International Feng Shui Guild Glossary



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Adjustment
See Cure

Age
A cycle of qi , it is the primary requisite for construction of a Flying Star chart. It is this application of the time factor which determines the allocation of qi throughout the structure. Some schools prefer to utilize the move-in date as the essential time factor. The most widely recognized method is to use the time of construction as the determining factor and more specifically the time of the closing of the roof. Each age or period lasts twenty years and begins on a year ending in the number four.
The time periods are as follows:
Period 1: 1864-1883
Period 2: 1884-1903
Period 3: 1904-1923
Period 4: 1924-1943
Period 5: 1944-1963
Period 6: 1964-1983
Period 7: 1984-2003
Period 8: 2004-2023
Period 9: 2024-2043
Period 1: 2044-2063
See Flying Stars

Annual Star
In Luo Shu, Flying Stars, or Nine Star Ki, the center number is called the Annual Star. In a Flying Star chart, the energy or quality of qi is represented by a number called a Star. The Annual Star moves cyclically to a different location each year.

Armchair
See Form School

Astro-cartography
A western astrology horoscope which determines the most advantageous locations for an individual to reside.

Astrology, Western
A cosmological method of divination based on the positions of the Sun, Moon, Planets and other heavenly bodies, relative to time and place on Earth which is drawn into a horoscope.

Auspicious
A term frequently used in Feng Shui, Astrology, and divination to denote favorable, desirable and beneficial influences and successful results.
See antonym Inauspicious

Azure Dragon , also called Green Dragon
A symbolic animal of the Form School and one of four Celestial Animals. In the ideal armchair or cradle position of the Form School, the Azure Dragon refers to mountain ranges, rolling hills, trees, or structures that support and protect a building on the left side of the armchair when looking out the front door.
See Four Emblems, Celestial Animals

Ba Zhai , also called Eight House Feng Shui, Eight Mansions, or East/West System 西
The most basic and popular method of determining and regulating the qi in Compass School Feng Shui. First, sitting and facing directions of a structure are determined. Then the four most auspicious and four least auspicious sectors for the space are calculated, each having specific influences on the qi of a space.
See Eight House Feng Shui, EastWest system, Chinese Astrology

Ba Zi
Refers to Four Pillars Astrology, but literally means eight (Chinese) Characters.

Bagua , also called Ba Gua, Pa Kua
A diagram akin to the Chinese flow chart for the cyclical energies of the manifested universe, originating from the I Ching and the Luo Shu. The literal translation is “eight house”. It consists of eight external houses (guas) and a central one called the Tai Ji, a symbol denoting a perfect balance of the flowing energies of yin and yang, and also representing Earth. Each of the eight houses is named by a trigram, and points to a specific direction, number, element, season, color, body organ, family member, symbol, location and other life aspects in resonance with that trigram sector. The Bagua can be drawn in many different forms and is an indispensable tool in most schools of Feng Shui.
The eight guas are:
Kan (K'an)
Gen (Ken)
Zhen (Chen)
Xun (Hsun)
Li (Li)
Kun (K'un)
Dui (Tui)
Qian (Ch'ien)
See Fu Xi, Pre-Heaven Bagua, Later Heaven Bagua, BTB Feng Shui Bagua

Bamboo flute , also called Hsiao
An end-blown bamboo flute, and musical instrument, used in Feng Shui as a remedy. This flute’s base includes the bamboo’s root joint which is bigger and stronger than the remaining, visible joints, allowing its base to acts as a support to energetically lift or raise qi. The bamboo flute represents peace, harmony, and grounding.

Bau-biologie
Translates from the German as building biology. A movement that has made a study of how buildings impact life and health in the living environment. Factors that it observes, measures and attempts to regulate at a building site include bio-physical forces above and below the earth’s surface, climatic and solar influences, air quality, and the toxicity of building materials. Bau-biologie advocates the use of safe and sustainable construction materials and the mitigation of excessive electro-magnetic fields. It encourages a holistic and healing approach to home and work environments.

Benker lines, also called the Ten Meter System
Named after Anton Benker of Germany, the dowser who discovered this system. Benker lines lie on every fifth Hartmann line and radiate up into space, but are stronger to a great degree. One side of a Benker line is positively charged, and the other side is negatively charged. They are considered to be a source of potential health problems, and are located by dowsing.
See Hartmann lines, Curry lines, Geomancy

Bing , also called Ping
The third heavenly stem in the cycle of ten, denoting Yang Fire, based on the Five Element productive cycle of the Five Elements as they go through their yin and yang phases. It refers to the more active and aggressive aspects of the Fire element and is used in Four Pillars Astrology.
See Heavenly Stems

Black
Historical elemental color of water, considered mysterious and independent, associated with the direction North and Yin activity.

Black Sect Tantric Buddhist Feng Shui, also called BTB Feng Shui, Black Hat
BTB Feng Shui has its roots in the pre-Buddhist, Bon religion of Tibet. It was also influenced by Indian Buddhism and later took on the traditions of Chinese philosophy including Feng Shui. It was brought to the West around 1980, and its practices spread rapidly through the Americas. The BTB Feng Shui Bagua is a modification of the Wen Wang (Later Heaven) Bagua and is superimposed on a site, building, or room using the Three Door Method which aligns the entry with one the three trigrams: Gen (Knowledge), Kan (Career) or Qian (Helpful People). BTB Feng Shui emphasizes following the flow of qi (in the space and the person), the use of transcendental solutions to reinforce mundane remedies, the power of intention and self cultivation through meditation.

Black Tortoise , also called Black Turtle
The symbolic animal of Form School, and the most important of the four Celestial Animals. In the ideal armchair position of Form School, it refers to hills, mountains, trees or other structures that support and protect a building from behind. In the ancient traditions it was best located in the North. This was based on the climatic conditions of China where the cold winds came from the North. In modern times it can be located in any direction as long as it provides the physical and energetic backing needed to offer support for the building. The same principles can be applied inside the building when orienting furnishings.
See Four Emblems, Celestial Animals

Boar, also called Pig
See Hai , Zodiac, Asian

Book of Changes
See I Ching

Bright Hall
See Ming Tang

BTB Feng Shui
See Black Sect Tantric Buddhist Feng Shui

BTB Feng Shui Bagua
A modification of the Wen Wang or Later Heaven Bagua sequence with the trigrams inverted so that the qi moves toward the center. The BTB Bagua puts humanity at the center and represents our qi returning to its essence. The Wen Wang and BTB Feng Shui Baguas together oscillate through time, representing the unity of yin and yang and creation -- how we continually create our reality, get feedback, then act or react. Based on the philosophy of Shao Yong, BTB Feng Shui equates the trigram movement of the different Baguas to qi flow through the seasons. The Pre-Heaven Bagua is considered the Lesser Yang or Spring Bagua. The Later Heaven or Wen Wang Bagua, with the trigram qi moving out from the center, is considered the Greater Yang or Summer Bagua. The BTB Feng Shui Bagua, where the trigram qi moves back to the center, is considered the Lesser Yin or Autumn Bagua. The Greater Yin or Winter Bagua will likely follow.

Buffalo, also called Ox
See Ch'ou, Zodiac, Asian

Cardinal points
The four primary compass directions; North, South, East, West.

Celestial Animals
The four mythical animals of Form School: the Azure Dragon (Green Dragon), White Tiger, Black Tortoise (Black Turtle), Red Phoenix (Red Bird). Each animal represents a different earth quality or energy. Also represents land forms.
See Four Emblems

Ch'ien
See Qian

Chen , also called Dragon, Zhen, Ch’en
1. The trigram located in the East of the Luo Shu square representing Ancestors/Family - See Zhen
2.The fifth earthly branch in the cycle of twelve life energies, representative of strong and active energy. It is used in Chinese Astrology and Four Pillars Astrology - See Earthly Branches, Zodiac, Asian
3. In Form School, the armchair position of the Azure Dragon.

Chen Pi , also called Tshen Pei
Aged dried tangerine skin used to purify a space.

