Monday 23 July 2012

SYMBOLISM OF THE CRANE BIRD



As well as being an important symbol, second only to the mythical Phoenix in the practice of Feng Shui, the elegant and leggy Crane is a bird associated with the traditions of many ancient and modern cultures.
Its image is identified back to ancient times.  
Mythology surrounding this bird is widely spread throughout the world and is found in the history of Greek, Arabic, Chinese, Vietnamese, Japanese and Native North American cultures.
In ancient Greece the Crane was said to be the bird of the God Apollo, the God of the Sun who would disguise himself as a Crane when visiting the world of mortals.
In Europe Cranes are associated with awareness and devotion.

Some Native American Tribes associate the Crane with good luck, peacemaking, leadership and speaking skills.

In Japan the Crane is given the title ‘Bird of Happiness.’

There is some disagreement as to whether the Crane is monogamous.  Whatever the truth however, traditionally they are seen as representations of fidelity and faithfulness.

Japanese brides often have the image of a Crane depicted on their wedding kimono.

In Vietnam the Crane is frequently portrayed in paintings with the tortoise, as both are said to enjoy long lives, therefore signifying longevity.To the Chinese the Crane signifies longevity and in traditional paintings is shown together with the pine tree, bamboo, and the peach; all identified with long life.

The painting of a Crane against a background of the sun signifies the desire to attain social recognition.
Ancient Chinese interpreted the white plumage of the Crane as a sign of purity; its red cap representing the element of fire or vitality which is also a sign of fame and recognition.

The Chinese see this majestic bird as the bird of immortality.  He symbolises happiness and smooth flight;  a smooth path through life.

As well as inside the home an image of the Crane is auspicious when displayed in the garden, inviting longevity and good health luck for the family.

As in much of the bird world the Crane loves to dance, especially when looking to attract a mate.

However, historically it has been observed that they also appear to dance for the pure joy and pleasure of it and if this is true it is something that is unique among the bird world.

Displayed in the East, which represents the location of health and well-being, is representative of peace, good health and long life for the family, especially older members of the household and the sons of the family.
 
Placed in the South of the home the Crane will bring opportunities; in the West it signifies good luck for the children of the home and in the Northwest the Crane will bring positive benefits to the male of the family.

The image of the Crane in a painting together with the peony signifies prosperity and longevity and displayed with the lotus flower is said to bring peace, contentment and opportunities.

This is an auspicious symbol to display in the home either as an image or in a painting and wherever it is presented it will bring good fortune to the home.

To the fulfillment of your dreams

LynC



We hope enjoy our blogs and leave any comments below or email: crystal@abundance-chi.com visit: www.abundance-chi.com LynC

Sunday 15 July 2012

Fuk Luk and Sau Star Gods


Fuk Luk and Sau are known as Star Gods and are regularly displayed in any Chinese home practicing symbolic Feng Shui. 

However they are not Gods in the traditional sense of the word and are not worshipped as Gods by the Chinese.

They are symbolic of what is considered to be the most important manifestations necessary for a long and fulfilled life; health, wealth (in all its varied forms) and happiness.

When displayed they radiate a sense of peace and harmony; and invite great warmth and a continuation of good fortune for everyone in the household.

Whilst they are not regarded as divine beings they are treated with great respect and always hold a place of prominence in both home and office.  They are also displayed in retail outlets and Chinese restaurants.

SAU – Is the first Star God.  He is usually seen carrying a bottle of nectar or some other representation of longevity such as the peach.

FUK – Is the second Star God and he is usually carrying Chinese ingots or Chinese coins; he represents wealth and increased income.

LUK – Is the third Star God and he represents high power.  He usually holds a Ru Yi or Sceptre of office in his left hand.  His place is always in the centre of the trio and his purpose is to invite longevity, prosperity and power into the lives of residents.

In Chinese paintings these three deities are often depicted with the pine tree, bamboo, crane and peach tree in the background; all symbols of longevity.

If you choose to display these Star Gods whichever part of the home you place them they should be positioned high up, at least three feet from the ground, and have a solid wall behind them to give them support.

Traditionally in Chinese homes they are placed in the dining room facing the table.  This brings family blessings and harmony whenever the family gather together to dine.

However it is also auspicious to display these three important deities in other areas:

At the entrance to your home – this will invite in the aspirations you desire to experience 

In your living room – in any direction or location to bring excellent Feng Shui luck

In your family room – in any direction or location to bring excellent Feng Shui luck

In your office – behind you as you sit will bring you support and good fortune

Period Eight – during the Flying Star period 8 which runs from 2004-2024 placing Fuk Luk and Sau in the East, which is the secondary wealth corner for this period, is said to invite abundance luck and outstanding good fortune.  

   
To the fulfillment of your dreams

LynC


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Friday 6 July 2012

DRAGON AND PHOENIX



The Dragon and Phoenix are two of the four celestial creatures in Feng Shui.

The location of the Dragon is the East which represents the element of Wood; the location of the Phoenix is the South which represents the element of Fire.  Wood feeds Fire in the Five Element Theory of Feng Shui.

The Dragon is a powerful Yang representation of masculine, success, courage and leadership. 

The Phoenix is an enigmatic representation of female, new opportunities, recognition and renewal.

Combined they create a powerful union of Yin (female) and Yang (male) energies perfect to attract love, and safeguard the happiness of a  couple.  Together they are even strong enough to re-ignite the passion of a fading relationship.

Together the Dragon sits on the left and the Phoenix on the right and images of the pair can be displayed in different compass locations.

In East3 -home of the Dragon and the universal location of Health and Longevity - display a wooden carving

In South -home of the Phoenix, and the universal location for Fame and Recognition - display a wooden carving

In Southwest - home of the female and the universal location for Love and Relationships - display a jade, ceramic or crystal image

In the West - home of the Rooster (who is the secret friend of the Dragon) and the universal location of Descendants Luck - display a metal, jade, ceramic or crystal image

In the Northwest - home of the male, of heaven and Mentor Luck - display a metal, jade, ceramic or crystal image

As an alternative to carvings or images these celestial beings can also be displayed as paintings, wall hangings, screen divider or cushions.  The thing to avoid is having these symbolic creatures displayed on a rug, something you will walk on.

If you are seeking love in your life display the Dragon and Phoenix in your personal Love and Relationships (Nien Yen) location.  This location is a personalised direction based on your Kua Number at birth.

The Five Elements are important to remember here and if you display an image its material should be in harmony, or enhance the element of the area.

As an alternative a painting, wall hanging or cushion in a harmonious colour scheme can be used.

A female looking for love can instead display the Yang image of the Dragon in her personal Nien Yen location.

The Dragon is too powerful; too Yang to display in the bedroom.  It could have the opposite effect to attraction; that of repulsion.   This is a symbolic creature that exudes power and displayed in a bedroom it can instill an overly aggressive nature, not ideal for attracting love and romance.

A male looking for love can display the Yin/Yang image of the Phoenix in his personal Nien Yen location. 
The Phoenix is a mythical Yang creature however it also exudes femininity and Yin elements.

The Phoenix also invites new opportunities, and so displaying its image can bring benefits in other areas of life as well as love luck.

Again, this symbolic icon possesses Yang tendencies so it is better to display it in a living area rather than a sleeping area.

To the fulfillment of your dreams

LynC


We hope enjoy our blogs and leave any comments below or email: crystal@abundance-chi.com visit: www.abundance-chi.com LynC