Welcome

The Compass school studies the cardinal directions and time, using the complex Chinese Luo Pan Compass and mathematical formulas based on Lo Shu – the magic square.

The ba chai (8 Mansions / Houses) can be used in three different ways. The first way is to calculate your personal Kua number (based on your date of birth) and learn about the good and bad cardinal directions for you. The second way is to learn about the good and bad cardinal directions of your home, based on the 8 types of homes with varying energy distribution. The third way is learning both, your personal Kua number and that of your home, and comparing them to each other.

Many people choose to use the simplest approach – determine the type of their home and learn about its good and bad sectors, regardless of their personal Kua. We will discuss this method below.

All homes fall into numerous types based on primary and secondary cardinal directions. In total, there are 8 main types of homes based on their facade direction. The direction of the facade usually coincides with that of the main entrance. Having determined the direction of your home, you can find out which of its sectors are good and bad for people, using special tables.

There are also some common suggestions for all homes. For instance, having water in front of a home is typically considered to be good, as it reinforces the Shen Chi – the sector of continuous improvement and growth responsible for the success of the occupants. However, it’s important to keep in mind that any home will have its individual location of the good and bad sectors.

Good sectors are Fu Wei, Tien Yi, Nien Yen, and Shen Chi; they need to be strengthened. Bad sectors are Chueh Ming (big loss), Lui Shar (six deaths), Wu Kwei (five ghosts), and Ho Hai; they need to be suppressed. It’s good if a bathroom, kitchen or pantry is located in a bad sector, as it will weaken its bad energy. As we mentioned above, the good and bad sectors vary depending on the type of your home. Therefore, you need to use special tables to determine these for your home in particular.

Varying schools of Feng Shui continue to struggle with each other and provoke controversy, but it’s not an obstacle to study this powerful teaching. Different points of view are always enriching to a notion, and help to prevent it from becoming stagnant. Any science evolves and tries to adapt to the lifestyles of different generations. The core values of feng shui, however, are always the same. They are the search for harmony and balance of the positive energy Sheng Qi, and simultaneous elimination of the negative energy Sha Qi. Simply use your intuition and common sense, and you may soon learn to choose good places quite intuitively.

The Lo Pan compass reflects all of the earth's circles and lines, and is used to obtain information about the landscape surrounding someone's home and office, as well as to draw up detailed geomantic tables.

Lo Pan is made up of circles, the number of which can reach 36 in some cases. Each circle is used to study a particular aspect of feng shui. There are 3 types of Lo Pans: the San He School, San Yuan School and Zong He School (combined compass).

Any feng shui compass has a Heaven Pond circle with a sensitive hand in its center. The Heaven Pond is surrounded by the Early Heaven Bagua circle with protective properties. The rest are the circles with ancient feng shui formulas. All this is placed in a red square. The larger the compass, the more accurate the data is. The accuracy is very important if you use formulas where the difference of 1-2 degrees could change the whole feng shui.

Following are the requirements for a quality compass: The disk with formulas and the Heaven Pond should rotate smoothly. The crossing of the red threads must be directly above the needle. If you align the last disk to 0 degrees from one side of the thread, the opposite side of the thread should point to 180 degrees. If all of these requirements are met, then it's a high-quality Lo Pan.

In feng shui, there are two main directions - the Form School and Compass School.

The Form School takes into account the landscape that surrounds a home, as a manifestation of four animals. A large black turtle (a mountain) is behind the building. A green dragon (mountains or tall trees) is on the left (if you stand with your back to the door). A white tiger (low trees) is on the right. A red phoenix (a stream or river) is in front of the house. The Form School for interior is based on comfort and security. For example, this school teaches us not to sit with our backs against a door, because we don't see who is outside, which may pose a potential threat.

The Compass School is divided into two schools: the San He School (3 harmonies), and San Yuan School (3 periods). The San He School (3 harmonies - heaven, human and earth) believes that feng shui is always either good or bad. The San Yuan School (3 periods) takes into account the time and believes that feng shui of a home varies from period to period. The circles on the Lo Pan compasses of these two schools differ from each other, but both have a circle of "24 mountains". Any feng shui compass divides each of the 8 directions (4 main and 4 intermediate) into three sectors, which make a total of 24 directions.

The Feng Shui practice often requires the use both compasses, so there is a combined Lo Pan that combines the formulas of both schools. Since it is impossible to accommodate all of the formulas on the same disk, they take only the most frequently used formulas.

Eventually, this god was divided into a group of gods. Apparently, the root cause for the separation was the division of rich Chinese officials into two groups - military and civilian. So, Tsai Shen Yeh was also divided into two groups. Sometimes for security, people would worship both at once: a military commander and civil dignitary.

