A

Altar

A raised structure on which offerings to a deity are placed. Adorn them with some hanging crystals, beautiful incense and fresh fruit or flowers. The most auspicious placement of your altar is facing your front door where it can be seen as you enter the building, or in the living room place your altar in the Northwest Sector.

Amitabah

Amitabah or "Unending Light" was the name given to a bodhisattva (a Buddha to be) who ruled a paradise in the west, the "Pure Land". Amitabah offered rebirth in a state of bliss before final salvation to anyone who called his name and showed true repentance for their sins. Rebirth in the Pure land leads to the attainment of nirvana without difficulty. Buddha Amitabah brings peace and calm and a life free of despair. Click here for statues of Amitabah.

Ankh

The ancient gods of Egypt such as Anget, Ptah, Osiris, Ra and Isis all carried the Ankh sign. This was believed to represent the breath of eternal life. The Ankh was associated with the givers of life such as water, sun and air. Anubis is often seen offering the Ankh as a symbol of life in the after world. The Ankh was also seen as an amulet of protection.

Antiques

Collecting antiques can be a risky business in Feng Shui terms, as it is difficult to learn the history of each piece and its owners. If the previous owner of an item lived an unlucky life or was surrounded by negative energy it is possible that you can bring this energy into your home through that item. Some antiques that are passed down from a family member to another can be quite auspicious if the owner has lived a fortunate life. Collecting of antique weapons is especially bad Feng Shui as it is most likely that the weapons have been used at some stage and are therefore harboring Sha chi (negative energy).

Aquarium

A water feature that brings good Feng Shui, especially if it is a home for lively fish. It symbolises growth and activity and is best placed in the wealth area or Southeast corner of the home.

Arrows

Secret arrows or poison Arrows symbolise killing energy or bad Feng Shui. These can be caused by hostile structures in the landscape or by bad furniture placement in the home such as sharp corners pointing at you or even a T intersection outside your front door.

Artwork

The artwork you display in your home can cause good or bad Feng Shui. The colour, content and orientation of the art all have Feng Shui implications. Placement of a mountain behind your desk symbolizes strength. An open field in front of your desk symbolizes clear sailing or smooth operation with few obstructions. Water or fish in front of your desk brings good luck. Any depiction's of fear, sadness or sorrow will affect the health of the occupants.

B

Ba gua
Bagwa/Pa Kua

BA Gua: BA means eight and 'Gua' means trigram in Chinese. The Bagwa consists of eight sacred emblems sometimes called trigrams, directions or activities. It is used to encourage the flow of Chi (life force), which is regarded as the primary building brick of the universe. The Bagwa is said to have been found inscribed on the back of a turtle that rose from the yellow river at the dawn of time. The secrets of the universe were believed to be contained within. The Bagwa can be used in Feng Shui to balance and move Chi. The Bagwa ideally should be blessed.  Click here for Bagwas.

BA gua
Bagwa Mirror

Feng Shui considers the Bagwa Mirror to be of great importance in correcting Feng Shui predicaments by deflecting almost anything that creates negative Chi'. i.e. position arrows (corners of buildings pointing at your home or business). You can place them outside your home for protection. Anjian recommends you consult a qualified Feng Shui consultant for correct placement of all symbols. The BA gua mirror can also be used as a reminder to the occupants that their feng shui cures assigned to their premises need constant care by keeping all cures clean & in working order. Click here for Bagwa Mirrors.

Balance or see 'yin yang'

Feng Shui is all about balance and harmony. Applying Yin and Yang the two opposing yet complimentary forces to Feng Shui helps to create the balance we require. Negative and positive energy are in every aspect of our lives. By harnessing it and understanding the role each one plays will help to create a union therefore leading to harmony .

Bamboo

An excellent plant or wood to use with Feng Shui, it symbolises longevity. Bamboo stems are good for slowing down the flow of Chi. Tie them with a red ribbon to provide the Yang energy required. Hung from the ceiling they counteract the negative energy of overhead beams to soften the negative effect that they produce.

Bats

Symbolise good fortune. Chinese mythology believe that evil energies are deterred by a symbol or picture of a bat, or five bats, therefore bringing the occupant protection and luck.

Beaded curtains

Some schools of feng shui believe that doorways directly opposite each other in a corridor are said to symbolise confrontation and misunderstanding between occupants. In this case place a beaded curtain over the doorway as a cure. A beaded door curtain can also be used in front of a bedroom doorway that directly faces the other front door.

