Basic Feng Shui Principles – Understanding Feng Shui Philosophy

The feng shui philosophy and art has its deep roots in the ancient Chinese attempt to observe nature and achieve well-being by living in harmony with it. Beyond the minutiae of designing a kitchen, bathroom or an entryway according to detailed feng shui rules, there are some ancient basic feng shui principles from which all the other ones spring. Here are a few of these fundamentals that have been followed for millennia not only in building houses, but in raising entire cities.

One with nature. Feng shui does not see human beings as separate from nature, but as an integral part of the universal design. At its foundation lies the concept of Qi, the universal energy, that is within us and everything that surrounds us.

In fact, this concept drives every decision in the feng shui world. It is all a question of channeling good energy. This is the reason why feng shui exterior or interior design techniques constantly go back to the way that a home interacts with its surroundings, and why they always take into consideration more than just what looks good.

Organic harmony. By listening to nature and taking advantage of what it offers in a certain area, people should build their homes with local materials that are better adapted to the conditions on the ground. Building bamboo houses in southern China or log cabins in the deep forest is not only a question of convenience, but also one of living in harmony with nature. By doing this, the energy of the place is not disrupted, and the deep connection with nature is nourished.

However, feng shui is nothing if not a practical art. Bamboo dwellings enjoy great ventilation, while log cabins store heat. It seems that nature knows best, and feng shui is aware of it.    

Proper orientation and size. In an ideal setting, a house should have its back to the mountains and open up to a body of water. Even better, a house nested in the mountains, encircled on three sides and facing south for a flood of light, opens up to good energy. When it comes to building cities, feng shui recommends covering the entire slope of the mountain with houses, down to the water-rich mountain foot.

Of course, these feng shui principles were born in connection with the specific geographical features of the Chinese landscape, but they are interesting nonetheless. Plenty of light, good air circulation, a healthy water source and a reliable shelter from dangerous natural and human elements are excellent principles to follow, no matter the location.

Regarding size, feng shui recommends a medium house. The superfluous space of a large house is as bad as the inconveniences of a small one.

Knowing the surroundings. According to feng shui principles, it is important to be well aware of the quality of the terrain before building, and to choose locations that are abundant in energy. How can you tell? An abundance of vegetation, for example, is a sign of good energy. The water quality must be also analyzed and considered. Even the geological makeup is said to come with its own advantages or limitations. Soil composition, magnetic field and humidity are all part of the local energetic map.

Human intervention. Despite its attempt to create human dwellings in perfect harmony with their surroundings, feng shui does not look down on the human attempt to “fix” what nature offers. Men-made mountains or diverting water to the chosen location are not frowned upon. This principle has a direct correspondent in interior design, where feng shui “cures” allow you to remedy the unfortunate attributes of your house, in order to bring them back into the good energy realm.  

Please take a look at our Before and After images of selected projects from 2018 HERE.

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