Magical Harmony at Work and Home:
Feng Shui for Beginners in Century 21
"In the spectrum of the arts, each one occupies a definite place and together
form a series of which music and architecture are two extremes. Music depends
primarily upon equal and regular divisions of time... Architecture,
correspondingly implies the rhythmical division of space... A certain identity
therefore exists between simple harmony in music and simple proportion in
architecture... All architectural forms and arrangements which give enduring
pleasure are in their essence musical. Every well-composed facade makes
harmony in three dimensions; every good roof sings a melody against the sky.
Architecture is frozen music."
-Claude Bragdon, "The Beautiful Necessity"
In China, the art and science of architectural structure and the creation of
harmony in interior spaces is based upon the ancient works of Feng Shui (FUNG
SCH-way)- meaning "wind" and "water." Feng Shui is the science of
geographical divination incorporating astrology, numerology, compass-direction
and psychic phenomena to determine whether dwellings and locations are
fortunate or not.
Practitioners view Feng Shui as an "eco-art," linking a person to their
surroundings. Feng Shui for Century 21 attempts to define and "cure" the
elements in your environments that may lead to such things as depression, poor
health, lack of income. Our tools range from such simple things as
rearranging furniture and plants, to adding color onto walls by either
painting or hanging pictures as well as adding "aspirins," or remedies, such
as mirrors, chimes and crystals in strategic places to counteract bad vibes
and elevate spirits.
- Ever had an uncomfortable night's sleep at the Townsend Hotel? Why do some
neighborhoods feel uncomfortable? Why do you choose to lounge in a particular
chair in your library? - Our space, our environment has magical qualities.
Feng Shui proclaims that the placement of a home or office, its landscape in
addition to the furniture, colors and arrangement within the structure affects
both those who live or work within the building as well as affects the
environment around it.
Feng Shui philosophy believes human life is magically linked to our home,
office and neighborhood. If someone were to alter and balance their
surroundings, landscape or bedroom, one would simultaneously improve the
quality of your life. Many things influence our lives: diet, good acts,
destiny & karma, self-cultivation, study and, of course, Feng Shui. One of
the most important features is ch'i (pronounced CHEE). Ch'i translates as
"breath" or "energy" and will be the subject of future columns. All buildings
conduct or destruct life-energy ch'i. People possess ch'i-energy too.
Human ch'i can be enhanced through such avenues as meditation, food and
exercise, relationships and a healthy Feng Shui environment. Feng Shui
experts seek to create a healthy balance between one's spirit, mind and body.
Lights, plants, wind chimes, bells and other tchochkes are effective means to
channel and create good ch'i energy.
Feng Shui proclaims that the condition and compass-direction of our front
door, the pattern of a rug or wallpaper or color of a wall are integral parts
in to be balanced in life. Everything in the world interacts energetically.
When intuition and knowledge are used together, the blend is harmonious and
enhancing to both. Just as inner psychology creates our outer landscape, so
does the outer landscape create the inner psychology. Feng Shui provides
sensitive souls with the ability to align their environment (and, thus,
themselves) with the harmony of nature.
Future columns will explore how to make your space more sacred, how to
counteract "unhealthy" vibes in human spaces and how to do what you can with
where you live and what you have.
About the author:
Dennis Fairchild is the Birmingham-based author of several books, including
Healing Homes:
Feng Shui - Here & Now,
the US correspondent for Europe's Feng Shui For Modern Living
magazine and spoke at the 3rd annual International Feng Shui Conference.
Also of Interest:
