Feng Shui for Home & Office: Detailed Guide

Feng shui and Vaastu Shastra are ancient wisdom and philosophies of China and India that deal with the art of living in harmony with your surroundings. They both have the basic ideology of creating a flow of positive energy in your living surroundings, which in turn has a positive effect on the people residing in it.

It surrounds around the thought of utilizing certain laws that govern the spatial arrangement and orientation to create a positive flow of energy, called as Qi (pronounced as “chi”).

Feng Shui History

Feng Shui is an old practice that can be traced back to 3,500 years. A main part of its origins can be credited to ancient astronomy. In fact, it is even older than the invention of the magnetic compass which was initially invented for the practice of feng shui and continues to be in use ever since.

The Chinese use of feng shui is evident in their ancient structures, including the palaces in the capital cities which are all influenced by feng shui in their design and layout. Feng shui is a huge part of ancient Chinese history.

Feng Shui spreads across the World
Today, feng shui is not only restricted to China, has spread across the world and is now regarded as a relevant science.

Feng Shui Theories

Feng Shui theories involve arranging the environment that were created by us, to have a good ‘Qi’. here are some of the popular feng shui theories.

Qi
When translated the word Qi literally means “air”. However, In today’s feng shui, Qi is equivalent to “energy”. One of the theory’s is the belief that the heavens influence life on Earth. Scientists too have acknowledged that space and weather can affect some technology such as GPS, power grids, communication and navigation systems, etc. including the behavior and some internal bodily changes of birds and other creatures.

Polarity
Polarity is another theory that is expressed through Yin and Yang (compared to a bipolar magnetic field), made up of two forces – one that creates a force and the other receiving it. Yang is the acting element while yin is the receiving one. The interaction between the two forces and a way to achieve a balance between them is the foundation for the practice of feng shui.

Bagua
You will find the use of Bagua (two ancient diagrams) in the practice in feng shui. They can be compared to the cardinal points of the compass. The bagua diagrams are also linked with the sifang or “four directions” method of divination. The cardinal directions that contained in the bagua diagram are said to be determined by the marker-stars of the mega-constellations known as the Four Celestial Animals.

• East is the Blue Green Dragon.
• South is the Red Bird.
• West is the White Tiger
• North represents the Dark Turtle.

Earth, Metal and Fire and Feng Shui

It is important to balance these five elements of earth without them overpowering each other, in order to get a better ‘chi’. Arrange these in the right direction and that you will find success knocking at your door.

Ideal System
The ideal system is where water produces wood, wood yields fire, and fire fashions the earth. Then, the earth forms the metal and the metal consequently produces the water. When these elements contradict each other, the system is no longer ideal. For instance:

• Wood burdens earth
• Fire destroys metal
• Earth hampers water
• Water kills fire

Arrangements of Feng Shui are based on identifying the visual properties of these elements.

Earth
Earth is generally composed of ceramics and rocks. Place these in the right place keeping in mind the other elements that are present in your home for a happy home. Lack of earth elements in your home causes instability and resilience in your life.

Metal
Your electronic devices fall under the metal category of feng shui. Keep the metal elements away from the fire elements when you rearrange things at home.

Water
The cute little zen fountains are the water elements of Feng Shui. Do ensure that water complements your metal. Maintain a fine balance of water and metal in your home.

Fire
Candles and fireplaces are good examples of fire elements in Feng Shui. You can always place a fountain next to a fireplace for a personal romantic setting. Avoid using too many fire elements as it can actually drown the environment. Be careful when lighting your home or office. When it comes to business settings, tone down on the use of fire elements.

Wood
Wood is an element that is easily available. You can opt for wooden furniture or even cultivate a garden in your home. The wooden element will help you balance the different elements.

Feng Shui Basics that You Can Try Out Right Now

Here are some of the basic feng shui practices that you can try at home:

Light, Air and Feng Shui
You can fill your home with good chi, by good quality air and good lighting, especially natural light. Use these two elements abundantly by opening your windows often to let in natural light and air. You can also use air purifying plants or an air purifier at home to make sure that the air remains clean and pure.

Unclutter Your Home
Clutter blocks the flow of chi. It can affect your health, the overall energy levels and your quality of life. Too much clutter can drain your energy and blocks good energy from flowing into your home or life. Get rid of the clutter for a good positive energy flow.

Know Your Feng Shui Birth Element
Knowing your birth element can help you use Feng Shui to achieve a certain balance in your life and home. You can find out which element corresponds with your birth year. You can then accordingly use your feng shui birth element to introduce the different element into your home through the use of colors etc.

