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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 2001
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