What is Feng Shui? It is an ancient Chinese art practiced by people worldwide for over a thousand years. As a translation, “Feng” means wind while “Shui” means water or “the way of wind and water.” This focuses on chi or qi (life force) to produce good fortune and robust health. In addition, chi is made of yin and yang elements that need balance to hold the positive chi, including the five natural elements- wood, fire, earth, metal, and water- to drive away any negativities in one’s life. The principles of Feng Shui can be applied in different areas in the environment- home, workplace, etc.
According to a Feng Shui master, Karen Frazier, “when you look at the different types of Chinese Feng Shui, you find they are not always consistent with one another.” This is because, like technology and civilization, Feng Shui has developed and assembled into clusters or usually called “schools.”
Various sources have proven that there are three known types or schools of Feng Shui.
- TRADITIONAL OR CLASSICAL SCHOOL
Traditional or classical school is the oldest type of Feng Shui. It focuses on the designs of the environment, such as buildings, temples, and palaces. For the positive flow of energy, five elements and yin and yang are beneficial. There are two sub-categories for classical Feng Shui: Form School Feng Shui and Compass Form Feng Shui.
The Form School Feng Shui or Landscape School was documented many years ago and considered the oldest. Assesses the placement of the natural environment and acknowledges the astrological factors are the standard practice for this school, aiming for prosperity and abundance.
The Compass form Feng Shui uses a magnetic compass called “Luo Pan” to formulate numerical calculations. It precisely determines the directions of buildings that are invisible to the naked eye. The Compass school is divided into Yang House (which uses Flying Star and Eight Mansion of Feng Shui representing dwelling people) and Yin House (San He and San Yua representing tombs.)
- MODERN OR CONTEMPORARY SCHOOL
From the 1970s to the 1980s, Feng Shui was brought to the Western part of the globe specifically in America. This new-age type is focused on objects such as furniture and decorations. In observation, a Feng Shui master also incorporates enhancers- crystals, interior and textile materials or designs, and more. That’s what we see and hear of today, especially during the new year.
- BLACK SECT TANTRIC BUDDHIST SCHOOL (BTB FENG SHUI)
Black Sect Tantric Feng Shui was introduced in the west in the 1980s. What is different about it from the other types of Feng Shui is that it uses the principle “Three Door Entry” by an object called Bagua (which means eight areas in Chinese) placed in front of doors.
To conclude, Feng Shui, however, ancient is developing so as the masters. Even if various types are now introduced, a true enthusiast knows that the goal will forever be the same- “to block the wind and catch the air”. That is to invite positivity, harmony, and balance into our surroundings.
