Adjustment
Age 年運世會歲
A cycle of qi氣, it is the primary requisite for construction of a Flying Star chart. It is this application of the time factor which determines the allocation of qi throughout the structure. Some schools prefer to utilize the move-in date as the essential time factor. The most widely recognized method is to use the time of construction as the determining factor and more specifically the time of the closing of the roof. Each age or period lasts twenty years and begins on a year ending in the number four.
See Flying Stars
Annual Star 當位星
In Luo Shu, Magic Square, or Nine Star the center number is called the Annual Star. In a Flying Star chart, the energy or quality of qi represented by a number called a Star. The Annual Star moves cyclically to a different location each year.
See Flying Stars, Nine Star Ki
Armchair 靠背椅
See Form School.
Astro-cartography
A western astrology horoscope which determines the most advantageous locations for an individual to reside.
Astrology, Western
A cosmological method of divination based on the positions of the Sun, Moon, Planets and other heavenly bodies, relative to time and place on Earth which is drawn into a horoscope.
Auspicious 吉
A term frequently used in Feng Shui, Astrology and divination to denote favorable, desirable and beneficial influences and successful results.
See antonym inauspicious
Azure Dragon 青龍 also called Green Dragon
A symbolic animal of the Form School and one of four Landform Guardians. In the ideal cradle or armchair position of the Form School, it refers to mountain ranges, rolling hills, trees, or structures that support and protect a building on the left side of the armchair. Before the compass was invented, it was a way to describe the left direction.
See Four Emblems, Celestial Animals
Ba Zhai 八宅 , also called Eight House Feng Shui, Eight Mansions, or East/West school東西四命
The most basic and popular method of determining and regulating the qi in Compass School Feng Shui. First, sitting and facing directions of a structure are determined. Then the four most auspicious and four least auspicious sectors for the space are calculated, each having specific influences on the qi of a space.
See East/West System.
Ba Zi 八字
Refers to Four Pillars of Destiny, but literally means eight (Chinese) Characters.
See Four Pillars of Destiny .
Bagua 八卦 , also called Ba Gua, Pa Kua
A diagram akin to the Chinese flow chart for the cyclical energies of the manifested universe, originating from the I Ching and the Luo Shu. The literal translation is “eight house”. It consists of eight external houses and a central one called the Tai Ji: a symbol denoting a perfect balance of the flowing energies of yin and yang, and also representing Earth. Each of the eight houses is named by a trigram, and points to a specific direction, number, element, season, color, body organ, family member, symbol, location and other life aspects in resonance with that trigram sector. The Bagua can be drawn in many different forms and is an indispensable tool in most schools of Feng Shui.
See Fu Xi Pre-Heaven Bagua, Later Heaven Bagua, BTB Feng Shui Bagua.
Bamboo flute 蕭 , also called Hsiao
An end-blown bamboo flute, and musical instrument, used in Feng Shui as a remedy. This flute’s base includes the bamboo’s root joint which is bigger and stronger than the remaining, visible joints, allowing its base to acts as a support to energetically lift or raise qi.
Bau-biologie
Translates from the German as building biology. A movement that has made a study of how buildings impact life and health in the living environment. Factors that it observes, measures and attempts to regulate at a building site include bio-physical forces above and below the earth’s surface, climatic and solar influences, air quality, and the toxicity of building materials. Bau-biologie advocates the use of safe and sustainable construction materials and the mitigation of excessive electro-magnetic fields. It encourages a holistic and healing approach to home and work environments.
Beginning of Spring 立春
The first of the Twenty Four Seasons which usually begins on February 4th or 5th. Determining the Beginning of Spring is essential in the calculation of I Ching divination techniques.
See Twenty-Four Seasons.
Benker lines, also called the Ten Meter System
Named after Anton Benker of Germany, the dowser who discovered this system. Benker lines lie on every fifth Hartmann line and radiate up into space, but are stronger to a great degree. One side of a Benker line is positively charged, and the other side is negatively charged. They are considered to be a source of potential health problems, and are located by dowsing.
