Feng Shui Celestial Creatures-Red Phoenix

Red Phoenix in the Landscape

In Feng Shui practice the Red Phoenix is described as the immortal celestial creature of the South which symbolises the power of the Sun.  When able to fly it represents new opportunities, fame and recognition; of flying high in your life and your career. 

  

As well as being one of the four celestial creatures of Feng Shui, it is recorded in Greek mythology and described as having a long life and being repeatedly reborn from the ashes of its predecessor.  There are also writings saying that Ancient Egyptians worshipped the Bennu, a solar bird similar to the Phoenix of Greek mythology.  This is sometimes depicted as a heron, a yellow wagtail or an eagle with feathers of red and gold.

William Shakespeare the renowned English Poet and Playwright often mentioned the Phoenix in plays, such as Henry VIII.  He also wrote a poem entitled ‘The Phoenix and the Turtle.’

The celestial Yang Red Phoenix of Feng Shui is present in the environment when there is a wide open space, known as a ‘bright hall’ or ‘ming tang’ in front of your home.  This can be your front garden, a field or a park, anywhere open that allows Chi to gather.  It should be level or only very slightly lower than your home. Land directly in front that is higher than your home suggests a blockage in your life. 

A ming tang allows positive Chi to accumulate before entering your home.  When there is a ‘footstool’ to take off from it represents the Phoenix being able to spread its wings and soar high into the air.  The footstool in your garden can be a small mound of Earth in front; it is a symbolic representation of you being able to ‘put your feet up’ and life a life of comfort and luxury.  Covering the mound with red flowers will further emphasise the symbolism of the Phoenix.

Red Phoenix in the Home

Being the celestial creature of the sun, the location of the Phoenix is the South, the place of maximum Yang Energy in the summer sky.  It is the place of the middle daughter of the family and the trigram LI.  This trigram has one solid Yang line above and one solid Yang line below a central broken Yin line signifying the appearance of a hard outer shell (Yang) with a soft and yielding centre (Yin.)  It suggests lightning; a flash of electrical Yang Energy in the sky above.  It also represents all the elements of a hot summer season; sunshine and light, heat and parched Earth.

The element of the South is Fire, an upward Energy that has the potential to nurture and warm yet cause devastation if allowed to spread out of control.   This is the location to focus on if you desire fame and recognition in your chosen career.  Whether you seek worldwide fame; fame in your particular passion or recognition in your chosen career decorating or accessorising the South with the colours red or orange will help activate the area.  Ensure there is plenty of light and add the enhancing element of Wood in the form of Yang Wood plants and flowers or Yin Wood furniture and decorative items to help activate positive Chi in this area. 

To the fulfillment of your dreams

LynC

www.abundance-chi.com

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Feng Shui Celestial Creatures-Black Turtle

Black Turtle in the Landscape

The second of the non-mythical celestial animals we enjoy in our world today, is the Black Turtle, our ultimate protector in Landscape Feng Shui (San He Formula.)  He is the one who ‘watches our back’ and prevents anyone from appearing behind without our knowledge. 

He manifests in the landscape as a hill formation and is the link between the Green Dragon of the left and the White Tiger on the right.   This configuration is often called an ‘armchair.’  Positioning the home in the middle of this configuration provides protection on three sides just like that afforded by an armchair.  

The Turtle, or the Tortoise, is a powerful and important protector in Feng Shui.  We can turn our heads from side to side to see who or what is approaching but it is more difficult to know what is going on behind us.  Symbolically, it is the hard outer shell of the Turtle, solid and impenetrable, that provides the protection. 

While slow and steady the Turtle is persistent and will not give up, it keeps going until it has achieved its aim. 

This is the first of the four celestial animals that does not have a place as one of the 12 Chinese Astrological Animals however its importance in the practice of Feng Shui is assured.

The Yin Turtle is a symbol of longevity; of strength and fortitude.  And we must never forget that it was said to be a Tortoise who emerged from the Lo River in China with the numbers of the Lo Shu square on its back.  The 3x3 grid used in Personal and Home Eight Mansions and Flying Star Feng Shui; part of the San Yuan School; both incorporate the Lo Shu square in their practice.

