FAQ
Posted on 03/19/2009 03:46 pm by Red LotusFREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Q. Why is Birth Data used in Four Pillars of Destiny?
A. We all have a starting point in our earthly life. The date (and place) of our birth is the beginning of our journey here. All chart calculations are based on this starting point. From here we could follow a ‘guide map’ and make changes as needed. At the same time a birth chart is only one of the many varied elements used in Feng Shui.
Q. Are the various schools of Feng Shui contradicting?
A. Not at all. Used in combination, a Feng Shui consultation can reveal the many colors of a situation. The more tools we have to work with, the better it is to implement corrections and remedies.
Q. How can Feng Shui help me attract better luck in my life?
A. Remember, we have Heaven and Human Luck in addition to Earth Luck. Feng Shui remedies are the ‘cures’ for the Luck (or lack of it) of the first two categories. For example: if we chose the right career we can correct an unbalanced life even if we were not born into the luckiest family. Also, if we marry the right partner, we can ‘share’ in his/her luck, when our luck happens to be down. To just rely on our Heaven luck, or work hard and try to ‘create’ our Human luck, we work hard but not smart. With the help of Feng Shui we can incorporate all three to get optimal results!
Q. What is the real significance of Flying Stars?
A. The Flying Stars identify where all positive and/or negative effects of Heaven Energy are located according to mathematical formulas. They influence your good or bad prosperity, success, relationships, and life conditions. When you learn to identify them, you will be able to maximize the positive effects as well as minimize their detrimental potential.
For an easy analogy, let us imagine that the Flying Stars are the house’s astrology. The time that your home was built determines its energetic qualities exactly in the same way that Heaven Energy and the astrological alignment of the planets determined the character of your personality and destiny.
Each directional sector of the Bagua has a specific energetic Flying Star imprint that will always create a veil of influence based upon what room it is in as well as what stars “live there.”
In addition, the Flying Stars are in constant motion yearly, monthly, daily, etc…
What is Feng Shui?
Feng Shui
The collective Knowledge called Feng Shui was born out of the great ancient teachings of the Tao and I Ching – which later developed into the teachings of Mahayana Buddhism.
Feng Shui: ‘Wind and Water’ in English – harnesses the wisdom of the ancient mystics into a complex technique and study of our human experience.
Now over 4000 years old, this great collection of human wisdom has survived, against all odds and cultural upheavals. More importantly, Feng Shui today is experiencing a great revival all over the world–East and West!
Feng Shui approaches the Cosmic Order from two basic human angles:
- Intuitive Observation
- Analytical/Scientific Observation
Ch’i
The wisdom of the Tao teaches that the cosmos is nothing but the balancing of universal energies: Ch’i. Everything within and without strives for Balance. Feng Shui was created to help humans achieve and live within the realms of this cosmic balance. When Ch’I is out of balance in one area, it will affect the balance in another area and so on…
Yin/Yang
Yin/Yang is a great symbol of the perfect harmony of Ch’i or Cosmic Order. It is the optimal integration of opposite yet interdependent aspects of all Phenomena: light -dark; positive-negative; rise-decline; hot-cold; feminine-masculine; night-day; etc…
Human life is a testament to the struggle of striving for perfection or perfect balance. Alas, no one can ever claim to have achieved it!
From the Intuitive and the Analytical approach in Feng Shui two disciplines emerged:
- Early Heaven’s Order
- Later Heaven’s Order
Five Elements
The Ancient Mystics’ primary observation included that earthly existence is made up of the physical manifestation of cosmic energy in the perfect blend of the five elements – found both within and without.
The Five Elements Are: WOOD – FIRE – EARTH – METAL – WATER
Four Pillars Of Destiny
Most advanced Feng Shui practitioners include an in-depth analysis of client birth data. Why? This approach integrates the Heaven, Earth and Human factors of Feng Shui.
Could an expert Physician help his patient without diagnosis? Of course not!
Four Pillars of Destiny is such a diagnosis tool. This special natal chart of the client brings to light the balance of the five elements – or lack thereof – so the practitioner can implement the proper kind of Feng Shui remedies. The inner Cosmic Balance meets the outer Cosmic Balance to bring overall success and good fortune.
This is the purpose of Feng Shui!
Today’s Feng Shui is evolving: the blending of Intuitive and Analytical approaches are collectively called: Classical Feng Shui
Classical Feng Shui
Classical Feng Shui may encompass the following schools:
· Form School
· Flying Stars Feng Shui
· Ming Kua – 9 Palaces
· Four Pillars Feng Shui
Elizabeth uses a blend of the above approaches – carefully taking into account :
· Land forms
· Human Destiny and Luck
· Birth Data (individuals and structures)
· Seasonal and Timely Stars
· Nine Palaces
FENG SHUI CURES
***PLEASE NOTE: Feng Shui cures are to bring balance and help protect from the influence of harmful stars. Please do not use Feng Shui cures without proper consultation. If used incorrectly – like wrong medicine- cures can harm more than help. Feng Shui cures should not be based on superstitious beliefs and fears
Practitioners generally employ a great variety of Feng Shui cures during a consultation, based on how Ch’i or any of the five elements need balancing in a given environment. It is most effective, when the cures are kept simple, creative and placed correctly.
