You may have heard about it. But have you ever checked what is Feng Shui?
Expression of Taoism, Feng Shui is one of the five Arts of Chinese Metaphysics and deals with the analysis and balance of the so-called “invisible forces”. Everything, even the inanimate, possesses, releases and attracts a certain energy. From the analysis of these energies, the doctrine of Feng Shui is concerned that man can achieve harmony with everything that surrounds him in space. It is no coincidence that Feng Shui comes from the name of two elements that most influence the formation of the world: wind (Feng) and water (Shui).
It is difficult to trace a precise history of Feng Shui. Some speak of centuries, others of a much longer oral tradition. However, a story related to Feng Shui takes us to the Yellow River, where the inhabitants of ancient China had to struggle with “evil” winds and turbulent waters. Studying and listening to nature, considering the energy of the elements and things as something alive, that speaks to us, was and is the essence of this doctrine. By the way, the existence of a record from the Han dynasty is proven in which the name of a scholar, Zhang Liang (230 BC -185 BC), appears in reference to the practice of Feng Shui.
Masters of this doctrine could invest decades to become Feng Shui masters, after having in turn been students, practitioners and assistants of a teacher recognized as such. This tells us much about the semi-religious status of these ancient sages, who then bequeathed knowledge and indications that will have extended even beyond the paths of initiation to practice. That is exactly why a sacred text, The Book of Mutations, is the basis of this doctrine, which is based on the principles of yin and yang and the great universal order.
The eight trigrams derived from the interactions of the tao are the basis of the theories and the different schools of Feng Shui. Considering that the upper line represents the sky, the central line the man and the lower line the earth, the different schools have given emphasis to one or the other with different theoretical consequences. In the first case we concentrate on the orientation of things, in the second on interaction, in the third on the ground.
The essential terms to understand Feng Shui are two: Chi and Sha. Chi is vital energy, it is positive and moves gently and in an undulating way. Sha is his opposite: he moves rigidly, through straight lines and angles. Chi is the cosmic breath, it is life itself and perhaps we could dare to compare it with the Christian Holy Spirit. In Japan it is called Ki, in India Prana. It goes without saying that the objective of Feng Shui is to allow Chi to circulate freely, to eliminate obstacles and energy “jams”.
HOW TO HARMONIZE THE ENERGY OF YOUR HOME
A tidy home is a home where positive energy flows. Few things, the important and useful things, keep away the useless things that impede the circulation of energy and block the energies, keep away the things stored in dusty closets. The things that we do not find the courage to throw away are, after all, the things that imprison us, our “garbage” or our past. To free and let the energies flow is something that needs the presence in the house only of the things that we have and to which we give life. The deposits are centers of blocked energies.
The sensation of well-being, warmth and hospitality starts from the entrance, free of impediments and that, perhaps, receives the guests with a symbolic object that attracts the Chi energy. Doors will be unobstructed, with nothing hidden behind them – doors are essential for the flow of energies. That is why it is important that nothing obstructs passage through the corridors. In the kitchen, eliminate unnecessary utensils and containers, look for light, healthy food and, of course, clean. Avoid piling things up.
In the living room, make sure that the energy flows, without furniture near the door, without the television becoming the heart of the room.
This space, on the contrary, should be the center of communication. From the sofa you should be able to see the door, directly through a mirror. In the bedroom, place of intimacy, our personal sanctuary, it is even more important that the environment is bright. Avoid transforming the bottom of the bed or above the closet into a mini storage room. Avoid accumulating work objects in the bedroom, dirty clothes, electronic or mechanical objects (a bicycle for example).
The bedroom should favor the concentration of energies towards oneself or one’s partner. To do this, if possible, it should be located as far as possible from the entrance door. With the bed in front of a window. Avoid lamps above the bed: a light lamp is better. More generally, at home, do not abuse artificial lights and technologies. For the walls, it is preferable to use neutral colors, which promote a sense of peace. Avoid windows facing each other. Windows are very important, because what we see contributes to our feeling of well-being. Fans are one of the elements considered Chi expanders. They can be placed on walls, perhaps at the entrance, with adherent materials, without nails. It is also useful to use amulets, candlesticks and incense to reactivate the energy of the house. Mirrors can also be useful for this purpose.
But it is important to place them in such a way that they multiply the view of elements that are in themselves positive. Plants, of course, are widely used but, in this case, it is important to study the symbolism of each plant or flower. And of course, keep it fresh and alive. In short, it is not just about designing, decorating, beautifying: it is about seeking peace. This is how Feng Shui gets to the roots of interior design.
Emmanuel Raffaele Maraziti