Beams

Exposed beams has been said to be bad feng shui as they are likened to heavy loads on the body which can have effects on one's health. Some schools of feng shui recommend to not sleep under, or even worse, place a child's bed or cot underneath a exposed beams as they believe it can lead to illness. A common recommendation is placing a pair of bamboo flutes or crystals upon the beams. Click here for flutes and crystals.

Bear

Visions and Leadership. The Bear was one of the first animals to be revered by humans. In the Celtic tradition, the Bear was the Primal Mother, Artio, and intense protector. The Druids associated the Pole Star of the constellation of the Great Bear to King Arthur. The Bear was the sacred animal of Artemis in Greek mythology. To the Inuit the “Mother of Bears” gives Shamans the ability to see into the spirit world. The power of the Bear teaches us to go within, in order to digest our experiences, and to seek knowledge through contemplation and experience. Wisdom comes through the stillness of contemplation.

Bells

Bells are used for clearing, protection and activation. Hang bells from an entrance door to 'announce' anyone entering. Bells have been used throughout history as harbingers of news. Not only will it announce people but the beautiful sounds will attract pleasant feelings and represent further beauty within one's homes and environment. Click here for Bells.

Birdbaths

Excellent water features for the garden. Best position are North, East and Southeast. The water must be clean and changed daily if necessary as water symbolises abundance to the occupants. It represents growth and fertility.

Birds

Birds in general have the symbolic meaning Happiness. However some birds in particular carry other symbolism such as the Crane: Loyalty and long life and the legendary Phoenix, meaning Gracefulness. Birds bring good luck when placed in the South facing Garden or in the South side of your living room. However the keeping of caged birds is bad Feng Shui as this represents confinement and the stunting of growth. Some schools of feng shui believe it may be a hindrance in career prospects.

Bonsai

The art of miniaturising trees. Any beautiful living plant is very auspicious as long as it is kept healthy or well looked after. It can bring growth to the occupants, and is said to be extraordinarily good for maintaining one's health.

Book of Burial

It was discovered that ancient people were practicing forms of feng shui some 6000 years ago. The first scriptures of and about feng shui were discovered in the pages of a sacred Chinese text called the 'Book of Burial'. This revered manual was written in 4th century AD detailing the nature of qi on the earth, their effects and beneficial enhancements.

Bookshelves

Exposed bookshelves can be an attractive feature but books that are crammed in together create stagnant Chi`. Where possible avoid placing them where the corners are directed at you or guests. If it is unavoidable you can enclose them with doors or a small curtain. Bookcases should be kept free of clutter and do not allow junk to accumulate here. Books that are crammed in together create stagnant Chi which will not benefit the occupants. Some schools of feng shui believe that exposed or shelves without books are likened to blades cutting through you and can be hazardous to you health. Be sure that they are kept well stocked with books and perhaps some beautiful book ends/separators.

Bracelet

There are many different symbols available for Feng Shui bracelets. Their definitions will obviously differ depending on the symbol, but the idea of wearing the bracelet is to carry it's influence with you where-ever you go and whatever you do. Be it for good luck, prosperity, peace etc. Click here for Bracelets.

Butterfly

For centuries Butterflies have symbolised new beginnings, summer and great joy. They also aid in recovering from illness

C

Cactus

An effective plant for use in the garden to protect your home. The thorns or needles counter Sha chi (negative energy) headed in your direction. Some schools of Feng Shui believe they can cause bad Feng Shui when placed inside the home or at the front door as the thorns symbolise capturing and containing Sha within the home, causing misfortune, illness and bad luck.

Camel

Adaptability, Survival and Endurance. The Camel is a spectacular design of creation, that can exist and prosper in harsh and unforgiving conditions. The Camel represents endurance, conservation and stamina.

Candle

Used for attracting vital energy or to energize an area. Also useful for reducing harsh light. Lighting a candle instead gives a softer light, which is warm, inviting and peaceful. Used in the bedroom to enhance relationships and as a Feng Shui cure for travel misfortune. It can also be used as a fantastic 'fire' cure in the southern region of the premises.

Car Protection Symbol

The history behind this Car Protection symbolises strong protection for the occupants of the vehicle and represents safety from mishap or misfortune while on the journey. Click here for Car Protection.