The Feng Shui cures listed here are just a small sampling. The possibilities are endless. Cures do not need to be limited to traditional Eastern style objects. In a Western setting one could employ Feng Shui cures that may well fit in with the design elements of a home or business. Use your creativity, intuition and imagination for new and effective solutions to your Feng Shui needs.
![]() Productive cycle of the five elements |
![]() Control cycle of the five elements |
The Five Elements
Wood:
Signifying growth, progress, new life, such as the young leaves and roots of plants and trees, Wood is ever dynamic, changing and exciting in nature. Wood rules the liver, the seat of emotions.
Wood is used for building, crafts in almost all areas of life. Vertical lines, tall shapes signify the element of Wood. Colors for wood are in the green hues. Direction is East, the Season: spring, the time for growth and learning. Astrologically, Wood signs are: Aquarius(January/February), Pisces(February/March), and Aries(March). When Wood is balanced, we find knowledge, personal growth, and progress.
Wood as a Feng Shui Cure may include:
- Bamboo Wind Chimes
- Live Plants
- Wood paneling
- Wood furniture
- Colors of green in decor
- Tall, vertical, columnar shapes, stripes
- Jade, emerald, green jasper jewelry
Fire:
Fire is the element of heat and light. It can ignite quickly, and become uncontrollable but it can also be extinguished fast. Fire is cleansing, a great element of transformation and change. It is associated with inspiration, creative force and Spirit.
Fire is connected with the South, the season of summer. Too much Fire in the summer is Yang in nature and needs balancing. Astrologically, it is closest to Taurus (April/May) and Gemini (May/June). In the body, it rules the head, the heart and the solar plexus. When balanced, Fire is associated with forgiveness and enthusiasm.
Fire as a Feng Shui cure may include:
- Candles
- Fireplace
- Lamps, heaters
- Electronic equipment, i.e: stereo, TV, computer
- Colors of reds, orange, purple, pink
- red plants: poppy, red clover, red pepper, hibiscus, begonia…
- herbs: ginseng, gingko biloba, lotus seed…
- triangular or spiky shapes
- red ruby, red agate gemstones
Earth:
Earth is the source of nurturing and care-taking. It has permanence and stability, provides shelter, nourishment and protection. Earth energy flows downward, thus its place is in the Center. Earth people have a low center of gravity; they are grounded, passive, stable and connected to the material world. Earth rules the digestive system.
Earth is associated with the direction of Northeast and the Center. Astrologically, Earth is best likened to Capricorn (December/January), Taurus (April), Cancer(July) and Virgo/Libra (October). When Earth is balanced, we find courage and contentment.
Earth as a Feng Shui cure may include:
- Crystals
- Crystal chandeliers
- Pottery, clay, ceramic, china ware, art or utensils
- colors of tan, beige, yellow, rust brown
- shapes of square, fat, rectangular
- yellow topaz, citrine, opal or cat’s eye gemstones
- plants (or images) of sunflowers, oleander, yellow or rust colored mums
- astragulus or licorice
Metal:
The most dense element, Metal can hold the temperatures of hot or cold, making it very useful and rare. The precious gifts of the Earth, such as Gold, Silver, Copper, Iron, etc. are Metals that enrich our lives. Metal bars and braces can also be used to limit or constrict. Metal people have great discipline, some great vocal strength and a sense of humor. Metal rules the colon and the lungs.
Direction is West, the Season is the Fall, and colors are the white or the metallic colors of gold, silver, and bronze. Horizontal, short, straight lines are associated with Metal. Astrologically, Leo (August) and Virgo (September) may be best linked to Metal signs. When Metal is balanced we find laughter and ease.
Metal as a Feng Shui cure may include:
- Metal Wind Chimes
- Mirrors
- Horizontal, arched shapes
- colors of white, silver, grey, gold
- decor of metallic,reflective, glass, images of automobiles, machinery
- gold, silver, diamond, pearl jewelry
- coins, images of treasures
Water:
Water is the source of all life on Earth. Although shapeless, it takes up the form of its container. It needs to be contained, or it will be uncontrollable. Water is a cleanser, healer and a soothing element. Cooling in the summer heat, but it can be chilling in winter. With the help of water we can go deep and reflect on our emotions. Too much water in winter is Yin in nature and needs balancing.
Direction for Water is the North, the Season: winter. Water’s colors are black, navy, and blue hues. Shapes of round, irregular or wavy patterns can be associated with Water. Water is the element for communication, travel and transportation. Water rules the kidneys, and the reproductive organs. Astrologically, Scorpio (November), Sagittarius (November/December) and Capricorn (December) could be likened to the Water element. When balanced, Water allows us to relax and enjoy ourselves.
Water as a Feng Shui cure may include:
- Fountains
- Curly, wavy, irregular shapes
- colors of black, navy, aqua, blues
- Fish tanks, water features, images of lakes, oceans, rivers, waterfalls
- aquamarine, turquoise, blue sapphire, topaz, or opal jewelry
- fish, seafood
- herbs of shu di huang, yin yang hou
Ch’i Enhancers:
In general, to enhance Ch’i in any environment, we may use:
- Crystal pendants
- Mobiles
- Chimes
- Statues
- Family images
- Images of benefactors
- Luck coins
- Mirrors
- Lamps
- Electronic equipment
- Ponds, water fountains, fish tanks….
***NOTE: Elizabeth does not claim to be an authority on the definition of the vast heritage of ancient Wisdom called Feng Shui.
contact: elizabeth[at]redlotus[dot]org


