The Misconceptions and Misinformation of Feng Shui.....by Feng Shui Long Island & New York
We ALL have an intuition that tells us if something feels good or not...and if the Energy doesn't feel right to you, just change it back.
Dreadful consequences (IMOHP) will not hurt you; It's often the "little" steps take in LIFE that go on to inspire us to do more, try more and look at things in a way we never had before. It can be, in fact, one of our biggest motivators.
Haing said that, Feng Shui is "guessesstimated" to be an Ancient Art between Three to Five THOUSAND years old. There are no early books on Feng Shui because it was (and still is in many methods) an ORAL TRADITION that was mean to be passed from "Mentor to Student" only.
Yet in a shameless effort to sell their own EBooks, I see more and more Feng Shui Consultants taking on assignments in which they are paid for their role to write...which is fine. What does bother me so much is that they are PUBLISHING what should be considered Sacred Information ...right on the Internet. In reading them I was even MORE appalled that most of them were filled with misinformation as well!
In Feng Shui, there is a right way and a wrong way to carry out some of what the Black Sect Schools teach as these Blessings yet they are not covered in these articles. Coupled with the fact that they should not be published at ALL, I have noticed an alarming new trend.
Inside Professor Lin Yun Monestary, Old Westbury Long Island NY
Scroll down to the very end and you may find a shameless "plug" for an Ebook. Some Feng Shui Consultants are leaving out important steps to take , Auspicious times to do the Blessings (which can be crucial) and, in some cases, different reasons behind WHY we are using them.
If you've read my blogs for any amount of time, I am all for doing and creating simple, inexpensive and fun methods to change the Energy in your Space. It often inspires you to do more, try more or look into Feng Shui a bit more closely. However, in a certain Method of Feng Shui, since it was and always should be an "Oral" Tradition, you will not see me publish anything that is considered Sacred.
This is especially true when we use The Red Envelope Tradition which is a method to protect ourselves from sharing this Sacred Information AND an "honor" to have been provided with it by our Feng Shui Consultants.
The Red Envelope Tradition in Feng Shui
There are some excellent Authors out there who practice Feng Shui from all different Methods and Perspectives. For Western Feng Shui, anything by Terrah Kathryn Collins is wonderful. Another book, "Feng Shui Made Easy" by William Spear is a wonderful guidebook for Feng Shui. Black Sect and Native American writers such as Denise Linn and Sarah Rossbach (who was an actual Direct Disciple of Professor Lin Yun) are all good books to read.
Please be careful with what is now published on the Internet! If you're thinking of making some simple changes yourself or hiring a reputable Feng Shui Consultant, there are now many to choose from. Look for past experience instead of Certifications and try to get recommendations.
*More about the Certifications in Feng Shui in another post. This post was inspired after coming from a sixth "Google Alert" where the correct information was either absent or printed for the wrong reasons.
http://www.LongIslandFengShui.com
*Carole Provenzale has been a Certified Feng Shui Consultant since graduating from the Country's very first School for Feng Shui Studiesthat was licensed and accredited in 1997. Carole provides on site Feng Shui Consultations on Long Island NY, Queens New York and New York City - NYC
Feng Shui Manhattan New York City Manhattan NYC Consultant
http://www.FengShuiManhattan.com
**Laura Cerrano is a Second Generation Certified Feng Shui Consultant who has trained with Feng Shui Long Island and Masters from across the Country including Shamans to incorporate Native American beliefs and Space Clearings into her Feng Shui Consulting Firm, Feng Shui Manhattan New York City NY. After co-consulting on site for many years Laura began her own business in 2000 and has a strong client base in New York City, New York.
Again, I never knew all this. I never realized what an ancient art Feng Shui is and how it has its masters like all the martial arts.
Interesting information...I had no idea about a "red envelope". Thanks for sharing.
I am amazed that someone would post things that are not correct about feng shui. I am glad that you have pointed us in the right direction to those who are reliable and be careful of those who are not. I love your posts and have learned so much... I hope everyone see your post and will steer clear of the impostors.