See Hartmann lines
Bing 丙 , also called Ping
The third heavenly stem in the cycle of ten, denoting Yang Fire, based on the productive cycle of the Five Elements as they go through their yin and yang phases. It refers to the more active and aggressive aspects of the fire element and is used in Four Pillars of Destiny.
See Heavenly Stems.
Black Sect Tantric Buddhist Feng Shui, also called BTB Feng Shui, Black Hat
BTB Feng Shui has its roots in the pre-Buddhist, Bon religion of Tibet. It was also influenced by Indian Buddhism and later took on the traditions of Chinese philosophy including Feng Shui. It was brought to the West around 1980, and its practices spread rapidly through the Americas. The BTB Feng Shui Bagua is a modification of the Wen Wang (Later Heaven) Bagua and is superimposed on a site, building, or room using the Three Door Method which aligns the entry with one the three trigrams: Ken (Knowledge), Kan (Career) or Qian (Helpful People). BTB Feng Shui emphasizes following the flow of qi (in the space and the person), the use of transcendental solutions to reinforce mundane remedies, the power of intention and self cultivation through meditation.
Black Tortoise 玄武 , also called Black Turtle
The symbolic animal of Form School, and the most important of the four Landform Guardians. In the ideal armchair position of Form School, it refers to hills, mountains, trees or other structures that support and protect a building from behind. In the ancient traditions it was best located in the North. This was based on the climatic conditions of China where the cold winds came from the North. In modern times it can be located in any direction as long as it provides the physical and energetic backing needed to offer support for the building. The same principles can be applied inside the building when orienting furnishings.
See Four Emblems, Celestial Animals.
Blessing mudra 大手印
A hand gesture used for blessings and or offerings
See Mantra.
Boar
See Hai亥, Zodiac, Asian.
Book of Changes
See I Ching.
Bright Hall 明堂
See Ming Tang.
BTB Feng Shui
See Black Sect Tantric Buddhist Feng Shui.
BTB Feng Shui Bagua 密宗黑教八卦
A modification of the Wen Wang or Later Heaven Bagua sequence with the trigrams inverted so that the qi moves toward the center. The BTB Bagua puts humanity at the center and represents our qi returning to its essence. The Wen Wang and BTB Feng Shui Baguas together oscillate through time, representing the unity of yin and yang and creation -- how we continually create our reality, get feedback, then act or react. Based on the philosophy of Shao Yong, BTB Feng Shui equates the trigram movement of the different Baguas to qi flow through the seasons. The Pre-Heaven Bagua is considered the Lesser Yang or Spring Bagua. The Later Heaven or Wen Wang Bagua, with the trigram qi moving out from the center, is considered the Greater Yang or Summer Bagua. The BTB Feng Shui Bagua, where the trigram qi moves back to the center, is considered the Lesser Yin or Autumn Bagua. The Greater Yin or Winter Bagua will likely follow.
Calming Heart Mantra 心經
A chant used to activate and improve qi. The words, “Gate gate, para gate, para sam gate, bodhi swaha,” are used at the start of other meditations, to help center one’s energy, when one is upset or mentally unclear.
Cardinal points 四正位
The four primary compass directions; North, South, East, West.
Celestial Animals 四靈獸
The four mythical animals of Form School: the Azure Dragon (Green Dragon), White Tiger, Black Tortoise (Black Turtle), Red Phoenix (Red Bird). Each animal represents a different earth quality or energy. Also represents land forms.
See Zodiac, Asian, Four Emblems.
Certified Feng Shui practitioner
A Feng Shui practitioner having achieved a certain level of expertise and having received a certificate of achievement or completion from the attended school.
See Feng Shui practitioner.
Chen 辰 , also called Ch’en, Zhen,Dragon, Azure Dragon, Green Dragon
1.The fifth earthly branch in the cycle of twelve life energies, representative of strong and active energy. It is used in Chinese Astrology占卜 and Four Pillars.
