Research suggests that Feng Shui is around 6,000 years old, it started in China, then became popular in surrounding countries and latterly the world. It is perhaps not surprising that there are different schools and techniques within Feng Shui. This post looks at five of the most popular Feng Shui schools still used today.
The Eight Directions School
The Eight Directions School uses the Bagua map to calculate and orientate the eight directions over the home’s floor plan. Each direction carries a different energy variant which can either be calmed or enhanced depending on the need. This Japanese technique suggests that both your sleeping and sitting position can influence how much energy you absorb.
The Eight Mansions School
Your date of birth is used to calculate your Kua number (the amount of chi you were born with) and whether you belong to the east or west-life group. Homes facing in one of four directions are a benefit to people belonging to the east-life group and ones homes facing in one of four different directions are beneficial to people from the west-life group. Furthermore, the Eight Mansions School suggests that one half of your home can be positive to you but the other half can actually be negative.
The Flying Star School
This Feng Shui school works in close conjunction with an astrology chart and the date in which the building was constructed. The Bagua map is orientated by the building’s structure and surroundings. A special lo pan compass is then used to help interpret readings.
The Form School
There are four mystic animals in Feng Shui; the dragon, phoenix, tiger and tortoise. The Form School studies the surroundings and landscape to identify the presence of these animals. An ideal home would be able to position some low, solid protection or wall on the right (the tiger) and a lighter but taller structure on the left (the dragon). There should be an open area at the front (the phoenix) and a sturdy area, mountains, trees or hills (the tortoise) behind.
The Three-gate School
The Three-gate School makes significant use of the Bagua map. The Three-gate school uses the front door to centre the Bagua map and uses the life areas on the map to study how chi will flow around the home. The Three-gate school is a relatively new technique and was developed in the 1970s in New York.
Compass and non-compass schools
Feng Shui schools traditionally fit into two different types; compass and non-compass. Compass schools originate from flat plains of China and focus on the movement of the sun. Non-compass schools originate from the mountainous regions of China and focus more on surroundings and shape.
- The Eight Directions School is a compass Feng Shui school.
- The Eight Mansions School is a compass school.
- The Flying Star School is a compass-based school.
- The Form School is a non-compass school.
- The Three-gate School is a compass Feng Shui school.
In Pure Spirit
Have you any experience in the different schools in Feng Shui? Which of the schools has worked best for you?
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