energy in your environment," leading to a more "warm, comfortable, and harmonious territory"--a kitty dream come true!
A-Z Healing