2. One of the mythical, celestial animals of Form School lore. The Dragon is the guardian and inspiration of the East. A member of the Asian Zodiac, the Dragon is highly revered in Asian societies and is representative of good fortune, great strength and leadership.
See Earthly Branches, Four Pillars of Destiny.
Chen Pi 陳皮 , also called Tshen Pei
Aged dried tangerine skin used to purify a space.
Chi, also called Ki (Japanese)
See Qi
Chi cultivation
See Qi cultivation
Chien
See Qian
Chinese Almanac, also called Tung T’su 中國通書
An annual Chinese publication in book form with advice about the best, worst, and appropriate activities, locations and more, for each day of the year. It has been widely used in China to predict everything from the size of the yearly harvest to the electoral success of public officials. In its almanac form it is used for the selection of auspicious and inauspicious dates for all types of activities.
Chinese Astrology
Refers to a group of divination techniques first used in China, based on astrological or cosmological assessments. The most common form assigns to the person a Zodiac Animal based on the natal year as determined by the Chinese Lunar Calendar. This term also refers to several other methods commonly used in Feng Shui, including Four Pillars of Destiny, Nine Star Ki, Ming Gua, Ba Zhai, Zhi Ping, Purple Star and Flying Stars.
Chinese Calendar
A daily calendar with the same information as the Tung T’su contained in 365 pages, one for each day of the year.
Chinese New Year
The first day of Month 1 in the Lunar calendar.
Chueh ming
See Jue ming.
Chyan
See Qian
Ch’i Kung
See Qi Kung.
Ch’ou 牛 , also called Chou, the Ox
The second earthly branch in the cycle of twelve life energies, representative of nourishing energy. It is used in Chinese Astrology占卜and Four Pillars.
See Earthly Branches, Four Pillars of Destiny, Zodiac, Asian.
Clashing doors
Doors that hit each other when opened.
Classical Feng Shui 傳統風水 , also called Traditional Feng Shui
The most widely practiced category of Feng Shui worldwide. Based on the two original types first used in China, Classical Feng Shui consists of Form School and Compass School principles and methods. Contemporary Classical Feng Shui is related to, and utilizes, a variety of modalities that include the directional use of the Bagua, Ming Gua method, Ba Zhai method, Four Pillars, Flying Stars and others.
See Four Pillars of Destiny
Clutter
The obstruction of life force typically through the use of too many items within a space, thus creating a stagnation of the energy within that space.
Commanding position 上首位
1.The best Form School location for the interior placement of furniture, especially the bed, desk, or stove. This position is usually farthest from and facing the door, with one’s back to a solid wall. This position is considered the safest and most powerful, providing the widest view of the room with the ability to see the door without being directly in line with it.
2. The best Form School location of a building on its site, creating the classic armchair with the Black Tortoise (Black Turtle) in the rear, the Red Phoenix in front, the Azure Dragon and the White Tiger to the sides.
See Celestial Animals, Four Emblems.
Compass School, also called Fujien 福建 School
An early school of Feng Shui that developed after Form School. At first a simple needle and bowl compass were utilized to determine the best directional and solar orientation for a structure. Eventually Compass School incorporated principals of the I Ching and other Daoist modalities. The simple needle and bowl compass evolved into the lopan compass which reveals many layers of information in its complex ring system. Currently western versions of the lopan exist that have been color coded and translated to simplify its usage. The lopan remains one of the most effective tools for diagnosing and diagramming the energies within a space and linking them to the eight trigrams, the Five Elements, Yin/yang and the twelve energy cycles. In Compass School Feng Shui, the Bagua is a diagrammatic representation of the lopan Compass and is oriented using the actual directions. e.g., North sits on North of the floor plan.
See Luopan
Confucius
Chinese philosopher, teacher, sage, and father of Confucianism (551BCE - 479BCE) whose teachings were centered around the development of virtuous ethical behaviors and high moral standards to uphold peace and prosperity in society.
Constantly Turning Dharma Wheel 法輪常轉
A transcendental solution to clear inauspicious qi.