Its so true - the internet is a blessing and a course - if you're not discerning or educated about the topic or source you could be seriously misinformed........we really need t check our sources - the things is people can post anything on the internet and there is no scholar or editor make sure what they say is true!
Hi Carole...Not everyone has your integrity or your dedication to Feng Shui. It is apparent in the way you share what you can and how much it means to you. You are a source that can be trusted. Not everyone has earned that reputation.
Kate
Hi Carole... honestly, at some point, I am flying you in for a consultation. I have total confidence in you and would not settle for anything less than that!
Carole,
There are certain things that should remain a mystery, in Feng Shui and in life. We humans are very curious creatures, but don't always know what to do with our knowledge, or interpret it wrong. God made this world so that we could discover knowledge when we are ready to handle it. We don't teach calculus in grade school, or business law in kindergarten for a good reason.
This is really interesting to me, Carole, because at first glance, I would never have thought that this stuff should not be on the internet. It's so contrary to the way we think!
I do agree with the value of not just mystery, but controlling the way information is shared. This is an ancient problem for religions as well. I really connect with that line of thinking when I ponder about religion and how things can be conveyed completely out of context if not couched properly or if the individual simply isn't trained. The words alone are NOT enough.
Hi Carole, and the general public will not know if it's incorrect information or not. That is the sad part.
Hi Carole - When I was growing up, I heard from my parents the same thing we all heard - Don't believe everything you hear. Just because it's online, doesn't make it the truth...
Debi
If anyone has any misconceptions about Feng Shui all they have to do is either read your posts or call you.
You'll set them straight!
Carole, that must be frustrating to see an element reserved for those that REALLY get Feng Shui carelessly exposed- why would they do that, if it demonstrates their own lack of knowledge on the subject, this exposure of what isn't supposed to be printed? Others compromising something that you care so deeply about is a tough place to be- but letting others know will save many the disappointment of having a Feng Shui fraud helping them! Agree with Craig- the Feng Shui go to remains YOU!
Carole,
It's frightening to think of how much misinformation is out there on the web...and how close to heart people take it as gospel.
It's good of you to post this as a warning of what's out there....so many people fall into the wrong hands.
Jo
Jane,o yes this "lifestyle" goes back many years...who knows maybe even further. It's interesting that you mention martial arts because they have many of the same principles.
Lisa,It is so important to have the red envelopes for the reason mentioned in the blog. I had learned the hard way once because a client did not send me the envelopes...and that was the worst week ever. I learned the hard way and Never again did that happen.
Joan, It unfortunate, because I'm sure they mean well, but it is so important that you truly know what the correct blessings and cures are meant for and how they are preformed. Even if they know, it should not be posted at all on the Internet. It is going against the tradition.
Liz, That is so true, i best advice is do your own research about the source of information. see how many years of experience the consultant has and before booking a consultation call and speak to them. Get a sense for them and see if what they say has a connection with you.
Kate, Thank you, I want to make sure I educate those who come across my blog and receive Feng Shui information that is as helpful as it can be, without dis-honoring the red envelope traditions.
Steve, Thank you and Dallas...never been there :) I'm happy to hear that the information shared with you has established that kind of confidence.
Marzena, It's true, as an educator you don't teach everything at once, it can be over whelming and confusing. many people are just getting their feet wet with Feng Shui. Before blessing and using cures you need to start with the basics, understand the Feng Shui principles, learn about the different methods and eventually you can delve deeper.
Mary, Just as with any history, so many times it can be re-written and interpeted and eventually ythe truth becomes hidden. All I can say if this continues...and it seems like it will, be aware of what you read. the authors I mentioned are good places to start.
Jackie, This happens with any practice or profession. Unfortunately it can become more of a "trend" and the deeper or rather true meaning of why it came about becomes lost in translation.
Debi,There right and as Jackie mentioned it just makes it that much harder to know what correct and what's not.
