There are also consultants that mix many different styles of Feng Shui creating a unique system of their own and those that practice different methods and styles of Feng Shui using a specialized Chinese compass called the Lopan. Some consultants even practice Feng Shui that has been reduced to a series of rituals using incense, bells, water, chanting and similar practices.
The growing interest of western cultures in Feng Shui is very exciting and, for a trained professional Feng Shui consultant, very encouraging. But an incomplete or partial knowledge of Feng Shui has its dangers. Feng Shui wrongly applied can raise expectations that may not be fulfilled and, in some cases, can do harm.
For some people, Feng Shui has been condensed to a simplistic, twelve step process, similar to painting by numbers or baking a cake, the sole attraction being that it is easy to interpret and subsequently utilise. These processes, although asserting Chinese or Tibetan origins are misleading, even though they claim to be the original form of Feng Shui.
Some of the variants of traditional Feng Shui are really about applying static principles, and a range of ritualistic processes and ceremonies, selling only artifacts that are supposed to be life-changing. But in fact, this can divert people’s interest away from authentic Feng Shui.
Although some artifacts have positive, culturally symbolic significance, (and I am a fan of symbolism) real Feng Shui is not so simple. Nothing that has survived the test of so many centuries, and has so much scientific and empirical data to support it, can be reduced to a simplistic formula or series of ceremonies. Like anything worthwhile, sustainable and truly life enhancing, Feng Shui requires careful thought and application.
Nonetheless, there are various ways of addressing the environment and its effect on people that have been used by many ancient cultures and all can have their place.
In India, a process known as Vastu Shastra is used to determine the influences within a given environment. Whereas in Austria the method of dowsing (which uses ideomotor movement) is more popular. And let us not forget our own Indigenous Aborigine who has a relationship with the land that is the essence of their culture, even today.
But all of those methods, whilst quite different in their origins and application, like the Chinese, have at their premise a belief that powerful influences can be emitted from the land and its surrounds. Living in a place that has beneficial influences can bring such things as good fortune, longevity, increased wealth and high social standing. Living in a place under negative influences brings the opposite.
There are powerful forces at work in the world!! We can say that, at least in part, they are derived from our existence in the environment and the flow that occurs between us human beings and everything else that makes up what we call…nature.
Whilst westerner’s relationship with the natural environment is improving, for the most part it has been relegated to building ceremonies such as; turning the sod, laying the foundation stone, completion and opening ceremonies, with the latter being very common.
An opening ceremony or the blessing of a home or office can be as simple or elaborate as you would like. The importance is in the acknowledgement of the new premises, the relationship created between person and place, as well as the future that it holds for those enjoying its offerings.
Nonetheless, whatever your nationality, whatever your cultural or religious beliefs, and whether you use a variant of, or authentic Feng Shui practice you can even create a ‘special’ ceremony for this festive season. This is simply done by placing your focus on what outcome you would like and then invite the Heavenly, Cosmic or Natural realm to bless your activities this Christmas.
Sacred Blessing Ceremonies can call forth higher dimensions, higher thought and concentrated cosmic consciousness to surround and protect your environment and festivities blessing all those close to you for the highest and best purpose for all concerned. “Be Intentional”.
Merry Christmas