Cats

Cats symbolise protection against evil spirits as they are able to see in the dark and frighten away spirits that have bad intentions. You may display the symbol of the cat in your wealth sector, Southeast, or in your Inner Knowledge sector, Northeast. According to the ancient Egyptians cats were worshiped and kept as pets, mostly by royalty. This was because they believed that all evil spirits were afraid of the distinctive features of cats and thus making them a protective necessity in their home. Click here for Cats.

Celestial Animals

The four Celestial Animals are the Red Bird, Green Dragon, White Tiger and Black Tortoise. The front of a building, being the smallest in area of the premises, is always symbolized by the Bird. At the rear, being the largest in area, is governed by the Tortoise. Standing inside the building facing the front, the Dragon should be to the left, and takes up the second largest in area of the premises. And the Tiger, on the right, takes up the second smallest in area of the premises. Click here for Celestial Animals.

Chandeliers

Excellent Feng Shui when placed just inside or outside the home as they encourage Chi to enter. Placed in the Southwest of the home they are said to symbolise the bringing of love luck to the occupants. They can also be hung in a corridor between facing doors to eliminate the 'confrontational effect'. Chandelier's reflect light are often beautiful this helps to have a calming effect in the home.

Chi/qi

The Dragon's cosmic breath and the key to Feng Shui.  Chi means positive energy and is used in Acupuncture, Martial Arts, Painting and Healing Medicine also. Feng Shui strives to harness the power of this energy, improving its flow, imparting its power and at times slowing it down to reap its benefits. Like electricity it is an invisible force but we can feel it and we take care how we handle it.

Chinese Lucky Envelopes

Good luck and happiness. Click here for Lucky Envelopes.

Chinese Unicorn

In Latin, Unicorn literally means "one-horned" (Unus "one" & cornu "horn"). Ancient horse tribes of central Asia adorned their horses with an artificial horn head pieces to bring them strength, power and position, and they were also a magical influence on them when going into battle.

Clothing

The clothes you wear also have significance to Feng Shui. Wearing tattered and torn clothing attracts poverty energy, which often brings about bad luck. Unflattering clothing has similar effects but also makes you feel self-conscious and lowers your Yang energy, making you feel lethargic and vulnerable. The colour's you choose will also bring good or bad luck. Referring to colour charts and combinations will help.

Clouds

Symbolise heavenly blessings.

Coin Balls

See Prosperity Coin Ball. Click here for Prosperity Balls.

Coin Sword

Click here for a Coin Sword.

Colour's

Colour amplifies the five elements, when used correctly it helps create good luck.
Wood: Brown and greens
Fire: Red, orange, pink and purple
Metal: White, silver, gold, bronze and chrome
Earth: Ochre and light yellow
Water: Blue, purple and black
Some schools of feng shui believe that single colour's have little effect on feng shui. They believe that colour combinations bring good or bad luck. Some good examples are. Black and White, red and gold, deep purple and silver or chrome. Good combinations: Two reds one yellow, two yellows one white, two whites one blue, two blues one green, two browns one red. Bad combinations: Two reds one white, two whites one green, two greens one yellow, two yellows one blue, two blues one red.

Columns

Square columns are bad Feng Shui as they produce poison arrows which can affect the health of the occupants. It is best to try and round them off or smooth them out with a feng shui remedy such as hanging a mirror on it, placing a creeper plant that travels up the column, draping some fabric around it or hanging a bamboo flute to correct the negativity.

Compass

How to read a compass. Hold the compass level in your palm, on a table,or if a larger size hold it with two hands. Usually compasses have a red arrow, place this red arrow on North. Then face the direction you want to read, all the time adjusting the red arrow to North. Keep the red arrow on North, and read the direction you are facing from the marker on your compass. Your compass will have the 4 directions and then the 4 sub directions.
Have a look at our FS020

Confucius

The legendary philosopher lived 479 BC. He is China's greatest sage. Known throughout the world as a revered teacher and an admirable philosopher. Charity and duty towards our neighbors were his daily text, while justice and truth were highlighted as most virtuous. Click here for Confucius.

Corners

Protruding corners are bad Feng Shui as they disrupt healthy Chi flow by sending out negative energy and can create havoc. Placing a tall, bushy, round leafed plant before it to act as a cure, especially if you are seated directly facing the offending corner. Alternatively you can hang a crystal in front of it or place mirrors or drape some fabric in front of it to soften the effect.

