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Confusion generally revolves around which
feng shui method of investigation to use as well as regarding issues
such as how directions are taken under different systems; what and how
symbols are to be placed, and what advice to follow when confronted
with contradictory recommendations. To sift through all the basic
issues of contention that cause confusion, it is important to remember
that feng shui is both a science and an art - sometimes requiring
technical investigations and complex calculations and other times
requiring an almost instinctive selection of options. Feng shui is
mostly a diagnostic practice requiring judgment, experience and a good
dose of common sense.
Using feng shui today means adapting classical and traditional practice
to a modern environment. Theory alone is not good enough. Theory alone
is an impractical approach. Unless feng shui theory is interpreted with
an eye to the urban landscapes of modern city living the practice of
feng shui cannot bring meaningful results. So there is a need to
interpret and adapt feng shui guidelines to suit modern day living and
work spaces.
Some common issues causing confusion that need to be clarified include
the following.
1. TAKING DIRECTION - when practicing formula feng shui a proper
compass should be used. Note that directions referred to in feng shui
texts always mean directions as taken with a compass, not from the
front door, not from where the sun sets or rises, and not from whether
you live in the North or South hemisphere. Directions are always taken
with a compass. It does not need to be the feng shui Lo Pan. Directions
indicated in feng shui for yang dwellings (i.e. houses and offices) can
be taken with any good western style compass.
2. WHICH DIRECTION TO TAKE - to practice Eight Mansions feng
shui, the direction of any door that is frequently used by you should
be an auspicious direction as given according to your GUA number. When
practicing Flying Star feng shui however judgment must be used on
whether to use the direction of the main door or direction of the whole
house.
3. SUPERIMPOSING THE LO SHU GRID - when locating directions in
any home or office it is necessary to draw a nine grid square over the
floor plan before one is able to identify the compass directions of
each corner of the home. For irregular shaped homes the grid is still
superimposed onto the home and of course there will then be missing and
protruding corners. These corners are analyzed separately.
4. PLACEMENT OF SYMBOLS - when arranging the placement of
decorative images that have some auspicious, protective or remedial
impact, it is necessary to know the purpose of displaying the image or
symbol before deciding where to place these images. In placement
location is generally more important than direction.
5. SPACE & TIME DIMENSION OF FENG SHUI - the important of both
these dimensions require the practitioner to make annual investigations
that ensure the spatial feng shui of house and office doors and rooms
are not hurt by harmful annual time afflictions. Thus some knowledge of
the powerful Flying Star formula is necessary.
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