Feng Shui Primer
Ch’i- (meaning breath) is the name used in Feng Shui that represents an electromagnetic force that flows through the entire universe and within each individual human being. This energy has a great influence on our lives. That can have positive or negative affects depending on the flow.
There are two forms bodily ch’i and environmental ch’i. Bodily ch’i flows the same as blood. (Along meridians) There are 14 meridians that the ch’i runs to and from major energy sources called Chakras, there are 7 chakras all together. Starting at the top of the body and working down vertically they are called
Crown Chakra- at the crown of the head
Third-eye Chakra- between the eyebrows
Throat Chakra- at the throat
Heart Chakra- at the heart
Plexus Chakra- at the solar plexus
Navel Chakra- at the navel
Groin Chakra- at the groin
Ch’i not restricted to the physical boundaries like blood. It extends out like an aura and depending on your personality the distance the area spreads out is affected. Another big influence is your emotions, health and environment. If you try to enhance your environmental ch’i before you have a good bodily ch’i your attempts will be pointless. In order to reach a healthy bodily ch’i you must meditate at least 15 mins a day. There are many different forms of meditation you can learn about them and how to successfully practice them through books.
Environmental ch’i- This chi flows through the environment and external universe. In an all natural area where there are no buildings or other structure that might interrupt the flow of chi the environment is extremely free and has an atmosphere of balance and harmony. In areas where there are homes or other structure we must encourage the chi to flow more smoothly by the placement of the things or parts of out homes. That is what Feng shui encourages you to do.
Yin and Yang- according to Feng Shui, chi is divided into yin and yang. Two opposite forces that are absolutely integral to each other. (Like two halves of a whole.) The dark half of a Yin/Yang symbol is the Yin of energy it is also the feminine side and this represents tranquility. Within the Yin you will notice a small element of Yang which illustrates how nothing can be totally yin or yang there is always a little bit of the other energy present. The Light side represents the yang of energy. This is the masculine side which represents action. The symbol as a whole represents a perfect balance in the universe. Instinctively human beings are constantly working to create a sense of balance in their lives and that is how Feng Shui works with the availability of these energies.
Five elements- The ancient Chinese broke down chi into 5 elements. These are earth, fire, water, wood and metal. Each has its different distinguishing characteristics.
Earth: Relationships, tranquility, practicality, motivation, knowledge, purpose… color pink, blue… direction SW, NE
Fire: Energy, Passion, and fame… color Red… direction S
Water: Tranquility, Sex, Career… color Black… Direction N
Wood: Contentment, Optimism, Health, Wealth, and creativity… color Green, and Purple… Direction E and SE
Metal: Leadership, Responsibility, Planning, Family, Prosperity and relationships… Colors Grey and White… Direction NW and W
Chele Stewart is a Current student of Master Yap Cheng Hai and Feng Shui practitioner with focus on Environmental
and Bodily Chi as it applies to New Custom Home Design. She also serves as Feng Shui design consultant for all of Mark Stewart Stock Home Plans
Call for Consultation Scheduling and pricing. 503.885.8377 or e-mail
Credits: Theories and facts taken from “Plan your home with Feng Shui” by, Ian Bruce….. And “The Feng Shui Directory” by, Jane Butler-Biggs.