Chi, also called Ki (Japanese)
See Qi

Chi
See Ji

Chi Cultivation
See Qi Cultivation

Chi Gong
See Qi Kung

Chi Kung
See Qi Kung

Chia
See Jia

Chinese Almanac, also called Tung T’su
An annual Chinese publication in book form with advice about the best, worst, and appropriate activities, locations and more, for each day of the year. It has been widely used in China to predict everything from the size of the yearly harvest to the electoral success of public officials. In its almanac form it is used for the selection of auspicious and inauspicious dates for all types of activities.

Chinese Astrology
Refers to a group of divination techniques first used in China, based on astrological or cosmological assessments. The most common form assigns to the person a Zodiac Animal based on the natal year as determined by the Chinese Lunar Calendar. This term also refers to several other methods commonly used in Feng Shui, including Four Pillars Astrology, Nine Star Ki, Ming Gua, Ba Zhai, Purple Star and Flying Stars.

Chinese Calendar
A daily calendar with the same information as the Tung T’su contained in 365 pages, one for each day of the year.

Chinese New Year
The first day of Month 1 in the Lunar calendar.

Chou
See Ch'ou

Chueh ming
See Jue ming

Chyan
See Qian

Ch’ou , also called Chou, Ox, Buffalo
The second earthly branch in the cycle of twelve life energies, representative of nourishing energy. It is used in Chinese Astrology and Four Pillars Astrology.
See Earthly Branches, Zodiac, Asian

Clashing doors
Doors that hit each other when opened.

Classical Feng Shui , also called Traditional Feng Shui
The most widely practiced category of Feng Shui worldwide. Based on the two original types first used in China, Classical Feng Shui consists of Form School and Compass School principles and methods. Contemporary Classical Feng Shui is related to, and utilizes, a variety of modalities that include the directional use of the Bagua, Ming Gua method, Ba Zhai method, Four Pillars Astrology, Flying Stars and others.

Clutter
The obstruction of life force, qi, typically through the accumulation of too many items within a space (can be physical, mental, emotional or spiritual), thus creating a stagnation of the energy within that space.

Command position
1.The best Form School location for the interior placement of furniture, especially the bed, desk, or stove. This position is usually farthest from and facing the door, with one’s back to a solid wall. This position is considered the safest and most powerful, providing the widest view of the room with the ability to see the door without being directly in line with the door.
2. The best Form School location of a building on its site, creating the classic armchair with the Black Tortoise (Black Turtle) in the rear, the Red Phoenix in front, the Azure Dragon and the White Tiger to the sides. - See Celestial Animals, Four Emblems

Compass School, also called Fujien School
An early school of Feng Shui that developed after Form School. At first a simple needle and bowl compass were utilized to determine the best directional and solar orientation for a structure. Eventually Compass School incorporated principals of the I Ching and other Taoist modalities. The simple needle and bowl compass evolved into the luopan compass which reveals many layers of information in its complex ring system. Currently, western versions of the luopan exist that have been color coded and translated to simplify its usage. The luopan remains one of the most effective tools for diagnosing and diagramming the energies within a space and linking them to the eight trigrams, the Five Elements, Yin/yang and the twelve energy cycles. In Compass School Feng Shui, the Bagua is a diagrammatic representation of the luopan compass and is oriented using the actual directions. e.g., North sits on North of the floor plan.

Confucius
Chinese philosopher, teacher, sage, and father of Confucianism (551BCE - 479BCE) whose teachings were centered around the development of virtuous ethical behaviors and high moral standards to uphold peace and prosperity in society.

Constantly Turning Dharma Wheel
A transcendental solution to clear inauspicious qi.

Constructive Cycle
See Five Element productive cycle

Controlling cycle
See Five Element overcoming cycle

Creative cycle
See Five Element productive cycle

Crystals
1. Any of several minerals having a crystalline structure, that is a three-dimensional structure made up of atoms, molecules or ions arranged in basic units that are repeated throughout the structure. These can be used as amplifiers or transmitters of energy and other specific healing purposes. Crystals are used in Feng Shui as remedies and in many other ways.
2. A clear high quality, usually leaded, glass object, sometimes faceted to create a specific shape used in Feng Shui.

Cure, also called Remedy, Adjustment, Enhancement
An object, talisman ritual, prayer, action or intention used to achieve the greatest balance, harmony, and the most beneficial qi in a space, or to suppress, neutralize or dissipate negative or stagnant energies or qi.

Curry lines
A global grid network of naturally occurring electrically charged lines in the earth. These run diagonally to the poles, Northeast-Southwest and Northwest-Southeast, and were first discovered by Dr. Manfred Curry and Dr. Wittmann. The lines themselves are not necessarily problematic. The places where they intersect with other (North-South, East-West) grid lines, faults, or underwater streams are thought to be possible sources for certain health problems. They can be located by dowsing.
See Benker lines, Hartmann lines, Geomancy

Cutting chi, also called Sha Qi, Poison Arrow
See Sha Chi

Dao de
Virtue and character, bringing good karma and good will from others.

Daoism
See Taoism

Day Master
In Four Pillars Astrology, the self element residing in the Heavenly Stem of the day pillar.
See Heavenly Stems

Destructive cycle
See Five Element overcoming cycle

Ding , also called Ting
The fourth heavenly stem in the cycle of ten, denoting Yin Fire, based on the Five Element productive cycle of the Five Elements as they go through their yin and yang phases. It refers to the more inward and recessive aspects of the Fire element and is used in Four Pillars Astrology.
See Heavenly Stems

Divination
The art or practice that seeks to see or foretell future events or discover hidden knowledge or information by means of intuitive powers, reading omens, and/or use of a tool or interpretation of external objects. Divination is a universal cultural phenomenon that anthropologists have observed as being present in every religion and culture throughout history to the present day.

Divining rod, also called Dowsing Device
Any of a group of devices of various configuration and material used for dowsing. Some of the most commonly used are the L-rod, the Y-rod, the bobber or tensor, and the pendulum.
See Dowsing

Dog
See Hsu , Zodiac, Asian

Double-facing House , also called Xing Dao Xiang
In a Flying Stars chart, double stars meet in the Facing Palace. For example, for cycle eight, both the water eight and mountain eight reside in the Facing Palace. The energies for this structure are said to be good for money (wealth), but not for people (health and relationships).

Double-sitting House, also called Xin Dao Zuo
In a Flying Stars chart, double (matching) stars meet in the Sitting Palace. For example, for cycle eight, both the water star eight and mountain star eight reside in the Sitting Palace. The energies for this structure are said to be good for people (health and relationships) but not good for money.

Dowsing
Geomantic (‘geo’ referring to earth) divination, or methods of locating and diagnosing unseen energies; especially those located underground. Dowsing has been used to locate underground water for thousands of years, and can also be used to locate other influences at a site or on a plan or map. The practice of dowsing can also discover other concealed information.

Dowsing Device
See Divining Rod

Dragon
See Chen , Azure Dragon, Zodiac, Asian

Dragon veins, also called Long Mai
Just as the human body incorporates channels along which life force energy (qi) flows, so the earth contains similar channels called by the ancient Chinese, “Veins of the Dragon.” These channels of energy, or qi, run through the earth.

Dragon’s lair
In Form School Feng Shui, the location that attracts and retains the most benevolent qi. The most auspicious site to build a home or to bury the dead.

Du shu
Education with effort, one of the Five Aspects of Destiny. Even with the best luck, we will miss out if we do not participate in life. We must do the work required.

Dui , also called Tui, Lake
One of the eight trigrams, guas or sectors of the Bagua, associated with the West, the number 7, the element Metal, Autumn, the color white, the sense of smell, mouth, large intestines, lungs, and skin, the youngest daughter, the symbol Lake and relates to children, descendants, creativity and other life aspects. In the I Ching, Dui is denoted by one broken line over two solid lines.
See Trigram, Eight Trigrams

Early Heaven Bagua
See Pre-Heaven Bagua

Earth , also called Tu
1. One of the Five Elements represented by the color yellow. It's movement is horizontal. Earth energy is balanced, centered and grounded. It represents the Northeast with the number 8, the Southwest with the number 2 and the center of the Bagua with the number 5. It's shape is flat, rectangular, or square. It is the later part of the four seasons and the belly and pancreas.
2. Classically related to the trigram Kun and the Bagua area associated with relationships.

