8 Tips for Feng-Shui-Friendly Homes

THERE MUST REALLY BE something about the mystical practice of geomancy (or feng shui) that makes even the most cynical take heed. Why would the country’s biggest developers include feng shui in their must-consult list (along with the science-based consultants like geologists and architects), if it were all just talk about seemingly inane life-element connections?

Inquirer Property recently visited one of the most sought-after international geomancers whose clients include top builders in Dubai, Germany, Hong Kong and other booming locations of Asia. Hong Kong-based master Joseph Chau, Mandarin Oriental Manila’s resident geomancer since 2000, is consulted by a slew of developers that are a veritable Who’s Who in the Philippine property landscape, and, shall we say, his word is their unseen blueprint in every real estate undertaking.

Master Chau’s first utterance as Inquirer Property settled down for an interview: “2010 is the year of the Golden Tiger. Metal Tiger is wrong. Golden Tiger is positive. Metal tiger is the yin tiger. We don’t have a yin tiger in the zodiac sign.”

He wastes no time striking down false prophets: “When they say (Metal Tiger), we know they are not qualified. They are wrong.” He said that before consulting a feng shui expert, the public should know his or her background or look at their clients if they are, indeed, doing good in their businesses.

Master Chau admitted that it is not cheap to find, and consult, an authentic feng shui expert. But as every taipan, tycoon or business mogul will attest, keeping a genuine find close at hand is well worth it. For those who are just starting to align their lives and abode with the guidance of feng shui, here are eight general rules for 2010 to make you feel right at home.

1. Trust yourself. The moment you enter the house, you should feel comfortable. Your first impression should be a basis. If you don’t like it, if you have a negative feeling, it’s not lucky for you. The energy inside may not be your match.

2. Make sure there’s enough morning sunshine—not the sunset. The house should not face the west. If the sunset directly enters the house, it’s not a good sign. Chau said this is also a practical tip since direct sunset would be too warm for the occupants, and would be a big burden for the air-conditioning unit.

3. The lack of light isn’t good either. If the house inside is too dark, that means there’s too much negative energy inside. If no sunshine penetrates the house, it’s not lucky.

4. Bring or carry a child inside. If the child feels comfortable at once and starts to run and play, that means the house is lucky. If the child becomes scared or moody, something is wrong with the house.

5. Another way would be to bring a tortoise or turtle. If it becomes active once inside, then that house would bring you luck.

6. For those who have inherited properties and cannot reconstruct or change according to feng shui guidelines, there are “lucky charms” to counteract the negative elements and positions.

7. Put an altar on the sala, not inside the bedroom. “Filipinos make the common mistake of placing their saints inside their bedrooms. This is not good. The bedroom is for sleeping and for making love.”

8. For those who have saved enough money
to consult a feng shui expert, consult the geomancer first before the architect to avoid double expenses. Chau said there have been instances where the owners find out that their finished house was not in accordance to what the feng shui expert recommended.

Source: Inquirer