Feng Shui: A Short Introduction

I have been interested in Feng Shui recently in order to create a positively energized living area. I have read articles, books, and looked at many pictures. If you are interested in creating a house with balanced energies, keep reading! Feng Shui has been around for over 3,000 years and originated from China. It literally means wind water for both wind and water is needed for a long and healthy life.

What you need:

• Your house or room you want to work on
• a compass (if you have a smart phone, you can get a free app. You can also find a boyscout!)
• a bagua (A bagua is the energy map shaped like an octagon. Above is a simpler map I have found that can be used as the bagua)

First, create a list of all the activities you do with your family (or whoever lives there). If possible, each room will be the main focus of those activities. If not, create defining boundaries. For example, the bedroom is sleeping. If you need a TV in the bedroom, enclose it or put a cloth over it. 

Second, use the bagua to help you with each part of the room. For example, the far right corner of your room is the love corner which can have more of the Earth element than any other element.

The Elements
Water Element

• use the colors blue and black
• use see through glass, windows, or vases
• use wavy and flowing shapes or fabric patterns
• include the following items in this area: fountains, fish tanks, faucets, toilets, sinks, tubs, and paintings or pictures with water scenes (like beaches or lakes) 
• to enhance, also increase the use of water's parent element: metal

Wood Element

• use the color green
• use rectangular shapes for furniture (bookcases, picture frames, pillows)
• use striped patterns for fabric
• incorporate plants or nature scenes
•  include the following items in this area: wood furniture, paper products (books and magazines)
• to enhance, also increase the use of wood's parent element: water

Fire Element

• use the color red (any shade, coral, dusty red, brick, burgandy) 
• use triangular shapes or things in threes (like picture frames or candles)
• use things that incorporate fire: stoves, fireplace, candles
• include images that invoke strong feelings of intamacy
• to enhance, also increase the use of Fire's parent element: wood

Earth Element

• use earth tones and the color yellow
• use square shapes (coffee table, pillows, checkered fabric)
• use brick, stone, and terra cotta
• use objects that are low to the ground (coffee table, ground pillows, etc) 
• to enhance, also increase the use of Earth's parent element: fire

Metal Element

• use the color white
• use circular shapes (tables, mirrors, rugs, lamps)
• use shiny or metallic objects
• incorporate organization systems like filing cabinets, closets and storage bins
• to enhance, also increase the use of Metal's parent element: Earth

Do you want a living area with balanced energies? What are your experiences with Feng Shui? How will you use Feng Shui in your home? 

This post is written by Karel.
Adapted from: 
The Feng Shui Deck by Ollivia Miller
Feng Shui History
Feng Shui Series 
Bagua image 
Water Image 
Candle Image 
Feng Shui Cycle