Feng Shui has become increasingly popular since the 1960s in western nations for the positioning of furniture; however, in early Chinese civilization it was widely used for the orientation of a building or a tomb on a site. Feng Shui is the belief that, by orientating a building according to the laws of Heaven and the most aesthetically pleasing characteristics of a site, harmony and peace can be achieved. Feng Shui was used for not only prominent buildings such as temples and palaces, but also for tombs and homes. During the cultural revolution in China, Feng Shui was banned but it has made a huge comeback in the land of its origin over the last decade.
Feng shui was originally created through the use of astrology. A number of techniques still used today were developed over 3,500 years ago. The invention of the magnetic compass was a direct outcome of the a desire to simplify calculations for use in feng shui. Many of the traditional instruments are still in use.
Feng shui has gained major popularity in the west but has also often been incorrectly applied. In some instances it has almost be classified as a form of interior design. Because of the difficulties inherent in traditionally practiced feng shui, many people think of it as something for those who have the funds available to hire a feng shui expert. Western companies with properties in China often consult with feng shui experts. During the building of Hong Kong Disneyland the master, Wing Chao, was brought aboard as a consultant. Donald Trump also had a feng shui consultant during the restoration of many of his properties including the Trump Tower.
There a a multitude of different schools of feng shui today – some are shams and some are true to the traditions of the art. Feng shui can be used from the design to the build to the interior of a finished structure. Most practitioners use certain parts of feng shui without going with all the believes – maybe just with the placement of lamps or a bamboo plant in the dining room. Whether you are an adherent of feng shui or not really doesn’t matter – the use of feng shui is never a detriment to a home.