Have you ever walked into a room and felt like you instantly want to leave? Like the vibe is all wrong and unwelcoming or claustrophobic? It is most likely due to the way the space has been constructed and the way the furniture is laid out in the room. You’ve probably heard of Feng Shui, it’s common knowledge nowadays, but do you really understand where it comes from and what it means to create the perfect energy in a space?
Where did Feng Shui come from?
Feng Shui is considered a philosophy of life to the Chinese. The words ‘Feng Shui’ translate to ‘wind – water’ in English and has become the foundation to which cities, work places, home spaces, gardens and even some life rites of passage are created around. With the use of material, form and colour, the yin and yang principles and the five elements (particularly wind and water), harmonious spaces are created. The aim of Feng Shui is to create a positive circulation of Chi energy in a space so that the people who move through this area are healthy and positive.
There is evidence of the first use of Feng Shui dating back as far as 200AD! It is said in Feng Shui a site which attracts water is the most optimum, followed closely by a site which catches wind. This is why you see so many water features in Chinese design. The principle began with the theory that energy, or Qi, rides the wind and dissipates however it can be retained when encountering water so the idea is to use elements to keep the Qi in your spaces. After this people began to study the earth and sky, focusing on their relationship, direction, shape and size and how these environments affect us.
Over the next hundred years following these discoveries the idea, use and meanings associated with Feng Shui were created, implemented and perfected across China.
What is Feng Shui?
Feng Shui is based on the notion there is an unlimited amount of energy or Qi surrounding us, constantly recovering from the infinite universal energy available to all of us. The aim of implementing Feng Shui into a space is to help direct the flow of energy in an optimal and healthy way. Good circulation ensures happiness, abundance and health on all levels. When laying out a space you should avoid sharp angles, hidden spaces and overwhelm or clutter which leads to stagnant energy and blocking the natural flow of a room.
The main pillar of Feng Shui corresponds to the Five Elements (Water, Wood, Fire, Earth, and Metal) and explains how Qi cycles through various stages of transformation through a space using these materials in the correct placements. These elements also correspond to defined periods of time such as the seasons (winter = water, spring = wood, summer = fire, autumn = metal, inter seasons = earth) but also time frames such as years, months, days, hours. Correct placement creates harmonious spaces, positive and happy people (who doesn’t want that?)
If you wish to create incredible spaces with Feng Shui you can learn all about it through the thousands of books available or by even hiring your own personal Feng Shui consultant! (It’s a thing!) Check out this site to continue learning online. The best thing is anyone can create harmonious places through the use of Feng Shui. Simply by noticing what types of materials you use in your spaces and where you place them with intent can transform the energy is insane. Imagine transforming a space you rarely use into your favourite room! Nearly every country in the world now uses these ancient Chinese principles.
Feng Shui just works! You can learn the science behind it but there’s no doubt when you stand in a space that just feels good you understand it. The elements, materials and shapes are in constant relationship and harmony with each other making you feel instantly relaxed and good about life. So tell me if you’re considering transforming your spaces with Feng Shui?
Happy wandering x