Know Your Kua Number
Feng shui also has something called as a ‘kua’ number that corresponds to one’s date of birth and gender and indicates a person’s energy needs. According to feng shui, there are two energy groups- the East or the West. People belong to either one of the two.

For the East Group, their kua numbers may either be 1, 3, 4 or 9. For those on the West group, their kua numbers can either be 2,6,7 or 8. Kua numbers help you decide the directions and orientation of structures or the direction you face when working. This helps in the flow of good positive energy.

Here are some more simple and basic feng shui tips can help you start off with good chi in your home or office.

Simple Feng Shui Tips for the Home

The Kitchen and the Bedroom are most important features of a home. According to the Chinese, the kitchen stove is considered the source of health and prosperity. You can choose the best direction for your kitchen based on the Kua number.

The following are a few basic feng shui tips for the home:

• A marble table in the house is believed to be bad for the career since it attracts work stress. A red sofa set too is often said to give rise to work obstacles and troubles. Replace the marble table with a wooden one, and that red sofa with any other color.
• Light up your rooms because good lighting is an important source of energy. Paint your walls yellow if those areas lack enough flow of natural light. Yellow represents sunlight.
• Place the bed next to a wall. Don’t sleep with your feet are pointed towards the door, as this has negative connotation. If you have a mirror where you can see yourself as you are lying, remove it or cover it with a blanket as you sleep.
• Clear the doorway of any obstruction. A clear entrance allows the positive energy to freely enter the room. Arrange your seating in a way that anyone inside the room has a view of the door.
• Placing mirrors in rooms brings in positive energy. They amplify the amount of light inside the room and make the room look bigger than it actually is.
• Having plants help create healing and nurturing vibrations of nature in the room. Also throw out any dying or dead plants as they attract negative energy.
• Having refrigerator, washing machine, dishwasher and even sink placed opposite the stove causes negative energy. This clash of fire and water elements could cause the family members to have disagreements with one another.
• Children should not sleep on the floor as the negative energy could cause them to get sick often. Beds with space beneath them have positive energy flowing underneath it, so such beds would be great for kids to sleep on. Double bunk beds are also not recommended as the child sleeping beneath will prone to diseases.
• Clutter blocks the flow of positive energy in the room. So, declutter your home, especially from the centre which is considered the heart of the house.
• Keep your bathroom clean and the bathroom door closed at all times. An open bathroom door causes the negative energy inside it flow outside. It is also recommended that you close all doors in the home as you sleep. This helps in maintaining good domestic relationships and promotes health.

The Wonderful Colors of Feng Shui

Colors affect people in different ways. Choose the right colors to strengthen the elements of Feng Shui. Colors can be divided into cool and warm colors. Cool corresponds with Yin and warm, with Yang. Yin colors also called cool colors represents healing and relaxation. For example,

• Blue, a yin colour reflects love, creates a feeling of peace and trust. As per Feng Shui experts, it is the color of both the sea and sky, and is therefore associated with adventure and exploration.
• Navy blue which is a different shade of blue, represents intellect and wisdom.
• For those focused on career, combine black with metal. Black stands for money and income. In Feng Shui, it is the color of emotional protection and power.
• In Feng Shui, Purple it is associated with spiritual awareness as it is excellent for physical and mental healing.
• White is for confidence, poise and purity. Feng Shui experts will suggest using white with gold and silver as it generates a calm atmosphere.
• Green is for balance, harmony, healing and health in the emotional, physical and spiritual matters.
  Yang colors are usually fire and wood elements. They give you positive energy and enthusiasm. Some of the examples are:
• Yellow stands for cheerfulness and friendliness. However, too much exposure to this color also leads to anxiety.
• Orange is good for strengthening your concentration.
• Tan or beige are the colors of the earth. They portray neatness and help conceal emotion.
• Lavender portrays sexual indecision. Feng Shui experts believe this color suggests an ability to be manipulated.
• Maroon represents indecisiveness.

You should use the colors in various combinations with other Feng Shui elements in order to balance the Chi. Creating a balance leads to prosperity in your home and work. You can use the colors in your furniture and décor as well. To know more about other colors, you can check online or read up on some informative books on Feng Shui.

The Golden Ratio and Feng Shui

The Golden ratio is one of the key principles of Feng Shui. This ratio is numerically described as 1.62. There is also a direct link between the Golden Ration and the Fibonacci numbers. You can derive the value of the Golden Ratio by dividing a certain term in a Fibonacci sequence with the number prior to it.

The Golden Ratio in History
You will find a reference to the Golden Ratio in various works of famous art pieces. Da Vinci is famous for the symmetry of his works which reflect the Golden Ratio. One of the famous examples are: the drawing of the Vitruvian Man, who had the ratio of 1.62 all over his body, was considered as a picture of perfection.