Earth Base Star
In a Flying Stars chart, the energy or quality of qi indicated by a number, representing the birth (at the closing of the roof) of a structure, within a proscribed twenty year time cycle, enclosing the earth energies of that time period into the structure.

Earth energy grids
Sets of grids of (electro-magnetic) energy lines in the earth. The planetary energy grid exists in geometrical patterns that follow specific symmetries. The grids meet at intersecting points, forming a matrix. Some of the strongest power places on the planet are located on these grid intersection points. Earth energies at grid intersection points can affect human activity and health in a positive or negative way.
See Benker lines, Curry lines, Hartmann lines

Earthly Branches
1. Refers to the twelve energies and twelve archetypes, specific divisions in time and space offering information about the quality and movement of qi. The Earthly Branches and the Heavenly Stems are the two primary components of the Four Pillars Astrology method and appear as a ring on the luopan compass.
2. The twelve animals of the Zodiac, Asian.

East
One of the cardinal directions, signifying new growth and its related element, Wood, considered to be the starting point of the Five Elements energy cycle; an indication of the connection between the Bagua and solar orientation.
See Zhen

East life group
In the Eight House method, every person and building belongs to either the East life or the West life group. Northern hemisphere individuals or buildings having a Ming gua of 1 (north), 3 (east), 4 (southeast), and 9 (south) are said to belong to the East group. All members and buildings belonging to this group share these directions as auspicious.
See Eight House Feng Shui

EastWest system 西
Part of Eight House Feng Shui. People and buildings are divided into two types: the East life group and the West life group, using the Later Heaven Bagua sequence.

Eight House Feng Shui , also called Eight Mansions, Ba Zhai, East/West system
Dividing the house into nine sections (the eight directions and the center) of the luo shu grid determines the four most auspicious and four least auspicious directions and activities for both the person and the building (excluding the center). Each direction is weighted and has a particular aspect or quality of qi.

Eight Mansions
See Eight House Feng Shui

Eight trigrams
The eight possible combinations of symbols consisting of a combination of three yin (broken) or yang (solid) lines. Each trigram is associated with phenomenal aspects of the world expressed as a direction, an element, a number, an organ, a color, a family member and other life aspects, and makes up the essential components of “Eight House” or “Eight Mansions“ Feng Shui. Each trigram is a coded description of a quality of qi. The eight trigrams are an essential component of all baguas used in Feng Shui and can appear in two different versions; the “Early (Pre) Heaven Sequence” and the “Later Heaven Sequence”. When stacked in pairs hexagrams are formed, creating the sixty four combinations of the I Ching.
See Eight House Feng Shui, Later Heaven Bagua, Pre-Heaven Bagua

Electro-magnetic field , also called EMF
An energy field. Whenever electric current (voltage) is running through a wire or a conducting source, an electric field is present in space. Where electric current flow is present, a magnetic field is produced. Over-exposure to excessive electro-magnetic fields is believed to be harmful to health.

Elements
One of the foundations of Feng Shui theory is rooted in the interaction and balance between the Five Elements, which are Wood, Fire, Metal, Water and Earth. Each of these elements governs specific aspects of life.

Empty door
An interior doorway or door frame without a door.

Energy
The practice of Feng Shui concerns itself with the movement and quality of energy, or qi. Creating a healthy and positive flow of energy is said to enhance physical and emotional health and quality of life. The quality of energy is determined by its flow and the frequency of its vibration. By raising that frequency we improve its quality and beneficial influence.

Enhancement
See Cure

Facing Palace
The direction or sector in the luo shu grid or Flying Stars chart where the qi is the most yang or active, at the front (facing) of the house, opposite the Sitting Palace and ideally where the active living areas are located.

Feng
Wind

Feng sha
A destructive, ill wind that dissipates, blows away benevolent qi.

Feng Shui
Translates as wind and water. Chinese geomancy, known in ancient times as Kan yu, is said to be over 5000 years old. Feng Shui comes from the I Ching and is grounded in Five Elements Theory. It is the art and science of harmonizing the person with their environment and heavenly influences. This is done with the knowledge of land forms that gather and retain qi and by the selection of a site in an auspicious location and in accordance with the energies present. A living or work environment is then designed in which the presence of the most beneficial qi connects the energies of Heaven and Earth with the person. This connection is enhanced by the placement of objects within the house to create the best flow of benevolent qi, the best balance of yin and yang, the most auspicious use of space in accordance with energies present, and by mitigating negative energies and enhancing positive energies. In Classical Feng Shui the astrology of the building is also linked with the astrology of the person. Although Feng Shui can be linked with all three aspects of the San Cai , its closest association is with Earth or physical aspect.

Feng Shui consultant
See Feng Shui practitioner

Feng Shui in Modern Times , also called Integrative Feng Shui
The art of Feng Shui has changed and adapted as it has moved through time and transitioned from culture to culture. There are many different modalities and perspectives through out the world; in addition to being an independent practice, Feng Shui is incorporated into many different fields including design, architecture, Real Estate, fashion, etc.

Feng Shui practitioner, also called Feng Shui consultant
A trained professional having studied and mastered the principles and practices of Feng Shui. The modern Feng Shui practitioner is schooled in a variety of modalities having originated in traditional and eclectic customs and practices. Minimally, a competent practitioner is a graduate of, or certified by, a recognized school.

Feng Shui shien sheng
A Feng Shui master.

Fire , also called Huo
1. One of the Five Elements represented by the color red. It's movement is outward, expanding and coming into full bloom. Fire energy is very active and vibrant. It represents the South sector of the Bagua, the number 9, triangular shape, Summer season, and the heart.
2. Classically related to the trigram Li and the Bagua area associated with fame and reputation.

Five Aspects of Destiny
The Five Aspects of Destiny -- Karma, Calculation of Fate, Feng Shui, Luck, and Good Works (also education and self-improvement) -- are believed by the Chinese to greatly affect or control the fate or destiny of individuals. Each aspect accounts for approximately 20% of the factors of life.

Five Element overcoming cycle , also called Controlling Cycle, Destructive Cycle
Refers to the cycle in which each of the five elements controls, weakens or dominates another in a pentagram pattern as they are viewed in their natural circular diagram. They do this in the following sequence: Wood controls Earth controls Water controls Fire controls Metal controls Wood.

Five Element productive cycle , also called Constructive Cycle, Creative Cycle, Promotion Cycle
Refers to the cycle in which each of the five elements creates, nourishes, enhances the subsequent one as we observe the elements in a clockwise circular pattern. They do so in the following sequence: Wood enhances Fire, enhances Earth, enhances Metal, enhances Water, enhances Wood.

Five Element reducing cycle , also called Reductive Cycle
Refers to the cycle in which each of the five elements reduces the previous element as we view them in their natural circular, counterclockwise pattern. They do this in the following sequence: Wood reduces Water reduces Metal reduces Earth reduces Fire reduces Wood.

