Pronounced "fung shway," which translates to "wind and water," this ancient Chinese design principle is based mainly on common sense and observation. Over three thousand years ago during the Chou Dynasty, observers noted that certain topography and locations were more beneficial than others for a house. The principle of ch'i -- or the life force -- was the determining factor in the happiness and good fortune of the occupants of a house. A house where ch'i was allowed to flow and gather would be superior to a house where the flow was impeded. A particularly good site for a house might include hills behind it for protection and gently flowing water and gentle breezes around it. The main idea was to maximize the amount of naturally occurring beneficial ch'i. In Western terms, people often substitute the terms "good energy" and "good vibes" for ch'i. Lush and healthy vegetation is a sign of good ch'i. Plenty of sunlight to warm a house is also encourages positive ch'i. Inside a house it is important to maintain all doors and windows, keeping them free of obstructions. The front door should be well lit. Mirrors around the house are good in almost any position, but are particularly good at deflecting bad energy (think toilets, drains, cluttered closets). There are five elements that symbolize the cycle of life. Each element has a corresponding color. The elements and their colors are as follows: Fire - Red Wood - Green Water - Black Earth - Yellow Metal (or Gold) - White Depending on the year in which you were born and your sex, each person has a personal compass which determines the directions, elements and colors that are beneficial to their life. The compass has eight points -- North, NE, East, SE, South, SW, West and NW. Each point on the compass represents a different aspect -- life, health, good fortune, vitality, disaster, death, baleful influence and five ghosts. Superimposing your house over the compass creates the diagram for your feng shui chart. Other key elements of feng shui include placement of the kitchen, bedroom, dining room, as well as trees and plants in the front and back yards. It is very easy using these basic principles to improve the layout of your home and work environments. If you are skeptical about the basis of feng shui, try it merely as an experiment in decorating and design. Chances are you will find feng shui's practical recommendations will improve the flow and feel of your home. Feng shui has many variables and can be as simple or as complex as desired. An excellent book is The Elements of Feng Shui by Man-Ho Kwok with Joanne O'Brien. To find out more about feng shui books, go to www.amazon.com.   | Home | Cultural | Environmental | Musical | Ordinary | | Contact Us | About the Authors | © Copyright 2009 fiftythings