Feng Shui is a familiar concept in Eastern culture, encompassing scientific principles about energy, environment, and harmony. So, what exactly is Feng Shui, and why does it play such a crucial role in enhancing the quality of life? Let’s explore the influence of Feng Shui in the following article!
1. What is Feng Shui? The Origin and Meaning of Feng Shui
Feng Shui is an ancient Chinese philosophy that focuses on studying the relationship between humans and their surrounding environment. Key elements examined in this field include wind, water location, mountain direction, and vegetation to determine human destiny, health, and well-being.
Although the exact era of Feng Shui's emergence remains unclear, many legends suggest that this philosophy has existed since ancient times. The earliest documented records of this field are believed to date back to the Wei-Jin period. Over thousands of years of development and dissemination, Feng Shui has gradually gained popularity and been applied not only in China but also in other Eastern countries. This discipline is deeply intertwined with the culture and life philosophy of East Asian people.

What is Feng Shui? Feng Shui is an ancient Chinese philosophy that studies the relationship between humans and their surrounding environment.
The Significance of Feng Shui:
Favorable Land Location and Living Environment: Feng Shui emphasizes the importance of selecting auspicious land locations when building homes or structures, as it can create a harmonious living environment. This allows homeowners to benefit from positive energy and good Qi, leading to improvements in both life and work.
Application of Feng Shui in Homes and Workplaces: Homes and workplaces are considered two crucial spaces where Feng Shui principles should be applied. Proper arrangement of furniture and decor ensures the continuous flow of positive energy, bringing prosperity to the inhabitants.
Feng Shui in Career: By providing insights into factors such as career direction, suitable professions, core numbers, and compatible partners or friends, Feng Shui can enhance opportunities for success and increase luck in professional endeavors.
Is Feng Shui Superstition or Belief? Feng Shui is often mistaken for superstition, primarily due to a lack of understanding of its true nature. In reality, Feng Shui is based on scientific principles of energy flow, psychology, and environmental studies. It helps individuals gain a clearer understanding of the connection between their living environment and their health and well-being, enabling them to make informed choices to improve their quality of life. Moreover, it’s essential to recognize that Feng Shui is not a 'magic solution' that can alter fate or replace personal effort and hard work. Therefore, avoid over-reliance and embrace Feng Shui in a balanced and rational manner, free from superstition. |
2. How to Classify Feng Shui
After understanding what Feng Shui is, to effectively apply it in life, we need to categorize Feng Shui into different types. Below are the common classifications, helping you identify and apply Feng Shui correctly in specific situations:
2.1. Based on Research Subjects: Yin Dwelling and Yang Dwelling
Below is the classification of Feng Shui based on research subjects:
Yin Dwelling:
This refers to Feng Shui related to cemetery environments and the resting places of the deceased. Factors considered include terrain, the surrounding environment of the burial site, and the arrangement of graves. According to Feng Shui beliefs, a well-placed grave can bring prosperity and peace to the family and future generations. Conversely, if the burial site faces issues such as unstable land or an unsuitable environment, it may lead to misfortunes and obstacles in the lives of descendants.
Yang Dwelling:
Yang Dwelling refers to Feng Shui applied to homes and land in the living world. This branch of Feng Shui focuses on organizing and arranging living and working spaces, including the orientation of the house, main entrance, rooms, and more, to align with the homeowner and create optimal conditions for prosperity and harmony within the family.

Feng Shui is classified based on research subjects into Yin Dwelling and Yang Dwelling.
2.2. By School of Thought
Feng Shui is also categorized into different schools of thought, namely Form School and Compass School. Each school offers distinct methods and perspectives for applying Feng Shui principles to daily life, specifically:
Form School:
The Form School emphasizes external factors such as terrain, the shape of the area, the location, and the orientation of a house or land. This approach evaluates how external elements influence living and working environments, enabling the arrangement of objects in positions with favorable energy flow (dragon veins).
Compass School:
This school focuses on the intrinsic and internal spatial elements of a living space, including the arrangement of rooms, doors, staircases, wind direction, and water flow. The Compass School aims to help homeowners identify auspicious and inauspicious positions, determining favorable and unfavorable energy directions within the house.
3. Exploring the Elements of Feng Shui
Exploring the elements of Feng Shui provides a deeper understanding of how they influence daily life, specifically:
The Five Elements Theory:
The Five Elements Theory is a philosophical system that illustrates the interaction between the five yin-yang elements of different life aspects: Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, and Earth. Each element represents a distinct material and can either support or conflict with one another.
When two elements are in harmony, they complement each other and generate positive energy, bringing good fortune.
Conversely, if two elements clash, it can lead to conflict and dissipate positive energy.