Five Elements , also called Wu Xing, Five Phases
The Five Elements are Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water. Interaction between these elements and qi form the foundation theory for achieving Feng Shui balance. There are at least three cycles affecting the five types of qi represented by these elements: Five Element productive, destructive, and reducing cycles of the elements. Each element exists in a yin and yang form.
See Wu Xing, Five Element overcoming cycle, Five Element productive cycle, Five Element reducing cycle

Five Phases
See Five Elements, Wu Xing

Five Yellows , also called Wu Wang
The most inauspicious of the Three Afflictions, Five Yellows is determined by the position of the Yellow Star 5 that moves to a different 45 degree section of the compass each year.
See Annual Star, Grand Duke Jupiter, Three Killings

Flying Stars , also called Xuan Kong
The astrology of the building. A Flying Stars chart is the horoscope for the building, describing its energetic condition over time. The Flying Stars method uses the sitting and facing directions of a building and its age (determined by the twenty-year cycle in which it was constructed) to create the Flying Stars chart, a numerological diagram. By studying the number combinations that are revealed in each of the eight sectors of the space we are able to determine the state of balance and qi for each. Remedies from the Five Elements are used to balance the energies by reducing inauspicious influences and activating auspicious ones.
See Chinese Astrology

Form School, also called Landform School
The original school of Feng Shui based on the observation of topographical features. It is the relationship of a particular place to its landform surroundings. A metaphor for the ideal form has the shape of an armchair. When looking out the front door, the structure is cradled by the Black Tortoise, the Azure Dragon on the left, the White Tiger on the right and the Red Phoenix in front. In practical terms good form places a structure with the solid stable qi of a mountain or hill shape in the rear and the active energized qi of active water or bright sun in the front. Finding the Dragon and Tiger energy in the landscape augments the beneficial effects. These original simple ideas evolved into specific protocols for interior placement and for exterior arrangement of a site, and are often symbolized by natural focal points such as trees, plants, hills and mountains, as well as by buildings and other man-made features.
See Four Emblems, Celestial Animals

Former Heaven Bagua
See Pre-Heaven Bagua

Four Emblems
In early Form School Feng Shui, before cardinal directions were used with the development of the compass and the Compass Schools, the Chinese used relative direction: Red Phoenix as the front of a site, Black Tortoise (Black Turtle) as the back, the Azure Dragon as the left, and the White Tiger as the right.
See Celestial Animals

Four Pillars Astrology , also called Ba Zi , Zi Ping
A horoscope derived from an individual’s time, date and place of birth. A natal chart consists of four columns or pillars; a year pillar, month pillar, day pillar, and hour pillar. Each pillar contains a combination of animal archetypes and elements that through their interactions and inherent qualities describe the condition of the individual’s qi at birth.
See Earthly Branches, Heavenly Stems, Chinese Astrology

Fu , also called Fuk
One of the three deities said to be symbolic of life achievement. Fu is symbolic of happiness.

Fu Dog, also called Lion
A statue or figurine historically used as protective cures for palaces, government offices and residences.

Fu wei
Overall harmony, clarity in thinking, and achieving peace. The fourth best location in Eight House Feng Shui.
See Portent

Fu Xi , also called Fu Hsi
An early ruler of China who it is believed discovered or created the trigrams.

Fu Xi Bagua, also called Fu Hsi Bagua
See Pre-Heaven Bagua

Fujien School
See Compass School

Gen, also called Ken
One of the eight trigrams, guas or sectors of the Bagua, associated with the Northeast, the number 8, the element yang Earth, late winter -- early Spring, colors brown to yellow or blue to green, the spleen, stomach, pancreas, the sense of taste, the youngest Son, the symbol Mountain. It is the knowledge area affecting the mental, inner, spiritual, personal and self-actualization and other life aspects. In the I Ching, Gen is denoted by one solid line over two broken lines.
See Trigram, Eight Trigrams

Geng , also called Keng
The seventh heavenly stem in the cycle of ten, denoting Yang Metal, based on the Five Element productive cycle of the Five Elements as they go through their yin and yang phases. It refers to the more active and aggressive aspects of the Metal element and is used in Four Pillars Astrology.
See Heavenly Stems

Geomancy
The art of creating balance and harmony between people and the energies of the earth. The study of the energies of the Earth and earth-based divination techniques that have appeared in nearly all cultures and spiritual traditions. In modern times it is a study of geomantic, geopathic and environmental influences with the intention of mitigating those energies that appear to have an adverse effect on health and well-being.
See Hartmann lines, Curry lines, Benker lines

Geopathic stress
A potentially harmful energy field generated underground and radiated upward by mineral deposits, water streams, geological faults, decayed organic matter, graves, burial or ritual grounds, and man made or other causes.

Goat , also called Ram, Sheep
See Wei , Zodiac, Asian

Grand Duke Jupiter, also called Tai sui
One of the Three Afflictions, it is an inauspicious energy that moves to a different 15 degree section of the compass each year.
See Annual Star, Three Killings, Five Yellows

Great Cycle of 180 Years , 180 , also called San Yuan
See San Yuan

Green
The historical elemental color of Wood, symbolizes growth, fertility and harmony, associated with the direction East, and is restful and refreshing.

Green Dragon
See Azure Dragon

Gua , also called Kua
Translates as house or sector. In Compass School, refers to one of the eight sectors connected to the eight compass directions. One of the eight outer positions in the luo shu square, the Bagua, and the luopan compass. In BTB Feng Shui, each gua represents a symbolic direction and its life aspects and is relative to the position of the entry.

Gui , also called Kuei
The tenth heavenly stem in the cycle of ten, denoting Yin Water, based on the Five Element productive cycle of the Five Elements as they go through their yin and yang phases. It refers to the more inward and recessive aspects of the Water element and is used in Four Pillars Astrology.
See Heavenly Stems

Guild
1. An association or cluster of people having kindred pursuits or having common interests or aims.
2. In permaculture, refers to the ability within an ecosystem of differing organisms to support each other for the sake of the greater good and for the survival of the system.

Hai , also called Pig , Boar
The twelfth earthly branch in the cycle of twelve life energies, representative of fertility and virility energy. It is used in Chinese Astrology and Four Pillars Astrology.
See Earthly Branches, Zodiac, Asian

Hartmann lines
The Hartmann grid consists of naturally occurring charged lines in the earth, running north-south and east-west. It is named after Dr. Ernst Hartmann, a German medical doctor, who first described it soon after the Second World War. Alternate lines are usually positively and negatively charged. This creates some intersections with double positive or double negative charges, considered to be a source of potential health problems.
See Benker lines, Curry lines, Geomancy

He , also called Ho
Harmony.

Heaven
Note: This definition is related only to Feng Shui. One purpose of Feng Shui is to connect (spiritually and energetically) the person in their building with Heaven and Earth.
1. Associated with the shape of the circle, Heaven refers to the nature of the universal order, balance, and harmony of the cosmos.
2. In astrologically-linked Feng Shui, includes consideration of the positions of the stars and planets at a given time, and this positional influence on earthly and human affairs.
3. The primal and spiritual source of qi.
4. Classically related to the trigram Qian and the Bagua area associated with helpful people and travel.

Heavenly Stems
Refers to the cycle of ten as the Five Elements go through the cyclical transformations of their yin and yang phases. The stems are one of the two primary components of Four Pillars Astrology and represent the influence of heaven in the creation of material reality.
The ten include:
Jia (Chia)
Yi
Bing (Ping)
Ding (Ting)
Wu (We)
Ji (Chi)
Geng (Keng)
Xin (Hsin)
Ren (Jen)
Gui (Kuei)

Heaven’s Heart
The central Palace of the luo shu grid. Also refers to the center point of a structure.

Hexagram
A symbol from the I Ching made up of six solid or broken lines formed from two trigrams. There are sixty four hexagrams in the I Ching representing all known combinations of energies or correspondences. They are used to divine a probable course to future events, and studied for their philosophical and inspirational insights.
See Trigram

Ho
See He

Horoscope
A chart that is drawn using the time, location and cosmology aspects of the birth of an individual or building, to be used for the purpose of divination or gaining an understanding of hidden information.

Horse
See Wu , Zodiac, Asian

Hsiao
See Bamboo flute

Hsien Tien, also called Hu Tien
Time and intuition-based divination, related to Plum Blossom I Ching.

Hsin
See Xin

Hsu , also called Xu, Dog
The eleventh earthly branch in the cycle of twelve life energies, it is representative of possessive, watchful and dominant energy. It is used in Chinese Astrology and Four Pillars Astrology.
See Earthly Branches, Zodiac, Asian

Hsueh
See Xue

Hu tien
See Hsien Tien

Huo
See Fire

Huo Hai
Means accidents and mishaps; the disaster location in Eight House Feng Shui.
See Portent

HWang
Prosperous, vigorous.

