FROM ONE WHO KNOWS Christine Chang points out, “It is very important that the entire family have an open-minded approach to Feng Shui before calling in a (Feng Shui) consultant. With everybody’s consent it becomes possible to apply the various remedies in order to get results.
Often, I have seen that the women folk are more open to trying it out, but the other family members (spouse/elders) are against it. Instead of seeking genuine help on the matter, they land up placing so-called Feng Shui remedies in their houses, while the others in the family get irritated seeing these ‘cures’ lying around here and there. This in fact, leads to disharmony in the house.
“The popularity of Feng Shui has given rise to a whole brood of ‘experts’ and ‘consultants’. But many people are easily confused or misled by its certain principles and numerous schools of Feng Shui. Therefore its practices and techniques have been muddled in the mires of superstition and folklore. Make sure therefore, that the next time you think of trying out this ancient Chinese art, you get hold of a genuine Feng Shui consultant.”
Christine Chang's List Of Things that do NOT constitute Feng Shui 1 Frogs, dragons, the laughing Buddha, the three wise men, pyramids, lions, horses, etc are not Feng Shui cures.
2 Wearing different types, sizes or colours of crystals for different problems is not included in the study of Feng Shui. Only an astrologer can advise you on these.
3 Water features like waterfalls, fish aquariums and fountains are used in Feng Shui to enhance wealth. But they must be placed in the house only after thorough calculations. Water wrongly placed can cause a lot of damage. Also, there are no specific types or numbers of fishes that need to be placed.
4 The number of rods a wind chime should have is not important. It is actually the sound of the metal that cures. Therefore, some other gadget that makes the musical sound of metal can also be used instead. However, the placement of this cure needs to be suggested by a consultant.
5 Three Chinese coins in a wallet or safe will in no way help to bring wealth.
6 A pair of Mandarin ducks, peony flowers or mystical knots in the SouthWest corner of your bedroom cannot enhance marriage or relationship.
7 Pictures of waterfalls, horses, ships, doves, etc are merely pictures. They don’t influence the Feng Shui of the house.
8 It is preferable to place fortune bamboos or dracaenas as compared to other indoor plants, where the element of wood needs to be added, because there are few maintenance hassles with these. It is also a misconception that the SouthEast corner of the house is the ‘wealth corner’ and that it can be enhanced by placing bamboo plants there.
9 Globes, world maps or education towers can’t improve the academic performances of your children.
Some people are of the impression that Feng Shui works only in China and that it is not applicable in India. Since the study deals with the matters of energy in the environment and is personal to each individual, there is a need to correct this view. Further, it must be reiterated that Feng Shui does not involve a religious practice.
Got any comments or questions? e-mail us at femina@timesgroup.com with ‘innerspace—feng shui’ in the subject line.