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Home > Feng Shui Glossary > A - G

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Glossary of Feng Shui Terminology

The following is a glossary of many of the most commonly used Feng Shui terms and concepts, and their basic meanings A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z A Aquarium - This water feature can provide very positive energy and symbolizes growth and activity. It is most effective when filled with bright, active fish and is located in the southeast, (wealth sector), of the home. B Bagua - Also translated as Pa kua, the eight-sided symbol which is said to have been inspired centuries ago by the markings on a tortoise shell, that defines the directions and the various energies associated with them.  The bagua is an indispensable tool in the Compass school of Feng Shui Bagua mirror - Also called a Paqua mirror. The bagua is an octagonal mirror that is surrounded by the eight trigrams, which represent the tools of living, arranged in perfectly balanced order. Either flat, convex or concave, the shape being determined by a desire to duplicate, attract, or deflect surrounding energies. Buddha - The enlightened form of Siddhartha Gautama, the Bodhisattva. founder of Buddhism as a spiritual practice. A very auspicious symbol for wisdom, compassion, serenity and transcendence. C Chi - This is the general term for energy, which is everywhere, in everything. Feng Shui concerns itself with the movement and manipulation of chi with the goal being to create a more positive life experience. Crystals - Considered very auspicious in Feng Shui because of their ability to attract and amplify positive energy or chi through diffusion of light. D Dragon An ancient and greatly respected character in Chinese culture, the mythical dragon is a symbol of strength, fortitude, wit and intelligence and is also considered very powerful for luck and protection. Dragon Turtle A mythical creature that is recognized as a powerful multi-purpose enhancer. The dragon symbolizes success, determination and good luck, with added protection and longevity, symbolized by his tortoise shell. The baby turtle on his back represents support for fresh starts and new ventures. This odd creature rests on a pile of ingots and coins, lending an added boost in financial affairs, E Earth One of the five elements, the earth sector is located in the center of the space. Earth energy is activated by using colors such as yellow, brown and ochre, and by objects made of crystal, stone and ceramic. East This direction is synonymous with growth and is the direction of the element wood. Activating colors in this area would be shades of green with accents of  blue. Wood objects and live plants would good here. Elephant     Deeply revered in Buddhism, the elephant is considered a symbol of wisdom, strength and good judgment. It is traditional to place an elephant on a high shelf or on an alter to show that it is held in high esteem. Elements     The essence of Feng Shui is rooted in the interaction and balance between the five elements, which are water, wood, fire, metal, and earth. Each of these elements governs particular aspects of life. Energy      The practice of Feng Shui concerns itself with the movement and quality of energy, or chi, in a space. Creating a healthy and positive flow of energy is said to enhance physical and emotional health and quality of life. F Feng Shui   Literally translated as wind/water and said to be over 5000 years old, the art of Feng Shui concerns itself with the movement and quality of energy, or chi, which is present everywhere, in everything. By consciously manipulating this energy through various techniques and symbolism that have evolved over time, it is thought that all areas of one's life experience can be affected in a profoundly positive way. Fire      One of the five elements, the fire sector is located in the south. It is energized by the colors red, purple, magenta, pink and orange. Objects such as candles, incense burners, lamps and fireplaces are perfect in this area. Fish      Always a symbol for success and good fortune, keeping fish in a pond outdoors, or in an aquarium in the north, water sector of your space is considered very auspicious. Sculptures or imagery containing fish are also powerful when placed in the north. Flowers      Fresh, live flowers give off lots of vital, yang energy and are a beautiful way to enliven a space, especially when placed in the east, southeast wood sector. Avoid displays of dried or pressed flowers, since these are extremely yin and are considered unhealthy. Remove flowers as they start to wilt, as they become magnets for yin energy. Flutes     Bamboo flutes represent strength and support and are a popular Feng Shui cure. They can be hung from beams to soften poison arrows or over the front entrance to symbolize security and protection from negative forces. Foyers      Frequently found just beyond the front door, it is vital that a foyer is kept clean, neat and welcoming, since this area sets the tone for the rest of the space. A chandelier is perfect here, since a source of light is important, but it should not be overly bright and harsh. Frogs  A beloved sign of good luck, the presence of frogs around the garden is considered very auspicious and beneficial. The mythical three legged toad or money frog, holds a coin in his mouth and is a powerful symbol for attracting wealth when placed just inside the doorway, facing inward Fu Dogs     Ancient, mythical creatures that are part dog and part lion, a pair of male and female fu dogs placed at the entrance to a space act as protective guardians, allowing only benevolent forces to enter. G Globe     A great way to activate the earth element, especially when placed in the northeast. A globe is also thought to stimulate the intellect when placed in the northeast area of a student's room or study. Gold    An auspicious symbol of prosperity, gold accents are also a good way to active the metal element in the west H Horse     Greatly revered in Feng Shui as a powerful yang element that symbolizes strength, courage and endurance, the horse is also associated with the element of fire. Imagery and sculptures of horses are best displayed in the south, fire sector. Hotei  Also known as the Happy Buddha, a very auspicious symbol that embodies the qualities of wisdom, abundance, infinite luck and a positive, light hearted approach to life. I Incense     Incense provides a pleasant and simple way to energize and cleanse the energy in a space and when used in the south, will stimulate the fire element. It is also effective for calming the nerves, lifting the spirits and creating a meditative and serene atmosphere. K Killing breath Killing breath is another term for negative energy. It is used in the same way that sha chi or poison arrow is used to refer to harsh, cutting energy that is thought to cause all sorts of ailments and problems. Knife money A wealth enhancer that replicates the form of currency used in China over 2000 years ago, considered a powerful attracter of wealth due to the yang nature of it's