In an urban environment the Black Turtle mountain is substituted by the natural solution of trees or the man-made solution of a building or a high wall.

Black Turtle in the Home

The Yin Black Turtle is the animal associated with the North.  It signifies Water and is the area of the middle son in the family.  The trigram of the North is K’AN.  This is represented by a solid Yang line in the centre which is trapped between two broken Yin lines.  As a dark inauspicious trigram it is a symbol of danger and toil.  It is Winter, a time of the year signifying rest and stillness; a time of reflection.  The North is the place of least light and sunshine and the meaning behind the trigram highlights this darkness.  It can also be interpreted as a deep dark body of Water hiding many things.

The positive side to the direction of North is its association with career; the positive side to the Water is its association with wealth – in this case brought about by success in your career.  A moving Water feature in the North activates the element of the area as long as it is flowing in towards your home and not outwards.

 

Display the image of a Turtle at the back of your home or keep a real Tortoise in this area.  You can also place the image of a Turtle in the North of your home.

To the fulfillment of your dreams

LynC

www.abundance-chi.com

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Feng Shui Celestial Creatures-White Tiger

White Tiger in the Landscape

The White Tiger is one of two non-mythical celestial animals of Landscape Feng Shui (San He.)  Unlike its counterpart and ‘partner’ in the landscape; the Green Dragon; we are fortunate to have them in our world. They are rare in the wild and mainly found in captivity and they are not a recognised species in their own right.  Instead they are the gold and black Tiger with a recessive genetic trait.  This results in them growing bigger than their coloured relatives.  It could be said that they have a sense of myth and mystery surrounding these magnificent animals.

To balance Yin and Yang in the environment, the White Tiger represents Yin to the Yang of the Dragon.  In an ideal situation they combine to ‘embrace,’ to lay together and protect your property.  The land to the right of your home from the front door looking out is the position of the White Tiger.

To be harmonious the Dragon mountain to the left and the Tiger mountain to the right will ideally be equidistant from your home with the White Tiger side lower than the Green Dragon side.

As a predatory animal the White Tiger will revert to its instinctively aggressive nature if allowed to dominate.  It has to be kept in check if it is going to safeguard your home and detect any threat in the surrounding area.

 

The purpose of the White Tiger side is to defend your property from malevolent Sha Chi; and it has to be controlled by a higher Dragon on the left, to bring out its protective Yin nature. 

It represents courage and creativity.  It also represents the potential for violence within our own human psyche.

When looking at your present home, or searching for a new home identify whether there is a Green Dragon/White Tiger combination.

In our modern urban world this combination can still be translated using Feng Shui principles.  We can interpret the Tiger hill as part of the natural world of plants and bushes; or a wall or building lower than that on the Dragon side.

White Tiger in the Home

The home of the Yin White Tiger is the West, the position where we can observe the magnificence of the setting sun.  It represents TUI, the youngest daughter of the family attracting delight and happiness to your home.  Tui is the lake bringing sustenance, and it is the mouth which is used as our means of communication; of conveying joy to our loved ones.  The trigram TUI consists of one broken Yin line (female) sitting above two solid lines (male) indicating the youngest daughter being supported by her family.  This trigram signifies weakness on the outside and stubbornness on the inside.

The West also represents family, it is the area of Small Metal such as gold coins and precious jewellery.  This is the place to display your family portrait.

The West signifies Autumn, a time when the bountiful fruits of the Earth are harvested; a time when the enhancing element of Earth has completed her work and is preparing to rest.

To the fulfillment of your dreams

LynC

www.abundance-chi.com

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Feng Shui Celestial Creatures

Green Dragon in the Landscape

Unlike its western counterpart, which was a fire-breathing mythical creature to be feared and hunted to extinction, the celestial Green Dragon known in Feng Shui possesses insight; symbolises wisdom and offers protection.

In Landscape Feng Shui (San He Formula) the Yang Green Dragon is traditionally a mountain or higher ground located to the left of your front door looking out.  The mountain (Yin Earth) is more auspicious if it is ‘green and pleasant land,*’ a rolling landscape simulating a curled resting Dragon.  Where there is a Dragon mountain there will also be Dragon veins.  This welcomes positive flowing Chi.  The quality of this Chi is often referred to as the ‘Dragon’s Cosmic Breath’ or ‘Sheng Chi.’

