Feng Shui The Series: Back to the Basics of Feng Shui Pt. 1 by Feng Shui New York Consultant
The Foundations of Feng Shui.
What IS Feng Shui? Pronounced "Fung Schway" the words Feng Shui literally translate to Wind and Water. Feng Shui is the Ancient Art of Mindful Placement.
Feng Shui is estimated to be between 3,000 to 5,000 years old and there are no early writings on the subject as it was intended to be an oral tradition, only passed down from Mentor to Student.
Lao Tzu (Which means "Wise Old Sage") is said to have formed the philosophy of The Taoist way of life and to have introduced the Tao Te Ching and the concepts of Yin/Yang where everything flows effortlessly.
Tao means "The Way" or "Path" and all the traditions of TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine") as well as Feng Shui adhere to these principles.
Feng Shui was originally intended to be for the proper placement of burials believing that the deceased would come back to "haunt" you if they weren't placed in their most Auspicious direction.
As Feng Shui Consultants we believe our surroundings have a deep and profound impact on every part of our lives. We seek to restore Harmony and Balance in a space, whether it is a Home or Business and we live with the principles of Nature. Different forms of Feng Shui (with different names) have been simultaneously practiced all over the World:
Native Americans built INTO the land for shelter so as not to disturb it. They used Sage during ceremonies and blessings.
People from India practice Vastu or Vastu Shastra which follow the Principles of Feng Shui. It is also used in the Middle East (Dubai has recently opened a Feng Shui Hotel), Taiwan, China, Japan, and many parts of Europe employ the principles of Feng Shui.
The French Government called in a Feng Shui Expert to restore the Louve when it was falling to ruins.
Are there different methods of Feng Shui?
There are many different forms of school in Feng Shui today including Classical, Compass, Black Sect, Landform and Western Methods to name just a few.
Which one is the best method of Feng Shui?
IMO, ALL methods of Feng Shui when used with the proper intent WORK. Criticisms of Feng Shui Practitioners and their methods are against The Code of Ethics most Feng Shui Consultants adhere to which include putting the client first, not charging exorbitant amounts of money and not frightening their clients in any way.
*Part Two of Feng Shui The Series coming soon. What can Feng Shui do for ME?
**Carole Provenzale has been a New York Feng Shui Consultant since 1997 and is the Founder of Feng Shui Long Island & New York. On Site Feng Shui Consultations provided for New York, Queens and all of Long Island for Homes, Apartments, Businesses, Corporations, Renovations and New Construction. FengShuiLI@aol.com
For Feng Shui Consultations in New York City please contact Laura Cerrano at http://www.FengShuiManhattan.com
**These are the personal views and perspectives of Feng Shui Long Island & New York. **
I find this topic interesting. Thanks for sharing!
Hi Carole, thanks for the refresher here. I forgot the translation on Feng Shui.
This is such an interesting topic. I wish you would write more! I would love to learn more about what you do.
Here is more on Native American building. typically they built in direct relation to the sun's position, so in the winter sunlight would pour in and warm the structure, and in the summer it had abundant shade and was cooler. In the winter the cold north winds were held at bay because all doorways/entrances were placed on the south side.
Betina
Carole- This is going to be a great and informative series especially since I am a Feng Shui believer and our whole house is in Feng Shui principles, especially our home office!
Carole, I'm so glad I found part 1 in time to follow the whole series! While I have been around Feng Shui for years it is great to go back to the beginning with you and learn the basics and the history!
When you come to visit, I'm definitely going to have you come and revamp my home!
I'm a Feng Shui disaster!
Interesting information Carole. I am sure there are many that don't have a clue about the subject including myself.
Carole..This is wonderful..i had no idea whAT fENG SHUI REALLY WAS WILL BE LOOKING FOWARD TO YOUR NEXT POST.
Carole--Thanks for this post. I bookmarked it so I can refer back as needed.
Carole - I am anticipating a super series on this subject which is so amazing. I love to read about it. Also love the photo at the bottom of the blog post : )
This is so great Carole. We are going to enjoy this series! Thanks for writing it!
I always enjoy reading your posts, Carole, and learning more about FengShui. You do such a wonderful job of sharing your gifts. Thank you...
Carol, Thank you for stopping by. Not quite sure yet what to pyt in the series but I could write forever about it :)
Gary, I thought it would be best to start at the beginning...and see where it goes :)
Betina, Thank you for adding to that! You can still learn so much from the way they live.
Katerina, I still remember reading about how your home office was created...it was so interesting and it's certainly working well for you both.
Great idea, Carole! There are so many misconceptions, as I am sure you well know, so it is good to hear it from a seasoned professional!
Carole ~ Were you the expert called in to take care of the Louvre? Nice photo! Thanks for the brush-up on Feng Schui. I just love reading your posts about it.
Great primer Carole. Can't wait for the rest of the series. I love that you are so accepting of other styles and believe that the intent not the style is the important thing. Have a great weekend.
Carole ~ I am so glad you are doing this series. I am already learning things I didn't know! I am looking forward to the next installment.
Why Carole, I can't wait for part two! I love how you stated "our surroundings have a deep and profound impact on every part of our lives." I know this certainly applies to me personally.
I hope you have a happy and productive day.
awesome post Carole - funny oincidence....I visited the louve and have posed in front of the entrance like you did in this photo also! LOL
Sincerely,
Grace
Diane, I am SO happy for you! What wonderful news, you are on such an exciting adventure....so many of us are thrilled!
Craig, You wouldn't be able to find the computer if you were a Feng Shui disaster :)
Bill, I didn't know what else to do but start at the beginning...and put in disclaimers :)
Hannah, All I need is the time to write it. All these challanges, I'm going to need a break I think.
Mary, You're welcome. I never get tired of the subject so I might as well write about it....
Christopher and Stephanie, The French were so interested in what I do while I was there. They truly are Feng Shui believers and I hadn't known that before I went.
Al & Peggy, I wish I had more time to put it together...we've had (as you know) a lot of challanges and now this!
Mara, Thank you, it is always nice to see you--you are so sweet.
Cheryl, There are misconceptions but I had to put a disclaimer in...with so many perspectives I didn't want a problem....
Maureen, I thought you knew :) I wish. The French thought it was an eyesore until they realized what the consultant created and saw the Louve come back to life.
Paddy, There is too much criticism today...it didn't used to be that way and it's sad to see it. It takes away from the very principles Feng Shui was founded on.
Joan, I have written so much on Feng Shui I can't even remember what I wrote about...or didn't :)
Cynthia, Thank you, I believe it does. The colors, whether or not we love our spaces, the lighting....it's all so important. It always made sense to me too.
Hi Grace, How ARE you doing?? I am thrilled to hear about everything and call me when you get time, I'll be more then happy to help. I went to Paris in August...it was cold and rained every day--in case I look like I'm freezing, I was :)
I cannot wait for your next insert to this series! Thank you for sharing all your in-depth Feng Shui knowledge with us, we can all benefit from it.
Carole, I always learn so much up Feng Shui by reading your blog. Thanks for the great education.
Kate, I sure hope I have time to write it! I am working today and tomorrow. But thank you my friend.
Sandy, I'm always so glad when people are interested :) Thank you for coming by.
Carole--I will be watching for all parts of your "back to basics" series. I learn something new every time I read one of your posts. :)
Thank you, that was very interesting. I didn't know you adhered to a Code of Ethics too.
Keep sharing, I learn something new from your posts every time!