SYMBOLIC ANIMALS

In addition to all the others factors involved in Feng Shui there are aspects of astrology and astronomy involved. Four terms derived from Chinese astronomy are used in Feng Shui, being placed at the points of the compass. These 4 animals, the tortoise (turtle), the phoenix (bird), the dragon and the tiger are also associated with directions as applied to a house and with the seasons. Each animals (often called a celestial animal) has particular associations in terms of charater and emotions. 

These animal symbols are used to assess the Feng Shui of a house with respect to its position. When a house faces south, into the realm of the red phoenix, then the terms front, back, etc coincide with the compass directions, looking out of the house to the south means you are also facing away from the front.

Leaving your house to go into the realm of the red bird is supposed to bring good luck and good fortune. In China it is common practice for people to seek a house that is either south or south-east facing. This is an auspicious set-up as it allows into the house the good fortune of the bird (for south facing) and in addition the wisdom of the dragon (for south-east facing). In front of the house, the ground should gently fall away. If the drop is too step then it is believed the red bird will ‘fall off’, thus adversely affecting your fortune.

With the configuration in mind, the back of the house would be the area of the black tortoise or turtle. This is the area of mystery, but can perhaps be more logically interpreted as the realm of private matters, including marriage and family concerns.

To the east ideally there should be hills of the green dragon representing good luck and also hope. To the west is the realm of the white tiger. The land to the west should be flat. Anything else may generate bad luck – hills will mean that the white tiger will be strong with an abundance of the characteristics listed above. This could lead to difficulties in your personal life. If the ground to the west rapidly slopes away, the tiger’s influence will be minimal and this can lead to an existence without interest or any excitement. This is the ideal situation but since this is out of reach for most of us, the Feng Shui of our home interior is important in counter-acting any negative aspects outside. 

The symbolic animals are also used with reference to the walls of the house and the directions in which they face. In a house facing south, the entrance wall is attributed to the bird (compass direction south) but the interior wall facing the entrance is also designated by the bird. However, the outside of that same wall is the realm of the tortoise because it faces north. By the same token, the other walls can be attributed to the other animals, each being allocated one internal and one external wall dependent upon the direction of facing.

Thus, from the perspective, the best configuration for a house is where the four symbolic animals can be discerned in the outlines of the scenery round about the site. The dragon is regarded as the most important and at the very least it is hoped that a hill to the east can be taken to represent the green dragon. When one of the four animals can be identified in the scenery, then the directions of the other three can obviously be established, even I there are no physical signs of them.

THE FIVE ELEMENTS : WATER

Known as the philosopher, Shui, water is the element that cleanses and rejuvenates – the very source of life. Flowing water follows its course naturally till it finds its way to the ocean. All areas where is found, by seas, rivers and also by the man-made waterways are influenced by this element. 

The colors associated with water are dark shades – black, navy blue and similar. The wave form is the basic shape associated with water and this becomes undulating, rolling countryside on land. Winter is the time of year linked with water and anyone born between early November and early February will have a very emotional aspects to their character but will quite often cover up their feelings.

Illness due to a imbalance of water include nervous problems such as phobias, depression and lethargy; circulatory conditions such as low or high blood pressure; arthritis and other diseases of the joints and certain digestive ailments.

In the home, the emotional aspects of character of the individual should be matched by a place that can easily be made private and quiet.

THE FIVE ELEMENTS : FIRE

Known as the magician, Huo, fire is obviously full of life and brightness and is hot and dry. Hot deserts naturally fall under its control. 

The fundamental shape of fire is considered to be an elongated triangle which is reflected in nature by jagged, pointed hills and mountains and in man-made features by pointed spires and roofs. Designs inside buildings would incorporate bright, cheery patterns possibly with a radiating theme. As would be expected, the colors associated with this element include all shades of red and purple. Summer is the season associated with fire and anyone born between early May and early August will be full vitality.

There are many conditions and illnesses that can result from a disproportion of fire. Heart disease, circulatory problems (high blood pressure etc), muscular and digestive complaints are all likely, as is emotional upset and similar ailments where the origin lies with matter of heart.

Computing and electronics are fields that related to fire. The home of such people should ideally be and its often the case, a warm welcoming environment suitable for receiving visitors but also for private moment which are greatly treasured.

THE FIVE ELEMENTS : METAL

Metal is the catalyst, Chin, and is considered to strengthen. Its also very workable and versatile and is used in a whole host of objects for both everyday, functional use from vehicles and machines to wire and computers and in items of great beauty such as jewelry.

The shapes associated with metal are the round and the oval, which are reflected in the land by way of rounded hills and building through the use of domes and similar structures. The colors of metal are typically white, grey, silver or similar. Autumn is the season corresponding with metal and those born in the period from early August to early November could well be the type who wants everything just so – perfectionists. Conditions that related are depression (imbalance of metal) and anything that relate to spine.

The attributes of metal that relate, among others, to order and organization find a suitable outlet in occupation such as the police or armed forces, the arts, the legal profession, computing and certain branches of engineering. The home should be tidy and well organized with a corner set aside for contemplative thought.