One of the most revered military gods of wealth was Guan Yu. Another one was Guo Ziyi - a famed military leader and nobleman. According to legend, the goddess Zhi Nu foretold his glorious fate, which was long life and prosperity as a heavenly spirit. Zhi Nu is the "heavenly weaver" who weaved the night sky; she is the prophetess and patroness of lovers.

Ever since she foretold his fate, Guo Ziyi began to receive honors and rank, and became a very successful warrior. His sons and in-laws also obtained high ranks, and one of his sons even married a princess.

The Chinese also venerated Zhao Gong-min as a military and civilian god of wealth. He was offered sacrifices by the Chinese on an altar placed on the north terraces of homes.

The main civil god of wealth was Bigan. This god had a real prototype - an honest and noble sage who tried to influence a petty and cruel ruler. Despite the threat of the death penalty, Bigan continued to defend his beliefs. Then the infuriated ruler said: "I heard that the heart of a sage has seven openings. I want to make sure!" He ordered that Bigan's chest be split and that his heart be removed. Since then, this martyr started to be revered by the Chinese for his faithfulness and steadfast beliefs.

It's hard to say how Bigan became a god of wealth. He was very popular among the people. His name was sworn to when buying goods as a promise to pay, which could have given birth to the belief that this person's spirit will help increase honest wealth.

Any Tsai Shen Yeh (god of wealth) would typically have a wife, Tsai-mu ("Mother of wealth") and be followed by the god of coins – a man called Liu Hai. Liu Hai was an official, who did not become rich, and led a modest and dignified life. According to legend, he miraculously eliminated greed - he lowered his belt with a gold coin into a well where a "greed-toad" lived. The toad grabbed the coin with its mouth, and Liu Hai pulled it out, as the frog could not open its greedy mouth. Therefore, the god of coins was sometimes depicted standing on a toad.

The gods of wealth were also represented as dragons made of coins, as coin-spitting dragons, horses that bring treasures, and wonder trees that grow coins - just shake the tree, and the coins will fall like autumn leaves.

If you wish to bring wealth to your own home, you can obtain an image of Tsai Shen Yeh (gods of wealth), and place it in the Health and Family zone, which lies on the east side of your home or any of its rooms.

Feng shui wind chimes
are one of the most well known remedies which can be used through the home. They can be placed either inside or outside of that home. They use sound to change the 'qi' or energy of the given space. It can either protect an area from 'qi' that moves too fast or help to activate the 'qi' if it's stagnant. Therefore different areas of the home may need the chimes for different purposes.

There are actually so many different types of wind chimes, made out of a number of different materials. The material has special significance in feng shui, they're predominantly used to represent the different elements. You have five elements in feng shui and aside from the element fire, all of the other four elements can be represented by wind chimes. This is important, because it is linked to a specific element in an area of a room or the whole home where that element is lacking. By adding that element, it creates balance among all the elements of that space. Glass chimes basically symbolize the water element. Bamboo and wood chimes basically symbolize the wood element. Ceramic chimes are used to symbolize the earth element. Metal is the most commonly represented element, with chimes made from brass, steel, aluminum, iron, bronze and copper.

There's another aspect of feng shui wind chimes that can be significant. Not all of them come with the same number of rods. The quantity of rods can have special meaning. The most typical number is five, it's usually preferred, because each rod represents one of the five elements. This type is used primarily to help you harmonize an area by showing the balance of these elements. Its other main use is for protection, to keep away bad luck. Six or eight rods are also available, however the meaning is kind of different. They are primarily used to draw in or enhance good luck.

You will find several locations where these special feng shui tools can be placed. Indoor wind chimes are generally smaller in size and metal is the material which is most often used. Meanwhile garden wind chimes usually are bigger in size and bamboo is the preferred material here. You have a couple of areas that aren't appropriate for this sort of tool, sound waves may prove to be too distracting. These include areas where you normally eat, sleep, sit and work. The important thing here is to first determine specific locations that needs balancing, protecting or enhancing. Eliminate areas which may actually negatively affect you and then choose the suitable material and number of rods for the intended purpose.

In Japan, these figures are exhibited in front of shops, restaurants and businesses. According to folk wisdom, a raised right paw brings good luck, while a left raised paw brings clients. The lucky cats come in different forms: statues, key rings, flasks with air fresheners, etc.

When looking at the Manekineko, you might think that it's waving. In fact, it's calling you to come closer and do something. In the East (particularly in Japan), a person who beacons someone will raise their hand and move their fingers until they attract attention. Europeans do it similarly, but with their hand directed toward themselves. The cats for the Western markets often have a "Europeanized" paw direction.

The meaning of the raised paw changed over time. Cats with two raised paws are the best (just in case). It's believed that the higher the paw, the more luck the cat will draw.

The traditional color for "lucky cats" is a mix of white, black and red - the so-called "tricolor". The "tricolor" is common for the Japanese Bobtails. Along with the classical coloring they also make the following one-color figurines: White (purity), Black (reflects evil), Red (drives away evil and disease), Golden (wealth), and Pink (love).

