As a predictive art and metaphysical science, feng shui has been
in practice for thousands of years. It comes from a very superstitious
culture, where the masses didn't have access to the science and
methodology behind this secretive system. Culture rituals and placebos
became substitutes and have been perpetuated unknowingly, even now
by popular Western authors. As well, a whole truck load of New-Age
interpretations, have created yet even more myths.
1..
Images of fish or real fish bring prosperity. FALSE. The fish has
taken on the symbol of prosperity, when in actuality it is the water
they swim in which can help attract wealth. The fish move the water
around the same way a pump can in an aquarium or circulating fountain.
The inside joke amongst old-time feng shui masters is that it is
the moving water which generates the prosperity, not the fish themselves.
2.. The number 4 is unlucky. FALSE This little myth has ruined more
real estate transaction than probably any other. Even to this day,
some Chinese will not buy a house with a four in the address or
work on the 4th floor of a building because the word four in Mandarin
is pronounced almost the same as their word for death, "sze." This
is purely a psychological association that has no significance regarding
the real luck or energy of a building.
3.. Hanging a wind chime will keep negative spirits away. FALSE
In certain circumstances, the ringing windchime or bell can actually
attract ghosts. They need to be used very specifically in feng shui,
when a moving metal remedy is called for, but not in every circumstance.
4.. Hanging crystals makes a room positive. FALSE. The man-made
glass crystals that are routinely used by New Age practitioners
add little to a room unless they are being used to soften a direct
line of air currents (from directly aligned doors or windows.)
5.. Having a frog figurine with a coin in its mouth by your front
door will bring in wealth. FALSE This can only work as a placebo
in the same way that having a rabbit's foot in your pocket might
make you feel lucky.
6.. Painting your door red will make you lucky. FALSE. In Chinese
Culture, the color red has many positive associations, but energetically
it is the fire element. Large surface areas that are red, such as
doors and walls, can be very harmful when used in the wrong location,
contributing to accidents, arguments, and sickness. People often
paint their door red if it is facing south because south is associated
with the element of fire. This too is an overly simplistic approach
that is incorrect about 80% of the time.
7.. Dried Flowers represent death and decay. FALSE. This is a New-Age
interpretation and not to be taken seriously. A dead or dying landscape
surrounding your property is another story however and that should
be corrected.
8.. Having antiques in your house is bad feng shui. FALSE. This
is also a New-Age spin on what it means to possess things that use
to belong to someone else. The Chinese actually love to have things
passed down to keep the memory of loved ones alive.
9.. Pictures of red peonies or love birds will bring romance to
a single woman. SORT OF FALSE. Again, this is an example of how
psychological impressions, cultural symbolism, or wishful thinking
can be mistaken for authentic feng shui remedies.
10.. And one of the most annoying New Age myths created just in
the last 20 years is that you have to keep your toilet lid down
or you will "flush" your wealth away. This is FALSE ...In fact,
if there is potential to lose your wealth through your toilet, then
why do the rich have so many more bathrooms than the poor?
For
more "Feng Shui" click here to view back issues.
Visit Kartar's
site at
www.fengshuisolutions.net
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©
Melt Magazine 2002
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