- Quickstart Feng Shui: Frequently Asked Questions - Part 1

Most likely, everything you've read about feng shui practice has sparked a series of curiosities and some legitimate questions, and we'll try to address a few of them now.

First and foremost, it's crucial to understand that in today's world, there are two distinct streams of Feng Shui: Traditional Feng Shui, deeply rooted in ancient Chinese writings dating back thousands of years, enriched by the wisdom and experience accumulated over centuries; and the New Age Feng Shui, a relatively recent phenomenon, emerging perhaps as a rebellious response to established masters. In contrast to the classical texts, New Age Feng Shui advocates practices and remedies based on symbolic elements, borrowing from various Eastern metaphysical traditions, particularly Tibetan, of which the ancient masters from millennia ago might have had no knowledge.

While we won't engage in polemics on this subject, it's important to clarify from the outset that Ba Zi Advisor adheres to the traditional path. All analyses, advice, and remedies proposed are firmly grounded in the teachings of Traditional Feng Shui.

Acknowledging the prevalence of New Age interpretations, it's essential to consider the depth and authenticity of the practice. Traditional Feng Shui demands more effort and study, yet let's be honest—what worthwhile endeavor in life comes easily? If shortcuts and the use of talismans were effective, wouldn't all practitioners be thriving today? Traditional Feng Shui, with its emphasis on learning, understanding, self-awareness, and harmonization with others and the environment, offers a path of substance and depth.

It's understandable to wonder about the effectiveness of Feng Shui, particularly in a world where empirical evidence is highly valued. While scientific validation in the Western sense may be lacking, the enduring legacy of Feng Shui, its widespread adoption, and the tangible benefits reported by practitioners attest to its efficacy on a practical level. Moreover, the holistic approach of Feng Shui, addressing not just physical spaces but also energy flow and psychological well-being, aligns with contemporary understandings of human health and happiness.

Another common question pertains to the complexity of Feng Shui. Indeed, delving into its intricacies can be daunting, with its elaborate calculations, symbolism, and cultural nuances. However, this complexity is part of what makes Feng Shui such a rich and rewarding practice. Like any profound discipline, mastery requires dedication and study, but the insights gained can profoundly enhance one's life and surroundings.

Some may question the compatibility of Feng Shui with their existing beliefs or cultural background. However, the principles of Feng Shui—harmony, balance, and energy flow—are universal concepts that transcend cultural boundaries. While certain practices or symbols may be culturally specific, the underlying principles can be adapted and integrated into any belief system or cultural tradition.

In conclusion, embarking on the path of traditional Feng Shui offers a journey of profound self-discovery and transformation. By aligning ourselves with the natural rhythms and energies of the universe, we can create environments that support our well-being and fulfillment. While the road may be challenging, the rewards are immeasurable. So, suppose you're ready to embark on this journey of discovery and transformation. In that case, Ba Zi Advisor stands ready to guide you along the path of traditional Feng Shui, where effort and dedication lead to profound and lasting results.

Q & A

Embarking on a journey through the intricate world of Feng Shui practices delves into a collection of insightful questions and answers, offering clarity and guidance on the diverse practices within the realm of this ancient art of harmonizing energies.

What is Sha Qi?

In Feng Shui, the concept of Qi refers to the vital energy or life force that flows through all living beings and the environment. Qi is dynamic and constantly cyclic changing, and its fluctuations are categorized into different phases. These phases of Qi are essential in understanding the energy dynamics of a space and determining how to optimize its Feng Shui.

Understanding the different phases of Qi in Feng Shui is essential for assessing the energy dynamics of space and implementing appropriate adjustments to optimize its flow and balance.

There are several possible classifications of Qi, but the most important ones that concern us now are:

Based on Polarity:

• Yang Qi: Dynamic, active energy of prosperity and career.
• Yin Qi: Subtle, reactive, passive energy ensuring health, happiness, and gentleness.