Crystals 水晶
1. Any of several minerals having a crystalline structure, that is a three-dimensional structure made up of atoms, molecules or ions arranged in basic units that are repeated throughout the structure. These can be used as amplifiers or transmitters of energy and other specific healing purposes. Crystals are used in Feng Shui as remedies and in many other ways.
2. A clear high quality glass object, sometimes faceted to create a specific shape used in Feng Shui. NOTE: Glass crystals refract light but do not affect qi in the same way as a quartz crystal, even though they can be visually identical.
Cure, also called remedy, adjustment, enhancement 解法
An object, talisman ritual, prayer, action or intention used to achieve the greatest balance, harmony, and the most beneficial qi in a space, or to suppress, neutralize or dissipate negative or stagnant energies or qi.
Curry lines
A global grid network of naturally occurring electrically charged lines in the earth. These run diagonally to the poles, Northeast-Southwest and Northwest-Southeast, and were first discovered by Dr. Manfred Curry and Dr. Wittmann. The lines themselves are not necessarily problematic. The places where they intersect with other (North-South, East-West) grid lines, faults, or underwater streams are thought to be possible sources for certain health problems. They can be located by dowsing.
Cutting chi, also called qi, poison arrow
A term that refers to sharp, hostile corners or objects, beams or trusses, both indoors and out, that can cause oppressive, destructive or disruptive energy; or sha qi.煞氣
Dao de 道德
Virtue and character, bringing good karma and good will from others.
Daoism, also called Taoism
The philosophical foundation work of most major religions in Asia. Although Daoism is not a religion but rather a way of being, Buddhism, Hinduism and Shintoism evolved out of Daoism. Daoism professes “non credo”; “do not believe anything and accept all things” and is largely based on the observation of the natural order.
Day Master 日柱
In Four Pillars astrology, the self element residing in the Heavenly Stem of the day pillar.
See Four Pillars of Destiny, Heavenly Stems.
Ding 丁 , also called Ting
The fourth heavenly stem in the cycle of ten, denoting Yin Fire, based on the productive cycle of the Five Elements as they go through their yin and yang phases. It refers to the more inward and recessive aspects of the Fire element and is used in Four Pillars astrology.
See Four Pillars of Destiny, Heavenly Stems.
Divination 占卜
The art or practice that seeks to see or foretell future events or discover hidden knowledge or information by means of intuitive powers, reading omens, and / or use of a tool or interpretation of external objects. Divination is a universal cultural phenomenon that anthropologists have observed as being present in every religion and culture throughout history to the present day.
Divining rod, also called dowsing device
Any of a group of devices of various configuration and material used for dowsing. Some of the most commonly used are the L-rod, the Y-rod, the bobber or tensor, and the pendulum.
Dog 狗
See Hsu戌, and Zodiac, Asian
Double-facing House 雙向屋 , also called Xing Dao Xiang新倒向
In a Flying Star chart double stars meet in the Facing Palace. For cycle eight, both the water eight and mountain eight reside in the Facing Palace. The energies for this structure are said to be good for money (wealth), but not for people (health and relationships).
See Flying Stars
Double-sitting House, also called Xin Dao Zuo新倒坐
In a Flying Stars chart, double (matching) stars meet in the Sitting Palace. e.g.: For cycle eight, both the water star eight and mountain star eight reside in the Sitting Palace. The energies for this structure are said to be good for people (health and relationships) but not good for money.
Dowsing
Geomantic (‘geo’ referring to earth) divination, or methods of locating and diagnosing unseen energies; especially those located underground. Dowsing has been used to locate underground water for thousands of years, and can also be used to locate other influences at a site or on a plan or map. The practice of dowsing can also discover other concealed information.
Dragon 龍
See Chen辰, Azure Dragon, Zodiac, Asian
Dragon veins, also called Long mai龍脈
Just as the human body incorporates channels along which life force energy (qi) flows, so the earth contains similar channels called by the ancient Chinese, “Veins of the Dragon.” These channels of energy, or qi, run through the earth.
