Hidden Meanings of Feng Shui: What Different Schools Teach?

What is Feng Shui?

Feng shui (/ˈfɛŋ ʃuːi/; Chinese: 風水; pinyin: fēngshuǐ; lit. “wind-water”) is an ancient Chinese practice that seeks to create harmony between people and their environment. It is based on the belief that the environment can have a positive or negative impact on our lives.

History of Feng Shui

Feng shui is a complex and diverse practice with a long history. It is believed to have originated in China over 3,000 years ago. The earliest known written records of feng shui date back to the 4th century BC.

Over the centuries, feng shui has evolved and been adapted to different cultures and traditions. Today, it is practiced all over the world by people of all faiths and backgrounds.

The five elements

Feng shui is based on the concept of the five elements: wood, fire, earth, metal, and water. These elements are believed to be in constant interaction with each other and to influence our lives in different ways.

• Wood is associated with growth, creativity, and new beginnings.
• Fire is associated with passion, energy, and transformation.
• Earth is associated with stability, grounding, and nourishment.
• Metal is associated with strength, protection, and clarity.
• Water is associated with emotion, intuition, and flow.

The bagua map

The bagua map is a tool used in feng shui to assess the energy of a space. It is divided into nine sections, each of which is associated with a different area of life, such as career, relationships, health, and wealth.

The bagua map can be used to identify areas of your home or office that need improvement. By making changes to the layout or décor of these areas, you can improve the flow of energy and create a more harmonious and balanced environment.

The Different Schools of Feng Shui

There are many different schools of feng shui, each with its own unique approach to the practice. The four most common schools of feng shui are:

• Classical feng shui is the oldest and most traditional school of feng shui. It is based on the principles of yin and yang, the five elements, and the bagua map.
• Compass school feng shui is a more modern school of feng shui that uses the compass to determine the flow of energy in a space.
• Black hat feng shui is a more spiritual school of feng shui that uses the principles of Taoism to create a more harmonious and balanced environment.
• New Age feng shui is a more eclectic school of feng shui that combines elements from different traditions, such as Western astrology and Native American spirituality.

Classical Feng Shui

Classical feng shui is the oldest and most traditional school of feng shui. It is based on the principles of yin and yang, the five elements, and the bagua map.

• Yin and yang is the concept of duality in nature. Everything in the universe is said to be made up of two opposing forces, yin and yang. Yin is associated with the feminine, darkness, and the earth, while yang is associated with the masculine, light, and the sky.
• The five elements are wood, fire, earth, metal, and water. These elements are believed to be in constant interaction with each other and to influence our lives in different ways.
• The bagua map is a tool used in feng shui to assess the energy of a space. It is divided into nine sections, each of which is associated with a different area of life, such as career, relationships, health, and wealth.

Classical feng shui practitioners believe that by understanding the principles of yin and yang, the five elements, and the bagua map, they can create a more harmonious and balanced environment that will promote good luck and prosperity.

Compass School Feng Shui

Compass school feng shui is a more modern school of feng shui that uses the compass to determine the flow of energy in a space. This school of feng shui is based on the belief that the earth’s magnetic field has a significant impact on our lives.

Compass school feng shui practitioners use the compass to determine the location of the eight trigrams, which are symbols that represent different aspects of life. They then use this information to determine the best placement of furniture, objects, and other elements in a space.

Black Hat Feng Shui

Black hat feng shui is a more spiritual school of feng shui that uses the principles of Taoism to create a more harmonious and balanced environment. This school of feng shui is based on the belief that we are all connected to the universe and that our environment can have a significant impact on our well-being.

Black hat feng shui practitioners use the principles of Taoism to create a space that is in harmony with the natural world. They believe that by doing this, they can create a space that will promote good luck and prosperity.

New Age Feng Shui

New Age feng shui is a more eclectic school of feng shui that combines elements from different traditions, such as Western astrology and Native American spirituality. This school of feng shui is based on the belief that there are many different ways to create a harmonious and balanced environment.