The Golden Ratio in Famous Places
The pyramids of Egypt is a famous example of the Golden Ratio. The half of the bottom layer of the pyramids of Egypt is a factor of 1.62.

The Golden Ratio in Plants
Plants like the pineapple have distinct characteristics of Golden Ratio. The Fibonacci sequence can be more or less seen all around you in nature. Human DNA is another example of the Golden Ratio.

The Golden Ratio to Facial Features
If the ratio of your nose to your chin to the horizontal space between your nose and one side of your cheek is more or less the same as the Golden Ratio, you will find that the face is judged as attractive.

Applying the Golden Ratio in Your Office Space
Try to apply the Golden Ratio in your office for a balance and good Feng Shui. Just make sure that the rectangular objects in your office follow the 1.62 golden ratio.

Applying the Golden Ratio in Your Home
The Golden Ration may not be as easy to adopt at home as it is in your work place. Try and apply the ratio to different furniture and if possible, ensure that the actual room space has the Golden Ratio.
Having a Golden Ration leads to good Feng Shui.

Feng Shui for Living Rooms

The living room is an important place in the house where you sit with family, watch television or entertain guests etc. For some it is also a place to relax or unwind after a tiring day. Considering the importance of the living room, it is important that you pay attention to the Feng Shui aspect in this room. Here is a list of things you can take care of:

• Make sure that other rooms don’t encroach upon your living room. This is possible if you have a open floor plan.
• Ensure that the noise and clutter or visual aspects of other rooms don’t intrude upon this living space which may cause negative energy.
• Use decorations to slow the energy pace in the living room. Your living room is one place where you see a lot happen, people come in and out etc which leads to a fast paced energy.
• Use earthy colors like brown or beige, furniture that is soft and welcoming, use plants as all of these things and promote relaxation and a positive energy flow.
• Avoid thick curtains that tend to block out natural light from entering your house.
• Ensure that your furnishings are in proportion to the size of the room. A large sofa is disproportional and disturbs the calm and the energy.
• Avoid placing the furniture in the centre of the living room.
• Place your furniture as per the shape of the room. For example, use square shaped furniture for a square room. Avoid any sharp edges on the furniture.
• Avoid placing a bookshelf by the door and opt for bookshelves with doors. This will avoid any disharmony caused due to clutter.
• Use small groups of artwork rather than a large one directly above the sofa.

Useful Feng Shui Tips For Bed Room

A balance of yin and yang is very essential especially in your bedroom. Infact, some yang energy is essential, to keep you motivated throughout the day. But it should be just enough, too much of it could lead to chaos and frenzy. Here are some feng shui tips for the bedroom:

• Place your bed in a command position i.e. Place the bed in a way that it faces the door but from the far side of the room and not directly in front of it. Best position would be the part of the room that is diagonally farthest from the door. That way you enjoy good flow of Chi without the effects being too strong.
• Place the bed with a wall behind it for support. This position puts you in visual command of the space, and allows you to face life directly, both literally and symbolically.
• Command position prevents all the negative influences in your life and puts you in control of your life and surroundings.
• Don’t keep your working desk or computer in the same room as your bedroom. This is because the energy emanated from the computer (work) and that of rest (bed) are opposite to each other and causes and imbalance.
• In case you have to place the work table in your bedroom, try to separate the two by using Feng Shui Elements.
• Use the right colours for your bedroom and a combination of the right elements to create a balance of the yin and yang of your bed room. E.g Use red pillows, change the color of your curtains etc.
• Avoid overhead beams, lower side of a slanted ceiling, sharp angles from interior corners, and an overhead fan in a room with a low ceiling etc.

Feng Shui Tips for Kitchen

Kitchen is an important room in the house. According to Feng Shui, a wrong kitchen direction can bring misfortune to a family. Here are some feng shui tips for the kitchen:

• Take care that the kitchen is not directly below or adjacent to the toilet.
• Also ensure that the Kitchen is not in the center.
• The cooking gas or stove should not be placed on the same slab as the sink. This is because water and fire are opposing elements and should be placed separately.
• Refrigerator is also a water element and should be away from the stove.
• Opt a triangle set up between the cooking gas, stove and refrigerator.
• The cook should not have his back towards the door while cooking. This is to avoid the feeling of being startled while cooking. Use reflecting mirrors as a solution to this problem.
• Do not place any overhead lights on a cooking gas. It can lead to financial crisis. You can hand bamboo flutes at an angle of 45 degree to negate the effects of this problem.
• Use green color for your kitchen and de clutter to attract Chi(positive energy)
• Discard unused articles i.e. articles that are not used in one and half years.