The Five Elements in Feng Shui include Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, and Earth.
Generating Numbers and Five Elements Directions:
These two concepts in Feng Shui involve determining the directions and generating numbers associated with each of the Five Elements (Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, Earth). According to Feng Shui, each element is linked to two sets of numbers from 1 to 10, with each set representing a specific direction:
Metal (4, 9): West direction.
Fire (2, 7): South direction.
Earth (5, 10): Central position.
Wood (2, 8): East direction.
Water (1, 6): North direction.
4. How to Analyze Personal Feng Shui?
In practice, Feng Shui plays a significant role in designing living spaces, attracting good fortune, and enhancing career prospects. To create an interior space that harmonizes with Feng Shui, there are several key principles to consider, including:
Land Shape: The homeowner's age is used to determine suitable land shapes and avoid unfavorable sectors. An ideal plot of land is typically square-shaped, located in an elevated and well-ventilated area.
Land Direction: According to Feng Shui principles, the East and Southeast directions are often preferred for building homes. If other directions are chosen, ensure they do not conflict with the homeowner's destiny.
Main Door Position and Direction: The main door is where energy and Qi enter the house, so its position and direction are crucial. The main door should face auspicious sectors such as Sheng Qi, Fu De, or Tian Yi.
Altar Direction: The altar should be placed in a dignified position, facing the main door and overlooking an open, well-lit space.
Bedroom Arrangement: In the bedroom, the bed should be arranged so that it does not face a mirror, as this can negatively impact the homeowner's health and fortune.

Analyzing personal Feng Shui involves considering factors such as land shape, house direction, main door position, and more.
Additionally, according to the Five Elements theory, each destiny corresponds to specific colors that enhance positive energy and support the homeowner in both work and life. These are as follows:
Metal Destiny: Metallic and white colors.
Water Destiny: Dark blue or black.
Fire Destiny: Purple, pink, or deep red.
Earth Destiny: Yellow, orange, or brown.
Wood Destiny: Green or light green.
5. How to Improve Feng Shui in Daily Life
Here are some methods to help you enhance Feng Shui in your everyday life:
Choose friends, partners, and collaborators with compatible destinies: Select individuals whose life elements complement yours. For example, someone with a Fire destiny should avoid partnering with someone with a Water destiny due to their conflicting energies.
Change your name: Names can influence a person's destiny. Use the Bazi system to analyze and adjust your name for better Feng Shui alignment.
Select lucky numbers: Each person has specific lucky numbers, so choose phone numbers, house numbers, or license plates that attract positive energy.
Practice good deeds: According to Buddhist beliefs, accumulating virtue improves Feng Shui and brings luck to oneself and the family.
Choose a suitable career: Aligning your career with your Five Elements ensures harmony and long-term growth. For example, if you have an Earth destiny, careers in construction, real estate, or architecture are ideal.
Use Feng Shui-compatible directions: Selecting directions that align with your destiny is crucial. For instance, if you have a Fire destiny, living or working in the South direction is beneficial.
Wear appropriate clothing and accessories: Choosing colors and jewelry based on your Five Elements and destiny can enhance personal Feng Shui. For example, if you have a Fire destiny, wearing red or pink can bring good fortune.
Understanding what Feng Shui is and applying it wisely can help you attract positive energy and improve your quality of life. While beliefs about Feng Shui may vary, its proper application offers practical benefits, from inner peace to prosperity in work and family life.