Typically, the cats wear collars and bells. This symbolism has its roots in ancient times, when domestic cats in wealthy families wore collars and bells (to locate the pet). The figures can also wear a bib – clothing for cats in ancient families. Sometimes they are depicted with a coin (koban – worth about one thousand dollars) in their paws, to attract good luck and wealth. The figurines of cats with coins are often used as piggy banks.

There are many legends associated with these cats:

Temple Cat: A wealthy lord was hiding under a tree during a storm near a temple. Suddenly he saw the priest's cat waving to him. He followed the cat, and the next moment lightning struck the tree under which he was hiding. Soon the lord and the priest became friends, and the temple became very prosperous. When the priest's cat died, the first Maneki Neko prototype was made in its honor.

Young Lady: A young lady had a beloved cat. One night the cat began to drag her away. Another woman (her hostess) decided that the cat was bewitched and cut its head off. The cat's head flew off and crushed a snake ready to attack. The young lady was truly saddened by her pet's death. One man brought her a wooden cat figure to gladden her.

Old Woman: One old woman was so poor that she had to sell her cat. Later, her cat appeared to her in a dream and advised her to make a cat figurine from clay. In the morning the old woman did as advised and sold the figure. She started to make more figurines and sell them - thus she became very rich.

The image of Maneki Neko had a great influence on modern culture: the "Hello, Kitty!" character and the "Manekineko" book by Bruce Sterling, where the paw gesture is the symbol of a secret network based on artificial intelligence. This talisman in commonly used in feng shui. You can build your own figures of the feng shui lucky cats; they will draw luck and wealth into your home.

This symbol can bring you luck, success, wealth, and prosperity. It will promote career and guard against abusive partners, competitors and evil people. Living inside the house, it will bring money into it. All in all, it will help you satisfy your wildest ambitions.

The Chinese figurines and images typically portray the dragon playing with a pearl. Alternatively, it can stranglehold the pearl with its strong claws. The tradition of displaying the dragon with a pearl evolved from folk Chinese games with lanterns and the wish for happiness and wealth. The pearl can also represent the celestial pearl or the mother-earth.

In China, the dragon is one of the most revered mythical animals. Its description speaks volumes - according to legend, it has a "snake body, frog belly, deer antlers, camel head, rabbit eyes, bull ears, carp scales, eagle claws, and tiger tail and paws." The image of this mystical creature has remained unchanged for over four thousand years.

The dragon was perceived as a kind, gracious, and merciful creature endowed with mystical powers – it could glide through the skies, oceans, rivers, mist and rain. Their utmost quality was the ability to command the elements - rain, wind, and floods. Back then, the harvest directly depended on weather conditions; hence these mystical creatures were a symbol of luck and destiny.

In ancient China, the Han Dynasty emperors often referred to themselves as "a legitimate son of the celestial Dragon"; hence is the connection of these creatures with strength and power.

In feng shui, the greedy dragon of ambition is one of the strongest symbols of good luck. Its extraordinary power can increase luck manifold. Its image can protect homes from evil spirits. It is also believed to be capable of giving immortality to humans.

These powerful creatures see the truth beyond time and space. They promote chiefs and bring success in business. Each person has their own dragon that cares for them. This mystic creature brings the spirit of change. It is also a symbol of vigilance and security, which brings together all the scaly creatures of the universe.

The dragon is traditionally associated with the east, so its image in the eastern part of the house or office will bring good luck. The figurine can be placed on a table or to the left of an entrance door (facing east). You can place it in the living room to promote the active Yan energy. The talisman should be put on a stand or elevated.
The figurine or image should not be taller than a person, because then it will manipulate them rather than patronize them. The greedy dragon of ambition should not be too big and fierce.

To activate the talisman, you need to "open" its eyes using a simple ceremony. Between 7 and 9 in the morning, put points on its eyes with a brush using black ink. Let the greedy dragon of ambition become the harbinger of good changes in your life.

The original square was first mentioned thousands of years ago; however, its original schemes were lost, and no specific descriptions are available either. Even Confucius had not seen the original schemes.

In its modern form, LoShu was published in the Chinese treatise in around 1200 AD. Since ancient times, Lo Shu was regarded as a nonary scheme which "portrays the vital properties of matters". In Chinese metaphysics, this square represents the concept of space connected with the concept of time.

The square has many astounding properties, like mathematical and metaphysical ones, which are studied and used in Chinese numerology. However, we will discuss the properties of the square that pertain to feng shui.

In feng shui, this square is used for the analysis of energy in any limited area of space (house, apartment, room, surface of a table, etc.). The energy map based on LoShu is usually called a geomantic map (this is a modern Western term, not ancient Chinese one). Both the trigrams of the Early Heaven and the trigrams of the Late Heaven can be used to understand the numbers of the Lo Shu square. The Late Heaven trigrams are used for the analysis of the indoor energy.

