1 Copyright © 2007-2014 by Michelle Luongo, CFSP, IFSG, IDCEC Balanced Living, Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher.

Introduction to Feng Shui

Feng Shui teaches us how to create harmony and balance around us. The ideas date back at least 3,000 years, yet a growing number of architects and decorators are integrating Feng Shui ideas with contemporary building design. It was believed by the Chinese, that people for better or for worse are influenced by their surroundings. Based on this belief the Chinese would arrange their environment to let the positive energy flow allowing them to be in harmony with the things around them.

Translated, Feng Shui (pronounced fung swhay) means wind and water. In China where this belief originated, the mountains have severe winds and lower areas flood often.

It is a philosophy of interior and landscape design that originated in ancient China, and which is based on the Taoist belief in the interconnectedness of all things. It teaches us to be thoughtful about how we arrange and use the spaces we inhabit and work in, and reminds us to be attentive to and appreciative of the relationships and possessions that bless our lives.

Feng Shui provides tools and guidelines for analyzing and correcting the flow of energy into and through our space. It uses the arrangement of rooms and the placement of furniture to create a smooth pathway for chi through a home, office, or retail location.

Imagery and objects such as paintings, photographs, statuary and other accessories are chosen and placed to enhance and reinforce the client's intention.

Feng Shui reminds us that everything is connected, and that our physical surroundings have a significant impact on our mind, body, and spirit.

The Schools of Feng Shui

If you read a few different Feng Shui books, chances are you will encounter conflicting information. There are several schools of Feng Shui and also variations within each school due to family lineage practices. Here are the basic differences between each school (in a nutshell).

Classical Feng Shui uses the year of construction of a home or office and the compass degree it faces to determine the patterns of energy which form inside the structure when it is built.

2 Copyright © 2007-2014 by Michelle Luongo, CFSP, IFSG, IDCEC Balanced Living, Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher.

The energy pattern is called a Flying Star natal chart. The occupant’s dates of birth are also taken into account, which is called Ming Gua. Each compass section has one of the five elements associated with it: water, wood, fire, earth or metal. The compass sections and their elements are analyzed along with the flying stars that occupy each palace. The five elements are used to balance the flying stars. Compass School Feng Shui uses a compass to divide a home or office into the eight compass sections. Each compass section has one of the five elements associated with it: water, wood, fire, earth or metal. Each compass section also has a life aspiration associated with it: wealth, fame, relationships, children, helpful people, career, knowledge, and family. The Eight Mansions Formula uses a person’s year of birth and gender (Ming Gua) to determine their kua number and best compass directions. Utilizing your best compass directions for sleeping and

working is said to help support your life goals. Form School Feng Shui uses the shapes and forms of the surrounding landscapes, structures, waterways and roadways and how these shapes will affect people living or working in a structure. Interior forms and the layout of the structure are also analyzed. Forms are usually taken into consideration by practitioners of the other schools of Feng

Shui. BTB (Black Hat Sect Tibetan Buddhist) This is a simplified modern day version of Compass School Feng Shui and uses the same five elements and life aspirations but does not divide a home or office by the actual compass sections. Instead, a Bagua map is aligned with the main entry door. This school of Feng Shui was developed in the mid 1980s and is a combination of Tibetan Buddhism, Taoism, psychology and Compass Feng Shui and is based on a more spiritual approach. Placing of symbols and intent is emphasized. It is also known as "new age" Feng Shui. Since actual compass directions and flying stars are not taken into consideration, this is the least accurate kind of Feng Shui. Western Feng Shui (including, but not limited to the "Black Sect" method popular here in the US) is a modern versions of Feng Shui. This very accessible and flexible approach in many cases is better suited to a western audience and lifestyle. Although it does not use the compass directions, instead placing the Bagua according to the location of the front door, it has a very solid

3 Copyright © 2007-2014 by Michelle Luongo, CFSP, IFSG, IDCEC Balanced Living, Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher.

foundation in ancient "form" school principles. Western Feng Shui focuses on creating a nourishing flow of "chi" (life force energy) through the home, and correcting intangible factors such as "predecessor chi". It puts strong emphasis on the client's intentions for change and growth, recognizing that we are powerfully connected to our environment on a quantum level. In spite of my deep respect for the traditional practice, I do have a strong personal preference for the flexibility and client-focused approach of Western Feng Shui, which allows for a greater degree of collaboration and personalization. At its best, Western Feng Shui becomes a path for personal growth and self-transformation. It is a valuable tool in the quest for self-actualization and a deeper connection to Spirit. Yes, it is a different practice in many ways from the classical Chinese compass-oriented Feng Shui. Times have changed, and Feng Shui is changing, too.

