Feng Shui, which literally translates into Wind and Water, has its roots in ancient China and is an ancient Chinese practice that archaeological evidence suggests to be at least 6000 years old. Amongst the first practitioners of Feng Shui in ancient China were the farmers. Since good harvests were essential for the survival of communities, the need to identify land that could sustain prolonged farming activities became very important.

Indeed, the practice of Feng (Wind) Shui (Water) was the result of that need. In search of good farming lands, farmers looked for areas where good Qi (healthy wind) and water were found in abundance.

Like the ancient times, the practice of Feng Shui today continues to be about finding good locations and directions to enhance the quality of life and livelihood; although the methodologies used have greatly evolved on the journey through history.

Feng Shui is Art
In its simplest definition, Feng Shui is the art of arranging space to create a harmonious living environment. As unlikely as it may sound, it actually evolved from observations that people are affected, for better or for worse, by the surroundings they dwell in: certain surroundings are better, others not so.

According to Feng Shui, the surrounding terrain like hills, rivers, trees, buildings, and the way walls, doors, and windows are placed or oriented within a building, have an effect, both profound and subtle, on our wellbeing. When practised correctly, Feng Shui has been known to improve wealth, business opportunities, health, relationships, career, etc.

Feng Shui is Science
As much as Feng Shui is an art, it is also a science. Unlike mainstream science which requires empirical measurements and calculations, Feng Shui does, however, embrace many scientific laws and theories. Although most practices can be logically or scientifically explained, others may require speculative or abstract reasoning; the most difficult of which, is the concept of Qi (or Chi) - literally the breath in Feng Shui.

Ancient practitioners refer to Qi as some form of invisible energy that exists everywhere, and that there are Good Qi (Shen Qi) and Bad Qi (Shar Qi) that can have profound or adverse effects on one's well-being. Today, science has proven the universal existence of magnetic and electromagnetic forces, and that they can have profound effects on our health when we are exposed to them.

Feng Shui is Statistical Analysis
Feng Shui theories and practices actually come from centuries of observations and statistical analysis. It took many centuries to refine the theories and principles that we uphold and practise today. These theories now encompass scientific, topographical, mathematical, astronomical and even astrological principles.

Feng Shui is all about living in Harmony
The entire subject of Feng Shui evolves around achieving harmony with the surroundings. When we are in harmony with our surroundings, we will be endowed with the positive energies that would allow us to achieve, or receive positive rewards in life: whether it is health, wealth, relationships or luck. Harmony maximises these positive energies.

Achieving this harmony requires a deep understanding of how natural and cosmic forces work for and against us. In Feng Shui, we use arrangement, alignment and orientation of objects or assets in order to achieve this harmony. Furthermore, with the help of astrological calculations, we could regularly fine tune this harmony through time, in order for us to utilise its positive effects to the fullest.

Feng Shui is NOT Religion
Perhaps the most misguided belief is the notion that Feng Shui is a form of religion that is practised by superstitious followers who try to gain divined rewards by manipulating the surroundings.

Feng Shui is not any form of religion because Feng Shui does not involve any form of worship or rituals that are associated with all religions. In fact, its practice actually predates all known religions by a few thousand years, and as we already know, Feng Shui uses scientific and statistical principles and data.

Feng Shui is NOT Magic
Feng Shui is not magic in any form, whether it is black or white. It is practised without the need for rituals, talisman, or any other objects that are usually associated with the occult.

While Feng Shui, when properly practised can produce similar results, it does not "force" these results to happen like magic would do. It is you who produce the results with the help of natural forces.

Feng Shui is NOT a Blank Cheque
Another misguided notion about Feng Shui is that it is the key to untold fortunes: a blank cheque of sorts. While Feng Shui can improve one's luck and wealth opportunities by harnessing all the right energies, it still requires the best efforts of the individual to turn these opportunities into tangible fortunes.

Indeed, there are individuals who proclaimed that it was the proper practice of Feng Shui that actually helped them become multi-millionaires and/or successful businesspersons.