*From a William Blake poem, now better known as the anthem ‘Jerusalem.’

Where a Yin Earth mountain is rough, barren, exposed with craggy outcrops it indicates aggressive inauspicious negative Chi, known as Sha Chi. 

Until the end of period 9 in 2043 the Earth areas of the northeast and southwest, the Metal areas of the west and northwest and the Fire area of the south are auspicious locations for your Dragon protection to be present.  To identify its exact location, use a compass to determine a) which direction the Green Dragon is situated and b) the direction of your front door. 

If you are house-hunting, this is the ideal time to incorporate this aspect of Landscape Feng Shui into your search.

As many of us now live in an urban environment it means we accepting that the Green Dragon as a physical mountain is unlikely to be present in our surroundings.  Instead in the modern world the practice of Feng Shui; this ancient-modern living skill, identifies the mountains as higher buildings or tall trees, both of which will serve as protection when located to the left of your home.  Just like the mountains, the shape and materials of the buildings will determine the quality of Chi.  For example, a tall building with sharp edges pointed towards you will send Sha Chi; a tall building with rounded features or with coloured glass windows will send Sheng Chi your way.

Green Dragon in the Home

The home of the Yang Green Dragon is the East.  It is the location of the eldest son of the family; known as the Dragon of the family and the trigram CHEN, which is made up of two broken Yin lines (female) sitting above a single solid Yang line (male and eldest son.)  It is associated with action, like the Dragon rising from the lower depths to soar high into the sky above. 

The East represents thunder, like the roar of the mighty Dragon.  It is the direction of the rising sun welcoming each new day; the location of springtime bringing a new season of growth and expansion.  It is also the location of health and longevity.  Displaying an image of a Dragon in the East will benefit not only the eldest son but all members of the family.  A Green Dragon or a Dragon carved from Wood will be equally auspicious.  As Water feeds Wood displaying a water feature with a Dragon will activate positive Chi.

To the fulfillment of your dreams

LynC

www.abundance-chi.com

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Feng Shui: Yin-Yang and Control

Two of the fundamental principles of Feng Shui are the Five Elements and Yin and Yang.

The Controlling Cycle of the Five Elements is sometimes called the Destructive Cycle such that ‘Metal destroys Wood.’  The Five Elements however have both Yin and Yang polarities; each with their own unique attributes.   Therefore the Five Elements become ten.

Yang and Yin Water – Yang and Yin Wood – Yang and Yin Fire – Yang and Yin Earth – 

Yang and Yin Metal

There are significant differences between the Yin and Yang polarities.  Let’s look at some examples of how Yin and Yang influence and affect the Five Elements.

Looking at Yang Water first.  It is directly opposite Yang Fire and is said to be the controlling force for Yang Fire however….the ultimate Yang Fire is the sun and Yang Water cannot control the sun.  The only way Yang Water can control Yang Fire is when Yang Fire is ignited on earth.  Forest fires are one example. 

Then there is Yin Water.  One description of Yin Water is the clouds in the sky which hold the potential for rain; they can also mask the sun from us, so Yin Water has more control over the Yang Fire of the sun than Yang Water.

Yang and Yin growing Wood have roots relying on Earth for their existence.  Wood is said to control Earth, burrowing deep underground loosening the earth around it in the process, to provide stability and support allowing it to grow.  It also extracts nutrients from the earth to feed itself.  Yang Earth is described as large rocks, boulders and mountains and while it is possible to occasionally find plants growing in apparently inaccessible and unfriendly environments, it is the exception.  So the two polarities of Wood use Yin Earth to thrive.  They rely on embedding their roots into the soft and damp soft earth to enable them to grow.

Yang Earth; the rocks, boulders and mountains; control the Yang Water of the sea, fast flowing rivers and waterfalls.  In contrast Yin Earth can easily be overwhelmed by Yang Water yet be nurtured and fed with Yin Water.  The annual flooding of the Nile River, the longest river in the world, is a perfect example of Yang Water controlling and engulfing the flat Yin Earth surrounding it.  Without this annual flood people living close to the banks of the Nile would not be able to grow their crops and sustain their families.