Principles of Feng Shui

In order to create a happy Feng Shui home, you need to understand the basic Feng Shui concepts. The Five Elements Theory, Yin and Yang, Theory of Chi and Bagua applications are basic Feng Shui concepts you need to know in order to successfully apply Feng Shui.

The Affects of Clutter

At the foundation of Feng Shui is the belief that we are energetically connected to everything in our physical environment and that our environment will always reflect where we are energetically, either consciously, or unconsciously.

When our lives are chaotic and we have no time for ourselves, our outer environment will inevitably mirror this. Items occupying our space that no longer serve us or that have outlived their usefulness are considered clutter. Examples include stacks of old books and magazines we've already read, periodicals we haven't had time to read (and probably never will), or clothes we are saving until we lose those pesky, ten pounds. Clutter can also be those unwanted gifts that we’ve all received (but may feel obligated to keep). Anything we don’t love, don’t use on a regular basis, or that does not reflect who and where we are now, is considered clutter in Feng Shui.

4 Copyright © 2007-2014 by Michelle Luongo, CFSP, IFSG, IDCEC Balanced Living, Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher.

Safety and Environmental Affirmations

At the heart of Feng Shui is the belief that everything is comprised of life-source energy called chi. As human beings, we are continuously interacting with, and becoming affected by, everything we encounter in our physical world. Feng Shui draws our consciousness to our environment; heightening our awareness of how it is feeding and nurturing us or depleting our chi.

Subtle and Obvious Environmental Elements Which Foster Safety Sitting and sleeping in the power position Heavy objects overhead Ceiling fans Unfriendly furniture Objects that Send Negative Messages Naggers Unpleasant memories and attachments Negative or disempowering art work Hand me down furniture that we don’t love Broken things Dead or dying plants

5 Copyright © 2007-2014 by Michelle Luongo, CFSP, IFSG, IDCEC Balanced Living, Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher.

What are Poison Arrows?

Poison arrows are negative energy that emanates from anything sharply pointing toward a main door, your body, or your home. The Feng Shui principle of poison arrows is they are Sha Chi known as Killing Breath. The killing breath does just that, it destroys the chi in its path and is detrimental to the residents of the home.

Tree or telephone pole blocking your front door Roof line facing your front door Large unfriendly plant such as Yucca or cactus.

What are Splinters?

In Feng Shui we call things that are considered “unfriendly” or even unsafe, splinters. The Chinese term for this is sha or shen (sharp) chi. When we encounter a Feng Shui splinter, we

6 Copyright © 2007-2014 by Michelle Luongo, CFSP, IFSG, IDCEC Balanced Living, Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher.

want to cover it up, soften the edges, remove it, or deflect it and divert the attention elsewhere.

Cracks and leaks in walls, roofs, foundations Holes, drains, grates without tops in walls, floors, ceilings Squeaky or stuck things such as doors, windows, furniture Unfriendly or disempowering artwork Outside: T-Junction or Cul de Sac Outside poison arrows pointing directly at home or building Stairs in direct alignment with front door Window or door in direct alignment with front door Bathroom door in direct alignment with front door Encountering a wall as soon as you enter the house Tree in direct alignment with front door on the outside Walls or corners of large furniture pointing directly towards beds, chairs, and places

where people spend time (poison arrows) Gardens and entryways: overgrown areas, weeds, garbage, unfriendly plants, dead or

sick plants.

7 Copyright © 2007-2014 by Michelle Luongo, CFSP, IFSG, IDCEC Balanced Living, Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher.

Chi

At the heart of Feng Shui is the concept of Chi. Chi is an energy that exists in all things. It circulates in our houses as well as our bodies.

In Feng Shui, Chi manifests itself in different shapes, colors, intensity, etc. The main goal in Feng Shui is to channel, or direct the Chi inside your home so that it nourishes and supports a good flow of Chi inside your body.

Mouth of Chi

The entrance is our first impression and experience of the home. It is the face of the home and represents the homes image and character. In Feng Shui, the main entrance into your home is the portal through which good energy flows. The entrance therefore has a very important role and should be given appropriate care and attention.

The foyer to your home is the window between the inside sanctuary and the outside environment, the vital passageway through which chi energy flows.