The square is called magical because the sum of the numbers in its rows, columns, and diagonals equals one and the same number - 15. If we divide 15 by the number of rows or columns (3), we obtain 5. Number 5 is in the center, representing the equilibrium of the middle. The remaining numbers are around it. The larger numbers can be regarded as Yang, smaller numbers can be regarded as Yin, and 5 is a neutral number.

Since the Sung period, the Chinese started to transform LoShu by subtracting or adding numbers to it. There are countless other options for such transformations. For instance, you can swap the numbers in opposite corners, you can rotate the scheme like swastika, and you can rotate it clockwise or counterclockwise.

Another similar method to divide the space into sectors is a Bagua map. People often ask: what's better - the Lo Shu square or Bagua map? Both, the square and the map are used to determine the sectors in space. Different schools give preference to either the square or map, and so do different feng shui practitioners. Once you learn more about each, you will be able to make your choice.

Bagua sectors: There are 9 Bagua sectors, each of which is 45°.

LoShu sectors:
- Sector 1 is in the North, its value is 30°, and its element is Water.

- Sector 2 is in the Southwest, its value is 60°, and its element is Earth.

- Sector 3 is in the East, its value is 30°, and its element is Wood.
- Sector 4 is in the Southeast, its value is 60°, and its element is Wood.

- Sector 5 is in the Center, its element is Earth. Sector 6 is on the Northwest, its value is 60°, and its element is Metal.

- Sector 7 is in the West, its value is 30°, and its element is Metal.

- Sector 8 is in the Northeast, its value is 60°, and its element is Earth.

- Sector 9 is in the South, its value is 30°, and its element is Fire.

In this article, we offer some tips regarding the adjustments that one can do in their rooms to promote the flow of positive energy.

Let's talk about homes first. When placing furniture in a given room, we need to strive for its even distribution. The furniture that is evenly distributed throughout the room helps us gain the balance of yin and yang.

In order for the Chi energy to move freely around the room, there needs to be free space around and beneath the furniture. That is exactly why feng shui advises to purchase furniture with "legs" – this leaves free space between the furnishing items and the floor.

It's recommended not to place chairs, sofas, and beds under the ceiling beams, which are known to rush down a stream of negative energy. A person sitting or laying under a beam may start to feel discomfort.

It's especially important not to sleep under beams. If you cannot move your furniture from underneath the beam, hang two bamboo flutes on the beam.

You can also hang soothing paintings and drawings on the walls for an added sense of tranquility. Also consider removing any images that may cause agitation or negativity, such as angry predators, dangerous car racing, a ship in raging seas, and others.

Now let's talk about the office feng shui furniture placement, which goal is to create a successful and powerful company. A properly organized workplace can determine the prosperity of employees, and therefore the company as a whole.

One of the most important aspects of harmonizing an office is the material of the office furniture. For example, wood is a good conductor of the vital Chi energy. Wood creates a specific environment that supports success. Keep in mind, however, that woods of different colors and materials affect the office atmosphere differently. Light colored wood creates a friendlier environment, while dark colored creates a formal atmosphere. The tables in the manager's office are best in dark wood, to emphasize the formality of their office.

Glass and metal promote the Chi evenly, and are best used in moderation. The same stands true for synthetic materials, which may create undue tension if overused in any room. Larger desks of any size promote Chi and inspire new ideas. Solid wood chairs create buoyant energy and a dynamic working environment.

The cabinets for papers, folders, and documentation are also important – the cabinets should not be taller than the person's height. Partitions that delimit office space should not be too high, or else they create closed spaces where the energy cannot circulate well.

Following are the feng shui furniture placement tips for office: the staff desks should be in parallel to each other; the manager's desk should not allow anyone to walk behind the chair; the desks shouldn't make the staff sit with their backs to a door or corner; the people seated should not have a window behind their backs.

Inanimate objects have energy, as well as they move energy. Choosing the proper feng shui furniture placement will help you increase beneficial energy flow in any room, including your home and office.

Ru Yi is the Chinese equivalent of a magic wand. According to the Chinese, having this wand in your home will help any of your dreams and wishes come true, even the most daring ones. Since ancient times, this scepter is also considered to be a symbol of huge sexual power. It also is considered to be a symbol of unquestionable authority.

The Ru Yi usually takes the form of a magic Lingzhi mushroom - the Chinese mushroom of immortality. This scepter can bring prosperity and health to your home, and its mere presence in a home is a happy sign for the entire family. The scepter placed in any home will bring happiness to all who live there, as it will bring home all kinds of energies for making happiness complete.

This charm can be placed anywhere in your home or office, depending on the energy that you want to activate with its use. If you want to promote health and familial relationships, put it in the Health and Family area (east). If you want to gain wealth, put it in the Wealth and Prosperity area (southeast). For safe travel or support from influential people and mentors, put it in the Helpful People and Travel area (northwest).

