12 minute read
Colours of Feng Shui
BY SHERRY BROUZES
Auspicious RED & Feng Shui
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BRIEF HISTORY OF FENG SHUI Feng Shui is an ancient art and science that originated from China over 4000 years ago. Feng Shui translated means wind and water. The Chinese associated calm winds and clean water with good health and good crops. Energy is the vital life force in all substance and materials. This life-force energy is known as “Chi”. In Feng Shui the “cosmic trinity” represents the Chi between heaven, earth, and man. Ancient Feng Shui Masters studied the interaction of these “cosmic trinity” energies and how they affected people. With this knowledge, we are able to enhance our quality of life by working with the environment where we dwell. Chinese Emperors used Feng Shui to win battles by strategically placing soldiers with advice of the Feng Shui Master. Feng Shui was used by farmers growing and securing crops from the forces of nature. Feng Shui was used in ancient times for choosing burial sites for the ancestors. It was believed a grave site with good Feng Shui would bring abundance to the descendants.
Feng Shui was founded by Master Yang Yun Sang a principal advisor to Emperor Hi Tsang (A.D. 888). He is considered to be the Founder of Landscape/ Form School Feng Shui. This School branched off into 2 “schools” of Feng Shui, Compass School and BTB (Black Hat Tantric Buddhist). Professor Lin Yun (BTB) is known for developing this Western Feng Shu School in the 1980’s in California. Pyramid School and Intuitive Feng Shui Schools are also studied in the West.
Chinese Compass/Luo- Pan
Today, Feng Shui Practitioners analyze and determine the best methods to balance Chi in your home or business. Feng Shui encompasses good air quality, fresh drinking water and good sanitation. In present times, geo-pathic stress and EMF pollution is very important in a Feng Shui analysis. The Yin-Yang theory, 5 Elements theory, the Bagua (energy map), Land form study, Compass (Luo-pan), Flying Stars, and transcendental cures are some of the most common components and may take years to study. Feng Shui is not a religion and can be used by people of all faith. Feng Shui is not only useful in the home, large companies such as Banks, Auto dealers, Hotels, Restaurants, Municipal planning, and more. It can be difficult to understand Feng Shui because we cannot see it, yet we cannot see Wi-Fi or gravity but know they exist. Every client, every home, every business and every property are unique. Feng Shui practice should never be based on fear and ALWAYS be used for the Highest good.
RED, CHINESE CULTURE AND FENG SHUI
Due to its auspicious symbolism, red is prevalent in Chinese ceremonies and festivals. It represents happiness, success and good fortune. It is the national colour of China. Traditional Chinese brides wear red. Red envelopes are filled with “lucky” money and given to children and family members at weddings and Chinese New Year. Red envelopes are usually presented in singles or multiples of 9. In Feng Shui, many clients present Practitioners with payment in a red envelope. This ritual is to express respect and trust for expertise that helps the client resolve their
problem. The red envelope ritual holds a mystical belief that also protects the expert and their wisdom & as a form of energy exchange. Chinese red eggs are presented for special birthdays to family and friends signifying joy and renewal. The Chinese also use Red for protection. Legend states that a big mythical beast (nian shou) would devour farmer’s livestock and was afraid of the colour red. So, the Chinese would paint their buildings red and light red lanterns and bang pots and pans to keep the beast away. In Feng Shui, red is the most Yang colour and used to attract and stop Chi. Red provides a sense of protection from fear and anxiety. No doubt, the colour red stimulates our basic SURVIVAL instinct.
As a Feng Shui Consultant the most frequent question I get asked is regarding colour. We know that colour is light and light is energy. Colour has its own vibrations and frequency. It is excellent for balancing the Yin and Yang energy of a space. In Feng Shui, colour is specifically chosen to represent one of the 5 Elements required to activate positive energy or negate negative energy. Red is the colour of the Fire Element in Feng Shui and should be used moderately as it is a stimulant. Red has more personal association than any other colour.
