Introduction
Newcomers to Feng Shui may initially feel overwhelmed at how many factors are involved when it comes to securing one’s good luck, harmony, and happiness. First, there’s the involvement of auspicious items like bamboo plants, Feng Shui animals, the laughing Buddha, and Feng Shui fountains. But one must also pay attention to factors like the placement or the direction of these items. On top of those considerations, there’s also the importance of Wuxing, or the Five Elements and the colors, shapes, and materials associated with them.
Should one consideration take precedence over the other? What’s the rationale of using a Feng Shui item like that of an auspicious animal? Here’s what frequent Feng Shui Nexus contributor Uncle Dixer has to say on the matter.
What’s the Difference Between Feng Shui Items and Elemental Cures?
A curious reader wrote:
Dear Uncle Dixer: Why use Feng Shui items like rooster, Qi Lin (Kirin)? Isn’t Feng Shui about using elements to reduce or increase the energy of an area, like the use of colors? Thank you.
Answer: These items are used to “jiehua” (transformation to change your luck/attitude, through knowledge and understanding). They are meant to be symbols that are connected to your hopes and desires, like a rooster is to connect you to your need for happiness (something to crow about) every time you see it.
Using the concept of Wuxing or the Five Phase/Element does the same thing but through their relationships instead of a symbolic object. Each of the five Elements can be expressed in color, shape and material and that can help you improve the quality of the environment, and at the same time, your optimism about the future. The idea is to encourage you to make a right decision and to do your best. But you still have to do it (and exercise your Human Luck) before it becomes a reality.
Additional Comments
Uncle Dixer brings up the helpful advice that it’s not about acquiring these objects or observing these elemental considerations just for their own sake. One must also find a personal connection to the feng shui principles they practice, envision the kind of luck they want, and make good decisions to help good luck manifest in their lives.
Would you appreciate thoughtful Feng Shui advice like this? If so, feel free to browse through Feng Shui Nexus to get in touch with a Feng Shui expert and practitioner. Get the advice of an expert on how to harmonize feng shui objects and elements in your own life.
Uncle Dixer is a Chinese-Australian Feng Shui Expert. He is here to answer your Feng Shui questions so we can better understand the workings of Feng Shui. Read more about him or submit your question to an expert.