How to Use Feng Shui

By eHow Home & Garden Editor

Rate: (12 Ratings)

Feng shui, pronounced "fung shway," means "wind and water." It is an art and science that has been practiced in China for 7,000 years. Years of experience and study are required to master the principles of feng shui. However, for a novice, what is essential for experimenting with feng shui is having an open mind and a willingness to listen to your intuition.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

Step1
Understand the patterns and cycles of change, which affect everything. When a piece of furniture is moved to another location, it will not only change the appearance of the rooms, but it will also cause a shift in the flow of energy.
Step2
Stay alert when experimenting with feng shui - listen to your intuition, notice changes in your behavior, and keep an eye out for experiences that are disturbing or pleasing.
Step3
Be aware of the flow of energy throughout a room. Windows and doors are portals for this energy, as are beams in the ceiling and objects placed overhead.
Step4
Observe the placement of furniture in an office or home, as it can affect the flow of energy throughout the building. Energy can be influenced to flow in different directions and at different speeds. Objects placed in its path can either block the flow or allow it to ease gently into the room.
Step5
Learn about the movement of energies and the five types of energies. Fire, earth, metal, water and wood are the five different energies. Each type depicts a movement of energy and is associated with colors, smells and tastes.
Step6
Pay attention to the effects of color on your mood.
Step7
Notice the significance of shapes and the energetic qualities they impart. For instance, buildings with red pointed towers may represent fire. Fire has an energy pattern that points upward and conveys an enormous amount of power.
Step8
Take into consideration the effects the Five Animals have on your attitude, your dwelling and its location. The Five Animals are the dragon, the phoenix, the tortoise, the snake and the tiger. Each animal comprises a set of characteristics and qualities that have great influence on the harmonies in your life.
Step9
Learn and understand the philosophy behind yin and yang. Yin and yang are based on the philosophy of balance and change. Everything is a part of something else, and the relative associations are depicted as either the yin or the yang.
Step10
Adopt an open mind and listen to your intuition as you experiment with feng shui.

Tips & Warnings

  • Consider consulting a feng shui practitioner if problems persist in your home, office and life.

Comments

| View All Comments

vikki9 said

Flag This Comment

on 6/2/2008 There are many wonderful, user-friendly books to help you understand Feng Shui before you begin. Gabriella Alizay has written 'Feng Shui For The Rest of Us' (excellent); and 'Move Your Stuff, Change Your Life' by Karen Rauch Carter is also a great place to start.

View All

Post a Comment

POST A COMMENT

Request a New How-To Article

Looking for more How To information? Chances are there’s an eHow member who knows how to do what you’re looking to do. Submit an article request now!

eHow Article:  How to Use Feng Shui

eHow Home & Garden Editor

eHow Home & Garden Editor

Category: Home & Garden

Articles: See my other articles

Related Ads

Home & Garden

Willi
Meet Willi Galloway eHow’s Home & Garden Expert.