Feng Shui and Water Features
Feng Shui and Water Features
Feng Shui (translated literally means wind and water), dating
back over 5000 years, is the ancient Chinese art of positioning
objects for harmony and balance in the environment. Water plays
an important part in this traditional belief. Water is equated
with the flow of Chi which is the energy or life force of the
universe, believed to be present in all living things. Where Chi
flows freely and accumulates there is health, abundance and
prosperity. Where Chi stagnates there is illness and decay.
The positive flow of Chi is vital to a garden and its movement
throughout should be free and uninhibited. Barriers to Chi must
be removed and in cases where this is impracticable Feng Shui
cures can be employed to allow for the smooth flow if Chi. On
the flip side Chi flowing too fast through a garden is just as
unsettling.
Water can be used to slow down or speed up the flow of this
powerful life force and can be introduced to your garden via a
pond, fountain, water feature or waterfall.
There are a few simple principles to follow when establishing a
water feature in your garden:
• The best position for a water feature is in the north, east or
south east corners of the garden. This is likely to bring wealth
and prosperity.
• The water should flow toward the house facing the main
entrance or a large window to invite Chi into your home. This is
not necessary where a water feature has an even flow of water
over all sides. The direction of the water flow should never
flow away from you home.
• Where a waterfall is used the flow of water must be
considered. To strong will be destructive to the Chi and too
gentle will do nothing.
• A water feature must be proportionate to the garden. Too small
will symbolize a lack of abundance and too large may be too
powerful for your home.
• Remove clutter such as debris and dead plants / foliage from
your garden. This will inhibit the flow of Chi.
• It is important to maintain your water feature properly,
avoiding build ups of algae, dead leaf matter and unsightly
slime. Water needs to remain moving, clean and fresh to harness
the Chi.
• Check your feature regularly for cracks and leaks which allow
the Chi to escape.
• Introduce goldfish to your water feature to encourage wealth.
• Where water is lost through evaporation remember to top up
your water feature to replenish the Chi.
Adding a water feature to your garden need not be expensive or
difficult. A simple ready made water feature can be installed in
preference to a grand, expensive water feature. Far better to
have a simple feature that is easy to maintain rather than a
huge pond and waterfall set-up that may prove time too consuming
for today’s busy person.
Whether you believe Feng Shui is nonsense, superstitious belief
or not there are few gardens that will not benefit from the
application of its principles both practically and
aesthetically. Apply these principles to your garden and you may
soon reap the rewards!
