What Is Feng Shui

Okay, so just what is Feng Shui?

You may have heard the term thrown around, but still wonder just what is Feng Shui? Well, the English translation of Feng Shui (which is pronounced "Fung Shway") translates to wind and water. But the answer to the question, what is Feng Shui, is that it's an ancient Chinese science that addresses the layout of cities, villages, dwellings, and buildings. Some incorrectly say it is synonymous with geomancy, an unfortunate misnomer courtesy of 19th-century Christian missionaries, but it is not. A more recent definition, heavily influenced by the New Age movement, answers the question, What is Feng Shui? It states that Feng Shui is a certain arrangement of objects within a home to obtain an optimum flow of Ch'i (pronounced Chee). In rural China, Feng Shui is used to obtain health, family harmony, and prosperity; Ch'i flow is rarely mentioned.

Well now you've got the basic idea but still ask what is Feng Shui? Feng Shui began as an interplay of construction and astronomy. Early Yangshao houses at Banpo were oriented to catch the mid-afternoon winter sun at its warmest, just after the solstice. And some tribes in southern China still refer to this month as "House-building Month." All capital cities of China followed rules of Feng Shui for their design and layout. It was actually official policy that builders and carpenters followed rules of Feng Shui. Additionally, graves and tombs were also built according to rules of Feng Shui. From the earliest records it seems that the rules for these structures were developed from rules for building homes.

Almost every culture of the world reflects some awareness of the power of arrangement, but might not know to answer to the question What is Feng Shui? Building for the optimal flow of Ch'i is the ancient legacy that Feng Shui practitioners seek to enliven, embrace, uphold and share. At the deepest level of understanding, the answer to What is Feng Shui? is the coexistence of our surroundings and energy and that Feng Shui acknowledges the interconnectedness of all creation.

And be sure to check out our pages about Feng Shui Tips, Feng Shui Colors, Feng Shui Decorating, and Feng Shui Products elsewhere on this site.