How to Hire a Feng Shui Consultant

Feng Shui literally means "wind and water" in Chinese. Both an art and a science, this ancient philosophy is based on principles rooted in an extraordinary sensitivity to nature. Feng shui maintains that a balanced environment positively affects the health and success of those who live there. How do you find a good consultant? Read these tips.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Study the principles behind both Eastern and Western feng shui methods to understand the various theories. Delve into books, browse the Internet or take short courses to gain knowledge.

2. Focus on classical feng shui for assessments based on ancient disciplines such as yin and yang, Flying Stars, Five Elements and the I Ching, which relies on astronomy, mathematics and Oriental astrology. Consultations require thorough readings of the living environment, people, time and energy.

3. Consider practices such as Black Hat and Eight Life Aspirations. They are complementary mixtures of ancient and modern practice developed over the last 20 years.

4. Ascertain credentials; ask for and call references. When and where was the consultant trained? How many consultations has he or she done? What affiliations does he or she hold? Try to get a sense of how well you would work together.

5. Find out how the consultant works. Ask which feng shui tradition is he or she a practitioner of? How are fees structured? What consultation services are included--for example, is there a report or follow-up? Are repeat visits necessary?

Tips & Warnings

• Some consultants sell cures or other products. Don't feel pressured to purchase these; in fact, hard-sell techniques contradict a professional approach.
• Some consultants may be only slightly better informed than you, having only attended a one-day workshop.

[MCalamia]

on 12/15/2008 Thank you for this article. Step 4 is so important. There are many consultants that have not been formerly trained. Ask if they are a member of the International Feng Shui Guild (ifsguild.org). Members are now required to take an assessment in order to qualify as a Red Ribbon practitioner. Please do ask where they attended school and for some references of their work.