Feng Shui has been practiced for over 3,000 years; it predates Confucianism and Taoism. The early practitioners were responsible for locating building sites for homes and villages. They would look for auspicious locations, referred to as the “belly of the dragon”, ensuring that they were above flood plains and below strong winds; thus the balance of wind and water was achieved.
Once the location was chosen, the Feng Shui practitioner would then guide the building process to ensure that the natural Ch’I in the location was not disrupted and that the building was in harmony with it.
In Medieval China, the clientele of the Feng Shui Masters was limited to the emperors, nobles, and the privileged elite; this ensured that they maintained their status over the commoners. Although Feng Shui practitioners were greatly rewarded for their knowledge, they were also severely punished or even killed for assisting the common class.
Today we do not always have the same flexibility of choice regarding placement of our homes or offices. However, by utilizing the tools of Feng Shui, we can achieve balance and harmony in any indoor or outdoor space.
