Feng Shui and the Crane Bird

The Crane bird in traditional Chinese culture was often depicted on the official robes of high-ranking members of the ancient Court.  This represented nobility, rank and importance.  Images of the Crane have also been discovered in tombs of the Shang Dynasty and on ancient ceremonial bronzes.   

As well as being an important symbol of longevity, and as a bird, second only to the mythical Phoenix in the practice of Feng Shui, the elegant and leggy Crane is associated with the traditions of many ancient and modern cultures, some of which we covered in the first post.

In Chinese mythology and in Taoist traditions the red-headed Crane is represented as the bird of immortality.  When a mortal attains immortality he was said to be carried off to the heavens on the back of a Crane.  The Immortals are often displayed riding on Cranes.  This particular Crane is known as 'pinyin' or the 'fairy Crane;' the Crane of the Immortals.   In Taoist history an 'Immortal' or 'Xian' was said to have the ability to transform into a Crane to undertake a journey.

On the island of Hokkaido situated to the north of mainland Japan and the east of mainland Russia there is a resident population of red-crested Cranes.  The locals are often seen bringing fish to their permanent residents during the winter months and the Cranes will tolerate other predators stealing their food in exchange for relative safety and protection of their offspring.

The Siberian Crane, which is predominantly white with a reddish head undertakes an annual migration involving a 10,000 round trip and while they usually fly at an altitude of between three and five thousand feet they rise even higher when passing over mountain ranges on their migratory path.  This may have given rise to the mythology surrounding this bird in Taoist culture.

The red-crested Crane is one of four national animals of China along with another of the creatures synonymous with Feng Shui; the Chinese Dragon.  

As well as the red-crested Crane which is predominantly white, in Chinese mythology there is also the yellow, blue and black Crane. 

The black Crane is said to live the longest and when two Cranes are imaged together it embodies the ultimate portrayal of longevity.

Cranes symbolises happiness and smooth flight;  a smooth path through life.  When he flies among the clouds he signifies wisdom and nobility as well as longevity.  A reflection no doubt of the significance of the Immortals in flight.

As a symbol of longevity the Crane is imaged with its wings outstretched and one leg raised up.

In addition to longevity when combined with other symbolic representations the meaning takes on a different guise.

Imaged with pine trees, the Crane represents wealth, power and fortitude.

Together with the peony flower they signify prosperity as well as longevity.

With the lotus flower they become a symbol of purity and longevity.

Flying towards the sun the Crane represents a desire for social advancement and perched high up looking towards the sun, someone who can see all.

He is sometimes imaged together with the deer; another symbol of longevity and wealth.

The peach tree is said to yield fruit which, when eaten, signifies eternal life and it is often seen in traditional paintings with the Crane.

The Crane is also a symbol of cleanliness and purity which may be why traditional Japanese brides have an image of this bird displayed on their wedding kimono.

In symbolic Feng Shui the Crane continues to be popular so whether you display them in the East to represent health and longevity or the South to represent fame, recognition and opportunity, or anywhere else in your home or office they will bring a sense of freedom, beauty and, of course, longevity.

To the fulfillment of your dreams

LynC

www.abundance-chi.com

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Feng Shui and the Lo-Shu Grid 1-3

The nine numbers of the original Lo-Shu Grid from the north following a clockwise cycle are 1, 8, 3, 4, 9, 2, 7 and 6.  The numbers opposite one another around the grid always add up to 10 and with the number 5 residing in the centre any row up, down or diagonally will add up to 15.

Each of these numbers and their associated direction has an element, colour, shape, family member, aspiration as well as more intangible aspects such as body parts or musical notes.  We will look at the fundamental parts of each number and how they affect us all.

All odd numbers represent yang energies and all even numbers represent yin energies even when the area itself may be the opposite. 