Red attracts attention to specific spaces where energy is lacking. When used correctly red evokes warmth and beauty to any home. I advise Real Estate agents in order to speed up the sale of a house to add items of red in specific rooms where the fire element will activate action. I have seen it work very well!
RED PHOENIX
One of the most recognized images in Feng Shui and Asian culture is the glorious Red Phoenix rising from the ashes with his powerful wings flying upwards into the sky. In Land form Feng Shui, surrounding property of a dwelling or structure is studied and the correct land form ensures the best quality of Chi for positive energy in the environment.
The Red Phoenix represents rebirth, opportunities, fortune, success, ambition, happiness, resilience, determination and auspicious Yang
energy. The mythological Red Phoenix is known as one of the four “Celestial Guardians “. In Feng Shui, the four Celestial Guardians protect the house while the Chi is entering the house. The Black Tortoise to the north (or back), White Tiger on the West (right) and the Green Dragon on the East (left). These four celestial animals metaphorically create the ideal “arm chair “formation. This land formation allows the Chi to enter through the front (Red Phoenix) while the other Celestial Guardians protect and keep the Chi inside the house and property.
The mythical Red Phoenix with flame like energy rising up and outward truly denotes the fiery auspicious colour of red!
FENG SHUI AND THE BAGUA
Our homes are more important now than ever as many of us are working from home due to Covid-19. In Feng Shui, red represents the Fire element. The Fire element is represented in the South direction of the Bagua. The Bagua is an energy map and literally means “eight sectors” with a center sector. Each sector is associated by a Trigram (3 lines either broken or solid representing Yin and Yang which originated from the I-Ching), Element, Direction. Number, Season, Colour, Family member, and Body part. The Bagua also represents 8 life aspirations: Career/Lifepath, Knowledge/Self Cultivation, Health, Family, Wealth, Marriage /Relationships, Children/Creativity, Helpful People/Travel. The Center “gua”/sector is called “Tai Chi” and affects all other areas of the Bagua. There are 2 Bagua-Classical Bagua and the Western Bagua.
The Bagua is used to analyze Chi flow in a house or space. The Bagua Map is superimposed over the blueprint or layout of your house or space. Classical Bagua is directional while Western Bagua is non-directional.
Classical Bagua (Directional)
Western Bagua (non-directional)
FENG SHUI TIPS FOR USING RED IN YOUR HOME
RED AND THE BAGUA
Red is the colour associated with the Fire Element, South directional trigram, and the “Fame and Reputation” sector. Red signifies the Fire Element in Feng Shui. For example, if this area of your home or office is in the South direction you can use the colour red (fire element) to activate your “Fame and Reputation” area. This is the area associated with “how you shine your light to the world”. Would you like to establish more recognition at work? Would you enjoy increasing your notoriety in the community? Would you like to have more fame? Would you like to enhance your Public Relations work? Would you like to be more ambitious? The south area or “Fame and Reputation” area of the Bagua is the area to activate with red. Paint one wall in this area a shade of red to activate this energy. I suggest using a low or non- VOC (volatile organic compound) paint for better air quality. Lighting, artwork depicting animals and people, shapes and patterns in triangles, stars and pointy shapes, accessories made from animals such as wool, faux fur, leather, feathers and bone all represent the Fire element in Feng Shui. This is the perfect area of your home to display diplomas, certificates, trophies and awards. Place affirmations in this area with red pencil or ink to set your intentions.
KITCHEN
In Feng Shui, the kitchen is considered one of the most important rooms in a house. Cooking and nourishment depict good health and wealth. When we eat healthy, we have the stamina to work and thrive in our CAREER in exchange for money for SURVIVAL. Red represents the Fire Element in Feng Shui. Kitchens already have plenty fire elements - the cook top, oven and cooking appliances. Red represents the Fire Element in Feng Shui. It is best to use red in moderation in the kitchen. Red stimulates the appetite, yet it is also action orientated so we may tend to eat quickly if there is too much red in the kitchen. Fast food restaurants are painted red to move customers in and out quickly. We want the cook to be happy but not aggressive! Red used wisely creates a cozy space. You can add pops of red with tea towels, placemats and small decorative accessories. I would not suggest painting your walls red in the kitchen. It is best to decorate with red accessories that can be interchanged when working with energies that change annually on February 4th (Flying Stars Feng Shui).
