The powerful element of water is associated with incredible drive, mood swings, intelligence and communication. It is directly linked to the accumulation of chi, and is synonymous with wealth creation. Intangible forces draw us to it, and whether bayside, beachside, lakeside or poolside, the location of water near our homes has a direct impact on our emotions and our lives.
Water features, ponds and bubbling streams are used in feng shui to create wealth. And their placement is an art in itself. Actually, there is an ancient and famous Chinese saying: “The energy dissipated by the wind stops at the boundary of water.”
This helps us to understand why water is treated with special care in feng shui, and why the Chinese have always considered it powerful in its abilities to negate or enhance certain types of energy.
The chi, or life force energy, that surrounds every living creature, would ordinarily be dispersed by the wind. But where there is the presence of water, this energy can gather, hover and generate, thereby becoming stronger.
Ideally we’d like to know that we’re enhancing a prosperous form of energy before installing a water feature in or around our homes. This is certainly an extensive topic in feng shui, and the art of placing water for prosperity should be thoroughly covered by your consultant. Still, there’s no denying the mental and physical well-being we enjoy after spending time by the water and the pull we feel towards it.
So if your desire is to create a beautiful focal point in your home using water, here are some helpful hints:
• Avoid placing a water feature in the east, south or north of your home this year.
• Any time a water feature is installed, whether a fountain, bubbling fish tank or a filtered pond, only install one at a time. Note carefully any circumstantial changes and, if you encounter any bad luck, immediately turn it off. This would indicate placement in an area where difficult energies reside.
• A kidney-shaped pool that symbolically embraces the home is considered auspicious. This shape has no harmful sharp corners that point towards the home. However, a kidney-shaped pool facing the opposite direction symbolically turns its back on the home, forming a “curved blade” shape that cuts into the home. This configuration creates energies that are more destructive to certain inhabitants of the home, depending on their elemental make-up in their Chinese astrology. At all times, however, it’s a no-go in feng shui.
• L-shaped pools have sharp corners that can send strong currents of energy towards the home and the swimmers in the pool. This type of energy stream is too harsh for us and creates a feeling of unease and discomfort, especially in sensitive people.
• All bodies of water must be kept clean at all times. Remember that our gardens and homes provide reflection upon the deeper and real state of our lives. Therefore, water surrounding us that has turned green or stagnated in any way is an indication that energies are not flowing well. Depending on its location, this could indicate a slowing down in finances or sluggish health and will require urgent attention.
• A water feature needs to be in proportion to the home and to complement it. It should harmonise with the surrounding landscape, following the curves of nature where possible. Remember, bigger isn’t necessarily better. If the body of water is too large, we could feel overwhelmed and become exhausted.
• If placing a water feature for prosperity in the front garden, align it with the main door. Water gently trickling towards the house is auspicious and symbolises incoming wealth. Be aware of flooding possibilities if the water is situated higher than the building and choose a water feature with smooth, rounded edges.
The lovely cooling effects of water, and the drawing power it holds are widely known. What isn’t is the art of its positioning to generate prosperity that can last for generations.
Even though this information will provide valuable assistance when using the water element as a feature in your home, it is nonetheless generic feng shui knowledge, and your homes are as individual as you are. If you’re unsure, contact your local feng shui consultant.
For now, and always, embrace the energies that activate our homes, lives, health, wealth and happiness.
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