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From the beliefs,
culture and mythology of China, Feng Shui was born.
It is an ancient
belief in the art of placement. Literally translated, Feng Shui means wind
and water symbolizing the two major forces of nature. Feng Shui promotes a
scientific and philosophical approach to design and site a home, public
building and spaces to maintain harmony with the nature. This harmony is
believed to allow light from the spiritual realm to shine upon those who
believe and adopt the principles to their home and environment.
Interpretation of
this belief has expanded into many directions. Over the past few years,
Feng Shui has swept through the Western world/ culture according to what’s
practical, adaptable and suitable.
This is the wonder
of Feng Shui- it allows for differences, and innovation according to the
beliefs of a particular culture. It inspires personal perspective and
creativity. It fosters harmony between man and his environment.
Adapting some of
the principles of Feng Shui encourages a gardener to create a place which
radiates more than beauty to please the eye. It is the visual attraction
of a garden that draws people to it. But be aware of unseen and subtle
energies taking place in the garden.
Today, a garden is
an extension of the living space of a person or a family. It offers a
place to entertain, a respite from the busy and chaotic world, a private
space to relax and reflect, at times, a place to seek healing.
Sans the tools, a
touch of Feng Shui, can enhance and actually generate positive vibrations
outdoors and into the inner sanctum of the gardener.
With intuition,
common sense and dedication, simple rules of Feng Shui can be applied. It
promotes a garden that is friendly to Nature and ultimately infuse
creative and vibrant energy and ensures the positive flow of chi.
Balance Balance is a very important aspect of Life. It is the Yin/Yang
in practice. It is opposing yet complementary.
Tidbit:
public parks
exhibit the yang space, a private garden shows the yin.
A garden design
that incorporates a balance of plants, ornaments and furniture is
appealing to look at. If it’s visually attractive, and it feels good, it
is a gardener’s pride and joy. The energy must be vibrant.
The Elements in
Feng Shui
A little attention
to the elements in a garden provide an atmosphere of peace and harmony.
Fire Color: red, and purple Plants with pointed leaves
Structures/ornaments: pyramids, obelisks, lights trellis/ support for
plants This is a powerful element, don’t let it dominate the area.
Wood Color : green.
All plants are wood element, it is the shape and color that suggest other
elements. Trees and shrubs strongly represent wood element. Structures/
ornaments: decking, planters, logs, and furniture
Earth
Color: yellow,
orange, and brown Structures/ornaments: soil, rocks, stones, walkways,
fences A walkway or fence that dominates the garden slows down the flow of
chi.
Water
Color: dark blue,
black Structure/ornaments gravel, meandering paths, water features, glass.
Metal
Color: white,
silver Structure/ornaments: bowls, domes, and hammock.
Working with the
elements
The natural world
beckons. Gardening has ignited passion for creating a magical world of
plants, colors, ornaments and design, with Nature as the canvas for the
artist. A garden fills a space that would otherwise be void and saturated
with stale energy.
It is with the
shapes, colors and garden ornaments and structures that spells balance and
introduce the elements to bring out positive energy.
Ponds are popular
features, Perhaps unknowingly, ponds represent the lake, rocks and pebbles
stand for the mountains. Water symbolizes wealth and a good collector of
chi, so long as it is not stagnant. Careful choice of ornaments can create
a balance of the elements in a pond.
Take a cue from
Nature- it tries to achieve balance between shape and color. Whatever
feature you add, proportion is important.
There are ways to
remedy existing structures. Add some pots along a straight walkway to give
it a feeling of meandering. Add a splash of colors to make it look
interesting.
Appeal to the
senses
Sight
A visually
attractive garden touches upon the sub-conscious .It is leaves an
impression that can impact deep into the psyche. Clutter anywhere is
annoying. It hinders the flow of chi. In the garden, it is important to
keep it free of debris and clutter.
Arrangement of
plants, mixing plants with a variety of color and blooming periods, and
giving thought of the flowering season adds balance to a garden.
Sound
No one wants to
live in a noisy neighborhood. There are sounds in the garden. Bees and
birds bring about welcome sound. Gurgling water can be soothing. A bamboo
wind chime sends out gentle sounds resembling the rustle of leaves. Leave
the leaves for a little while and listen as you crunch through in the
fall.
Smell
The natural sweet
scents from a garden is superior to the most expensive perfume. Enjoy the
fragrance from your garden wafting through the air, especially with the
evening breeze.
Touch
My four-year old great niece fascinates me when I see how carefully she
touches things around the garden- from the little animal ornaments to the
leaves and flowers. She does not pick the flowers, she tries to feel the
softness with her little fingers. I have little colored stones at the
bottom of a bowl that glimmers under the sun, she approaches these quietly
as she timidly dips one little finger to feel them. No, nothing bites her
little finger. She does this with so much concentration that anyone who
watches her has to experience the sensation of “touching.”
Other
suggestions: For focus,
use smaller potted plants in a group or one large pot For abundance,
fountains and water features For illumination, lights for
particular features For stability use urns, large pots, rocks and
stones Show off your achievement or passion with art collection
Wind chimes to stir up energy and create movement To receive gifts
of the earth and the Universe, empty pots, dishes and urns.
This article barely
touches upon the basics of Feng Shui. But, it's a start.
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