The other sectors that you may want to activate are: Fame and Reputation (south), Career (north), Love and Marriage (southwest), Creativity and Children (west), and Knowledge and Self-Cultivation (northeast).

This amulet can also be purchased together with other Chinese symbols, such as the Golden Budai (also known as Hotei, Laughing Buddha or Fat Buddha). The Budai is one of the seven gods of happiness. It is the god of wealth, prosperity and happiness. It is believed that Hotei helps to make the deepest wishes come true. The belief has it that if you rub the belly of the Budai three hundred times thinking of something good, then your thought will definitely come true.

The image of Hotei is associated with a specific person that lived in China at the end of the 10th century - a little round monk named Qi-Qi, who went from village to village with a large canvas bag and beads. Legend has it that wherever he appeared - good luck and health came to the people. If someone asked, what is in the bag, he replied: "The whole world is in there."

Since ancient times, Budai is a god of home in China. His presence in the house brings prosperity, understanding, contentment and carefree life for everyone in the family. It is no coincidence that Hotei is considered to be the embodiment of happiness.

The Ru Yi scepter (whether together with a laughing Hotei or separately) is a wonderful gift. It is a universal symbol, so you can purchase it for yourself or as a gift for someone. It is usually given to a person that you want happiness for.

They create good Chi throughout the entire household. The Three Star Elders are among the most popular deities worshiped in China and other Asian countries. They can be found in most Chinese homes, as well as in many homes around the world. They are typically depicted together.

Fuk is the God of Happiness. He represents happiness, fulfilling lives, many children and grandchildren, love, strong family, and wealth. Fuk's head and shoulders are above the other two. He often holds a child in his arms (or a scroll), and is always depicted in the center.

Luk is the God of Wealth and Honors. He symbolizes authority, success in career and affairs, increased income and high social status. He is often asked for help to give the family an heir. He is depicted holding the scepter of power Ru Yi and/or gold bullion, which symbolize strength, power and wealth.

Sau is the God of Longevity. He symbolizes health and longevity. He is often depicted with two symbols of longevity - a deer and peach. Alternatively, he may carry a bottle of nectar in one hand and a traveler's stick in the other hand. He can also be depicted with the mushroom of immortality and a calabash that possesses powerful healing properties.

The Fuk Luk Sau made in Chinese traditions will be surrounded by other symbols of a long and happy life, including: children (a symbol of procreation), the magic scepter Ru Yi (a symbol of happiness and wealth), Koi carp, a bowl with gold ingots and coins (symbols of wealth), peony flowers (the symbol of love), peach and calabash (symbols of longevity), and Pi Yao (a symbol of protection).

It is recommended to place the Three Chinese Star Elders in one of the following ways: In the hallway of your home, which will help make all your hopes and dreams come true. In any sector of your living room or dining room (the best is in the east - the area of health), to attract good fortune and positive energy. They can also be placed in the east of any other room where your family gathers together. They can be placed in the lobby lounge or office reception, which will attract wealth and prosperity. You can place them at work behind your workspace (behind your back) to obtain support, attract good luck, and make all your dreams come true.

In ancient China, the wealthy homes would have the sculptures and paintings of Fuk Luk Sau placed in a special room, while middle-class homes would have ceramic figurines of these gods placed on a high table in the dining room.

Today, you can find this feng shui talisman made of various materials, with the most popular ones being poly-resin and porcelain. You can also find images depicting them. Let the three stellar deities Fuk Luk Sau, bring luck to your home and family.

According to legends, it is one of 9 sons of a dragon, which can distinguish between good and evil. It is sometimes included in the list of four noble animals, along with the Chinese dragon, phoenix and tortoise - instead of the tiger.

As a rule this animal is depicted having a few horns, green and blue scaly skin, hooves of a deer, the head of a dragon and a bear's tail. In some aspects it resembles Western unicorns. Like the European unicorn, Chi Lin symbolizes longevity and prosperity. It is believed to live for at least 2000 years.

The Chinese believe that it is always lonely, and appears only during the reign of an outstanding ruler or when a great sage is born or dies; for instance, it was seen shortly before the birth and death of Confucius. It can only be seen by the chosen ones. It is considered a harbinger of happiness.

On his back, Qilin may have babies. Legends state that it brings extraordinary children from heaven. Like the stork in the European tradition, in China it brings a long-awaited heir to the happy parents.

It is also mentioned in connection with some important events in the history of China. For instance, five thousand years ago one Chinese emperor was sitting on the shore near the Yellow River, when he saw Qi Lin. The dirty water of the river turned crystal clear green. Chi Lin stood before the emperor, stomped on a rock three times, and spoke to the emperor in a voice similar to a temple bell. When Qilin turned to leave, the emperor saw magic signs on his back, and copied them. According to legends, this is how the first written language appeared in China.

