Friday, 28 June 2013

Feng Shui Mythical Creatures - Fu Dogs

Fu Dogs

Fu Dogs, as they are commonly called in the West, are  among other things referred to as Guardian Lions and Stone Temple Dogs.  Their original purpose was to protect the homes of the Chinese Emperors, their ancestors and high-ranking officials of the Imperial Court as well as the wealthy of the country.  Their image resembles that of a stylised male lion rather than a dog and was often seen embroidered onto Chinese official garments.

In Buddhism Fu Dogs are said to be sacred and they are displayed as guardians at Buddhist temples.  

Today they are utilised extensively as protectors and are frequently seen gracing the entrances of Chinatowns worldwide, Chinese Stores, Restaurants and Hotels.  They are also displayed outside many of the historical buildings in the Far East such as the Forbidden City in Beijing and the National Palace Museum in Taipei.

So what is their significance as a symbolic enhancer in Feng Shui?

They are probably one of the most recognisable and popular enhancers in symbolic Feng Shui.

When displayed in pairs they suggest Yang and Yin, Male and Female, Heaven and Earth.  They represent the Dragon (male Fu Dog) and the Tiger (female Fu Dog.)  The male sits on the left of an entrance (looking from the inside out) with a ball or sometimes the image of a globe, beneath his right foot.  The ball is said to represent global networking and supremacy in the business world.  The female sits on the right of an entrance with a cub beneath her left foot representing nurturing and family.  They are rarely displayed alone, signifying balance and harmony as well as protection.

As protectors their image is best placed at ground level on either side of the outer door of your home or office.  Alternatively elevate them on a wall at the entrance to your property.  Their size should be in harmony with the area they are protecting.  Too big and they will overwhelm the space, too small and they become ineffective.  As well as protecting the home they can dissipate or slow down negative energy and turn it from Sha Chi into Sheng Chi before it enters the front door.

Smaller images of the Fu Dog are often placed inside the home or office.  They can sit in a window (facing out) to serve the same purpose as those displayed outside the home.  If you live in an apartment they can be displayed in a window or at the entrance to your apartment.  This can be particularly effective if your apartment door faces a window, a staircase or a lift.  This will neutralise any negative energy before it enters your domain.  If your apartment building has long corridors displaying Fu Dogs outside will slow down Sha Chi around the entrance to your private sanctuary turning it positive and harmonious.

 To the fulfillment of your dreams        
    
LynC

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