Dragon’s lair 龍穴
In Form School Feng Shui, the location that attracts and retains the most benevolent qi. The most auspicious site to build a home or to bury the dead.
Du shu 讀書
Education with effort, one of the Five Aspects of Destiny. Even with the best luck, we will miss out if we do not participate in life. We must do the work required.
Dui 兌 , also called Tui
One of the eight trigrams, guas or sectors of the Bagua, associated with the West, the symbol Lake, the element metal, the number 7, the colors white, silver or gold, the youngest daughter, children, descendants, creativity and other life aspects. in the I Ching, Tui is denoted by one broken line over two solid lines.
Early Heaven Bagua
See Pre-Heaven Bagua.
Earth 土 also called tu
One of the Five Elements. In the Later Heaven sequence and the luo shu or magic square, Earth resides in the Northeast with the number 8, the Southwest with the number 2 and in the center of the Bagua represented by the number 5. Earth qi influences material things and earthly affairs. Earth is also the great transformer of qi often serving as a transition between two other elements. Its colors are earth tones, yellows, or tans. Its movement is horizontal and its shape is flat, rectangular, or square. Earth is also at the center of the eight trigrams in the luo shu square and the Bagua, and represents balance, center, and grounding.
See Later Heaven Bagua.
Earth Base Star 土星
In a Flying Stars chart, the energy or quality of qi indicated by a number, representing the birth (at the closing of the roof) of a structure, within a proscribed twenty year time cycle, enclosing the earth energies of that time period into the structure.
Earth energy grids
Sets of grids of (electro-magnetic) energy lines in the earth. The planetary energy grid exists in geometrical patterns that follow specific symmetries. The grids meet at intersecting points, forming a matrix. Some of the strongest power places on the planet are located on these grid intersection points. Earth energies at grid intersection points can affect human activity and health in a positive or negative way.
Earthly Branches 地支
1. Refers to the twelve energies and twelve archetypes, specific divisions in time and space offering information about the quality and movement of qi. The Earthly Branches and the Heavenly Stems are the two primary components of the Four Pillars method and appear as a ring on the luopan compass.
2. The twelve animals of the Asian zodiac.
See Four Pillars of Destiny, Zodiac, Asian
East 東方
This direction, signifying new growth and its related element, Wood, are considered to be the starting point of the Five Elements energy cycle; an indication of the connection between the Bagua and solar orientation.
See Chen, Wood.
East life group 東四命
In the Eight House method every person and building belongs to either the East life or the West life group. All members of the same group share the same four favorable directions. Northern hemisphere individuals or buildings having a gua of 1 (north), 3 (east), 4 (southeast), and 9 (south) are said to belong to the East group. All members and buildings belonging to this group share these directions as auspicious.
See Eight House Feng Shui, West life group.
East/West system 東西四命派
Part of Eight House Feng Shui. People and buildings are divided into two types: the East Group and the West Group, using the Later Heaven Bagua sequence.
See Chen, Wood.
Eight House Feng Shui 八宅風水 , also called Eight Mansions
Dividing the house into nine sections (the eight directions and the center) of the luo shu grid determines the four most auspicious and four least auspicious directions and activities for both the person and the building (excluding the center). Each direction is weighted and has a particular aspect or quality of qi.
Eight Mansions
See Eight House Feng Shui.
Eight trigrams 八卦
The eight possible combinations of symbols consisting of a combination of three yin (broken) or yang (solid) lines. Each trigram is associated with phenomenal aspects of the world expressed as a direction, an element, a number, an organ, a color, a family member and other life aspects, and makes up the essential components of “Eight House” or “Eight Mansions“ Feng Shui. Each trigram is a coded description of a quality of qi. The eight trigrams are an essential component of all baguas used in Feng Shui and can appear in two different versions; the “Early (Pre) Heaven Sequence” and the “Later Heaven Sequence”. When stacked in pairs hexagrams are formed, creating the sixty four combinations of the I Ching.
See Eight House Feng Shui, Later Heaven Bagua, Pre-Heaven Bagua.
