Feng shui

The traditional Chinese practice of arranging objects in architectural and burial spaces in order to harmonize with the flow of chi (qi) ? the vital force believed in Taoism and other Chinese thought (including its divination and astrology) to be inherent in all things. Feng shui literally means "wind and water," symbolizing all space between heaven and earth. Feng shui understands chi as moving like wind and water. Its principles rest upon the properties of various objects and their relationships on a number of levels (including light, sound, movement, electricity, symbolism, and color, along with other functional and transcendant issues) to increase or decrease the flow of chi. Trapping chi, for instance, is described as making its flow eddy and stagnate. Any of various types of flow may be best for various reasons, dependent upon a balancing of yin and yang ? the opposite possibilities of all situations. Study and use of Feng shui's principles can stimulate and regulate creativity, aesthetics, and functionality in the design of any environment, in order to enhance health, wealth and happiness.(pr. fung shway)Related resources: Feng Shui Society is a nonprofit international association based in Britain formed to advance feng shui principles and concepts. Feng Shui Guild promotes the use, practice and teaching of feng shui. Its membership includes well-known teachers and practitioners, and individuals interested in Feng Shui for their own use. Feng Shui Ultimate Resource is "dedicated to helping Feng Shui shed its snake-oil-and-incense image." Its advice on avoiding bad feng shui is sobering. American Feng Shui Institute is "a professional school dedicated to the practice of Feng Shui as a scientific discipline." Also see composition, decoration, environment art, iconomancy, installation, mirror, negative space, placement, positive space, principles of design, taxis, and theory.