Our body contains energy or "qi" that is sensitive to our surroundings. The shape of our bodies, our facial features, our posture and physical appearance are clues that tell us about the energy we possess. Likewise, a building's form, structure and interior layout reflect the energies that it embodies. Feng shui is a study of the cause and effects that occur from the interaction of various people in different places.

When a house's energies match our body's energy, it lets us feel comfortable--there's a sense of security and confidence. Very often when we shop for a house, we tend to settle in houses that have similar energies. However, this does not necessary mean that the house is good for us. For instance, people with low or negative energy may feel most at home in a house that also has weak energies--unfortunately, this usually causes them trouble or illness. People who have a pattern of money problems may unknowingly chose to live in a house with energies that cause financial instability. The following is a recent case that reflects this:

Simon bought a new house and wants me to check the feng shui. As I drove towards his home, there were several hints that this is a house of money loss and loneliness. The number of his address added up to one, a symbol of being alone. The house is located by itself on the top of a hill. Although the view is magnificent, this site has no energy because it stands unprotected. There are no mountains or hills around it to shield it from harsh winds or act as a natural container of energy. On all sides, steep slopes let energy or "qi" descend away from the house.

The house also has an extremely awkward shape which creates an irregular flow of energy that is conducive of malice and illness. The building's width is greater than the depth and it had a profusion of windows. Both these aspects compounded by the house's shape and site conditions all lead to energy loss. This usually results in catastrophe such as financial difficulties and ultimately, bankruptcy. Simon raises his eyebrows and tells me that this house was sold as a foreclosure because the previous owner had gone bankrupt.

Although the door opens to the correct direction for Simon's energy field, the entry opens to a driveway overlooking a cliff. There are no bedrooms in the right location for Simon. How did Simon end up buying a house like this? Looking at his aura and his birth chart, his energies are weak and this is an exceptionally bad year for him. Any sort of movement or dramatic change in his life would lead to unforeseen challenges that will cause him much misery and pain. I highly recommended for him not to move this year. He replied that he had to move. Last year, there were four deaths in his family, he was involved in a law suit and suffered severe stress. He wants change.

He asked if there was anything he could do to adjust this house's feng shui. I explained to him that it is very difficult because even if the house is dramatically remodeled, the site can not be changed. The best thing he could do for himself is to postpone moving and use this year to strengthen his own energies through meditation, proper diet, and good deeds. This way, it would be possible for him to release some of his negative energy and try to protect himself through enlightenment and awareness. Looking at Simon's aura, this is not easy because his energy is dark and his life cycle is at a low point--moving into this house may only make things worst.

In this type of situation, by reinforcing Simon's energies through deep meditations and positive visualization, as well as taking extra caution in planning, paper work and selecting the best times for any type of construction may help him avoid major calamity. However, I do not recommend long term residence here. Simon sadly smiled and told me that of all the different houses he saw, this is the one that he felt the best and strongest in, how can this be bad?

Sometimes, when we are in times of trouble, our energy is scattered and unfocused--we may not always make the wisest decisions. In the beginning, you may feel comfortable here because the energies are similar to your's and have not affected you yet, but as you live here longer and the house's energy starts to affect you physically, you will find it hard to progress.

So, it is important to for us to be aware of how we interact with our surroundings. There are certain patterns that we unknowingly create. Sometimes, we unintentionally walk into a pothole. At times, the only way to success is through failure. However, by opening our minds to understanding the cycles of cause and effect in feng shui, we can intentionally walk into our prosperity.

Many times, the best way to know ourselves is through another. From our own perspective, it may be hard to know what is good or bad. Rather than be stuck in a hard situation, peace of mind can be as simple as bringing a set of trained eyes that can see more clearly. In feng shui, by understanding our body's qi and how it responds to surroundings, we can objectively select an environment that is most suitable to enhancing our well-being.

Jenny has a BA degree in Environmental Design from UC Berkeley and a MA in Architecture from UCLA. Having done her master's thesis on feng shui, she is currently writing a book on the subject to promote this natural way of living for the benefit of mankind. Info website.

©1999 Qi Journal