Electro-magnetic field 電磁場 , also called EMF
An energy field. Whenever electric current (voltage) is running through a wire or a conducting source, an electric field is present in space. Where electric current flow is present, a magnetic field is produced. Over-exposure to excessive electro-magnetic fields is believed to be harmful to health.
Elements 行
One of the foundations of Feng Shui theory is rooted in the interaction and balance between the Five Elements, which are Wood, Fire, Metal, Water and Earth. Each of these elements governs specific aspects of life.
Empty door 空門
An interior doorway or door frame without a door.
Energy 力量
The practice of Feng Shui concerns itself with the movement and quality of energy, or qi. Creating a healthy and positive flow of energy is said to enhance physical and emotional health and quality of life. The quality of energy is determined by its flow and the frequency of its vibration. By raising that frequency we improve its quality and beneficial influence.
Enhancement
Facing Palace
The direction or sector in the luo shu grid or Flying Stars chart where the qi is the most yang or active, at the front (facing) of the house, opposite the Sitting Palace and usually where the active living areas are located.
Feng 風
Wind
Feng sha 風煞
A destructive, ill wind that disipates, blows away benevolent chi.
Feng Shui 風水
Translates as wind and water. Chinese geomancy, known in ancient times as Kan yu, is said to be over 5000 years old. Feng Shui comes from the I Ching and is grounded in Five Element Theory. It is the art and science of harmonizing the person with their environment and heavenly influences. This is done with the knowledge of land forms that gather and retain qi and by the selection of a site in an auspicious location and in accordance with the energies present. A living or work environment is then designed in which the presence of the most beneficial qi connects the energies of Heaven and Earth with the person. This connection is enhanced by the placement of objects within the house to create the best flow of benevolent qi, the best balance of yin and yang, the most auspicious use of space in accordance with energies present, and by mitigating negative energies and enhancing positive energies. In Classical Feng Shui the astrology of the building is also linked with the astrology of the person. Although Feng Shui can be linked with all three aspects of the San Cai 三才, its closest association is with Earth or physical aspect.
See Five Elements
Feng Shui in Modern Times
The art of Feng Shui has changed and adapted as it has moved through time and transitioned from culture to culture. There are many different modalities and perspectives through out the world; in addition to being an independent practice, Feng Shui is incorporated into many different fields including design, architecture, Real Estate, fashion, etc.
Feng Shui practitioner, also called Feng Shui consultant風水師
A trained professional having studied and mastered the principles and practices of Feng Shui. The modern Feng Shui practitioner is schooled in a variety of modalities having originated in traditional and eclectic customs and practices. Minimally, a competent practitioner is a graduate of, or certified by, a recognized school.
Feng Shui shien sheng 風水先生
A Feng Shui master.
Fire 火 also called huo
One of the Five Elements. It rules the south sector and is represented by the number 9. Fire qi is very active and vibrant, and is energized by the colors red, purple, magenta, pink and orange. It is the energy of fame and good name, of making one visible in the world. Its movement is outward, expanding and coming into full bloom, and its associated shape is the triangle.
Five Aspects of Destiny 人生五種命運
The Five Aspects of Destiny -- Karma, Calculation of Fate, Feng Shui, Luck, and Good Works (also education and self-improvement) -- are believed by the Chinese to greatly affect or control the fate or destiny of individuals. Each aspect accounts for approximately 20% of the factors of life.
Five Element overcoming cycle 五行相剋論 , also called controlling cycle, destructive cycle
Refers to the cycle in which each of the elements controls, weakens or dominates another in a pentagram pattern as they are viewed in their natural circular diagram. They do this in the following sequence: Wood controls Earth controls Water controls Fire controls Metal controls Wood.
Five Element productive cycle 五行相生論 also called constructive cycle, creative cycle, promotion cycle
Refers to the cycle in which each of the Five Elements creates, nourishes, enhances the subsequent one as we observe the elements in a clockwise circular pattern. They do so in the following sequence: Wood enhances Fire, enhances Earth, enhances Metal, enhances Water, enhances Wood.
