When the ancient Chinese buried their dead, they selected places where their ancestors would be happy for eternity.

They sought out ideal locations on flat ground or gentle slopes, with a large protective hill or mountain backing them up, low hills to the sides, and a magnificent view to the sunny south and nearby river or stream.

Each of these four directions took the name of a symbolic being: the Black Tortoise protecting them to the north, a Tiger and Dragon guarding the east and west, and the Phoenix rising in the South.

The Red Phoenix

It wasn’t long before people realized that this land configuration was also best for agriculture. The newly named art of Feng Shui, meaning Wind & Water, started to be used as a way of locating farms to ensure health and prosperity for their owners.

Do you think it really matters how Feng Shui originated?

I think so because it gives you a better intuitive understanding of how to use it in your space without necessarily knowing all the “rules” by heart.

What do you think — are you glad to know this? Would you like to know more?

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