Following our previous articles on feng shui, this fifth instalment focus on how the physical shapes of land and building will affect the distribution of Qi.
Feng Shui is a Chinese system of geomancy believed to use the laws of both Heaven and Earth to help one improve life by receiving positive Qi. Qi is an active principle forming part of any living thing, frequently translated as life energy, life force or energy flow, he term feng shui literally translates as "wind-water" in English and the basic principle is to harness and retain good and auspicious Qi from the environment and maximize their positive effect.
Physical Container
The shape of the land as well as the house plays an important role in Feng Shui. After all, these represent the physical container of which Qi is contained. A land that is irregularly- shaped, for example, will cause Qi to be distributed in an irregular, disorganized manner. Hence square or rectangular- shaped lands are always preferred as these allow for balanced and optimal flow of Qi.
A triangular piece of land is also not ideal in Feng Shui. Firstly, triangle represents the element of Fire in its harsh and destructive form. Secondly, when you superimpose the compass onto the triangle, you will notice that certain directional sectors will be missing- each of the 8 compass directions govern different aspects of human like and so it would be ideal if all 8 are present. In cases of triangular land, certain things have to be done to allow a more regular shape (even a four-sided trapezium is better), like building a wall to border and redefine the land shape. Water features may also be used (by a skilled practitioner) to negate the negative effects of the Fire-shaped land. And last but not least, do ensure that the property being built has a distinct square structure- the element of Earth.
Shape & Elements
Here's why: In the study of the Five Elements/ Phases of Qi, Wood produces Fire, the next best thing to do is for it to 'support' the property.
But how do shapes correspond to elements? The shape represents the capacity or quality of the container. If you have a container of Fire, it will attract that type of Qi. Or if your container (land or house) is Water shaped, it will store Water Qi predominantly.
So, if your plot of land is irregularly shaped- that gives it the element of Water (shapelessness). So the next best thing to do is to ensure that your building is long and slender- the element of Wood. If you have deduced, Water produces Wood. If not you might be able to find a way to redefine the shape of the land into a near square, as generally, Water represents instability and constant change.
Hence, the overall fovaoured shapes are square (Earth) and rectangular (Wood). Both of these elements are more stable in nature, allowing Qi to be distributed evenly. Circular shapes belong to the element of Metal. Rounded buildings, domes and stadiums are all Metal element buildings, and tend to store Metal Qi after a few years. Last but not least, there are also the 'sunken' and 'protruding' land types.
Somewhat like a shallow version of a bowl, the land dips slightly toward the centre- this allows Qi to gather near the centre (where your house should be built to receive all the incoming Qi flow!) Conversely, if the land protrudes up at the centre, Qi actually moves away from the middle. When the land gradient is too high, Qi can even slip away from the land! Not ideal. Bear in mind, the flow of Qi is somewhat like water- originating from the peaks of the highest mountains and travels down to its vicinity, and finally stopping where water converges (the lowest point).
So make sure that your land and your house lie in the path of Qi's flow to receive it.
Joey Yap is the leading Feng Shui, Bazi and Face Reading consultant in Asia. He is an international speaker, bestselling author of over 75 books and master trainer in Chinese Metaphysics. He is also the Chief Consultant of Joey Yap Consulting Group and founder of the Mastery Academy of Chinese Metaphysics. For more information go to http://www.joeyyap.com/BIMag.
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