KOCHI: Symbolism in feng shui is something which many are aware of in the eastern hemisphere. It’s a common practice to use symbols to mitigate bad luck. Water features, wind chimes, crystals and plants are all quite powerful feng shui symbols. The symbols do offer benefits provided they are properly positioned and are of good quality material.
Chinese New Year celebrations are not complete without feng shui symbols, especially during the first fortnight of the lunar New Year. Chinese lanterns, pussy willow plants, lemon and orange trees placed close to the main door, auspicious motifs, good luck signs and Taoist Gods are all part of the celebrations.
As postulated in feng shui, the analysis of the luck of the individual is said to change annually along with the luck of the premises as energy keeps changing constantly. To balance the flow of energy and restore the equilibrium, feng shui recommends clearing of clutter and checking your home or office for afflictions.
Fine tuning and corrections should also be done at the end. This aspect of feng shui is known as countering the annual afflictions. It could be anything from realigning the furniture to relocating the feng shui symbols.
The personal feng shui of an individual also goes through cyclic changes. According to the Chinese Zodiac astrology, a combination of the animal sign with the year element determines the luck of the individual for that year.
Thus by adapting general symbols in the home or at work which is supportive of the individual Chinese Zodiac sign, luck can be improved.
In addition many carry personal protection symbols known as ‘self cures’ to mitigate the onslaught of bad energy and afflictions.
One of the most popular and powerful methods of personal protection is carrying a special coin known as the “Bagua Horoscope Coin.” This is a very special coin which has the inscription and protection for all the 12 Chinese Zodiac signs on one side and the “I-ching” divination on the other side, which symbolises the elements and energy from the eight directions. The feng shui belief is that it protects the person carrying the coin from afflictions of any of the 12 animal signs and bad energy from the eight compass directions. The coin which is round with a square hole in the centre signifies ‘heaven and earth’ and symbolically represents activation of human luck within the purview of the heaven and earth energies. These coins can also be placed in the safe and tied above the main door entry to counter afflictions. It is a common sight in many houses in the eastern hemisphere.
To many, symbolism may appear to be a superstition, without any scientific explanation, but when dealing with certain mystic energies, which can be felt and experienced but not seen, symbolism becomes the easiest cure.
Feng shui corrections and symbolism with additional personal protections have worked wonders and are slowly evolving into a way of life in many Asian countries where feng shui is practised regularly.
S B S Surendran
Master Fengshui Consultant and Traditional Vaastu Practitioner fengshui@fengshuiserver.com