I Ching , also called Yi Jing, Book of Changes
Translated as the Book of Changes, the I Ching is an ancient Chinese philosophical text and one of the oldest systems of describing the nature, movements, and developments of every event or phenomenon in the universe. It consists of sixty-four hexagrams based on all the possible combinations of the eight trigrams and has been used for divination, protection and philosophical guidance for thousands of years and is an important component in the formation of Feng Shui theory. Traditional methods for consulting the I Ching are through the use of yarrow sticks or coins. Confucianism, Taoism, and the Feng Shui bagua all have common roots in the philosophy of the I Ching.

I Ching Feng Shui
A Compass School method utilizing the hexagrams of the I Ching on the luopan.

Inauspicious
A term frequently used in Feng Shui to denote unfavorable, undesirable, harmful influences and unsuccessful results.
See antonym Auspicious

Inhale Exhale method
A method used to balance and harmonize personal qi.

Integrative Feng Shui
See Feng Shui in Modern Times

Intercardinal points
The four compass directions that reside between the cardinal points: Northwest, Northeast, Southeast, and Southwest.

Jen
See Ren

Ji , also called Chi
The sixth heavenly stem in the cycle of ten, denoting Yin Earth, based on the Five Element productive cycle of the Five Elements as they go through their yin and yang phases. It refers to the more inward and recessive aspects of the Earth element and is used in Four Pillars Astrology.
See Heavenly Stems

Jia , also called Chia , Zhe
1. The first heavenly stem in the cycle of ten, denoting Yang Wood, based on the Five Element productive cycle of the Five Elements as they go through their yin and yang phases. It refers to the more active and aggressive aspects of the Wood element and is used in Four Pillars Astrology. - See Heavenly Stems
2. House.

Jin
See Metal

Joss paper
Used for Feng Shui remedies. Ornate tissue-thin rice paper that is rough, feels handmade, often contains imperfections and inconsistencies, and may contain metallic leaf. Some Joss papers are blessed in Buddhist temples and are used in Asia in rituals, holiday observances and in Feng Shui.

Jue ming , also called Chueh ming
The severed fate or total loss location. The most inauspicious, worst location in Eight House Feng Shui.
See Portent

Kan , also called K'an
One of the eight trigrams, guas or sectors of the Bagua, associated with the North, the number 1, the element Water, mid-winter, the colors black and dark blue, the kidney, bladder, ear, and the sense of hearing, the middle Son, the symbol Deep Water, and relates to your success and your relationship with the world outside your home, and other life path aspects. In the I Ching, Kan is denoted by one solid line between two broken lines.
See Trigram, Eight Trigrams

Kan yu 輿
An early designation for Feng Shui. The study of a site with reference to the time factor.

Ken
See Gen

Keng
See Geng

Ki , also called Chi
The Japanese word for qi.

King Wen
Shang Dynasty King who arranged the eight trigrams of the I Ching according to the law of "periodicity" or the cycles and rhythms in Nature.
See Later Heaven Bagua

Kong
Color, space, form, emptiness.

Kua
See Gua

Kuei
See Gui

Kun , also called K'un
One of the eight trigrams, guas or sectors of the Bagua, associated with the Southwest, the number 2, the element of yin Earth, the season of late Summer -- early Autumn, the colors brown to yellow, the spleen, pancreas, stomach (belly), and sense of taste, mouth and the symbol Mother. Relates to marriage, relationships, fertility and other life aspects. In the I Ching, Kun is denoted by three broken lines and is the most yin trigram.
See Trigram, Eight Trigrams

Lake
Classically related to the trigram Dui and the Bagua area associated with children.

Landform Guardians
See Black Tortoise, Azure Dragon, Red Phoenix, White Tiger

Landform School
See Form School

Lao Tzu
6th century BC Chinese philosopher, legendary author of the Tao Te Ching, and contributor to Taoism, whose teachings advocated nonviolence, simplicity, and the constant appreciation of Nature, as "the Way" to sustain personal and societal peace.

Later Heaven Bagua , also called Later Heaven Sequence, Wen Wang Bagua
A circular or octagonal arrangement of the eight trigram directions, this is the Bagua sequence used in the Feng Shui luopan compass. Kan is placed in the South, Li in the North, Zhen in the East and Dui in the West. Unlike the Earlier Heaven, static Bagua, this is a dynamic Bagua where energies and aspects of each trigram cycle into the next and it has become the most often used sequence in Feng Shui analysis.
See Pre-Heaven Bagua

Ley lines
Alignments and patterns of invisible earth energy said to connect various sacred sites, such as churches, temples, stone circles, megaliths, holy wells, burial sites, and other locations of spiritual importance.

Li
One of the eight trigrams, guas or sectors of the Bagua, associated with the South, the number 9, the element Fire, Summer, the color red, heart, small intestine, blood, eye, and the sense of touch and feeling, the middle Daughter, the symbol Fire, and relates to fame, rank, reputation and other life aspects. In the I Ching, Li is denoted by one broken line in the center between two solid lines.
See Trigram, Eight Trigrams

Li chun
The day the Annual Star changes; the Beginning of Spring which usually begins approximately February 4th or 5th of each year.

Lion
See Fu Dog

Lo shu
See Luo shu

Long mai
See Dragon veins

Lopan
See Luopan

Luck
Good or bad fortune, composed in Feng Shui of heaven luck, earth luck, and human luck.

Lui sha
Six Curses, denoting unfortunate happenings and obstacles, also missed opportunities; inauspicious but not disastrous in Eight House Feng Shui.

Luk
One of the three deities said to be symbolic of life achievement. Luk is symbolic of wealth.

Lunar year
354 Days, based on twelve cycles of the moon. The lunar month is the time interval between full moons, approximately twenty nine and a half days.

Luo shu , also called Lu Shu, Loshu, Lo Shu, Luo Shu grid, Magic Square
The foundation of all Feng Shui numerology. It is a three by three grid with a sequence of numbers said, in myth, to have been discovered on a giant tortoise shell. It is also called the magic square because any three sectors add up to fifteen along any diagonal, vertical, or horizontal line.

Luopan , also called Lopan
The divination compass used for Feng Shui which utilizes the Later Heaven or Wen Wang Bagua sequence, with the qi moving out from the center. In Compass School, the luopan is utilized to determine the best directional and solar orientation for the structure, yin and yang positions, sitting and facing positions, and all energies within a space linking them to the eight trigrams, the five elements, and the twelve energy cycles. From its humble beginnings as a magnetic needle floating in a bowl of water, the luopan evolved into a complex system of rings able to reveal advanced Feng Shui information. In its modern form it has been translated and color coded to simplify its use as a Feng Shui tool.
The luopan is part of the rich cultural heritage of Feng Shui.

Magic square
See luo shu

Mantra
A ritualistic, spiritual, or sacred chant that is repeated either silently or audibly, and can result in inducing an altered state of consciousness.
See Mudra

Mao , also called Rabbit
The fourth earthly branch in the cycle of twelve life energies, representative of the energy of rapid growth and self-accomplishment. It is used in Chinese Astrology and Four Pillars astrology.
See Earthly Branches, Zodiac, Asian

Metal , also called Jin
One of the Five Elements represented by the color white. It's movement is still, inward and contracting. Metal energy is very precise, inspiring and has leadership qualities. It represents the West sector of the Bagua with number 7 and Northwest with number 6, spherical shapes, Autumn season, and the lungs and skin.

Method of Minor Additions
Refers to the addition of simple, natural energy (such as plants, light, water, etc.), along with intention to affect Feng Shui changes without the need for major renovations.

Ming
Destiny, life, or fate.

Ming Gua , also called Ming Kua
A person’s destiny trigram with its associated number, element, and life aspects, based on gender and year of birth; an astrological method of divination providing information about a subject, including the four most auspicious directions for the individual.
See Chinese Astrology

Ming Kua
See Ming Gua

Ming Tang , also called Bright Hall
1. A courtyard, or entrance, especially where benevolent qi can gather
2. A defined area serving as a transition zone between one type of qi and another, sometimes containing a vortex of energy, commonly at a main entrance.
3. A gathering place.