Based on the Stage and Strength of Qi:

• Sheng Qi (Prosperous Qi): Life-generating energy that brings luck, hastens progress, stabilizes thoughts, smooth-flowing, meandering sentimental Qi.
• Wang Qi (Prosperous Qi): The strongest form of positive energy, mature Qi enhances quality of life.
• Tui Qi (Retreating Qi): Qi's power in this phase begins to decline, aging.
• Si Qi (Dead Qi): Qi is dead, stagnant, and immobile; in this phase, it can even be toxic.
• Sha Qi (Poison Arrow): Very powerful, destructive, and violent; this Qi can negatively affect emotions and thinking, attract illnesses, and hinder performance. It's an unforgiving Qi that either stagnates or moves too swiftly, like poisonous arrows.

Hint: In Feng Shui practice, it's crucial to recognize and avoid all forms of Sha Qi. Sha Qi can be generated by aggressive external forms such as pillars, high-voltage lines, stagnant pools or stagnant water, or indoors by long narrow corridors or enclosed and poorly ventilated spaces. We'll delve deeper into this topic in a later article.

What types of remedies are available in Feng Shui?

In Feng Shui, remedies are tools or practices used to correct imbalances in energy flow and enhance positive influences in our surroundings. Practitioners of Flying Stars Feng Shui analyze the energy patterns present in a space based on the interactions between the Stars within the sectors. They identify auspicious and inauspicious sectors and potential areas of concern or opportunity. Remedies and adjustments are then recommended to enhance favorable energy and mitigate unfavorable influences.

One of the fundamental principles of Traditional Feng Shui is that Feng Shui is applied from the outside to the inside, meaning that Forms precede Formulas.

When we refer to Forms, we're talking about the external elements of the building, whose influence must be taken into account before applying any formulas. The study of external forms (Luan Tou) involves analyzing all external forms of the building, natural or artificial, and their shape: buildings, trees, roads, bodies of water, mountains, hills, etc.

By studying the Formulas (Li Qi), we refer to one of the two methods: the Eight Palaces method or the Flying Stars method. Both methods involve complicated calculations and serious analysis to identify potential issues and find appropriate remedies.

Luan Tou must always precede Li Qi. In other words, you should never start analyzing the interior of a building before studying its exterior, and when you do this, your first concern is to avoid any form of Sha Qi that may affect the building.

What are the Flying Stars?

In Feng Shui, Flying Stars is a sophisticated system that analyzes the energy patterns present in a specific space over time. It is based on the concept that energy, or Qi, is not static but constantly shifting, influencing the dynamics of a space and its residents. Flying Stars utilizes a grid system containing nine sectors, each corresponding to a specific compass direction, to map out the energy patterns, or stars, present in a building or environment. It operates within specific periods, known as Feng Shui Periods, which last for 20 years each. These Flying Stars are denoted by numbers ranging from 1 to 9, each with its own attributes and characteristics.

Each sector has a central Star, the base star, a Mountain Star (top left), and a Water Star (top right). We extensively discussed all of these aspects in the article Quickstart Feng Shui: Building Analysis for Beginners - Part 1 and we covered the effects of these stars, as well as the energies resulting from their interaction within a sector, in articles Quickstart Feng Shui: Building Analysis for Beginners - Part 2 and Quickstart Feng Shui: Building Analysis for Beginners - Part 3.

Flying Stars Feng Shui can be applied to various environments, including homes, offices, businesses, and landscapes. By understanding the energy dynamics present in a space and making appropriate adjustments, individuals can optimize their environments to support their goals, well-being, and prosperity.

What element corresponds to each Flying Star?

In Flying Stars Feng Shui, each Flying Star corresponds to a specific element, which influences its characteristics and interactions within a space. Here's a breakdown of the elemental correspondences for each Flying Star:

1. Star 1 (Yang Water): Associated with the element of water, Star 1 represents career and opportunities. It is linked to growth, vitality, and the flow of energy in a space.
2. Star 2 (Yin Earth): Star 2 is associated with the earth element and represents sickness and imbalance. It is linked to stability, grounding, and the physical aspects of a space.
3. Star 3 (Yang Wood): Linked to the wood element, Star 3 represents arguments, disputes, and legal issues. It is associated with growth, expansion, and the upward movement of energy.
4. Star 4 (Yin Wood): Also associated with the wood element, Star 4 represents romance, relationships, and creativity. It is linked to flexibility, adaptability, and the nurturing aspects of nature.
5. Star 5 (Earth): Star 5 is associated with the earth element and represents changes, challenges, misfortune, obstacles, and accidents. It is linked to stability, grounding, and the physical aspects of a space.
6. Star 6 (Yang Metal): Linked to the metal element, Star 6 represents authority, power, and influence. It is associated with strength, precision, and the cutting-edge aspects of metal.
7. Star 7 (Yin Metal): Also associated with the metal element, Star 7 represents robbery, theft, and violence. It is linked to sharpness, conflict, and the transformative aspects of metal.
8. Star 8 (Yang Earth): Star 8 is associated with the earth element and represents wealth, prosperity, and abundance. It is linked to stability, grounding, and the nurturing aspects of the earth.
9. Star 9 (Yin Fire): Linked to the fire element, Star 9 represents future prosperity, expansion, and success. It is associated with passion, intensity, and the transformative aspects of fire.

Understanding the elemental correspondences of each Flying Star is essential for interpreting their interactions within a space and making recommendations for optimizing energy flow and balance.

How can a Flying Star be activated or deactivated?

Flying Stars Feng Shui offers techniques for activating and enhancing positive energy patterns within a space, such as using elemental cures and sometimes colors and rarely materials, but Traditional Feng Sui never uses symbols of elements or talismans. Conversely, measures may also be suggested to neutralize or minimize negative energy influences.

In Traditional Feng Shui, all remedies are related to the cycles of the five elements - production, consumption, and control - as all problems stem from imbalances among these five elements.

If you're not familiar with these concepts, it would be beneficial to read the article The Theory of the 5 Elements first. The basic rule in determining remedies states that a prosperous element must be controlled, a strong one weakened, and a weak one strengthened.

Important: the most effective remedies involve using the elements themselves, preferably in their most Yang form, rather than their colors or even less so symbolic forms.

Wood: Wood remedies should be alive, nourished with water, and proportionate to the size of the sector they are placed in.

Fire: To be considered a Fire remedy, it must be natural and burn continuously. Electricity can be assimilated as a Fire remedy if it generates heat or light, while the color red can be used as a last resort due to its weaker effects.

Earth: An Earth remedy should be natural, stable, immobile, and proportionate to the size of the sector. The color or even river stones not big enough can't be considered remedies.

Metal: A Metal remedy must be entirely made of metal and, upon striking it, should emit its characteristic sound, which is associated with wisdom. It should be proportional to the size of the sector where it is applied.

Water: To qualify as a Water remedy, it must be clean, in motion, and exhibit a reflective surface. While a remedy that is too small may not have the desired effects, one that is too large can create imbalances.

When is the best time to apply Feng Shui remedies?

In Chinese metaphysics, the Qi governing daily energies has a widespread impact, reflecting the combined influence of various stars on that particular day. Key influencers include Stars from the 12 Day Officers, the 28 Constellations, Year, Month, and Day Breakers, Three Killings Days, The 10 Ferocious and Big Disaster Days, Four Extinct Days, and Four Separating Days. Moreover, individuals experience the effects of their Personal Stars according to their unique Destiny Chart calculated in Ba Zi. This shouldn't come as a surprise, as Ba Zi serves as the diagnostic tool in Chinese Metaphysics, while Feng Shui acts as the remedy. These diverse stars bring energies that can either be beneficial for certain activities or unfavorable for others, including those associated with Feng Shui practices.

Before engaging in Feng Shui activities such as rearranging furniture or applying remedies in your home or office based on favorable Feng Shui directions, or Flying Stars, it's wise to consult your personal horoscope in Ba Zi Advisor. This will help you identify recommended days for Feng Shui activities and, crucially, avoid those that are not recommended or have Breaker Stars.

Hint: For Feng Shui Practices look for favorable stars like Basket, Dipper, Orion, Tail, or Well, and avoid Wing or Willow.

Selecting the appropriate time of day for your activities is crucial. As you may already be aware, Chinese Metaphysics divides the day into 12 intervals of two hours, each influenced by various stars with either auspicious or inauspicious effects.