Number One (1) – This is the number of the north. It is one of the auspicious white stars of Feng Shui and is synonymous with career luck. One represents new beginnings, creativity, independence and self.  The north represents water; the colours blue and black; its shape is wavy. The middle son (Kan) has his home in the north and it signifies dark, winter, an excess of yin energy.  Water and the number 1 are both yang.  If the north represents the back of your home avoid placing a water feature here, especially a pond, pool, waterfall or swimming pool.  Water at the back can suggest lack of support in your endeavours. 

Number Two (2) – This is the number of the southwest.  It is a yin number which represents the yin energy of big earth and its shape is the even-sided square which represents a solid base; loving and nurturing energy.  Two represents a couple, balance, yin and yang; it signifies co-dependence, partnerships and co-operation; it invites choice. It is a number representing interaction with others, and unity.  Its colours are earth colours such as ochre.  The southwest is a vital area to care for as it represents the female, the mother, caring and nurturing, love and relationships in its many and varied forms.  Love and relationships between a couple, between family members and between friends.  This is predominantly a yin area (Kun) the receptive, the yielding.  

Number Three (3) – Three is the big wood area of the east and it signifies communication.  The number three is a yang number that signifies the trinity; in this instance father, mother and child and also time represented by past, present and future.  It also represents Heaven, Earth and Man which are the basis for Feng Shui practice.  It indicates pleasure achieved through creativity. The shape of the east is rectangular. 

This location represents the eldest son of the family (Chen) and signifies new life and upward growth.  Its colours are the darker olive or emerald greens.  Sons are known as the Dragons of the family and east is the location of the mighty Green Dragon.  If you choose symbolism an image of this celestial creature is auspicious here together with large round leaved lush plants. The east also represents health and longevity.  Growing bamboo, which is one of the many symbols of longevity, in the east of your garden is auspicious, however take care of the variety you choose as they grow fast and can take over if not controlled.  Other symbols of longevity are the pine tree, peach and the long-legged Crane.  These are often represented together in oriental paintings. This is the place to house your larger pieces of wooden furniture. 

To the fulfillment of your dreams

LynC

www.abundance-chi.com

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

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

www.abundance-chi.com

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

DOUBLE HAPPINESS SYMBOL

In Chinese culture there are three main ‘happiness’ occasions throughout life, known as ‘Hei See.’

The first is the celebration of birth, of a new life being welcomed into the world; the second is the celebration of a happy marriage and the final happiness occasion is the celebration of longevity, that is celebrating the long and continued good health of someone in the family. 

In ancient China births were said to be particularly auspicious when the baby was a son.  This was seen as a good omen for many blessings to be granted to the family. 

Thankfully in our modern times the birth of any child is seen as a happy and fulfilling experience.

Double happiness is important when two people find each other and commit to spending their lives together in a loving and close relationship.  The symbol is therefore a significant part of Chinese Wedding celebrations representing the union of two people and the hope that the couple will be blessed with many children.  The symbol itself literally means ‘happiness doubled.’

The Chinese rarely celebrate the birthday of anyone under 60 years of age.  To reach this age is seen as the manifestation of good fortune.  Celebrating the birthdays of younger people is said to be tempting fate.

Displaying the double happiness symbol (which translates simply as ‘happiness’ or ‘joy’ doubled) in your home is auspicious throughout life.

It can be the image on a lantern, a plaque, painting or a wall hanging in the Southwest of your home.  The Southwest is the Earth area representing Love and Relationships.  This is the area to enhance if you are looking for love or if you have found your soul mate and want to safeguard your relationship.

The Southwest (area of the female), the West or the Northwest (area of the male) are auspicious areas to display a jade double happiness symbol.  Jade is said to attract love and is a highly sought after gemstone.  It is described as combining the virtues of Yin (Earth) and Yang (Heaven.) 

“Its colour represents loyalty. Its interior flaws, always showing themselves through the transparency, call to mind sincerity. Its iridescent brightness represents heaven. Its admirable substance, born of mountain and of water, represents the earth.”

