What is Feng Shui?
Feng shui, which literally translates as “wind water”, is the art and science of living in harmony with our living and working spaces. The practice of feng shui aims to bring good fortune and improvements to health, wealth, and relationships. It is also believed that feng shui can help people avoid misfortunes by predicting and preventing bad events.
Apart from feng shui, many feng shui lovers also study Bazi (see glossary), Ziweidoushu (see glossary), divination and palmistry.
History of Feng Shui
Feng shui originates from China, but the date is vague. Some say it started in the West Han dynasty around the third century BC. Some say the ancient practice of feng shui began 2,000 to 5,000 years ago. Some say it is as old as the culture itself.
In the past, feng shui masters were employed by the rich and feng shui elements were incorporated into traditional Chinese architecture. Feng shui was also used by emperors in war, for building palaces and royal burial sites, and to secure their power and improve the prosperity of their dynasties.
Glossary of Feng Shui
Luopan
Chinese compass used to find the precise direction of buildings. Unlike the Western compass, the magnetic needle in a Luopan points South instead of North. In feng shui, the direction of things plays an essential role in determining fortune.
Wenchang
Position that affects school work performance. It is believed that putting green plants at the Wenchang position depending on the year can increase intelligence.
Taisui
Based on the 12 animals that symbolise the Chinese Zodiac. It determines one’s fortune in a given year.
Bazi
Shows one’s future, including social, economic and marital status.
Ziweidoushu
Based on one’s birth date and shows one’s personality.