Yin Metal is that forged by Yang Fire into jewellery and precious objects made of gold, silver and platinum. Yin Metal is also designed as a Swiss army knife.  The jewellery will have no impact on Yang or Yin Wood.  The Swiss army knife may be able to cut the Yin Wood of leaves and ivy however it would have no effect on Yang Wood.  Yang Metal is that formed into large cutting tools and machinery both of which will have the size, strength and power to control and destroy Yang Wood.  Yang Metal may bend and flatten Yin Wood but it is unlikely to destroy it.  Over time the Yin Wood will bounce back and continue its growth cycle.

Yin and Yang create ultimate balance and harmony; they are constantly in motion influencing everything in our world.  In Feng Shui we use the Five Elements with their Yin and Yang polarities to help transform our living and working environment into a harmonious blend of positive flowing Chi.

To the fulfillment of your dreams

LynC

www.abundance-chi.com

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Feng Shui: How to Use Yin/Yang and the Five Elements

Two of the fundamental principles of Feng Shui are the Five Elements and Yin and Yang.

Each of the Five Elements has a Yin and a Yang aspect, how do you use this knowledge to harmonise the energy in your home and workplace?

Yang Water is the sea; it is dark, deep and mysterious.  In Feng Shui water is a powerful force and should always be used with care.  Scale is all important.   Outside, water features are better in front rather than at the back.  Water at the back creates a feeling of instability; at the front it is an attractor.  Water signifies wealth, and a flow of water signifies a flow of wealth.  The flow should be coming towards the front door of your home or your workplace.  Having it flowing away, or flowing past signifies lost wealth and missed opportunities.  Indoors, water features or aquariums are best placed in the North, East or Southeast and they should never overwhelm the available space.

 

Yin Water is the morning mist.  In your home or workplace it is a spray of moisture on your plants.  It is the nourishment that keeps your plants alive; it is subtle and vital.

Yang Wood are trees.  Planting trees in the East of your garden will support your health.  Pine trees and bamboo are a symbol of longevity.  If you have no room in your garden a picture or painting of a lush forest in the East of your living or work space is auspicious.

Yin Wood is leaves on the trees; grass; ivy and flowers.  Displaying flowers in your home and workplace brings in the beauty of the natural world.  The East and the Southeast are the location of wood however displaying flowers anywhere in your living and working area will bring the beauty of nature along with them.  Choose colours that match the area.

  

Yang Fire is what keeps us alive.  Indoors you still benefit from the awesome power of the sun however during the winter time when the sun is lower in the sky enhance your living and working spaces with lights.  To keep warm in the home there is nothing like the roar of a real Yang Fire. 

Yin Fire is the dying embers of a log fire; it is the light from a candle.  To bring a touch of romance and intimacy into your home the gentle flickering of candles is hard to beat.  Scented candles bring both light and aroma which, when chosen carefully, create a unique setting.

Yang Earth is the solid earth of large rocks and boulders.  You benefit from the support of mountains.  Placing large rocks and boulders behind your home will simulate this support.  Indoors the painting of a mountain, without water, placed behind you at home or at work gives support and protection.

Yin Earth is sand; it is the pliable fertile soil in which crops are planted and grown.  If you have the space, create a small Zen area in the Southwest, Northeast, West or Northwest of your garden using sand and small pebbles.

Yang Metal is the solid raw metal, the ore from which large machinery is formed.  In our modern world we all rely on Yang Metal to get us around.  Whether it is your car, a train, bus or plane, without the strength and reliability of Yang Metal your life would be very different.

Yin Metal is fine and delicate.  Jewellery is Yin Metal.  From the eternal circle of the Wedding ring when you say ‘I Do’ to watches, earrings, cuff links, necklaces, male and female alike adorn themselves with Yin Metal.

Next time we will look at how Yin and Yang and the Five Element Controlling Cycle work.

To the fulfillment of your dreams

LynC

www.abundance-chi.com

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