Feng Shui FAQs

Feng Shui and photo frames

Should we give great importance to photo frames?

How important are photo frames depends on several factors. The first thing to take into consideration is the frame itself. The frame represents an element depending on its color, shape or element itself. Thus, a wooden frame obviously represents the wood element. Thus, we must take into account the element of the frame for a given sector.

Another aspect is the photo. This is rather important in the 8 Aspirations system. In the relationship area, for example, it is appropriate to put photos of couples. And in the family area are more appropriate family photos. Beyond the 8 Aspirations system, we must bear in mind the Flying Stars and put photos of couples, families or children in appropriate sectors depending on the Stars of the sector.

Once again, we must first analyze our house to see which the appropriate elements for each sector are and depending on them we use the elements in decoration, including the photo frames.

The Bagua map

The Bagua map, used in the 8 Aspirations system, has become the most known as Feng Shui, thanks to the countless books on Feng Shui using this system.

We have all heard about the sector of abundance, work or love. Thus, the major concern in how to apply Feng Shui is summarized namely how to “fix” these sectors of the house to improve your economy, your job or your relationships.

The 8 Aspirations system, which uses the “Bagua map” and tells us what aspect of life corresponds to what direction, is just one infinite part of Feng Shui. I have had many students and clients with notions of Feng Shui, precisely the 8 Aspirations system, who did not understand why, having arranged their house using the Bagua map, saw no improvement in certain areas of their lives. They commented that they had everything arranged and that although some had noticed some positive change, in other aspects it was not better and for some even worse.

The 8 Aspirations system is valid, but very minimally that, if we do not consider the 8 Mansions (Ba Zhai) system and the Flying Stars (Xuan Kong) system, we will not see any difference when implementing or even a negative result.

Why?

When we use the Bagua map of the 8 Aspirations, we consider only the elements relating to the directions. But beyond this, we do not know the Flying Stars from every sector of our house. If these Stars are in harmony with the element of the sector where they are located, then our lives will improve in some aspect, but if they are in disharmony, it can be worse. If we have a combination in a sector which requires the metal element and it turns out that this sector is the South and we have the fire element, we get quite the opposite of what we wanted.

Another problem is whether we consider our favorable directions or not. Sleeping in one of our unfavorable directions will have a negative impact on our lives, depending on which unfavorable direction it is.

We must be very objective when it comes to analyzing the results. We must observe and draw our own conclusions. We live our lives according to our experience. If something has gone well, then we will do the same. It is the same for Feng Shui. If it goes well, everything is perfect, but if not, then something is wrong. We need to take everything into account, not just one part.

“Feng Shui” Objects or lucky charms

A very common question is whether there are specific objects or “Feng Shui” objects to encourage good health, wealth, work or love. Many items are sold as “Feng Shui” objects which supposedly will benefit us.

I saw Feng Shui candles, one of each color – representing the five elements – with the Chinese ideogram and translation of each element. This is a good example of pure marketing. Why? A candle represents the fire element. A blue or black candle with the ideogram inscription of water can not represent the water element as it is a contradiction in itself.

Other objects commonly found as favorable for a good Feng Shui come from Chinese tradition. We can find statues of good fortune, such as three-legged frogs, statues of gods of the Chinese mythology, gold ingots or the famous ancient Chinese coins. Another example is the water fountain or lucky bamboo.

As in all traditions, we all have objects representing one thing or another. There is a tradition of planting an almond tree in the garden of a new house or have a container with salt, so that we are not lacking wealth and health. We must not confuse tradition with science.

When applying Feng Shui we use the five elements to harmonize a specific space. To implement the five elements, we use its characteristics as color, shape or the element itself. If it is necessary to use the water element in an area of the house, you can use the color of water, a fountain or an aquarium. If the fire element is required, it can be the color red or a candle. And if you need the metal element, it can be a statue or metal coins. At no time a so called “Feng Shui” object is used.

It is a very common contradiction to find Classic Feng Shui consultants, which supposedly do not believe in all these “Feng Shui” objects, but which profit of the ignorance of people and sell these items in order to have a part of the market.

If you have a house and like the Asian decor, having objects of the Chinese tradition makes sense. But your house will not have better Feng Shui. A modern house with a modern interior does not require “Feng Shui” objects to be consistent with the theory of Feng Shui so that its inhabitants have a good life quality.