"Water at my front door is Lucky" Well is it?

Water has long been considered a source of potent energy by all societies, but in Feng Shui, Water has special significance.

The loose translation of Feng Shui itself are the words ‘wind and water’, indicating the study of Feng Shui has its origins in the observance of natural forces. Water is seen as a carrier of energy, but also as a ‘container’ of energy. Water ‘holds’ energy in Feng Shui, but it also stimulates the energy field around it. In the study of Flying Stars Feng Shui, water is seen as a potent energy activator, and would not be placed anywhere in a building without first consulting an energy map and finding out what natural combinations of energy were pooling, and where. In Form School Feng Shui, the appearance of water in the landscape is considered very important, and this, primarily, is where the ‘rule’ for having water at your front door comes from.

The diagram shows the classic Form School layout of a favourable site for building. Mountains at the back of the building area form the Arms of Chi, gently surrounding and protecting the site. The lighter trees and shrubs towards the front soften the barriers, and finally, the water flowing along the front of the building area stimulates good quality energy for the Mouth of Chi, or entrance area. Also, in this diagram, you will notice the river starts further up the hill, indicating that the source of water is from a mountain spring, and therefore pure and clean. It is flowing downhill, which indicates it does not have stagnant areas.

This same Form can be replicated in modern houses by using suitable fencing and trees etc. Our driveways and roadways become the ‘water’, simulating energy flow. Water fountains and features may be used to block out or mute traffic noise very effectively in the urban home or office. Sometimes water trickling over rocks is used in spas to calm and soothe the Human Spirit, as well as simulating that feeling of ‘opulence’ and luxury that we expect from such places. It may also be used to cool a courtyard in hotter climates. Function and Purpose aligning is always an important point in the design of a building!

But what about physical, ‘wet’, water at your front door? Water has to be clean, reticulating and pleasing to look at, and listen to, for it to encourage high quality energy. Think about a flowing waterfall; the powerful Yang nature of it, the Sheng Chi from that euphoria of seeing natural forces unleashed. Then think of a stagnant or broken pond in a neglected garden, and the depressing Yin feeling it gives,... as well as the Sha energy of the unpleasant smell it would have.

Anyone wanting to install a water feature, pond, or fountain at their front door to encourage Prosperity, would want to firstly consider what other aspects at their Mouth of Chi might need to be changed to invite in high quality energy…

A ‘checklist’ for the Mouth of Chi:
· Clean, clear and uncluttered space, and a softly curved path (if possible)
· Lights that invite visitors and make the area safe at night
· No filthy shoes littering the area, or mops, buckets and brooms left at the front door
· Healthy plants that have soft leaves and colourful flowers
· An inspirational statue or plaque that instils a beautiful Energy Signature
· A bright, or beautiful, clean doormat

So just having a water feature at your front door is not going to instantly make you Wealthy or bring Harmony to your home. Its always a combination of high quality energy that brings about the Balance needed for Harmony to occur.

Next month: ‘its over to you’! I’m taking questions during the next fortnight or more and will answer them in September’s Issue.