Feng Shui Tips For Offices

Try these Feng Shui tips for your workplace:

• Declutter your office and organize it efficiently.
• Remove unwanted items from your office.
• Position of the desk in the commanding position for maximum control. The commanding position implies a position of power, where you have a direct view of the door, a pleasant view out the window and a wall behind you for stability.
• Your desk shape can affect the mood and level of productivity, so use rounded curves for flow of creativity, kidney-shaped desk for a feeling of inner alignment etc.
• Placing the plants helps in staying connected to the natural world and acts as a filtering system for clearing the air of toxins. Colour green also spurs creativity.
• Allow your room to fill with natural daylight. Keep your desk close to a window but not directly in front of window or fluorescent lights. This could cause a glare, leading to eyestrain and exhaustion. Replace fluorescent lights with warm lights to enhance the mood and energy in the room.
• Use of the right combination of Feng Shui colors for balance in the room. Blues, purples or reds can be used to enhance the wealth and prosperity.
• Use a Bagua map to make your office a “Feng Shui-friendly” environment. Bagua can help to stimulate your discipline, prosperity and creativity.
• Place your desk and computer in the “career” area
• Reference books should be kept in the “knowledge” and “self-cultivation” areas
• Use a crystal bowl in “wealth and prosperity” area
• Place your reception, phone systems/communication system in area marked for helpful people.
• It is also a good idea to have a picture of your father or other relatives in the family area if you have an inherited business.
• For your home office, if there are lot of creative and dream inducing objects, replace some of it with logical and work oriented elements to help you in business.
• You can use a tall red vase on the floor or atop a table or windowsill for more energy.
• Make your work space more personal with your favorite painting on the wall.
• Keep the room fresh with a scented candle.
• If you are a spendthrift, add a sturdy brown desk to the home office in an area where bills are paid. It promotes practicality in a person.
  Hopefully, by applying these feng shui ideas, you should be able to achieve a good harmony and balance in your life.

More Feng Shui Tips For Everyone

Feng Shui is good for everybody. It helps enhance positive energy or Chi and better your lives by making some changes to the spaces in your home and office. It is also good healing for the soul.

The important thing is you feel the need to cleanse your old attitude and be open to start fresh and you will notice that the change Feng Shui brings in your life.

Here are some free Feng Shui tips for everyone:

• Don’t be afraid to look deep into yourself. You can only start the process of change by looking deep within.
• Be honest truthful and be aware.
• Open your palms, close your eyes and reach your arms up and out, as though you are waiting to be picked up or embraced. This is good to make your soul one with the universe.
• Picturize and imagine that there is an energy radiating from your heart, your lungs, your palms and that the energy is touching everything in its path.
• Picture that you are beaming the energy away from you, sending it into the farthest corners of the universe.
• Chant and repeat this mantra: “I am open to positive change in any form it takes.”
• A important tip for all who are beginners of the feng shui practice -strictly follow the spiritual Feng Shui tips.
• Invest in good feng shui books to learn more about it.

Tips to Arrange Flowers at Home

Flowers not only brighten your mood but also have the same effect in your room. They are considered to be creativity boosters and also apparently have healing powers as per Feng Shui. If you do follow the traditional Chinese science of Feng Shui, you may have also heard that some flowers bring in good luck, love and grace.

For instance, Chrysanthemums are believed to bring wealth and yellow coloured flowers a good for balancing emotions, a single sunflower enhances fame and fortune and the yellow colour adds to the happiness of the home etc.

Here are some more tips on flowers for your room, and to give a fresh look to your surroundings:

• Trim the flowers
• The height of the flower should be decided based on the vase you have.
• Don’t throw away the leaves, you can use larger leaves and stems to fill in around the flowers.
• Drape some of the greenery over the container’s rim.
• Move away from the traditional and try something new. For instance, hang the flowers in glass vases with wires and use contrast colour themes.
• Don’t keep the stem long
• If you are using Chrysanthemum, an arrangement in tube bottles can look minimalistic yet classy
• You can use a recycled vase for your orange lily since they are believed to be good for fame and wealth.
• Pink roses with your morning tea tray is good for emotional peace and healing. Also use coffee or tea cups with floral prints.

Final Thoughts

At times you need certain practices to get your life back into the driver’s seat. That is where Feng Shui helps. But you also need to be open and willing to make changes in the positive way to bring in all the positive Chi. Learn to accepting responsibility for yourself and your actions not only in this materialist world but also the metaphysical or spiritual world. Small changes with the help of Feng Shui could go a long way in enriching your life and making it better and healthier.