As you learned in my last blog, location is a key factor for Feng Shui and real estate. I briefly explained the armchair position as it relates to Form School Feng Shui, or what is sometimes referred to as Landform School Feng Shui.
There are four geographic qualities needed to make the ideal “good” Feng Shui location for a building and they stem from being in a mountainous area. Unfortunately not everyone can afford living in these areas. Plus some people choose not to live in the hills. In these situations we revert to the “Four Celestial Animals” in the actual landscape design of the home.
The Four Celestial Animals are: Turtle, Dragon, Tiger & Phoenix. Each of the animals have specific qualities we design into the landscape making a better feeling home with balanced energy. By using these “animal” energies we can change a “bad” home into a “good” Feng Shui home.
The mountain behind the home is known as “Turtle” backing – the back of the armchair. By adding boulders, retaining walls, raised flowerbeds or large stone sculptures in the middle back section of the property, we create the “mountain” to achieve support for the household.
The mountain that is the left arm of the armchair is the “Dragon” side. The powerful Dragon repels negative energy, protecting that side. It represents growth, vitality, health and abundance. Having evergreen plants on the left side of the home is said to bring all these qualities to the household.
The mountain that is the right side of the armchair is the “Tiger” side. Tigers are revered for their good luck, kindness and gentle nurturing qualities. Landscapes including secret gardens, meditation areas, shade gardens or anything creating a “Zen” quality represent the nurturing aspects of the Tiger.
The “Phoenix” is the last of the four animals and resides in the front of the house. Again, think “curb” appeal. Items for this area include flowers, trees, house color, lighting and special features like bridges, arbors and interesting landscape – things which set the home apart from others in the neighborhood.
When “location” isn’t perfect, we can improve the Feng Shui of a home through specific functional and beautiful design principles.