An excerpt from the “Eleven Virtues of Jade” attributed to Confucius (551-479 BCE)

As well as having a profusion of the double happiness symbol  displayed during Wedding celebrations many Chinese couples choose to have the headboard of their double bed carved with this symbol as a constant reminder of their mutual love and devotion.

It is also possible to wear the double happiness symbol.  It has been fashioned into auspicious gold and diamond rings, pendants, earrings and cufflinks so can play a significant role in your Wedding ceremony and your future life.

To activate your home for a family you can display a Metal plaque or painting in the West which is the Metal area representing Descendants Luck.

To activate your home for longevity displaying a carved wooden double happiness symbol in the East is auspicious.  The East is the Wood area relating to Health and Longevity.

So to the Chinese double happiness signifies a couple setting out on life together; it signifies their marriage being blessed with many children and it signifies them living a long and happy life.

To the fulfillment of your dreams

LynC

www.abundance-chi.com

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

JEWELLERY; GEMSTONES and Feng Shui

Jade is highly prized in the Far East and auspicious used in jewellery.  Rings, bracelets, pendants, necklaces and earrings especially in a good quality deep green colour will bring their wearer good luck.  The darker the colour the more auspicious it is.

You can also use jewellery and gemstones to invite health and wealth, love and good fortune.

Wearing amethyst can attract good luck and protect against ill-health.

As the saying goes ‘diamonds are forever,’ they represent among other things, longevity.  They can also bring plenty of admirers into the life of their wearer.

Gemstones are also associated with your day of birth and this is said to bring you the attributes belonging to that day. 

For instance, Monday is also known as ‘Moon Day’ and the gemstone associated with this day is the white pearl.  One attribute associated with the stone is inner beauty.

The emerald is known for the inclusions in its stones and it signifies success and growth.

You can wear gemstones the colour of your four auspicious directions based on your Kua number to invite the aspiration associated with these directions.

Auspicious Directions

Overall Success or ‘Sheng Chi’

Health

Love and Relationships

Personal Development

 The centre is not specified as a ‘direction’ but it does signify the ‘Heart of the Home’ so is both an Earth element which represents stability and solid ground and an important area to positively enhance in any space for the benefit of the entire family.

Each of the Five Elements has a Yin (stillness and quiet) and a Yang (movement and noise) aspect and this is something else to consider when enhancing your living space.

Element	Yang	Yin
WATER	Flowing Water	Still or Stagnant Water
WOOD	Growing Wood	Dead Wood or Furniture
FIRE	Roaring Fire	Dying Embers
EARTH	Crystals, Stones and Pebbles, Sand	Underground Earth
METAL	Moving Metal/Metallic Sounds	Unyielding Hard Metal

In your living areas, the living and dining rooms, the elements benefit from being more Yang than Yin; in your sleeping area, the bedroom, the elements benefit from being more Yin than Yang.

Yang is created with brightness, light, sound and movement; with activity and is in harmony with lively and harmonious living – Yin is darker and quieter and allows your mind, body and spirit to be refreshed and recharged for a new day.

In the practice of Feng Shui, Water relates to a steady stream of income, of your career.  Water should never be used to enhance in the bedroom, this is a major taboo.

Wood signifies health if it is in the East and wealth if it is in the Southeast, Water ‘feeds’ Wood and will enhance these areas, as long as it is Yang Water (moving water.)

Fire brings fame and recognition in your chosen field and this is fed by Wood.

Earth is represented in the Northeast and this is the universal study and education area.  It is also the element of the Southwest and this represents family, love and relationships.  Both of these areas are ‘created’ by Fire, by light.

The West is the area of the family and family harmony and the Northwest represents heaven and mentor luck.  These areas are the Metal areas and they are enhanced by the element of Earth.

To the fulfillment of your dreams

LynC

www.abundance-chi.com

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