The Beginnings of Feng Shui

Feng Shui's origins may date back deeper than six thousand years, to the mid-Neolithic period in Chinese history. Feng Shui was originally known as Kan Yu in ancient Chinese writings, which means 'observe the ways of Heaven and explore the ways of Earth.' Feng Shui literally translates as 'wind' (flowing, dispersing - air currents) and 'water' (harnessing, replenishing, preserving); the two natural elements necessary for life sustenance.

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Finding suitable property to construct on that was safe from intruders and dangerous natural forces was one of the earliest goals of feng shui in order to ensure that those who lived there would prosper. Therefore, Feng Shui was primarily about success and survival; it was a way to protect and provide for the family as well as a way for some to rise in status. In order to benefit the descendants of the emperors and other prominent people, feng shui was also frequently used to find fortunate burial plots.

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Ancient masters of Feng Shui were comparable to competent land surveyors and geomancers. They developed a sophisticated understanding of the natural world's workings and utilised this information to ensure that individuals thrived. They studied natural formations and traced the dragons, which referred to the forces, courses, and behaviour of wind, water, land, and subterranean features, to ensure a beneficial flow of qi; they respected the natural elements and patterns of cosmic change, and they sought a balance between yin and yang interaction.