Feng Shui Schools
The two most popular forms of Feng Shui in the United States and the West are the Compass school and the Black Sect (black hat) or a combination of both. Professor Lin Yun of from China brought the Black Sect form of feng shui to the United States and it continues to gain in popularity. The Feng Shui Designs Learning Center provides classes on Black Sect Feng Shui.
Feng Shui, the ancient Chinese art of design and placement (location), according to the Black Sect, uses as one of its core tools the concept of the Ba-Gua. The Ba-Gua is an octagon shaped diagram that is derived from the “I-Ching”, the Chinese book of Divination. Each side represents a different aspect of life: Career, Knowledge, Family, Wealth, Fame, Relationships, Creativity and Benefactors. The area in the center represents Tai Chi, the ancient Chinese symbol for Balance and Harmony (yin yang). Adjusting the energy in each corresponding area subdues negative energy or enhances beneficial chi (qi) already present in these locations. The Ba-Gua is always aligned with the wall containing the front door or main entrance to any living/working space, so you can apply the Ba-Gua to the entire house or building or to a specific room. You can also apply the Ba-Gua to the main entry point of any exterior location such as the whole property, a backyard or a small garden space. This Ba-Gua is used in conjunction with Feng Shui “cures” to positively influence one’s chi, finances, love life, creativity, health, environment, and other personal life issues.
When implementing feng shui cures using the compass method both the environment and your own personal energy are important. The building itself has energy that needs to be looked at. The building is divided into nine different areas determined by the use of the loupan or Chinese compass: eight different compass directions (south, south west, etc.) and the ninth area, the center of the building. The age of the building also comes into play. Different years have different potential effects on the inhabitants personal energy and circumstances.
Cures
When problem areas of the home are found the chi of the area can be enhanced with various cures. A common cure is the mirror, considered the “aspirin” of feng shui. Mirrors guide, direct and enable ch’i to flow. They can also be used to counter negative influences. Crystals are another common cure. They are used to alter the flow of chi in windows, hallways or any area of the ba-gua. They are used as a substitute for a wind chime or a mirror. The bamboo flute represents peace and safety. Properly hung flutes can lift any oppressive element. They can be hung over doorways to counteract negative influences.
Feng Shui Pilgrimage
First International Feng Shui Pilgrimage to China’s sacred sites. Travel with Feng Shui Designs for this one of a kind tour to China.
Ritual
Rituals are an important part of Feng Shui. Yu Wai (an exterior chi adjustment). This major adjustment is a blessing ceremony which encourages growth, luck and prosperity. Typically performed when moving into a new home or business location, it can also be used during times of bad luck. It can correct the effects of an inauspicious site, such as a home or business located on a burial ground.
Throughout the ages, the power of magic and ritual has always been a part of traditional Feng Shui. Ceremonial Joss Papers provide a means of bringing new energies to a location. The ornate papers are typically burned when moving into a new home or business. They can also be used to drive away unwanted entities or ghosts or to invite positive helpful entities to stay and offer protection.
Religion
Feng Shui has been honored by the three great spiritual traditions of China: Taoism, Buddhism and Confucianism.