Setting Right Misconceptions About Feng Shui

Here is a compilation of common Feng Shui misconceptions that has been prevalent over the past few years, ranging from superstitions to applying some common sense.

Dining Table Feng Shui The shape of your dining table is of little or no Feng Shui consequence. Same goes for the material it is made of - glass, wood, or steel makes no difference. This is because the dining table is not one of the 3 crucial aspects in Feng Shui (namely, the main door, bedroom, and stove) and most people do not spend a lot of time at the dining table. Another common misconception here says that a large mirror next to the dining table is auspicious as it 'doubles' the food on the table. This is somewhat far-fetched, as we know that the reflection disappears as soon as real food is consumed.

T Junction Misconceptions - Facing a T-junction is a definite problem, but the misconception lies with the 'remedy'. Most people resort to using mirrors to 'reflect' away the incoming forceful Qi flow. But as you may already have guessed by now, mirrors do little when it comes to actual Feng Shui. What you need to do in this case is to ensure that your main door is not directly aligned with the road junction. Use another entrance if necessary. Next, see if you can physically block off the junction view by building a wall, or perhaps with strategic placement of solid trees (or pots of plants) to act as a physical barrier.

Bright Hall Effect The 'Bright Hall' refers to a broad and open space that allows Qi to gather. This applies to playgrounds and gardens in housing areas as well - houses situated near these open spaces are definitely more 'Feng Shui compliant'. Next, you need to ensure that the area just outside your main door is spacious and unobstructed (external Bright Hall). This allows Qi to gather outside your property. Then, ensure that the area directly AFTER your door is also relatively spacious - so that Qi can enter the property.

Note that a Bright Hall does NOT involve making it brighter with lights! (No will bright lights increase the quality of Qi)

Source of Yang Energy This refers mainly to natural sunlight - all houses should receive a healthy dose of sunlight, as sunlight is the natural source of Yang energy. The main door for example, should be adequately exposed to natural light. Conversely, a main door that is hidden in shadows is inflicted by 'Yin Killings', meaning too much Yin Qi will be attracted into the house. This often contributes to illness as well as depression.

What you need to know is that 'Yang Energy' refers to natural light, and not artificial electricity-generated ones.

Color Scheme is also a subject not within the boundaries of actual Feng Shui. It does, however, have psychological effects on the occupants. Practice some common sense when planning your color scheme - we know that too much depressive colors like black, dark blue or purple, can cause a person to become too relaxed and lacking in motivation and inspiration. Too bright colors on the other hand can cause over-excitement and difficulty in getting good rest. Balance is the key - think Yin (deeper, somber colors) and Yang (bright, vibrant colors) working in harmony.

But as colors only affect the psychological level in a person, do not be too fixated on 'lucky colors' (as indeed, it does not exist in Feng Shui). Work with colors that allow to function most comfortably.

Sherwin Ng
MA Instructor