What is Feng Shui? This is a simple question but the answer is very complicated. In simple words, Feng Shui is an ancient art that was developed over 3000 years ago in ancient China. It is a body of knowledge on balancing energies in a particular location so that they are beneficial for the people living there. By balancing the energy, it is possible to bring prosperity and wealthy into the lives of people living there.

In Chinese, Feng means wind and Shui means water. Both wind and water have a unique significance in Chinese culture. They represent good health and fortune. Good Feng Shui means good fortune. Bad Feng Shui means misfortune. It is as simple as that.

The underlying principles of Feng Shui are based on Taoism, particularly the belief that our surroundings are alive and filled with chi or energy. The ancient Chinese used to believe that the energy contained within the land can either be helpful in improving the prosperity of the kingdom or cause its destruction. The concepts of ying and yang and also the five elements of Feng Shui come from Taoism.

Getting started with Feng Shui

The main tools used in Feng Shui are the Compass and Ba-gua. The Ba-gua is an octagonal grid which contains the symbols of the I Ching on which Feng Shui is based. By knowing the Ba-gua of your home, you can know about the various locations of your home which are connected to various aspects of your life.

The Feng Shui compass or the Luo-pan is used for obtaining a deeper knowledge about the site or building. It is made of bands of concentric circles that are arranged about a magnetic needle. In Chinese Luo means bowl and pan means everything. Roughly, Luo-pan can be translated as a bowl that contains all the secrets of our world.

There are different schools of Feng Shui. Different Feng Shui masters have perfected different techniques. Depending on your situation and circumstances, you have to apply different principles of Feng Shui. Even the basics techniques of Feng Shui can bring about a powerful positive change in your life. Because of its powerful nature, it is used in all parts of the world. It is particularly popular in China and other oriental countries.

Feng Shui provides a number of cures to improve every part of your life. Commonly aquariums, crystals and fountains are used as Feng Shui cures. Ancient Chinese coins are also used as a means of attracting wealth into your life. Feng Shui also places a lot emphasis on using the right kind on colors in your home and office. Apart from this, you may also have to make structural modifications to your home in order to tap the full power of Feng Shui.

Here are some Feng Shui tips for your office:

Purify the air by using plants

Pure air represents positive energy. By keeping plants in the office, you can purify the air and improve the circulation of positive energy. Keeping plants in the office brings about a positive atmosphere which is beneficial for both your business and your health.

Use a feng shui fountain

In feng shui, water fountains represent a source of positive energy. The gurgling and flow of water is a source of vigor and positivity. Placing a fountain in your office will improve the overall atmosphere and improve your productivity. Use a fountain which is of the right size because using a bigger fountain can be an obstruction.

Keep your office clutter free

In feng shui, clutter is an indication of confusion and demotivation. If you have a lot of clutter in your office, it can lead to confusion and loss of productivity. For this reason, you should keep everything in a neat and organized fashion. Anything that you need should be accessible very easily. Organize your office in such a way that everything is within the hand’s reach.

Organize your files well

Files are the very backbone of your business. They are the record of every transaction and business deal that you do. For this reason, you should organize them properly. Organize them in such a way that you have no problems in finding any particular file that you need. A well-organized file cabinet indicates a business that brings results.

Other feng shui charms

You should also use other feng shui charms such as crystals, bamboos and Chinese coins. Crystals are a source of positive energy and a good way to attract prosperity into your business. Bamboos represent growth. Chinese coins attract wealth into your business and retain it. By using feng shui coins, you can reduce your expenses and increase profits.

Last but not the least, always have a positive attitude towards your business. You should always believe in yourself and not let a few losses affect your motivation. This is the key to achieving success.

Here are 10 Feng Shui tips for career growth:

Keep your home and office free from clutter

Clutter represents stagnant energy that brings about clumsiness and confusion into your daily activities. Clutter in the workplace can adversely affect your career growth. Thus, you should remove all the clutter from your home and office. Once you clear the clutter, positive energy will start circulating which will result in higher energy levels, clarity in thinking and a sense of well-being.

