What is Feng Shui?

風水,风水

Feng Shui (pronounced “fung schway”) is an ancient Chinese term dating back over 3000 years. It translates to mean wind (feng – pronounced fung) and water (shui – pronounced schway). The wind characterizes invisible energy while the water represents visible energy. As a philosophy, Feng Shui concerns itself with a balance of energy, Ch’i (pronounced chee). Ch’i is found in all living and inanimate objects. Ch’i is comprised of opposing forces known as Yin and Yang. Yin represents night, dark, hidden, soft, cool and feminine characteristics. Yang represents day, light, evident, hard, hot and masculine characteristics. In Feng Shui, the Yin and the Yang are in constant interplay. You do not have one without the other. Each balances the characteristics of the other. Representing the Yin and the Yang are the five elements that are the basic building blocks of everything on Earth: fire, earth, metal, water and wood. These elements when present and balanced establish an inviting, comfortable and supportive environment. (From ZenSpot)