02 Landscapes in Feng Shui
It may have taken thousands of years to learn that we are deeply affected by our environment, our ability to thrive and enjoy good fortune; that a space has the capacity to support or undermine us. It was thankfully discovered in China and Asian cultures.
Over 4,000 years ago sages, astronomers, scientists and shaman discovered that when working with nature and earth energy, cosmic energy and human energy, one could facilitate well-being and prosperity.
The energy in the environment is called chi and this chi energy (also known as qi, prana, ki and more it all depends on your culture) is the life-force of the universe, it permeates all things. Then
Feng Shui literally interprets as "wind and water". To say chi is dispersed by wind and collected by water. Meaning chi is carried over the landscape by the wind and when it encounters water it pools and gathers, as such these waters are filled with vital energy, vital chi.
The landscape holds the forms that determines the quality and movement of chi. And how do we evaluate the form? While there are many schools of feng shui Form is the methodology of the San He School, the oldest school of classical feng shui. San He places emphasis on examining mountains, rivers and form; shape, appearance, size, elements, topography, flow and conforms within the landscape. It examines natural landforms (mountains and rivers) and manmade forms (buildings, roads). It ascertains how forms are shaping and creating chi. San He excels in the arrangement of structure placement in relationship to the landscape.
Essential site conditions for healthy living conditions have gentle slopes, soft rolling hills and ridges and undulating contours. Healthy landforms are void of jagged mountainsides, cliffs, extreme high or steep slopes. Numerous other features like cemeteries, land use, street patterns and types, local and regional elements, flora and fauna, drainage, utilities, structures and so on, present potential impact. While most of us lack the perfect landscape, feng shui corrections can be implemented to subdue or stimulate them for balance and support.
The ideal condition for a home as passed down from the master’s is depicted here. Celestial animals were used to symbolize important key land formations. Standing in your house facing out the landforms are Green Dragon (left side), Red Phoenix (front), White Tiger (right side) and Black Turtle (back). The Ming Tang (or bright hall) is the space just inside your front door where the chi collects. And this is partly why it’s so important to keep your front entrance clean, clear, well-lit and welcoming and that is has the space for the chi to gather and settle before dispersing into the home. It’s where most structures get the majority of their vital energy.
In the “armchair” formation described above by the celestial animals one would have low ground and perhaps a distant mountain or gentle knob in front, mountain behind and elevated forms flanking the sides but not as high as the back and slightly lower on the right than the left. All features would be in balance with the structure. In this configuration the occupants are supported, protected and prosperous.
