Feng Shui is the traditional practice of living in harmony with the energy in the surrounding environment, and was developed from the Chinese principle of Taoism.
To achieve this harmony, the elements (wood, fire, earth, metal and water) in our everyday lives are channelled to create a natural balance, which in turn creates an environment that is balanced, nurtures good health, happiness and wealth.
Literally translated 'feng' means wind and 'shui' means water. Originating in the Far East, Feng Shui was originally used as a way to divine sites for graves, since then it has been widely used to locate areas for building houses, office blocks and cities. It is these same principles that are now being used to arrange the rooms in our homes, and allow the Ch'i energy to flow freely.
Ch'i energy is the life giving abundance of mother nature and the sun combined, to give us everything that we could ever need. Man is between heaven and earth, and it is through the two interacting that Ch'i energy is created. While Ch'i is naturally beneficial where it flows freely, it can take on a less beneficial aspect when interrupted, squeezed or trapped by natural or man-made obstruction.
Then it is known as Sha. Having lost its positive nourishing capabilities because it is moving too fast, it becomes stagnant, depleted or too focused on a point or edge. However, Sha can be restored to creative Ch'I with the correct approach.
Each room of a house can be divided into a Bagua of eight areas, each associated with one of life's main aspirations. The areas relate to each other through a ninth area at the centre, representing unity. Blocking the centre of any room with heavy furniture is likely to prevent smooth interaction between areas associated with finance, health and relationships. Each of these areas has eight qualities and eight auspices determined by reference to the Lo Shu. By placing objects, furniture and personal belongings in a specific area, aspects of life can be greatly enhanced. This Bagua can also be placed over the entire house enabling colour schemes in particular rooms to match function and aspirations.
Many people feel that because the bathroom is usually the smallest room in the house, it is not necessary to take the trouble to apply the principles of Feng Shui, but this is not so. The bathroom is an important room, because its main function is to cleanse the body inside and out. Often the bathroom is seen to create financial problems as this space drains away vital energy and resources. Here are some simple guidelines that can be followed to minimise this risk.
• One of the best positions in the house for a bathroom
is in the North as this area is associated with water, but
obviously not all of us have the facilities to relocate, and so we
have to make the best of what we have.
• Ideally the bathroom and WC should not be seen
immediately on entering the house, lest the incoming Ch'i follows
the traditional Water Dragon route and exits before the whole of
the house is energised. Where such a location is unavoidable, there
are solutions.
• If the bathroom is in the North of the house, place a wind chime made from porcelain, clay or terracotta in the window recess and this will prevent a business or career going down the drain. Introducing a colour scheme based on natural earth and desert colours will also balance the energy by using the interaction of the elements earth and water.
The bathroom is associated with water, and therefore it needs to be balanced by the earth element. This can be achieved by using materials such as ceramic tiles and earthenware accessories. Earth controls water, and so prevents energy and good fortune being drained away.
When considering the colour scheme, use colours particularly associated with the earth element. Think desert, think beach, all the natural earth colours from pale sand to deep burgundy, including terracotta, burnt orange, ochre and the sunshine yellows. The element of wood also helps to balance the excess water association of the bathroom by absorbing its effects.
Introduce soft leaved green plants, but avoid cacti that could be a surprise when backing out of the shower. Introducing wood as a material for decorative finishes in the bathroom can be useful. Avoid excessive use of black or blue in the bathroom as these are colours directly symbolic of the water element and will upset the balance.
Let the Ch'I flow...
Another, perhaps surprising element that is useful to introduce to
the bathroom is fire. Spotlights, of course, introduce the fire
element, but do not forget to plan bath ledges and shelves that can
safely hold burning candles* in a variety of soothing and healing
essences. The bathroom can run the whole gamut from providing get
up and go in the morning to seductively romantic interludes before
bed.
The elements need to be balanced, but a bathroom should not be over emphasised. A bedroom holds more importance and should always be larger than the bathroom.
Feng Shui is about the draining and cleansing forces in life. Take a few minutes to sit quietly and ask if you are being drained – emotionally, mentally, environmentally or spiritually. If you are, now is the time to release this downward pull on your vitality, the choices you make now will effect generations ahead. Do not let your Ch'i be drained!
Do's
• A toilet should be installed so it cannot be seen
from the bathroom doorway, ideally it should be in its own alcove,
or hidden by a screen or wall. If this is not possible, hang a
round faceted cut glass crystal from the ceiling between the door
and the toilet, this will lift and circulate the Ch'i energy.
• Windows should be opened on a daily basis, to allow
the fresh air to circulate, this ensures that the Ch'i remains
buoyant, and that health, wealth and happiness flourish.
• You should be aware how the energy moves and circulates
around the bathroom. Doors and drawers to cupboards must be kept
closed, so the energy does not move into the dark and stagnate.
These cupboard areas must themselves be regularly refreshed.
• A bathroom needs a facelift every six to eight years,
outdated fixtures and fittings need replacing to allow the Ch'i
energy to flow freely.
Don'ts
• Plumbing can be a threat to the vital Ch'I energy, it
is the digestive system of the house. Keeping on top of the
plumbing maintenance is important, dripping taps represent money
being flushed down the drain, blockages can represent income being
cut off. The toilet seat should always be closed, this is important
partly because of its large opening, but also because of the
association with a deliberate act of flushing substance away from
the house.
• Avoid sharp points and edges, as these represent a
cutting knife or a disapproving finger. Pillars should be covered
in mirrors to make them disappear, although a full sheet of mirror
should be used and not mirrored tiles. Bathroom cabinets with
mirrored doors should be avoided if they produce a reflection that
splits the image. Round pillars are suitable because they do not
accelerate the Ch'i, which creates negative energy.
• Mirrors must not face each other, or a door, as this
increases the energy and speed of Ch'i, which should be slow and
calm. Mirrors should be as large as possible in the bathroom,
without any visible join, so the individual can stand proud and
tall each morning. Introduce powerful spotlighting for an energy
boost in the mornings, but do not forget the dimmer switch for more
romantic occasions.
• Photographs of loved ones should not be placed in the bathroom. The energy in that space is being drained, and will weaken the relationship between you.
*when using candles always ensure that they are placed on a suitable holder, and that they are extinguished after use.
Raymond Catchpole is a feng shui consultant working nationally, and deputy chairman of The Feng Shui Society whose accredited members adhere to strict professional standards. Contact him on 01728 660562 or raymondcatchpole@btinternet.com.
To find a qualified Feng Shui practitioner in your area contact the Feng Shui Society. Tel: 07050 289200 or visit their web site at www.fengshuisociety.org.uk
Feng Shui bathroom
Bathroom suite
Purity pedestal washbasin, close coupled wc, Bath,
Idyll mixers in chrome, Idyll
shower mixer in chrome all from Ideal
Standard.
Trevi 3 function flexible hose and handspray with soap dish in chrome and Tribune 4 panel folding shower screen from Trevi Showers.
Decoration
Walls – Copper silk emulsion – Crown;
Wall Tiles – White unglazed 50 x 50mm (sealed with Lithofin
KS Stop Stain) – Worlds End Tiles; Flooring
– Dark Cork Flooring, Harlequin Range – Siesta
Cork Tile Company.
Accessories
Towels – Ponden Mill; Wooden Window Blind
– Ikea, Small Hinged Mirror –
Ikea. White church candles on glass holder –
The Pier; Toiletries from the Feng Shui Range;
Incence holder and Rattan storage boxes – House of
Fraser; Other accessories – Stylist own.
