Articles Just for You
Finding the Way of Water Within Feng Shui

You may not be an expert at the art and science of Feng Shui, but you can still utilize this 3,000-year-old practice to balance the energies that occupy your environment. Pronounced "fung-shway," "feng" means "wind" and "shui" means "water" in Chinese culture. Feng Shui is traditionally based on the understanding of nature, and the energy of water is particularly crucial to the practice. The flow of energy in your home can be vital to your personal energy, and harnessing the power of water within your home can enhance the flow of energy in your life. So, what can you do to enhance the "way of wind and water" in your personal space?

1. The Feng Shui "fish and water" combination is linked to success. You may have noticed the
prevalence of fish symbolism throughout Chinese culture. Goldfish traditionally symbolize baby dragons, which are strongly tied to good luck, accomplishments and pleasant outcomes. Fish are also strongly tied to prosperity, achievement and equilibrium. If you find these elements missing from your energy flow, adopt a new goldfish friend and pay careful attention to the water in which your new friend inhabits.
  • Your goldfish's water should always be clean and receive at least a minimal amount of daylight. The cleanliness of the water is linked to reaching achievement.
  • The water should be refreshed often enough to provide the fish a replication as close to a natural habitat as possible.
  • Provide the fish with natural elements like grasses and rocks and make sure they are placed in a way that promotes equilibrium within the space.
  • If you can handle the added responsibility of multiple fish (you will need to refresh the water more frequently), adopt three fish to maximize the energy of the space in which they will exist.
2. Position a flowing fountain in your environment to equilibrate energy. The Feng Shui
fountain can be used to create harmony or to balance the environment. It should be placed in an area where the family gathers and interacts regularly like a family room, dining room or entryway.
  • The fountain should be round or oval-shaped. A square-shaped fountain or one with pointing edges can minimize the flow of the water, minimizing the flow of positive energy.
  • The fountain should be positioned in a way that it flows with the other elements of a room and doesn't look out of place. This positioning will balance the harmony of the room and encourage flow.
3. To purify your sleeping habits and clarify romantic relationships, sprinkle saffron water
throughout your bedroom to cleanse your sleeping space.
  • Sprinkle the water lightly as you circle the bed in a clockwise direction.
  • This cleansing ritual is thought to be most effective when performed at least once a month.
4. Remember that water can also have a negative effect on energy flow within your home.
  • Never have a body of water to the left of a bedroom door.
  • Never have water inside your home facing the front door.
  • Never have still water inside your bedroom.

Feng Shui and the use of water are based on the importance of living in alignment with the universal flow of energy. The more positive energy flowing in your environment, the more positive results you'll see within your life. As with any process of change, the effects of Feng Shui may not be exactly what you had envisioned. Strengthening your relationship may come financially instead of emotionally; job satisfaction may mean a new job instead of the promotion you had in mind. Stay mindful of the changes you are making within yourself and your environment and take note of any changes in the flow of energy around you. Trust that an increased flow of energy will lead you on a positive path, accept the changes with open arms and you will truly maximize the benefits of Feng Shui.