Feng shui focuses on the study of the Earth's magnetic field in relation to its effects on humans.  It is the ancient Chinese practice of placing and arranging items within our environment to achieve harmony and balance.  The term Feng shui literally means "Wind (feng) and (Shui) Water".

Feng shui is not just applied to decorating, it literally is meant to be applied to all areas of an individual's life.  For example, those that live by or close to power stations would be allowing a magnetic flow of a violent field of energy to enter their environment, this goes against the Feng shui belief system.

It is important to note that although Feng shui can assist in creating balance and harmony in our environment, the individual looking to utilize this belief system must also find balance and harmony within oneself in order to not subtract from the Feng shui.

The goal of Feng shui is to obtain and maintain Qi (Chi).  Qi is the life energy that flows within air and water.  A balance of our dwellings, possessions and landscapes is important to allow for the proper Qi to flow.

Ying and Yang are fundamentally important to Feng shui.  Ying and Yang are opposites but do not oppose each other, rather they are complimentary and need each other to exist.  The Table below attempts to outline the basic nature of both.

From the North the Qi is nurturing and mysterious. Its symbols are the Black Tortoise, (the animal of winter), and the moon. It is linked to the element water, which is diplomatic, intuitive and compliant.

From the South the Qi is invigorating and lucky. Its symbols are the Red Phoenix, (the bird of summer and good fortune), and the sun. It is linked to the element fire, which is dynamic, restless and energetic.

From the East the Qi is protective, kind and competitive. Its symbols are the Green (or Gold) Dragon, (the animal of spring), and thunder. It is linked to the element wood, which is warm, generous, and seeks to grow.

From the West the Qi is unpredictable and disruptive. Its symbols are the White Tiger (the animal of autumn), and the lake. It is linked to the element metal, which is unyielding, forceful and self-reliant.

In the Center lies the element earth, which is at home with all the directions, and seeks to harmonize them. The element earth is patient, stable and prudent.

Each kind of Qi seeks its opposite to achieve harmony, thus the active, hot Qi of the south seeks the cool qi of the north to balance itself; and the wise qi of the east seeks excitement from the Qi of the west, and so on.

An example of use of the Bagua is -- the stove (kitchen) should not be placed in the north part of a house, as water extinguishes fire. This is only a rule of thumb, and there are many other considerations in locating a kitchen.


Some general rules are:

When sitting at a desk, the entrance door should be in a clear line of sight, and you should have a view of as much of the room as possible. 

When lying in bed, the entrance door should not be directly facing the soles of one's feet. In other words, the end of the bed should not be in line with the door. 

Straight lines and sharp corners are to be avoided, and especially should not point where people tend to sit, stand, or sleep. 

Avoid clutter. 

Your stairs should never face the front door. 

Roads to and from ancient towns were often curved and windy, an attempt to disorient and keep away evil spirits, who were believed to travel in straight lines. 

Some objects are believed to have the power of redirecting, reflecting, or shifting energy in a space.  These include mirrors, crystals, wind-chimes, and pools of flowing or standing water.