Use green plants

Green plants purify the air and so are the source of positive energy in your life. They’re also great for career growth. Money trees and bamboos are particularly effective for career growth.

Use positive images and artwork

Artwork can be a good source of positive energy. If you are confused, hanging a world map can give you a sense of direction in your career path. Hang artworks that display open views, energy and drive. Avoid pictures of wars or sadness because these can have a negative impact on your thinking.

Waves represent vigor and positive energy

Use wavy shapes

Waves of the ocean represent vigor and positive energy. Thus, keeping wavy shapes in your home or office will bring positive energy into your life. The best way to harness this energy is to keep a Feng Shui fountain in the corner of your house. Ensure that the fountain has good flow of water. The energy it brings about will definitely help you in overcoming difficulties and growing in career.

Positive messages

Keeping positive messages in frames on the walls of your office or home is highly recommended. These bring about dedication by reminding you of your chosen career path. These can also serve you as a source of inspiration in difficult times. For example, if you want to succeed in your business, keep a picture of someone who has succeeded in the business alongside a powerful quote on the importance of dedication.

Never sit with your back to the door

In your office, you should never sit with your back facing the door. You should always face the door. If your current setup doesn’t allow you to do this, make changes such that you face the door. By facing the door, you are symbolically facing every challenge that comes along your path. This is very important for career growth.

Furniture arrangement

It is best to arrange the furniture in your office to form a triangle at the center of the room. This configuration is known to enhance positive energy. Try this trick and you will definitely see improvement in your career growth and business.

Windchimes are a source of positive energy

Use career cures in specific areas of your office and home

In order to attract success in your career, you should use appropriate cures in specific areas of your office such as the front center. It is also advisable to keep a metal windchime in your kitchen. You should also place a Ying Yang charm on the inside of your front door. All these measures are highly beneficial for career growth.

Maintain a well organized filing system

Records and files are very important for your business. They are an indication of the prosperity of your business. At the same time, they are also a source of energy. For this reason, you should maintain them properly in an organized fashion. They are symbolic about the efficiency of your business organization. Thus, you should maintain them in a well organized way.

Proper lighting

You should ensure that your house and office are properly lighted. Light represents positive energy and so the lighting should be neither too bright noe too dull. It is a good idea to use a dimmer to adjust the brightness as per requirement.

Here are some Feng Shui tips to attract wealth into your life:

Keep your home free from clutter

If you keep your home and office cluttered, the positive flow of energy will be obstructed. Positive energy is very much essential for attracting wealth and prosperity into your life. It is also essential for the health and well-being of you and your family members. Get rid of clutter from your home and office and ensure that it is neat and tidy.

Crystals and essential oils

Crystals and essential oils are a powerful source of positive energy. There are specific Feng Shui crystals which provide maximum benefits. Citrine Crystal is well-known for attracting wealth. Pyrite is another Feng Shui crystal that is very good for attracting prosperity. You can find these Feng Shui crystals in stores that sell Oriental items. Any essential oil is good provided that it has a very good vitalizing aroma.

Use Feng Shui fountains

Water fountains are considered a powerful source of positive energy in Feng Shui. Thus it is a good idea to keep a fountain in your home. It works best if you keep the fountain in the main hall of your home.

Images of flowing water

Images of flowing water such as waterfalls, streams, rivers, oceans etc. are an excellent source of energy. Water is one of the main elements in Feng Shui and is also a symbol of wealth and prosperity. Images of water with white foam and open views are very powerful in attracting wealth and prosperity into your life. Foam and gurgling water represent energy and vigor.

Feng Shui aquarium

An aquarium is another source of positive energy in your home. Aquariums attract wealth Chi. It is recommended to display other Feng Shui symbols that indicate wealth and abundance.

Maintain high oxygen levels

Decorate your home or office with plants so that high oxygen levels are maintained. High oxygen levels are indicative of energy which will attract wealth and prosperity.

