FINDING WEALTH WITH WIND AND WATER

While changing ways is necessary for survival and development of the human species by going back in time we can help valuate any stalling lifestyle and help evolution maintain a bright and happier future.

Feng shui is an energizing subject that literally means "wind-water" in English. Qi (pronounced chi) is the energy of life and is important in Feng Shui, as was first articulated in the fourth century AD through a passage of the Zangshu (Book of Burial) by Guo Pu of the Jin Dynasty.

Yangshao and Hongshan cultures provide the earliest evidence for the practice of feng shui. Until the invention of the magnetic compass, feng shui seems to have relied on astronomy to find correlations between humans and the universe.

In 4000 BC, the doors of ancient Banpo people's dwellings were aligned to the asterism Yingshi just after the winter solstice. This placed the dwellings into good position for better solar gain.

Today a person's home is the most important statement of who we are or desire to become. The reason for this is that the way people live has a powerful influence to help create the way they feel. How a person feels generally helps interaction and harmony with co-workers and people generally.

A good feeling will help give birth to new creative ideas that can transform life as is known today. Colors, structure, cleanliness and style are all part of the vibration that sets the foundation for all other aspects of your life.

The principles of Feng Shui are designed to create a geographical site that both attracts water and catches the wind, making for an ideal balance or harmony. It is these two important elements of wind and water, of the five basic elements (water, wind, earth, fire and metal) that make up our earthly environment, which is alive with Qi energy.

Qi is a tremendously powerful energy and is often described as vital breath or life force. It can be found in the natural environment and carried by the flow of air or wind. Natural barriers such as mountains, depressions and cliffs or unnatural barriers such as buildings, walls or furniture may block the flow of natural Qi.

The Pa Kua is the principal symbol of feng shui with its eight sides signifying eight kinds of good fortune. The compass is essential to applying this method and those wanting to activate all eight sides of their homes must use the compass to determine these important directional locations and what is to be done in each part of their home.

To create an ideal home with good fung shui here's what to look for:

- Square or rectangular shape, so that the strait walls and corners may be used to calculate the components on the Pa Kua.

- The land plot should be clear from communication towers, power lines and cemeteries.

- Neighboring structures need to be looked at, as roof lines and light poles may create "poison arrows" by damaging the harmony or energy of the home.

- The main doorway should be large and powerful for protection, wealth and good luck. This should open into a grand area to establish prosperity.

- The main entrance should not have a direct view of the kitchen or back door. This will place the focus either on the food budget or consumption of foods with regards to the kitchen or open an exodus for wealth to go right out the back door. Keeping the first impression on the beauty of the home will bring good results.

- The entrance should not look directly at mirrors, as this makes guests feel unwelcomed.

- Avoid homes that have the kitchen located in the northwest section, as this affects the father and/or father to be. In the event you have already bought a home with the kitchen in the northwest, at least make sure the stove is not in the northwest part of the kitchen. If you can, move the whole kitchen entirely.

- Bedrooms should be big and spacious to allow the freedom to position the beds so that you and your family members can sleep facing towards your auspicious directions. Never position your bed's headboard against a wall with a toilet on the other side, as this is a sure way to spell trouble for the marriage and other relationships. You should also look at the ceiling of all the rooms. Make sure you will not be sleeping or sitting underneath a toilet drain pipe or support beam.

Some of these concepts have good merit, while others seem like fantasy, but they have been around for a long, long time. How did they get these ideas in the first place and what has happened through translations over the past 6000 years?

Is it possible that the original feng shui concepts were a gift from some outside influence, like little space men? As we get closer to sending our own little space men off to explore?why not?

Or could it be that having so many people simply believing in the power of feng shui principles is enough to make it all work?

Whether feng shui is magic or hog wash isn't really the point. How you feel is what counts. There are many differing views coming from a multitude of feng shui Masters and Advisers, thousands of books have been written on the topic. A few points are clear for any good design? balance and harmony are created with pleasant shapes, lines, colors and free flowing energy. All must go together to create a good feeling. Respect for the environment, local customs and surroundings are all part of the desired effect from design.

Next week, we'll dig deeper into the 8 sided Pa Kua, the bible of feng shui, looking at ways to feel better, while attracting good energy and better living ways.