New Age feng shui practitioners use a variety of techniques, such as crystals, herbs, and mantras, to create a space that is both beautiful and functional. They believe that by doing this, they can create a space that will promote good health, happiness, and success.

How to Choose the Right School of Feng Shui

There are many different schools of feng shui, each with its own unique approach to the practice. The best school for you will depend on your individual goals, budget, and learning style.

Your goals

The first step in choosing the right school of feng shui is to consider your goals. What are you hoping to achieve by practicing feng shui? Do you want to improve your career, your relationships, your health, or your overall well-being?

Some schools of feng shui are more focused on specific areas of life, such as career or relationships. Others are more general and can be applied to all areas of life.

Your budget

Feng shui can be a relatively inexpensive practice, but there are some schools that require more investment, such as those that use traditional Chinese compasses or crystals.

If you are on a tight budget, there are many free resources available online and in libraries. You can also find affordable feng shui courses and workshops.

Your learning style

Some people prefer to learn by reading books or articles, while others prefer to take classes or workshops. There are also many online resources available.

If you are a visual learner, you may want to look for a school that uses charts, diagrams, or other visual aids. If you are an auditory learner, you may prefer to take a class or workshop where you can listen to the instructor.

The best way to choose the right school of feng shui is to do your research and find a school that meets your individual needs and preferences. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to feng shui, so take the time to find a school that is right for you.

Here are some additional tips for choosing the right school of feng shui:

• Talk to friends, family, or colleagues who are familiar with feng shui and get their recommendations.
• Read reviews of different schools online.
• Attend a free introductory workshop or class to get a feel for the school’s approach.
• Interview different practitioners to find one who you connect with and who you feel comfortable working with.

Resources for Learning Feng Shui

There are many resources available for learning about feng shui. Here are a few of the most popular options:

• Books: There are many books available on feng shui, from introductory guides to more in-depth studies. Some of the most popular books include:
  • “The Feng Shui Handbook” by Lillian Too
  • “Feng Shui: The Complete Guide” by Tom Feng
  • “The Feng Shui of Plants” by Jennifer L. Martin
  • “Feng Shui: A Complete Guide to Creating Harmony and Balance in Your Life” by Sarah Rossbach
  • “Feng Shui for Beginners” by Karen Kingston
• Courses: There are many online and in-person courses available on feng shui. These courses can range from beginner to advanced levels and can cover a variety of topics, such as the basics of feng shui, the different schools of feng shui, and how to apply feng shui to your home or office.
• Workshops: Workshops are a great way to learn about feng shui in a hands-on setting. These workshops typically cover a specific topic, such as how to create a feng shui bedroom or how to improve your career with feng shui.

Books

Books are a great way to learn about feng shui at your own pace. There are many different books available, so you can find one that is right for your level of experience and interests.

When choosing a book on feng shui, be sure to read the reviews to get an idea of the quality of the content. You should also consider the author’s credentials. A good author will have extensive experience in feng shui and will be able to explain the concepts in a clear and concise way.

Courses

Online courses are a great way to learn about feng shui from the comfort of your own home. These courses typically offer interactive lessons, quizzes, and assignments to help you learn the material.

When choosing an online course on feng shui, be sure to read the course description carefully to make sure that it covers the topics that you are interested in. You should also consider the instructor’s credentials and experience.

Workshops

Workshops are a great way to learn about feng shui in a hands-on setting. These workshops typically cover a specific topic, such as how to create a feng shui bedroom or how to improve your career with feng shui.

When choosing a workshop on feng shui, be sure to read the workshop description carefully to make sure that it covers the topics that you are interested in. You should also consider the instructor’s credentials and experience.

There are many resources available for learning about feng shui. The best way to choose the right resource for you will depend on your learning style, budget, and goals. If you are not sure where to start, I recommend reading a few books on feng shui to get a basic understanding of the concepts. Once you have a basic understanding, you can then choose a more in-depth course or workshop.

Conclusion

Learning about feng shui can be a rewarding experience. It can help you create a more harmonious and balanced environment in your home, office, or life. If you are interested in learning more about feng shui, I encourage you to find a resource that meets your individual needs and preferences.