Many have a wrong impression that having a very large fish tank will have more benefits. However this is not true. Simplicity and balance are very important. If you have a large fish tank in a small home or room, it will just make the room feel cluttered and prevent positive energy flow.

It is better to use a small aquarium as it adds to the balance of the room. You can also use a simple fishbowl containing one or two goldfish. This is a good option if you are tight on budget.

Feng shui uses natural energy from water, wood, fire, metal and earth. These five elements are complementary to each other and so need to be properly balanced all the time. The fish tank will balance the five elements and bring prosperity to your home.

If your house is painted in earth tones like a warm tan or brown a water element is very much necessary. Bright colored fish will contrast well with the warm earth tones and bring balance. Your feng shui fish tank should not interfere with other elements in your room.

Fountains are very beautiful. They also create natural sounds which have a positive effect on the atmosphere. You can place fountains in various regions of your home and create a paceful atmosphere. Because of their ability to produce positive energy, fountains are an effective feng shui cure. Moving water brings good luck. You can keep the fountain either indoors or outdoors. You can also likewise choose fountains of any size.

Fountains activate the chi energy. This is positive energy. Fountains produce it because of the motion of water and the sounds of gurgling water. Apart from this, fountains also make the room humid and restore balance. Moving water prevents stagnation of chi energy and thus has many benefits.

You can place feng shui fountains anywhere in your home. If you place a fountain near the front door, it will attract prosperity to your home. It is advisable to go for a copper fountain as it has the maximum benefits. Even you havea cement or stone fountain, add nine copper coins to the water. This will generate the right balance of energy and give maximum benefits.

Adjust the water levels in the fountain to create the right gurgling sound. You can also adjust the rate of pumping to get the right sound. Ensure that the sounds are peaceful and harmonizing. You can buy feng shui fountains online.

The best properties are those situated at confluences or on the inside bend of a river or road. Property built there will tap into the forces circulating in the curve. Some properties in prime areas may not do as well as those on the other side of the road.

Feng shui principles are the same whether the property is a residential or rented property.

If the plant withers, it will no longer represent luck. In fact, it will be unlucky if it dies or ails. Care for your plant by keeping clean, fresh water in the vase.

The quality of water will influence the look of the plant, so be sure to use filtered water as excess minerals in tap water can turn the plant yellow or brown.

Maintain the level of the water at one inch above the bottom of the stalks. The plant also prefers indirect sunlight and room temperatures between 65 and 70 degrees.

For the Feng Shui bamboo to be most effective, it is essential that you take care of it properly. Remember, its health signifies your growth.

Choose the correct number of bamboo stalks:

• Two bamboo stalks represent a couple, so they bring luck in love
• Three stalks bring happiness, wealth, and longevity
• Six stalks will bring luck and prosperity
• Seven stalks of bamboo can bring good health
• Eight stalks of bamboo symbolize growth
• Ten stalks represent completeness and perfection

Bamboos have a special meaning–they are symbolic for climbing such as seeking a promotion at work.

Eight is very auspicious as it sounds similar to “prosperous” in Cantonese. Many people have phone numbers, bank accounts, car license plates, mobile phone numbers, etc. ending with 8. Living at a house with number 8 is also very favorable.

The number four is considered bad because in Cantonese it sounds very similar to “death”. It is is associated with bad luck and misfortune. Chinese people will avoid having a car or a house with this number.

All numbers can be reduced to a single digit by adding up all the numbers. For example, the number 235 reduced to a 1. If the number is long, the answer from adding the digits together will need to be reduced a few times until a single digit is left.

Another way is to combine them together. In Cantonese numbers have the following meanings

1 = unity
2 = easy
3 = liveliness
4 = death
5 = nothing, no
6 = profitable
7 = certainty, for sure
8 = prosperous
9 = longevity, enough

Numbers starting with a 1, 2 3, 6 and 8 are considered to be lucky. By combining numbers and their meanings it is possible to see which ones are lucky.