Disclaimer:
Feng Shui is unique … it seeks balance and harmony, both inside our mind and in the environment. Ultimately it looks at the interactions between human beings and their environment. And since we are human beings, and by nature we are part rational and part irrational, Feng Shui must also be part scientific and part intuitive… take it seriously or with a grain of salt as there is no success guarantees as every person is unique and experiences the effects differently. Some feel nothing, while some feel the influence very subtly and, for others, it has a transformational effect.
In addition, Chinese zodiac signs can offer extraordinary insight into the human psyche. What’s more, these signs open up an expansive view into our personality traits. Granted, each sign’s description is a broad stroke. There are fine details within each of us that may not be addressed, or some details about our sign may seem contrary to truth. That’s why it’s important not to hold zodiac signs and Feng Shui as gospel. All of us are unique. We cannot permit to be pegged into a single zodiac definition or lifestyle. Nonetheless, zodiac signs can certainly illuminate aspects of ourselves we may have overlooked.
To the Chinese, the brain is tied to the heart (Xin-Yi). To dismiss Feng Shui and zodiacs as mere superstition is to throw away a valuable resource from the Chinese culture, and possibly part of ourselves too.
Feng Shui
Feng Shui is a Chinese art and science about the balancing of energy to promote health and fortune for the people inhabiting an area. The practice of Feng Shui dates back to over three thousand years and was developed based on the idea that land and nature is filled with Chi or energy and how this energy occupies a space is what brings in a good harvest.
It is a complicated science that basically means that a good balance of energy will give the people good health and prosperity. Chinese believe that wind and water are in part symbols of good health therefore, Feng has come to mean wind and Shui has come to mean water.
Feng (pronounced Fung) represents wind, where Shui (pronounced Shway) stands for the element of water. The belief is that harmonious balance between gentle winds and clear water, leads to health and fortune. When applied correctly, Feng Shui can bring good luck and good fortune to anyone.
A formula used to enhance one’s luck during timely good luck, to better your success and during untimely ill luck, to prevent and minimize losses and misfortune to allow you the opportunities to turn things over when good luck eventually arrives.
Chinese Zodiac Story
Long, long ago, there was no Chinese zodiac. The Jade Emperor wanted to select 12 animals to be his guards. He sent an immortal being into man’s world to spread the message that the earlier one went through the Heavenly Gate, the better rank one would have.
Early Risers: Quick Witted Rat and Diligent Ox
The next day, animals set off towards the Heavenly Gate. Rat got up very early. On his way to the gate, he encountered a river. He had to stop there, owing to the swift current. After waiting a long time, Rat noticed Ox about to cross the river and swiftly jumped into Ox’s ear.
The diligent Ox did not mind at all and simply continued. After crossing the river, he raced towards the palace of the Jade Emperor. Suddenly, Rat jumped out of Ox’s ear and dashed to the feet of the Emperor. Rat won first place and Ox was second.
Competitive and Fast: Tiger and Rabbit
Tigger and Rabbit came third and fourth because both are fast and competitive, but Tiger was faster. (Rabbit got across the river by hopping on stepping stones and a floating log).
Good-Looking Dragon and Crafty Snake
Good-looking Dragon was fifth and was immediately noticed by the Jade Emperor, who said Dragon’s son could be sixth. But Dragon’s son didn’t come with him that day. Just then, Snake came forward and said Dragon was his adoptive father; so Snake ranked sixth.
Kind and Modest Horse and Goat
Horse and Goat arrived. They were very kind and modest and each let the other go first. The Jade Emperor saw how polite they were and ranked them seventh and eighth.
Jumping Monkey
Monkey had fallen well behind. But he jumped between trees and stones, and caught up to be ninth. Last were Rooster, Dog, and Pig.
These 12 animals became the guards of the Heavenly Gate.