Putting Feng Shui Instruments To Work
Like most crafts, feng shui has its treasure trove of tools to accomplish tasks traditionally performed by its practitioners. Some of these tools have their origins from as far back as 5000 B.C. and some are relatively new. These feng shui instruments continue to play a role in helping people place their houses and furnishings in auspicious positions to bring fortune, wealth, health and happiness.
The Different Uses of Feng Shui Instruments and Tools
The general goal of feng shui and its instruments is to bring safety, protection, health and harmony to people. This is done mostly through the proper selection and positioning of houses, buildings and the objects found within. Most instruments are used to ascertain the position of the north and the south so that buildings and landscapes can be properly oriented. When these buildings have been constructed and unsatisfactorily placed, feng shui has tools to bring cures and special objects to bring good energy.
Gnomon
The gnomon is the basis for the sundial. It is one of the first scientific instruments ever made and is used to measure the angle of the sun and determine the seasons. It was used early in feng shui to locate the north and south axis so that houses and settlements could be properly placed.
Liuren Astrolabes
Liuren astrolabes are boards with astronomical sightlines. They helped determine the position of the stars and were used by seafarers extensively until other instruments (such as the telescope) were discovered.
Luopan
The luopan is a magnetic compass used to determine the direction of a structure. Unlike conventional compasses, the luopan has feng shui formulas embedded in rotating concentric rings on its surface.
Ang Pow
The ang pow is a red envelope with good wishes written (usually in gold) on it. It is supposed to bring good luck and has become the traditional container for money gifts. Some feng shui practitioners insist on being paid with their fee inside this red envelope.
Bagua
The bagua is an octagonal plate that functions as an energy map showing which areas of the home are connected to specific areas of the owner’s life. There are several types of bagua, but the early heaven bagua is one of the most popular. This is preferably made of brass and is used to deflect evil energy and ward off negative forces. It has a mirror in the middle to repel hostility and poison arrows and is activated by a mantra written behind it. This bagua is often hung on doorways and entryways.
Coins
Feng shui coins are round with a square hole in the center. These are symbols of good luck which are frequently placed on the door handles inside of a room.
Tassels
Like coins, red feng shui tassels are hung on door handles but being light, they can also be suspended from kites, wall hangings, mobiles to usher in good fortune and contentment. These feng shui instruments invoke joy and happiness where they are placed.
Chimes
The musical sounds of chimes create a balance of natural energies, attract Happiness and Good Fortune and ward off bad energy, replacing it with good. A wind catcher is attached at the base to reflect and refract light, further strengthening the chimes’ beneficial properties.
Fountains and waterfalls
These are used to allow abundance and good energy to flow freely into the building or the household. These water items are used to cleanse, to refresh and restore life.
Many skeptics wonder if these instruments serve any logical purpose and if there is any benefit to using them. There are really no satisfactory scientific explanations for the effectiveness of Feng Shui or its tools but a closer look at the practice and its instruments yields a very important observation: people who use Feng shui objects and tools exhibit an earnest desire to make their environment and their lives harmonious. All things considered, maybe this is what makes things work.