Monkey
See Sh’en , Zodiac, Asian

Mountain
Classically related to the trigram Gen and the Bagua area associated with knowledge and self cultivation.

Mountain Star
Expressed as a number denoting the quality of qi in a sector of a structure. The Mountain Star represents the sitting (rear) direction of a structure in Flying Stars Feng Shui, and is associated with people (health and relationships).

Mouth of Qi also called Mouth of Chi
The main entrance door where qi or energy enters a structure. It can also refer to entry points of land or property.

Mu
See Wood

Mudra
A hand gesture often used with a mantra to clear the energy of a person or place, or to offer a blessing.

Nine Star Ki
A form of divination similar to the Ming Gua method that uses the eight trigrams and all related information. It was made popular by the macrobiotic movement in the West. Although it is Japanese in origin, its use was adopted by many of the early Feng Shui practitioners in the West. It differs from the Ming Gua method in that it uses the same calculations for both male and female subjects.
See Chinese Astrology

North
See Kan , Water

Northeast
See Gen , Earth

Northwest
See Qian , Metal

Numerology
The study of numbers and the occult manner in which they reflect certain aptitudes and character tendencies, as an integral part of the cosmic plan.

Ox , also called Buffalo
See Ch’ou , Zodiac, Asian

Pa Kua, also called Pakua
See Bagua

Palace
Name for each of the nine sections of the luo shu square (grid), used to calculate a Flying Stars chart.

Pendulum
An apparatus consisting of an object mounted so that it swings freely on a chain or string under the influence of gravity. Also used for dowsing yes or no answers and indicating a location.

Period
See Age

Phoenix , also called Red Bird
See Red Phoenix

Piercing Heart Doors 穿
Three or more doors in a row.

Pig , also called Boar
See Hai , Zodiac, Asian

Ping
See Bing

Plum Blossom I Ching
I Ching divination by time and space. Used to divine a current event or any date when a present event strikes you as an omen.
See Hsien Tien

Poison arrow , also called Sha Qi, Cutting Chi
See Sha chi

Portent
An omen or sign of something to come, manifested as a resonance with a persisting quality of energy; from the Eight House or Eight Mansions method. Each of the eight sectors of the Bagua has a portent depending on the Ming Gua calculation for the person or building. Each portent is associated with a degree and quality of good or ill fortune.
See Eight House Feng Shui

Pre-Heaven Bagua , also called Early Heaven Bagua or Sequence, Former Heaven Bagua or Sequence, Fu Xi Bagua, Fu Hsi Bagua
The oldest arrangement of the eight trigrams. In this Bagua, the trigrams opposite each other are complimentary, symbolizing the opposite forces of yin and yang, and representing an ideal state when everything is in balance or static. This Bagua is used outdoors only.
See Later Heaven Bagua

Predecessor qi , also called Predecessor Chi
The residual energy left behind by the previous inhabitants of a space.

Promotion Cycle
See Five Element productive cycle

Qi , also called Chi, Ki (Japanese)
The motivating life-force also called “Cosmic Breath”, “prana” or “Dragon’s Breath”. It has also been referred to as vital energy, primordial breath, air, breath, and energy. Existing everywhere, it is the term that refers to all forms of energy and its flow and is considered the universal energy between heaven and earth. It is the movement of life force energy within our living space or body, which can affect our well being either auspiciously or inauspiciously. Feng Shui concerns itself with the movement and containment of qi to create the most beneficial support for a person in their environment.

Qi Cultivation , also called Chi Cultivation
Techniques, such as meditation, qi kung, tai ji or other techniques, rituals, acupuncture, and Feng Shui that are used to enhance or adjust personal qi, allowing it to flow smoothly throughout the body.

Qi gong
See Qi Kung

Qi Kung , also called Chi Gong, Chi Kung, Qi Gong
1. A martial art which gathers qi in the body.
2. A series of choreographed movements based on this martial art said to bring health benefits.

Qian , also called Ch'ien, Quian, Chyan
One of the eight trigrams, guas or sectors of the Bagua, associated with the Northwest, the number 6, the element Metal, late Autumn - early Winter, the colors grey, white, metallic gold or silver, the head, lungs, large intestines, skin and the sense of smell, Father or boss, the symbol Heaven and relates to travel, benefactors and other life aspects. In the I Ching, Qian is denoted by three solid lines and is the most yang trigram.
See Trigram, Eight Trigrams

Quian
See Qian

Rabbit
See Mao , Zodiac, Asian

Ram , also called Goat, Sheep
See Wei , Zodiac, Asian

Rat
See Zi , Zodiac, Asian

Red
Historical elemental color of Fire, considered a very auspicious color, the direction South, vitality, Yang activity, happiness, good fortune, and prosperity.

Red Bird
See Red Phoenix

Red Envelope Tradition
In BTB Feng Shui, refers to an exchange of red envelopes containing some amount of money between a client or student and a BTB Feng Shui practitioner or teacher who has been asked for, and has provided, transcendental solutions. This tradition was developed to ritualize, respect and honor the information given, and to acknowledge the exchange of energy between client and practitioner. The number of red envelopes given is relative to the significance of the information provided.

Red Phoenix , also called Red Bird, Phoenix
A symbolic animal of Form School, the red phoenix represents water features in front of a structure in the Form School armchair metaphor. It also represents Summer and the color red.
See Four Emblems, Celestial Animals

Reductive Cycle
See Five Element reducing cycle

Remedy
See Cure

Ren , also called Jen
The ninth heavenly stem in the cycle of ten, denoting Yang Water, based on the Five Element productive cycle of the Five Elements as they go through their yin and yang phases. It refers to the more active and aggressive aspects of the Water element and is used in Four Pillars Astrology.
See Heavenly Stems

Reverse House, also called Shang Shan Xia Shui
In a Flying Stars chart, when the Water Star resides in the Mountain Palace and the Mountain Star resides in the Water Palace. For Period 8, the eight Water Star resides in the sitting direction and the eight Mountain Star resides in the facing direction.

Reversed door
A door that opens to the smallest part of the room or to a wall.

Rooster
See You , Zodiac, Asian

Sacred architecture
The practice of architectural design based on observing the patterns occurring in nature and the cosmos, then reflecting and replicating these structures to create a resonance with nature and the divine. Temples and cathedrals were built according to these principles. The incorporation of sacred architecture in Feng Shui today combines aspects of sacred geometry and sacred proportions with an intuitive and energetic understanding of the site and the client to achieve these goals.

Sacred geometry
The study of proportion and inherent order in space, including how shapes affect energy. It is an ancient study that has been preserved in certain mystical traditions. Measurements, properties and relationships of points, lines, angles, surfaces and solids are observed and related to the pure principles existing in nature.

San cai
The three treasures; heaven, earth and humanity. An essential principle of Taoist thought and Feng Shui, it refers to the three levels of qi and luck that influence our lives.

San He
See Three Harmonies method

San Sha
See Three Killings

San Yuan , also called Great Cycle of 180 Years
Refers to three cycles of twenty years each comprising one cycle of sixty years, and is the basis of Flying Stars Feng Shui. A particular qi is prevalent during each twenty year cycle. These twenty year cycles are based on the cycles of the planets Jupiter and Saturn. Every twenty years they align, causing a major energy shift.

Seam needle
One of the directional needles on a San He luopan . The seam needle reads 7.5 degrees behind the correct needle. The seam needle was originally used in Yin House Feng Shui as the guideline to locate the "sands" and "water".

Secret arrow, also called Poison Arrow
See Sha chi

Sequence
See Later Heaven Bagua, Pre-Heaven Bagua

Sha
Destructive, negative, harmful, inauspicious.

Sha chi , also called Sha Qi, Cutting Chi, Poison Arrow
Also known as killing breath, sha chi refers to all types of negative, harmful, and inauspicious energy both indoors and out. This can include a straight alignment of landform features such as trees, poles, or nearby buildings, sharp corners, sharp objects, stagnant water, beams and trusses, and grave sites.

Shan
Mountain.

