Good feng shui practice always begins with location. The natural environment is extremely powerful and can easily neutralize poor interior feng shui. Focusing on the land terrain surrounding the structure is the most important aspect behind a feng shui assessment. In traditional practice, the land formations take on lyrical animal metaphors, commonly referred to as the four celestial animals. These animal formations appear in specific directions surrounding the structure.
Four Animal Landforms in Feng Shui Landscape:
The four animal landforms are based on 4 constellations. It is said these constellations came down from the heavens and took form in land terrain. Locating these land forms is the very essence of Form School feng shui practice and accounts for auspicious real estate. The four terrain features are as follows:
- Black Tortoise: These are hills or mountains situated in the rear of the structure and ideally placed in the North sector. Good tortoise support is said to grace the occupants with good health and a life of protection.
- Green Dragon: These are lower undulating hills situated to the left of the dwelling, ideally to the East. When these hills are present it is said to bring forth good fortune.
- White Tiger: This land feature consist of lower hills to the right of the structure, ideally placed to the West. The tiger is said to protect the family fortune built by the dragon.
- Phoenix: The spreading wings of the red bird reflects the open area in front. This allows qi energy to enter the site. When a water feature is oriented in this position it magnifies sheng (good) qi energy. The phoenix naturally resonates to the South direction of the property.
Modern Day Feng Shui Landscape:
In modern landscapes these lyrical animal metaphorical features may be difficult to locate. In the far east, there are some tycoons who will actually go through the expense of recreating these land forms artificially. However, the reality is many people do not have the resources to do this kind of landscaping. Luckily, there are simple ways to recreate these landforms without having to spend a fortune. Below is a brief list of ways to create the supporting features.
- Black Tortoise: The cardinal rule in feng shui is to have support to the rear of the structure and to never block the front. This can be achieved with high trees or shrubs, fence, rockery, or simply by hanging a picture of a mountain or a tortoise figurine on the back wall of the home or in the North portent.
- Green Dragon: The left side of the landscape should present higher than the right (perspective taken inside looking out) otherwise the tiger will attack the dragon and the male occupant of the home will suffer monetary and health losses. The neighbor to the left should be on higher ground than the neighbor to the right. You can also achieve the dragon energy by planting lush green vegetation, high shrubs or trees (but lower than the tortoise ), hang a picture of a dragon inside on any East wall (exception of the bedroom) or bright lights projected upward.
- White Tiger: The tiger symbolizes female energy and releases stagnate energy from the property. The vegetation should be lower than the dragon side. This can be achieved by planting low line bushes or white flowering plants. The tiger can also be activate by simply hanging an image of a tiger on any West wall of the home.
- Red Phoenix: The basic premise is to keep this area wide open. Placing a bird symbol in the form of lawn art out front or incorporating a water fountain will effectively attract qi to the property. Make sure the fountain flows gently and is directed towards the front door. Avoid rushing water or water that trickles. Placing a rooster on the south side of the dwelling will also activate the red bird.
The greatest feng shui impact can be found in nature. Taking note of natural and man-made landscape that surrounds a building can make all the difference in the amount of success and prosperity one may experience in life. Why not make landscape feng shui a part of your real estate strategy?
Mary Jane Kasliner - Mary Jane Kasliner is a teacher, speaker, author and Feng Shui expert for Lasting Lifestyles television talk show with a true passion for ...