Five Element reducing cycle 五行相洩 , also called reductive cycle
Refers to the cycle in which each of the elements reduces the previous element as we view them in their natural circular, counterclockwise pattern. They do this in the following sequence: Wood reduces Water reduces Metal reduces Earth reduces Fire reduces Wood.
Five Elements 五行論 , also called Wu Xing
The Five Elements are Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water. Interaction between these elements and qi form the foundation theory for achieving Feng Shui balance. There are at least three cycles affecting the five types of qi represented by these elements: Five Element productive, destructive, and reducing cycles of the elements. Each element exists in a yin and yang form.
See Five Element overcoming cycle, Five Element productive cycle, Five Element reducing cycle, Yin/yang
Five Elements Five Colors Meditation 五行五色靜坐法
A meditation that uses the colors of the Five Elements to strengthen and improve personal qi.
Five Phases
See Five Elements, Wu Xing
Five Yellows 五黃 , also called Wu Wang
The most dangerous of the Three Afflictions, it is an inauspicious energy needing to be remedied that moves to a different 45 degree section of the compass each year. It is determined by the position of the Yellow Star five in the annual luo shu grid.
See Annual Star.
Flying Stars 飛星 , also called Xuan Kong玄空
The astrology of the building. A Flying Stars chart is the horoscope for the building, describing its energetic condition over time. The Flying Stars method uses the sitting and facing directions of a building and its age (determined by the twenty-year cycle in which it was constructed) to create the Flying Stars chart, a numerological diagram. By studying the number combinations that are revealed in each of the eight sectors of the space we are able to determine the state of balance and qi for each. Remedies from the Five Elements are used to balance the energies by reducing inauspicious influences and activating auspicious ones.
Form School, also called Landform School 形勢派
The original school of Feng Shui based on the observation of topographical features. It is the relationship of a particular place to its landform surroundings. A metaphor for the ideal form has the shape of an armchair, with the structure cradled by the Black Tortoise in the back, the Azure Dragon on the left, the White Tiger on the right and the Red Phoenix in front. In practical terms good form places a structure with the solid stable qi of a mountain or hill shape in the rear and the active energized qi of active water or bright sun in the front. Finding the Dragon and Tiger energy in the landscape augments the beneficial effects. These original simple ideas evolved into specific protocols for interior placement and for exterior arrangement of a site, and are often symbolized by natural focal points such as trees, plants,hills and mountains, as well as by buildings and other manmade features.
See Four Emblems.
Four Emblems
In early Form School Feng Shui, before cardinal directions were used due to the development of the compass and the Compass Schools, the Chinese used relative direction: Red Phoenix as the front of a site, Black Tortoise as the back, the Azure Dragon as the left, and the White Tiger as the right.
See Form School, Celestial Animals.
Four Pillars of Destiny 四柱 , also called Ba-Zi 八字, Zi Ping子平
A horoscope derived from an individual’s time, date and place of birth. A natal chart consists of four columns or pillars; a year pillar, month pillar, day pillar, and hour pillar. Each pillar contains a combination of animal archetypes and elements that through their interactions and inherent qualities describe the condition of the individual’s qi at birth.
See Earthly Branches, Heavenly Stems.
Fu 福 , also called Fuk
One of the three deities said to be symbolic of life achievement. Fu is symbolic of happiness.
Fu DogLion
A statue or figurine historically used as protective cures for palaces, government offices and residences.
Fu wei 伏位
Overall harmony, clarity in thinking, and achieving peace. The fourth best location in Eight House Feng Shui.
See Portent.
Fu Xi 伏羲 , also called Fu Hsi
An early ruler of China who it is believed discovered or created the trigrams.
Fu Xi Bagua, also called Fu Hsi Bagua伏羲八卦
See Pre-Heaven Bagua.
Geng 庚 , also called Keng
The seventh heavenly stem in the cycle of ten, denoting Yang Metal, based on the productive cycle of the Five Elements as they go through their yin and yang phases. It refers to the more active and aggressive aspects of the Metal element and is used in Four Pillars astrology.