Shang
To ascend, up, above.
See antonym Xia

Shang Shan
See Double-facing House

Shang Shan Xia Shui
See Reverse House

Sheep , also called Goat, Ram
See Wei , Zodiac, Asian

Shen
Spirits.

Sheng
Life, growth, benefit.

Sheng chi , also called Sheng qi
The prime location in places that have auspicious features such as clean water, fair breezes, and good light and sun exposure. An upward moving flow of positive qi. This is the qi we strive to create in our structures and our bodies. The prosperity and most auspicious location in Eight House Feng Shui.
See Portent

Shou
One of the three deities said to be symbolic of life achievement. Sau is symbolic of longevity.

Shui
Translates as water; general term for river or waterway.

Sh’en , also called Monkey
The ninth earthly branch in the cycle of twelve life energies, representative of restless and flexible energy. It is used in Chinese Astrology and Four Pillars Astrology.
See Earthly Branches, Zodiac, Asian

Si , also called the Snake
The sixth earthly branch in the cycle of twelve life energies, representative of strong and active energy. It is used in Chinese Astrology and Four Pillars Astrology.
See Earthly Branches, Zodiac, Asian

Si qi
Negative energy that is dull and lifeless. It lessens the positive qi and brings a low energy to the area.

Sitting Palace
The direction or sector in the luo shu grid or Flying Stars chart where the qi is the most yin or quiet, at the rear (sitting) of the house, opposite the Facing Palace and ideally where the inactive or resting areas are located.

Snake
See Si , Zodiac, Asian

Solar year
365 days, the time of a complete revolution of the earth around the sun.

South
See Li , Fire

Southeast
See Sun , Wood

Southern Hemisphere Feng Shui
A recent adaptation of Feng Shui, making accurate calculations and determinations possible in the southern hemisphere. Because of the origin of Feng Shui in northern China several thousand years ago, and the lack of awareness that a southern hemisphere existed, original Feng Shui methods did not consider the differences between the northern and southern hemispheres. Because so many Compass School determinations and calculations are dependent on seasonal changes and solar orientation, differing in the two hemispheres, these adjustments have made it possible for Feng Shui practitioners in the southern hemisphere to make accurate Feng Shui determinations.

Southwest
See Kun , Earth

Space clearing
1. Refers to any method used to dissipate negative, stagnant, or inauspicious qi or energy in a space, whether residual or current, and to raise the vibratory level. Found in most cultures and traditions throughout time, space clearing is used to revitalize a space after an illness, conflict or stressful event, to set intentions and to bless a place. Methods include the use of sound, incense, smudging, ritual, dance, pendulum techniques, or simply intention.
2. Space clearing sometimes refers to the mitigation of ghosts and spirits.

Star
A number representing an energy or quality of qi which moves cyclically through time in a Flying Stars chart.

Sun
See Xun

Tai Chi
See Tai Ji

Tai Ji , also called tai chi, tai qi
1. Any of several martial arts grounded in Taoist ideologies that are performed at a slow pace.
2. The primal separation into yin and yang, the Tai Ji is the center of the luo shu square and the Bagua represented as the flowing yin/yang symbol.

Tai sui
See Grand Duke Jupiter

Taoism, also called Daoism
The philosophical foundation work of most major religions in Asia. Taoism is not a religion but rather a way of being and emphasize compassion, moderation, and humility. Taoism professes “non credo”; “do not believe anything and accept all things” and is largely based on the observation of the natural order.

Ten Meter System
See Benker lines

Ten Thousand Year Calendar
Begins 2698 BCE on the first day of the reign of Huang Di, the “Yellow Emperor.” Describes the movement of qi for ten thousand years and is an essential tool in the creation of Four Pillars charts and other forms of divination. Each volume covers 100 years of information.

Three Afflictions
Inauspicious energies that move to a different section of the compass each year.
See Grand Duke Jupiter, Three Killings, Five Yellows

Three Door Method
The Feng Shui method of superimposing the Bagua on a site, building, or room relative to the entry (Mouth of Qi) by aligning the entry with one of the three trigrams Gen (Knowledge), Kan (Career) or Qian (Helpful People). The space is analyzed and remedied from these Bagua positions.
See Black Sect Tantric Buddhist Feng Shui, BTB Feng Shui Bagua

Three Harmonies method, also called San He
A method using the astrological 120 degree relationship to create harmonious relationships. There are sets of three compass positions 120 degrees apart, represented by their corresponding set of three animals of the zodiac, that are in harmony with each other. This system is used to determine those with whom a person is astrologically in resonance, or harmony.

Three killings, also called San Sha
One of the Three Afflictions, a residual energy resulting from the conflict of the animal affinity triangle and its cardinal direction. It moves to a different 90 degree sector of the compass each year.
See Annual Star, Grand Duke Jupiter, Five Yellows

Three Secret Reinforcements
See Three Secrets

Three Secrets , also called Three Secret Reinforcements
A transcendental and ritualized use of thought, action and speech to imbue Feng Shui adjustments with conscious intention.
See Transcendental solution

Three Treasures
See San cai

Thunder
Classically related to the trigram Zhen and the Bagua area associated with family and ancestors.

Tien chai Zhe
Heaven luck

Tien yi
Healing from heaven. The health and second best location in Eight House Feng Shui.
See Portent

Tiger
1. See White Tiger
2. See Yin, Zodiac, Asian

Time
The perception of the linear conception of the distance traveled by consciousness. Several of the divination methods of time calculation include Local Apparent time, Local Mean time, Standard time, and Daylight-Saving time. When determining the "double-hour" of birth in Chinese astrology, use Standard time for the hour and day pillar.

Ting
See Ding

Tortoise , also called Turtle
See Black Tortoise

Traditional Feng Shui
The word ‘traditional’ is sometimes substituted for ‘classical’ in describing the Form and Compass Schools practiced for thousands of years in Asia.
See Classical Feng Shui

Transcendental solution, also called Transcendental Cure, Remedy, Adjustment, Enhancement
A spiritual, symbolic or ritualistic solution used to complement and reinforce the mundane, common sense solutions. Classical examples include the three legged toad, gods of wealth, and money trees traditionally used as transcendental cures to enhance abundance and prosperity.
See Cure

Trigram
A symbol originating in the I Ching. There are eight trigrams or symbols in the Bagua, each denoting a different phase of qi, yin and yang relationships, and different aspects of human life. Each cycles into the other. A trigram is represented by a combination of three horizontally drawn straight and broken lines and is read from the bottom up. Traditionally, the bottom line represents Earth, the middle line represents man, and the top lines represents Heaven. Each person has a personal trigram related to their gender and birth date, called their Ming Gua.
The eight trigrams are:
Kan (K'an)
Kun (K'un)
Zhen (Chen)
Xun (Hsun)
Qian (Ch'ien)
Dui (Tui)
Gen (Ken)
Li (Li)
See Hexagram, BTB Feng Shui Bagua, Pre-Heaven Bagua, Later Heaven Bagua

Tshen Pei
See Chen Pi

Tu
See Earth

Tui
See Dui

Tung T'su
See Chinese Almanac

Turtle
See Black Tortoise

Twelve Zodiac Hours
Each Chinese hour is two western hours long and is given the name of one of the twelve animals of the Asian zodiac.
See Zodiac, Asian

Twenty-Four Mountains
1. Each “mountain” represents a 1/24th, or fifteen degree sector of the luopan compass, each possessing certain unique qualities.
2. They comprise the twelve Earthly Branches, the eight Heavenly Stems and the four corner trigrams.

Twenty-Four Seasons
Some refer to the Twenty-Four Joints and Chi as the "Twenty-Four Seasons". Each Joint and Chi has its own significance. The Twenty-Four Seasons start approximately on February 4th with Li Chun and continue at regular fifteen-day intervals throughout the year. The four seasons begin at the Spring and Autumn Equinoxes and the Summer and Winter Solstices. The exact time when each particular Joint or Chi starts depends on the Month Stem and Month Branch.
See Earthly Branches, Heavenly Stems

Twenty-Year Cycle
See San Yuan

Wang shan
Prosperous mountain.