Both the entrance door and the entry foyer should be gracious and to scale to allow chi to enter in a smooth, balanced flow. The area just inside the entrance should also impart a

8 Copyright © 2007-2014 by Michelle Luongo, CFSP, IFSG, IDCEC Balanced Living, Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher.

pleasing first impression, providing a welcoming and spacious place for us to transition between the outside and inside.

Yin Yang Theory

According to the Yin-Yang theory, everything in the universe consist of two opposing, but deeply interconnected forces - Yin ( feminine ) and Yang ( masculine. ) The interaction of these two Feng Shui forces creates the essence of life around us.

YIN (passive energy) is the energy of silence, deep darkness, slow and relaxed movements. Yin energy is the predominant energy at night when you go to sleep, or when you need to relax and replenish your energies.

YANG (active energy) is the energy that is characterized by strong, vibrant sounds and colors, bright lights, upward moving energy. You experience Yang energy almost constantly in a busy office, at a great party, or driving on the highway.

Creating a home that will reflect the Feng Shui Yin Yang balance is very important. There will always be one quality of energy that is stronger depending on the use of the space, but you need to represent both.

Yin Yang Room by Room

YIN (passive energy) bedrooms, dining rooms, living rooms, family rooms, libraries and bathrooms.

9 Copyright © 2007-2014 by Michelle Luongo, CFSP, IFSG, IDCEC Balanced Living, Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher.

YANG (active energy) kitchens, garages, home offices, laundry rooms, exercise rooms, and hallways.

The Five Feng Shui Elements

One of the basic principles of Feng Shui is the theory of five elements. According to the Chinese, everything in this world belongs to one of the five elements or energies, namely earth, water, wood, metal, and fire. They are believed to affect every action and activity and produce life changing effects, when applied to daily life. Born out of the interplay with Yin & Yang, these elements interact between themselves in certain ways. Each element is represented by color, material, shape, textures & patterns. By recognizing the elements and their changing relationships, it is possible for us to achieve greater balance both in our environment and in ourselves. Balance in our environment is the essential nature of Feng Shui.

Fire Element (forceful energy) The colors that represent the element of fire (expansion and transformation) are red and orange or any other bright color that bounces light and energizes. The shapes that create the energy of fire are angular such as pyramids, triangles, diamonds, and sunbursts. These shapes send energy quickly in all

directions and therefore create movement and change. Earth Element (grounding and support) The element Earth is associated with muted tones such as yellows and brown. These colors slow the energies. Shapes of the earth energy are squares and rectangles; they are horizontal shapes that encourage the grounding of energy. Changing artwork and windows from portrait

to landscape can increase the earth energy in a home. Wood Element (personal growth) This element encompasses colors that are clear and energizing. These colors are greens associated with growth and purples inviting abundance. Wood represents energy that moves vertically and is therefore associated with cylinders and columns.

10 Copyright © 2007-2014 by Michelle Luongo, CFSP, IFSG, IDCEC Balanced Living, Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher.

Water Element (release and renewal) The element of water is expressed in dark blues and black. These colors invite personal wisdom. The energy of water element is represented by any shape that produces flow. Still water energy is represented by any shape that would holds water and creates a womb like

effect. Moving water shapes are drawn as cascades or ripples. This energy flows to the sides and down.

Metal Element (mental power) The metal element is introduced through the colors of white, silver, and gray. These colors are sharp and influence intelligence. The metal colors are also represented by the powerful rainbow and bring both healing

and creativity. The circle is the shape that brings in the metal element. In a circle, energy is constantly moving in an expanding cycle sending energy outward. This flow of energy often brings individuals into a collective commune.

FIRE EARTH WOOD

WATER METAL

11 Copyright © 2007-2014 by Michelle Luongo, CFSP, IFSG, IDCEC Balanced Living, Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher.

The Bagua

The Bagua is one of the most basic and fundamental tools of Feng Shui Practitioners. Bagua, an ancient term, translated from Chinese that means "eight areas" (ba: eight; gua: area). It is traditionally shown as an octagon with eight sections surrounding a central area, the Tai chi. The qualities of each outer sector are represented by a trigram, thus the ruling elements and colors for each area.

To make it easier to apply this map to your living space, we extend the corners of the Bagua to form a square and then divide it into nine equal sections. The Bagua is a map or chart that relates the various areas of your life to the 8 sections of your living space. These eight main sections of a space are

represented by what are known as guas.

Understanding the associations and meanings of each 'gua' is the first step in learning to place the Bagua Individual guas have unique personalities, symbols, and associated elements. When you know about each element and its meaning, the Bagua tells you how you can make healing enhancements to your space using one or more elements.