shape, which resembles knives or swords. Kuan Yin Also Quan Yin, The Bodhisattva, or Buddha, represented in female form, called the Goddess of Compassion. A very auspicious symbol of protection, love and good will, she is often depicted with a willow branch for healing and fulfilling requests, and an urn of water, filled with the dew of compassion that will remove suffering, purify body, mind and spirit and provide long life. L Lights Lights, or lamps, are often used in Feng Shui as a way to energize a particular sector, since a lit lamp stimulates yang energy. They are also useful for circulating stagnant energy and to create a more heightened atmosphere. Overly harsh light should always be avoided. A soft, warm glow is ideal. M Mandarin ducks Since these birds mate for life, Mandarin ducks are an auspicious symbol for a lasting and strong love relationship. When displayed in the southwest, they are said to attract luck in romance and love. Always display them in pairs. Metal One of the five elements, the sector governed by metal is in the north/northwest sector of the space. Metal energy is activated by the colors silver, gold and white. Mirror Considered a powerful tool for moving and altering chi, mirrors can also be used as a cure for missing corners and to deflect poison arrows. When placed in the dining area, it is believed that a mirror will act to double abundance in the form of sustenance, or cash intake when placed near the cash register in a business location. Money Frog This three legged, mythical creature is considered to be conducive to attracting good fortune and wealth. Place the money frog near the cash register in the work place. At home, it should be placed near the main entrance, facing into the space, or in the north, (career sector), or in the southeast, (wealth sector). Mountains A powerful symbol for strength and endurance, photos and artwork depicting mountains placed behind you as you work, or in the southeast, (wealth sector), will provide support, protection and stability. N North This direction is energized by the water element, and can be energized by the use of colors such as blue, green and aqua. Water features such as fountains and aquariums will be very effective in this area. P Plants Live, healthy plants are an excellent way to energize the wood element in the east and northeast areas of a space. In general, plants contribute to the presence of positive, vital chi energy. Poison Arrow Poison arrow is a term that refers to sharp, hostile corners or objects, both indoors and out, that cause an abundance of oppressive energy, or sha chi, to be directed at the inhabitants of a space. Ponds Considered an auspicious water feature, ponds filled with clean, fresh water are a powerful way to energize the water element, and are best  when placed in the north, east and southeast. Q Quartz A powerful way to energize the earth element, quartz crystals are best placed in the southwest and northwest sectors. They are said to bring luck with education and to enhance wisdom and spiritual growth. Rose quartz is valued as an enhancer for romance and relationships. R Red A very auspicious color for energizing yang, fire energy, red is potent and must be used with care. Too much of it can have an unsettling effect. Rock Rocks are symbols of strength and endurance, and are effective for energizing the earth element. They are most auspicious when placed in the northeast or southwest. Romance Accentuate relationships and romance by energizing the southwest sector of the living room or bedroom. Good symbols for this area are mandarin ducks, rose quartz crystals and phoenix and dragon coins. S Sha Also known as killing breath, sha chi refers to the negative energy that is caused by sharp angles and hostile structures. There are numerous cures for these issues, including placement of mirrors, crystals and plants to deflect and soften this harmful energy. South This direction is governed by fire and rules the areas of fame and reputation. Placing red objects, and burning candles and incense in this area will improve public opinion and bring opportunities to be in the public's eye. Southeast This direction is governed by the wood element and rules the area of wealth. Energize and activate your financial life by placing plants or a water element in this area, and by using the colors of the earth such as green, brown and ochre. Southwest This direction is governed by earth and rules the area of romance. It will be beneficial to use the color red in this sector, as well as pink, purple and orange. Pyramid and triangular shaped objects and lit candles and incense are also energizing to this area. Sun The sun provides a source of perfect yang energy. Windows allowing plenty of natural sunlight into the home are essential, but it may be necessary to filter that light in the summer to avoid excessive Yang energy. T Turtle The turtle is considered an extremely auspicious purveyor of good fortune, protection and wealth. W Water Symbolic of wealth and prosperity, water features placed in the north within the home are the most auspicious, with the southeast and southwest being secondary locations. Fountains are very good water features because the moving water has less tendency to become stagnant than sitting bowls of water, which may also be used as long as they are kept very fresh. West This direction is governed by the metal element and rules the area of children and creativity. White, silver and gold are good colors to use here, and metal objects like bells, bowls and sculptures are energizing to this sector. Wind chimes Considered to create very positive chi, wind chimes are appropriate in a number of circumstances. The material that chime is made of will determine where it should best be placed. Metal chimes should be placed in the west/southwest; bamboo or wood chimes in the east/southeast and ceramic in the southwest/northeast. In all cases, wind chimes are useful for dispersing sha chi and for generating and heightening the movement of positive chi. White Associated with the metal element, white is considered a symbol of purity. Use it in the west to enhance the lives of children and creativity, and in the northwest, to enhance the influence of mentors. Wood One of the five elements, wood is represented by the east, which rules family and health and by the southeast, which rules wealth. Wood objects and live plants are auspicious in these areas, as are the colors brown, beige and green. Red should be avoided in these areas, since fire, (red) destroys wood. Y Yang Yang energy is the active half of the yin-yang concept. It is symbolized by light, activity, movement rigidity and strength. It is also associated with male energy. It must always be balanced with similarly opposite levels of yin energy. Yellow Associated with the earth element, yellow is thought to symbolize purity and is also though to stimulate knowledge. Yin Yin energy is the passive half of the yin-yang concept. It is symbolized by darkness, stillness, flexibility and weakness and is associated with female energy. It must be balanced in all situations by an equal presence of yang energy.