Qi - Chi
Qi (Chi) is more complex to understand than the western word 'energy'. It is the Chinese expression of the natural, intangible vital energy force that emanates from virtually everything in the universe, including the movement and quality of air, the earth's magnetic field, the gravitational pull of the moon, cosmic radiation, sunlight, colour vibrations, all physical objects and our thoughts and emotions. Qi influences how a place feels and how we respond. Sheng Qi nourishes the environment around it, bringing the opportunity to enjoy stability, harmony, abundance and success. If it moves too fast or stagnates, it becomes undesirable Sha Qi, which feels disturbing and may undermine well being or finances. That is why measures are taken to curb the unhelpful Qi and gain the best advantage from positive flow.
Yin & Yang
The concept of Yin and Yang is the fundamental dynamic principle of natural life throughout the universe and the basis of the Yi Jing, the classic Chinese Book of Change. It symbolises the continuing process of transformation and interactive relationship between complimentary opposites. Nothing is totally one or other and nothing exists in total separation from other influences. A few examples of yin and yang are female and male, quiet and noisy, dull and bright, slow and fast, cold and hot, wet and dry, passive and active, dark and light, moon and sun. Achieving a good balance between yin and yang is the objective to create agreeable equilibrium in a place.
The Five Elements
The Five natural elements of Water, Wood, Fire, Earth and Metal and their interactions with each other are core to Feng Shui analysis, Chinese medicine and metaphysics. Also known as the five transformations or five phases, each element is associated with a specific compass direction, with colour, shape and time. Elements are often introduced or realigned to balance, boost or calm a given area, and to support or manage each other.
Three Connections
The basis of Feng Shui is an understanding of the relationship between heaven, earth and humanity. Known as San Cai, it embraces the form and formless, tangible and intangible influences. It means that we are intricately connected to the natural forces of the land and the cosmos and our lives are thus shaped by our surroundings. How all three aspects interact has a direct effect upon the quality of our life in a given location. Feng Shui aims to harmonise your connection with these seen and unseen forces, to optimise their benefits and to safeguard you from whatever is undesirable.
Direction and Location
Using a Chinese compass, or Luo Pan, to take an accurate reading of a building’s alignment is fundamental to the effective practice of Feng Shui. The location of the main entrance door and the direction it faces are crucial factors in the analysis of energy flow, positive or weak areas and time influences. Whether you are energetically attuned to the East group (N E SE and S) or West group (SW W NW and NE) of compass directions denotes your personal preference rather than restricting compatibility and it is determined by your year of birth.
The Time Dimension
Ancient Chinese scholars observed the recurring alignments of the Sun, Moon, Earth, planets and constellations and their effects upon the environment. They identified repeating changes in energetic patterns in 20 year time cycles within which small, yet influential shifts evolve annually : the current period commenced in 2004. These time patterns have a predictable influence on the Feng Shui of a building and its occupants, dependant on the orientation of the property. They can be calculated using Xuan Kong Fei Xing Flying Stars formulas. In our practice they are charted at each consultation to understand why and where certain situations may be occurring and to maximise new opportunities.