See Four Pillars of Destiny, Heavenly Stems.
Geomancy 地理學
The art of creating balance and harmony between people and the energies of the earth. The study of the energies of the Earth and earth-based divination techniques that have appeared in nearly all cultures and spiritual traditions. In modern times it is a study of geomantic, geopathic and environmental influences with the intention of mitigating those energies that appear to have an adverse effect on health and well-being.
Geopathic stress
A potentially harmful energy field generated underground and radiated upward by mineral deposits, water streams, geological faults, decayed organic matter, graves, burial or ritual grounds, and man made or other causes.
Goat 羊 , also called Ram, Sheep
See Wei未, Asian Zodiac.
Grand Duke Jupiter, also called Tai sui 太歲
One of the Three Afflictions, it is an inauspicious energy needing to be remedied that moves to a different 15 degree section of the compass each year. It is dangerous to sit facing this direction or disturb or renovate in this direction sector when it is present.
Great Cycle of 180 Years 180年大運
Comprised of nine cycles of twenty years each. The current Great Cycle began in 1864. The current twenty year cycle began in 2004. We are currently in cycle eight (2004-2023).
Green Dragon 青龍
See Azure Dragon.
Gua 卦 , also called kua
Translates as house or sector. In Compass School, refers to one of the eight sectors connected to the eight compass directions. One of the eight outer positions in the luo shu square, the Bagua, and the luopan compass. In BTB Feng Shui, each gua represents a symbolic direction and its life aspects and is relative to the position of the entry.
See Black Sect Tantric Buddhist Feng Shui and Three Door Method.
Gui 癸 , also called Kuei
The tenth heavenly stem in the cycle of ten, denoting Yin Water, based on the productive cycle of the Five Elements as they go through their yin and yang phases. It refers to the more inward and recessive aspects of the Water element and is used in Four Pillars astrology.
See Four Pillars of Destiny, Heavenly Stems.
Guild 協會
1. An association or cluster of people having kindred pursuits or having common interests or aims.
2. In permaculture, refers to the ability within an ecosystem of differing organisms to support each other for the sake of the greater good and for the survival of the system.
Hai 亥 , also called Pig豬, Boar
The twelfth earthly branch in the cycle of twelve life energies, representative of strong and active energy. It is used in Chinese Astrology and Four Pillars.
See Earthly Branches, Four Pillars of Destiny, Zodiac, Asian.
Hartmann lines
The Hartmann grid consists of naturally occurring charged lines in the earth, running north-south and east-west. It is named after Dr. Ernst Hartmann, a German medical doctor, who first described it soon after the Second World War. Alternate lines are usually positively and negatively charged. This creates some intersections with double positive or double negative charges, considered to be a source of potential health problems.
He 合 , also called Ho
Harmony.
Heart Mudra 靜手印 , also called Heart Sutra
A transcendental hand gesture that when used with the Calming Heart Mantra and other chants, calms the mind and heart. In BTB Feng Shui, the mudra and mantra together are commonly used before other meditations.
See Transcendental solution
Heaven 天
Note: This definition is related only to Feng Shui. One purpose of Feng Shui is to connect (spiritually and energetically) the person in their building with Heaven and Earth. 1. Associated with the shape of the circle, Heaven refers to the nature of the universal order, balance, and harmony of the cosmos. 2. In astrologically-linked Feng Shui, includes consideration of the positions of the stars and planets at a given time, and this positional influence on earthly and human affairs. 3. The primal and spiritual source of qi.
Heavenly Stems 天干
Refers to the cycle of ten as the Five Elements go through the cyclical transformations of their yin and yang phases. The stems are one of the two primary components of Four Pillars astrology and represent the influence of heaven in the creation of material reality.
See Four Pillars of Destiny, Jia, Yi, Bing, Ding, Wu, Ji, Geng, Xin, Ren, Gui.
Heaven’s Heart