DINING ROOM
When dining we want to feel relaxed and tranquil. A place we can host guests and family and enjoying good food and happy times. Red candles are a lovely decoration to perk up guests and conversation. For a romantic dinner for two red will stimulate PASSION! You can also use red placemats, red napkins and red glassware to amp up your dining experience. Artwork is also a way to pull in the warmth of red. The colour red helps children and elderly who require encouragement to eat for their health. It is often used in long term care and pediatric hospitals to stimulate patient’s appetite. Dining experiences vary depending on meals being served. For a zestier dinner like ‘taco night’, red will get the party started!
LIVING ROOM/ RECREATIONAL AREAS
This is the area where family and friends gather to enjoy each other’s company. Families play board games, cards and watch TV and movies for entertainment and fun. It is a family place for fun and laughter. Red is a great colour for the living area in moderation. Red will wake up sleepy areas of a room and bring in energetic life force. Red in excess creates aggressive behavior, arguments and physical aggression in people. Red can be introduced through art work, textiles, rugs, and accessories in rooms to bring in joy and enthusiasm. This is a great area for a fireplace!
CHILDREN’S BEDROOMS
Children require a good night sleep to balance their high energy. I do not suggest painting your kid’s bedroom red. Red energy is too active and ambitious. It has been proven that red makes kids hyperactive and aggressive. A Feng Shui Consultant was once asked why her young son never slept in his own room and always cranky. She went upstairs to assess where the boy slept. Two of the walls were painted red and the wallpaper was covered with more race cars. His bed was even in the form of a red race car. He had matching curtains with little race cars all over them too. No wonder this poor child couldn’t sleep. He was so stimulated with action-based robust energy it was impossible for him to settle down at night. Young children are very sensitive to colour. Bright and vibrant colours are best for the play areas in the home.
FRONT DOOR/FOYER AREA
In Feng Shui, the Chi’ enters through the front door of your home. Many people paint their front door red because they believe it is good Feng Shui. Unfortunately, that is not always true. First of all, do you like the colour red for your front door? Do you want to attract a lot of attention to your home? Do you feel red will protect your home? Will red enhance your landscaping scheme? Will a red door work with your personal energy and element? Will red support your home’s specific element which is determined by compass directions and period of construction? (Flying Stars Feng Shui). There are many factors a Feng Shui expert takes into consideration when suggesting colour choices for your home.
MASTER BEDROOM
In Feng Shui, bedrooms determine our health Chi. Permanent and annual energies in your home where you sleep can influence your health. A Feng Shui Practitioner can suggest colours and elements to reduce negative Chi and/ or enhance positive Chi. The master bedroom should be a sanctuary, private retreat for rest, romance, sleep and overall rejuvenation. Red is a colour of PASSION, sensuality and love. Red is sexy and hot. Decorate with red to fan the flames for sexual energy. You can light red candles, add red cushions or a red throw (remove later for sleeping) to amp up the mood. Try out your new red lingerie! Soft red lighting will enhance the mood too. Do not paint your bedroom walls red as it too energetic for good sleeping. Area rugs with a touch of red will ground you while creating good energy flow beneath your bed.
BATHROOMS/POWDER ROOMS
This is an area that gets a bad rap in Feng Shui. In ancient times toilets were usually outside and not very sanitary. The bathrooms of today are spa like, beautiful and often the toilet is in its own space called a “water closet”. Our bathrooms are a private sanctuary where we release toxins from our body and cleanse ourselves. Unless you spend 8-10 hours a day in your bathroom using red or any colour you enjoy in the bathroom is fine. Always keep the toilet lid down for sanitary reasons. In Feng Shui, plumbing may pull “Wealth” Chi down the pipes to the outside taking it away. I also advise keeping your drains closed when not in use (check frequently so water doesn’t spill over).