Corridors

Long straight corridors act as arrows projecting Sha chi (negative energy) and can symbolise harming relationships as the healthy Chi has nowhere to accumulate. Placing plants and windchime's along the corridor will help reduce the negative impact. Alternatively hang a beaded curtain half way down the corridor to slow the chi flow down.

Crane

In China and Japan, the Crane symbolises longevity and immortality, as it was believed to live for a 1000 yrs. It’s white feathers represent purity and it’s red head feathers represent vitality. It was a symbol of love and vitality for the Greeks and taiga-dwelling shamans (Siberia), who believed the Crane to have the ability to traverse the three realms of heaven, earth and the underworld

Crystal

Representing the earth element, crystals are suitable for the southwest and northwest sectors. They are considered to bring luck to education, romance and social interaction. Hang an amethyst hanging crystal above the front door, in the inside, to deter thieves from your premises. Click here for Crystals.

Cycles

There are three cycles used in Feng Shui, The Productive Cycle is of order and balance Fire produces Earth, Earth produces Metal, Metal produces Water, Water produces Wood, Wood produces Fire. The Reductive Cycle reduces the power of the dominant phase is used to minimize negative or dominant Chi. Fire burns Wood, Wood absorbs Water, Water corrodes Metal, Metal moves Earth and Earth reduces Fire. The Domination  Cycle is exactly that, the phases dominate each other. Fire melts Metal, Metal pierces Wood, Wood burdens Earth, Earth blocks Water and Water diminishes Fire.

D

Doors

The size, position and number of doors of a house are important factors in Feng Shui. The front door is especially significant as it is the main point of entry for Chi. It should not be obstructed or too small and should not be positioned to face hostile structures such as crosses or arrows. Bathroom and toilet doors should remain closed and doors should not face each other if possible. Cures to be used in this case consist of mirrors, crystals and beaded curtains and bells.

Dragon

Dragons will bring power and influence wherever you so choose to place them. The dragon supports the water element; best placing it facing water, clean water such as an ocean, river, stream or a fountain. The dragon brings the power of rain showers for abundant harvests, the principle of heaven and male yang power. If you place a dragon in front of the entrance door, inside, it symbolises great protection to the premises and the occupants. Click here for Dragons

Dragon Coins

Prosperity, Wisdom and Protection
The 8 Dragon coins may be placed on your desk at work, in your car, anywhere in your home. Carry one or more in your pocket or purse to symbolise abundance, wisdom and protection. An excellent metal cure for Feng Shui.

Dragon: Symbolise strength, protection, wisdom and benevolence.

Coins: Symbolise abundance, wealth and protection.

8: In mathematics the symbol of infinity is represented by the figure 8 laid down.

In China, 8 expresses the totality of the universe and is a highly favourable number, associated with prosperity. It’s shape is linked with the Wu Lu, the Chinese magical
talisman of protection.

Driveways

A circular driveway is best for Feng Shui as the round shape signifies abundance and progress. Straight lines form poison arrows and can direct Sha chi (negative energy). Never have a driveway that points directly at your door. Where possible make the driveway curve or meander. Break up its edges with overflowing flowerbed's to remove the hard angles.

Dzi (Ghzi) beads

Known as sky crystals, Dzi (Ghzi) beads are believed to have existed 5000 yrs ago.They were highly prized and their owners were said to have good karma. Dzi beads have been found in Persia, Egypt, Tibet and south east Asia. Each bead is unique in appearance. Since ancient times Dzi beads have been thought of as amulets that protect and bring good luck to the wearer. According to ancient beliefs, all who wear Dzi beads benefit health wise.

E

Earth

One of the Five Elements. The center of your home is said to belong to the Earth element, therefore emphasising the importance of a healthy representation in this area for good fortune. Earth is the colour of brown, yellow & ochre and earth is of square or block-type shape.

East

The home of the Dragon and the Wood Element. East is symbolic of growth energy. Anything requiring uplifting energy is best placed in the East. Feng Shui practitioners will advise that the son of the family live in an east facing room, as this was the space reserved for heirs of the dynasty in days of old.

Electromagnetic Energy

Most electrical goods, such as the telephone, an alarm clock, microwave ovens, computers, the television, etc., produce electromagnetic energy which in turn, turns to electromagnetic radiation. Excessive forms of radiation can be extremely harmful to your physical well-being by causing things such as headaches, tiredness, sleeping difficulties, etc. Ask a feng shui practitioner to take an electromagnetic reading with an EMF reader of your premises to measure this form of radiation that could be affecting your health.

Elephants