Many people believe that luck plays a big part in how a life unfolds. The Chinese, however believe that happiness, health and prosperity can be achieved by using the basic elements of Feng Shui.

The words Feng Shui mean wind and water. So the principles behind the philosophy involve movement like water and wind. It includes the principle of harmonious rhythm of natural energies and that all life is interconnected. Therefore, people who practice this art attempt to live in harmony with universal energies that surround everyone.

Chi is the term used to describe this vital energy flow in the universe, and the Chinese believe that this energy is what animates life. All life has chi. The science of acupuncture is based of this flow of energy. It is believed that when the body malfunctions or is in pain that the chi is blocked. By inserting needles into certain meridians in the body the flow can be restored and the person will be healed. This energy called chi also flows through our workplaces, homes, cities and world. When the energy does not flow because of blockage, areas become ill and not longer function in a positive sense.

A balance is needed in the energy flow to keep away illness and death. Palaces, cemeteries and public places in China are all designed and built to allow this vital energy flow to be unimpeded.

Dualism is a way of life. The basic beliefs in Feng Shui are called Yin and Yang. Yin is feminine, receptive, inward seeking. Yin’s element is water and is associated with the green color. Yang is masculine, active, assertive and is directed outward. Fire is its element and vibrant colors are connected with this belief.

In western civilization we recognize four elements, fire, earth, air and water. In Feng Shui five elements are recognized. They are fire, earth, wood, metal and water. These elements are considered to be energetic forces that permeate our universe. These five elements are linked to the directions of the compass, colors, the organs of our bodies, the seasons and everything in life.

Each element is also dualistic, as the saying goes a double-edged sword. Fire creates the earth but it also melts metal. Earth creates metal or minerals but destroys water. Metal creates water through condensation but can cut down wood. Water creates wood by nurturing trees but extinguishes or destroys fire. Wood creates or fuels fire but destroys earth as the tree pushes up through the soil.

An Octagonal chart named a Ba-gua is used to adjust the energies of areas in a person’s home. Gua means area or a sphere of activity. Activities like marriage, family, health, career, and luck are represented in each of these guas with each having a specific color attached. Fortune or misfortune is connected to the areas that are weak and are reinforced with the proper color to make it more advantageous to good luck and prosperity as well as wellness.

Feng Shui principles have been used successfully in China and many large western corporations for centuries. Learning the basic elements of Feng Shui may be a solution to a person’s run of bad luck or misfortune.

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