The mention of this mythical animal goes back to the days of Confucius. Back then, it had a more peaceful appearance. When walking, it did not cause any harm even to insects (like the image of the Lamb in Christian mythology). When stepping on the grass it did not crush it. It fed on magic grasses. It could walk on water and fly. Carved on gravestones, it would protect from evil spirits, as well as accompany the dead to heaven. However, over time it changed its appearance and symbolism - once a symbol of peace and gentleness, it also acquired the features of power and strength.

In Feng Shui, Qi Lin symbolizes long life, celebration, magnificence, joy, wisdom, and famous children. It is a gentle, kind, and benevolent creature. It carries a mystical good omen. This feng shui talisman is believed to help facilitate the success of children. Chi Lin's images or statues can help women who wish to have a child. The main function of this talisman in feng shui is the elimination of negativity, and to attract wealth.

If you want to place this talisman in your home, remember that this charm should face toward the exit. You don't need to activate it; however, it "likes" to listen to folk songs and fairy tales, and this is supposed to make it work harder for its owners.

This octagon is built on 8 trigrams. Its sides (directions) indicate the various aspects of your life, which can be harmonized in accordance with feng shui. If you learn the concept of Ba Gua, you'll know how to change the interiors to improve your life.

Trigrams are ancient symbols, the origin of which dates back to the Book of Changes I-Ching - one of the world's oldest systems of divination and energy interpretation. In traditional Chinese culture, trigrams were used in medicine, martial arts, philosophy, and religion. In feng shui, the sacred Pa Kua octagon is used to understand the energies inherent in someone's house, apartment or office.

Bagua has nine major sections - eight sides and the center. Each section corresponds to one or more areas of your life, and has its direction and color. Thus, you can find out which elements of your environment affect certain aspects of your life. Here are the 9 sections: Career North Black; Knowledge Northeast Blue; Family East Green; Wealth Southeast Violet; Fame South Red; Love Southwest Pink; Children West White; Helpful People Northwest Gray; Health Center Yellow.

All zones are equally important, as well as they interact and depend on each other. If any zone is weakened, it may have a negative impact on other zones. Ideally, all the Ba Gua directions need to be strong and balanced. It's best not to boost just one zone, for example, the zone of wealth. Perhaps you'll gain wealth, but you may lose something else.

Only one zone dominates over all others - the center, which symbolizes health and unity. If you do not know where to begin improving your life, start with the center - you can not go wrong.

Using the Pa Kua octagon, you can quickly assess any room. The octagon can be superimposed on the plan of a room in different ways: either from the front door toward the opposite wall, or by cardinal directions. We will consider the second option.

Career: It's in the north. It has to do with work, occupation, and earnings.

Knowledge: It's in the northeast. It has to do with intelligence, life experience, spirituality, and self-improvement.

Family: It's on the east. It has to do with the family, relatives and ancestors.

Wealth: It's in the southeast. It has to do with material wealth; it symbolizes abundance and prosperity of any kind.

Fame: It's in the south. It has to do with fame and reputation. It's also associated with how you see your future.

Marriage or partnership: It's in the southwest. It has to do with husbands or wives, girlfriends or boyfriends, or other close people.

Children or creativity: It's on the west. It has to do with spiritual and physical creativity - children, creative projects, and artistic self-expression. It also reflects communication.

Useful people: It's in the northwest. It has to do with people who help you in life - teachers, mentors, friends and colleagues. In addition, it is related to travel.

Health: It's in the center of the Pa Kua octagon. It has to do with physical health, unity and harmony. By improving this area you can fix most life aspects.

All that is known is that these stone beads are covered with mystical patterns (eyes, strips) and are an important part of the Tibetan culture. To this day, Tibet and its culture are shrouded by mystique.

The meaning of the word Dzi corresponds to the meaning of the words "shine, brightness, and sharpness." People in this part of China have always attached great importance to jewelry – jewelry is used as a way to show the status of a person, as well as it has great religious significance. Even the poorest families keep some beads as amulets.

The present religion in Tibet is Buddhism; however, it is believed that the beads came at a time when there was another religion in Tibet – Bon. This follows from the strange drawings on the beads, which point to shamanism and witchcraft. It is difficult to say anything for sure about Dzi beads, as Tibetan culture prohibits any archaeological expedition on its soil. Scientists have been talking about these beads for years due to a lack of documented evidence. We only know that they were used as amulets to boost power.

Tibetans believe that Dzi are of supernatural origin. There are many different stories and legends surrounding them. Their appearance is linked to ancient times, when demigods wore them as jewelry. Whenever Dzi got damaged, it was discarded, as it would lose its powers once damaged.