Craig, I do my best to share what I have learned with others and still honor the tradition of how I educate people.
Carole: I am truly happy to know someone like you whose posts I can trust. You would be the first person I would turn to for honest and truly professional advice and consultation. Reading your posts the last few years have helped me to question and potentially spot an imposter.
Laurie, I think as time goes on, people will become more familiar with the original concept of Feng Shui and so much so, that they will begin to separate those consultants who truly are mindful of the practice and those who just do it because it's another "career path."
Jo, Part of Feng Shui is based on intuition, just as in life. You learn about something new, analyze what you can and see if it makes sense to you.
Carole, very interesting information. I just finished doing some early spring cleaning in my office. I do need to give you a call as I want good energy to flow through my office. BTW, I did get a spath...
Carole - Fascinating information as always! I have always found it distasteful to commercialize the sacred. But when disinformation is also calculated in, it becomes unforgivable!
Carole - I repeatedly get emails from people who claim to be Feng Shui experts offering their elements of expertise. I just delete them all because my one and only trusted source for it is you! :)
It is so hard to know who is right and who is wrong-eh probably not the right word. There are a ton of people out there especially who are emailing. Forget about books-and they all say something completely different-it is sooo confusing! Thanks for pointing in the right direction!
David,Getting recommendations and talking on the phone with your particular Feng shui consultant can help you assess if they are correct for your situation or not. I'm glad to hear that, I hope your year is full of prosperity in all aspects :)
Michael, great, I hope your enjoying it :)
Myrl, It unfortunately happens with everything..this is the same for Yoga. Yoga was traditionally meant as a meditation and is now "fitness" and used to "lose weight," the true meaning has been shoved under the rug. There are a hand full of teachers out there who do keep the tradition alive.
Donna, I do my best to educate everyone and I am glad to hear that you have learned so much :)
Debra, Feng Shui is a lot of "common sense" in a way. We teach you the principles...but also go with your "gut," if the advice feels right to you...try it and see if it works, if not that's ok :) Pretty much bottom line, practice what works for you.
Hi Carole, It seems that with the internet there is so much misinformation out there today. I did not know that Feng Shui was a sacred art and there is information that is not to be published. It's nice to have a reliable source, in you, that we can trust when it comes to Feng Shui.
You mean to say, Carole, that a self-published ebook may not be strictly authoratative on a subject??
The internet can be a great resource, but like I learned in grade school, you should always consult several resources when you really want a grounded opinion. Well said!
Sandy, If you look back in history to when Feng Shui first started to be written, the principles say that traditionally Feng Shui was only to be passed on Orally. The information that is being shared is unbelievably and "dis-respectful" to the tradition. Plus it's not a good idea for the individual sharing the information because there is no proper energy exchange and protection.
Deena, Please do not get me wrong, there are many good consultants out there, but as you mentioned look into different sources and see who you connect with.
If there is a buck to be made somewhere, someone will discover it, all else be darned.
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Carole, It is very sad that someone would post things that are considered sacred. Even sadder that they would post incorrect information.
Carole - Very informative post. Like Sandy, I did not know that Feng Shui was a sacrad art, but it's through you that I've had my first introduction into it. In fact, when I lost my headset yesterday, I looked under my bed for it, which is now totally clean thanks to you!
Carole: This is great information! There is so much information out there about Feng Shui that is inaccurate. The information you provide here gives credence to the art and respect to those who truly specialize. As a home stager, I have a stack of books on Feng Shui, trying to learn as much as I can so that I can add this value to my clients, but I still have a long way to go and refuse to infer that I specialize without really becoming educated and practicing this art again and again!
Certified Professional Home Stager & Redesigner
Grand Entrance Home Staging & Design
www.grandentrancestaging.com
pia@grandentrancestaging.com
Carole, I never knew this. I see books at Borders, etc published all the time, and they all seem to have the same few little tips in them. It always seemed to me like there should be something deeper involved. Thanks for the information.