There are several stories about Dzi beads being insects. These stories tell that these beads were insects that lived in the earth, but they would turn to stone when they came in contact with a human hand. One story tells about a man who saw this insect in the mountains, and threw his hat to catch it. When he took off his hat, the insect turned into stone. These "insects" were sometimes found in the excrement of cattle or in the horns of dead animals. The insect theory is often used to explain why they are often found together - forming a kind of a "nest". One legend states that even after the beads are dug out of the ground, they continue to move for some time.

Another legend states that they came out of a mountain. They flowed down this mountain's slopes in streams. One angry woman threw a glance at the mountain, and their flow froze.

There's also one modern story, which became a kind of "urban legend". It states that all of the passengers on a bus would have perished in a road accident, if one of them was not carrying a bead.

All these stories confirm the belief that Dzi are magical and can protect their owners from trouble and disease. Traditional Tibet medicine uses powder from the intact (not broken) beads in a mixture with other magical substances, for the treatment of epilepsy.

The beautiful mystical Dzi beads seem to carry a very strong energy. It is believed that they protect against all types of failures, and bring prosperity, wealth and health to their holders. They vary depending on the type of luck that you want to attract.

These beads are often used by feng shui practitioners in combination with other amulets.

The purifier captures the negative energy that you may have in your home or office. Having it indoors can help you to improve the flow of positive energy, while the negative energy will be captured and depowered.

The purifier works extremely fast to combat sickness, improve health, and enhance all aspects of anyone's life. In this article, we provide tips on how to set up your salt water cure, when to dispose of it, and more.

Where should you place the cure? Feng shui experts have varying opinions in this regard. Some suggest placing it according to your flying stars; others say to place it in accordance to the year, while others advise using software to determine the best location for it. We suggest placing it in the zone of your home that you believe may need a boost, according to feng shui.

Following are the life zones and their locations indoors: Fame and Reputation – South; Career – North; Health and Family – East; Creativity and Children – West; Wealth and Prosperity – Southeast; Knowledge and Self-Cultivation – Northeast; Love and Marriage – Southwest; Helpful People and Travel – Northwest. You can put the purifier in any room, such as the bathroom, utility room, living room, and even a bedroom
. Yes, unlike many other water elements, this water element can even be placed in the bedroom. That's because salt water cure represents "yin" water, while aquariums, fountains, and others represent "yang" water that's best avoided in bedrooms.

How to set up the cure? First, you need to get a jar or glass, such as a pilsner glass. Fill it 3/4 of the way with salt and place 6 Chinese i-ching coins onto the salt, to form a circle. The coins need to be placed with their Yang sides up – Chinese characters should face up. Note that regular coins are much less effective than Chinese coins. Now, pour in tap water to the top of the glass. Place a mat underneath the glass, wherever you place it. Don't cover the jar and don't place it in a cupboard, as it needs to be exposed to air (qi energy). If you don't want your visitors to see it, you can place a photo frame in front of it. Try not to touch or move the glass.

Over time, the glass will start to form crystals, meaning that it's working and absorbing the negative energy. Check the glass periodically and make sure that the water is always to the top, but avoid touching the glass, especially its rim and salt crystals. The glass needs to be changed when large crystals build around its rim. To help the purifier work well, you can place other cures, such as 6 Chinese coins on a red ribbon (metal element), next to it.

After about one year, dispose of the old purifier, including the old glass, coins, water, and salt. Place everything into a sealable container and throw it into a trash bin. You can now make a new salt water cure that will provide your home with purified energy for the entire next year.

For instance, if you have a "negative" object behind your window, hanging a chime will fix the energy. If your entrance door is opposite a window, the Chi energy that enters your home will exit through this "tunnel" instead of passing through your home. If you hang a chime in its way, the Chi will enter the hollow tubes, rise up and scatter throughout your home.

Feng shui wind chimes in combination with other charms enhance the positive effect even greater. These items come in all forms and materials (wood, metal, and plastic), enabling you to choose one of your liking. Following are a few examples of what you can come across, and what each item is meant for:

bamboo Tubes: According to feng shui, bamboo is a symbol of longevity, career growth, material prosperity, and dignity. It will enhance any area of your home, but the ideal place for it is in the south – the zone of fame and reputation. You can also place it in the wealth sector – the southeast, or the family sector – the east.

Fish: These will bring you good luck and prosperity. It's exciting to note that the Chinese word "fish" also means abundance. Hang this item in the southeast of your home.

Angels: If you already have children, this chime can be hung in the nursery – the angels will decorate it and protect your children from harm. If you want to have children – place the item in the western part of your home (children and creativity).

Butterfly: In feng shui, butterflies symbolize immortality and rebirth. Butterflies activate romantic relationships, bring happiness to the family and help to make dreams come true. This item can be placed anywhere, but it is best to hang it in the southwest sector (love and marriage).

The Chinese coin: This is the main symbol of wealth and prosperity. Hang it in the southeastern sector (the sector of wealth), and your earnings should start to grow.

Two fish: These will help you strengthen the love and marriage sector (southwest), and bring you prosperity.

dolphins: These are a symbol of protection. They also symbolize harmony, kindness, peacefulness and timely assistance. Feng shui wind chimes with dolphins will pass the good Chi energy throughout your home and help you avoid any quarrels.

Dragon: Dragons represents strength, wisdom and kindness. It is also believed that the image of a dragon guards the house and expels the evil spirits. It can be placed anywhere.

Stars: Symbolize golden rain. They are excellent for bringing monetary prosperity. It is best to place them in the sector of wealth, the south-east.

Crystals: These generate positive energy and dissipate it throughout the house. They can be placed in any sector of your home that needs to be strengthened.

Pagoda: This amulet will activate the monetary energy in the southeastern sector. Pagoda chimes resemble Chinese temples. Many of such feng shui wind chimes have pendants in the form of the celestial sphere.

* Number of bedrooms
* Transport links
* Close to the school
* Close to work
* Has a garage
* Good sized garden
* Etc.

The majority of us have a checklist when we are looking for the right property and it often determines whether we even bother to get the details or go to view it. However, many people often discard the same checklist if the house ‘feels right'. I believe in estate agent speak it's called ‘compromise'.

Of course the practical checklist is important but life, and being happy and healthy in your environment, is about much more than being practical. In fact, to ensure that any house is capable of being the right home to support you and your family, you need to go beyond the practical and venture into the impractical.

Feng Shui practitioners may not like to be considered impractical but they can help you see the world in a very different way. Their services can be used for many things including finding the right home (whether it's a purchase or rental), deciding between two properties or even the right business or retail premises.

If you want to bring Feng Shui into your home buying process there are four additions you need to add to your practical checklist:

1. Predecessor Chi
2. Form school
3. Compass school
4. Geopathic stress

Predecessor Chi is the energy that the building or land has accumulated or inherited throughout its existence. This could come from the inhabitants that have lived there, the people who built it, its use before it was a dwelling or the use of the land before the house was built.

Healthy Chi is fluid and vibrant but, in the same way it can have an effect on living beings so living beings can have an effect on Chi. Any negative emotions such as fear, hate or anger can, if repeatedly experienced, clog the Chi causing it to become stagnant and heavy. The walls of any building can literally soak this up and hold it there.

Think of walking into a church and sitting down. In most cases it's a calming experience. It's quiet and meditative. It's you soaking up some of the church's collective Chi.

Think of walking into a room where two people have been arguing. You become tense and sense the atmosphere. Again you're soaking up the Chi of the room.

It's important to consider Predecessor Chi because it will have an effect on you, whether you consciously sense it or not.

Form school is all about how the building fits into the environment and whether the environment supports it or not. An ideal building would have an open Phoenix which brings beneficial Chi to it for nourishment. At the back it would have a strong Mountain for support and to stop the Chi from the Phoenix escaping. It would also have a beneficial Dragon and Tiger on either side sweeping round to the Mountain to balance the male and female aspects of the Chi.

Although Form School originated in the natural landscape, using real mountains and rivers and wide open plains, in this modern world a Feng Shui practitioner will understand the urban environment and adapt it to Form School principles.

Compass School considers both the orientation and layout of the building. The main door of the building is considered a mouth that receives Chi and the nature of that Chi differs depending on its direction.

In addition Compass School attributes different types of Chi to different areas of the building so missing sectors (where the building blueprint is not square or rectangular) will mean that the building will be missing certain elements. This doesn't always translate into a problem because, as people we are all different and have different requirements. However, circumstances change with time and any missing sectors should be considered.

Compass School also shows us the placement of auspicious areas enabling us to choose the best place for cooking, socialising and sleeping and it can guide us on colour and furnishings that will enhance good Chi and calm down not so good Chi.

Geopathic Stress is activity taking place underground that causes areas on the surface to vibrate at a level that is not beneficial to humans and a lot of animals and plants. If you spend too long in an area of Geopathic Stress, such as sleeping or working, it will have a detrimental effect on your immune system which could lead to chronic health problems.

Feng Shui practitioners are often dowsers and will use these skills to pinpoint where Geopathic Stress may be having a detrimental effect.

These four areas are very worthy of consideration and, if you get it right, can make the difference between buying a house and buying a home. If all four boxes can't be ticked, and it's a very rare property that could, there are lots of ways to improve, cure or negate the effects. So, what may put off potential buyers because they don't ‘feel comfortable there' leaves the market open for you if the building ticks everything else on your checklist.

My twelve page Feng Shui House Buyer's Guide goes into this in a lot more detail: how to recognise good Chi and not so good Chi; what's important and not so important, remedies and cures. Study it careful and you will pick up a lot of tips and information that you can use in every aspect of your life.