Wang Shan Wang Shui
A Flying Stars chart in which the energies are good for people and good for money. The Water Star resides in the Water Palace, and the Mountain Star resides in the Mountain Palace.

Wang shui
Prosperous water.

Water , also called Shui
1. One of the Five Elements represented by the color black. It's movement is wavy and deep. Water energy is downward or sideways. It represents the North sector of the Bagua, number 1, wavy or amorphous shapes, Winter season and the kidneys and sense of hearing.
2. Classically related to the trigram Kan and the Bagua area associated with career and life journey.

Water Star
The star represented as a number denoting the quality of qi that represents the facing direction (front) of a structure in Flying Stars. The Water Star is associated with the energies of money.

We
See Wu

Wei , also called Sheep, Goat, or Ram
The eighth Earthly Branch in the cycle of twelve life energies. It is representative of friendly, calm energy. It is used in Chinese Astrology and Four Pillars Astrology.
See Earthly Branches, Zodiac, Asian

Wen Wang Bagua
See Later Heaven Bagua, King Wen

West
See Dui , Metal

West life group
In the Eight House method, every person and building belongs to either the West life or East life group. Northern hemisphere individuals or buildings having a Ming Gua of 2 (southwest), 6 (northwest), 7 (west), or 8 (northeast) are said to belong to the West group. All members and buildings belonging to this group share these directions as auspicious.
See Eight House Feng Shui

White
The historical elemental color of Metal, symbolizes new beginnings, purity and innocence, is associated with the direction West.

White Tiger
A symbolic animal of Form School and one of the four Celestial Animals. In the ideal armchair or cradle position of the Form School, it refers to mountain ranges, rolling hills, trees, or structures that support and protect a building on the right side of the armchair when looking out the front door.
See Four Emblems, Celestial Animals

Wind
Classically related to the trigram Xun and the Bagua area associated with wealth and prosperity.

Wind chimes
A common Feng Shui cure or remedy. Considered to create very positive qi, wind chimes are appropriate in a number of circumstances. Metal chimes are often used where moving metal or strong metal energy is needed.

Wood , also called Mu
One of the Five Elements represented by the color green. It's movement is upward, expansive and symbolizes growth. Wood energy is influential. It represents the connection between Heaven and Earth, the East sector of the Bagua with the number 3 and Southeast with number 4, columnar shapes, Spring season, and the liver.

Wu , also called We, Horse
1. The fifth heavenly stem in the cycle of ten, denoting Yang Earth, based on the Five Element productive cycle of the Five Elements as they go through their yin and yang phases. It refers to the more active and aggressive aspects of the Earth element. It is used in Four Pillars Astrology. - See Heavenly Stems
2. The seventh earthly branch in the cycle of twelve life energies, representative of expansive energy. It is used in Chinese Astrology and Four Pillars Astrology. - See Earthly Branches, Zodiac, Asian

Wu Gui kwei
Means five ghosts. Refers to a location that generates the kind of bad luck resulting in fires, burglary, or loss of income or employment in Eight House Feng Shui.
See Portent

Wu ji
A boundless, homogeneous state. According to Taoist scripture, after the creation, the universe condensed into this state.

Wu Wang
See Five Yellows

Wu Xing , also called Five Elements, Five Phases
Translates as the Five Elements. In Chinese philosophy, the concept of "Wu Xing" has a prominent standing. In Chinese medicine, astrology, acupuncture and Feng Shui, Wu Xing is used extensively. This term has been conveniently translated as "Five Elements" or "five phases". The word "Wu" means "five". "Wu Xing" is actually the short form of "Wu zhong liu xing zhi" or "the five types of qi dominating at different times". The qi of Water dominates in winter, Wood in spring, Fire in summer, and Metal in autumn. Between any two seasons, the transitional period is dominated by Earth. It is customary in Chinese writing to summarize a longer phrase into a couple of characters. Sometimes the meaning is completely lost in the abbreviated form if the original phrase is not referenced. Wu Xing is one such example. Common translations, including "five elements", "five agents", "five qualities", "five properties" and "five courses," cannot bring out the underlying meaning of the abbreviated term.

Xia
To descend; down, below, low.
See antonym Shang

Xin , also called Hsin
The eighth heavenly stem in the cycle of ten, denoting Yin Metal, based on the Five Element productive cycle of the Five Elements as they go through their yin and yang phases. It refers to the more inward and recessive aspects of the Metal Element and is used in Four Pillars Astrology.
See Heavenly Stems

Xing Dao Xiang
See Double-facing House

Xing Dao Zuo
See Double-sitting House

Xu
See Hsu

Xuan
Hidden, dark, obscure, profound, secret, time or progressing time. Xuan is a concept that describes an unknown or deep sense of meaning and is often used in a philosophical context. In Feng Shui practice, xuan relates to time.

Xuan Kong
Literally translated as time and space.
See Flying Stars

Xue , also called Hsueh
The Feng Shui spot, the ideal location.

Xun , also called Sun
One of the eight trigrams, guas or sectors of the Bagua, associated with the Southeast, number 4, the element wood, the season of late Spring, the colors green or purple, liver, gall bladder, ligaments, tendons, muscles, hips, thigh, and sense of sight, the eldest Daughter, the symbol Wind, and relates to wealth, prosperity and other life aspects. In the I Ching, Xun is denoted by two solid lines over one broken line.
See Trigram, Eight Trigrams

Yan Nian , also called Yen nien
Harmony between people; relationship harmony and the third best location in Eight House Feng Shui.
See Portent

Yang
The active polarity of the yin and yang relationship of yin/yang concept. Yang is symbolized by light, activity, movement, Heaven, rigidity, strength, and the masculine. In the Feng Shui of homes and businesses, slightly Yang conditions are preferred. In the Feng Shui of cemeteries and mortuaries, slightly Yin conditions are preferred.

Yang Chai Zhe
Houses for the living.

Yang House Feng Shui
The Feng Shui study of houses for the living.

Yellow
The historical elemental color of Earth, associated with enlightenment and intellect; it stimilates brain activity.

Yen Nien
See Yan Nian

Yi
The second heavenly stem in the cycle of ten, denoting Yin Wood, based on the Five Element productive cycle of the Five Elements as they go through their yin and yang phases. It refers to the more inward and recessive aspects of the Wood Element and is used in Four Pillars Astrology.
See Heavenly Stems

Yi Jing , also called Yijing
See I Ching

Yin , also called Tiger
1. The passive polarity of the yin/yang. Yin symbolizes darkness, stillness, flexibility, weakness, Earth and the feminine. Yin qi, or energy, must be balanced in all situations by an appropriate presence of yang energy.
2. The third earthly branch in the cycle of twelve life energies, representative of the energies of moving ahead rapidly. It is used in Chinese Astrology and Four Pillars Astrology. - See Earthly Branches, Zodiac, Asian

Yin chai Zhe
Translated as “dark house,” meaning tomb or grave site.

Yin House Feng Shui
The Feng Shui study of houses for the dead (burial sites). Many ancient rulers believed that burial on land with nourishing energy brought prosperity to their dynasty.

Yin/yang
A concept from the I Ching denoting the opposite polarities that came into being when the universe came into manifestation; the Taoist idea that unites all opposites as complimentary inseparable forces.

You , also called Yu, Rooster
The tenth earthly branch in the cycle of twelve life energies, representative of receptive energy. It is used in Chinese Astrology and Four Pillars Astrology.
See Earthly Branches, Zodiac, Asian

Yu
See You

Yuan
1. Period of sixty years, San Yuan
2. Unit of Chinese currency.

Yun
Luck, which fluctuates with time and can be predicted.

Zen Shan
A perfect moment of insight and complete understanding.

Zhe
See Jia

Zhen , also called Chen, Ch'en, Zhen Dragon, Azure Dragon
1. One of the eight trigrams, guas or sectors of the Bagua, associated with East, number 3, the element of yang wood, Spring, the color green, the sense of sight and eyes, as well as the liver, gall bladder, extremities, muscles, tendons and ligaments, the elder Son, the symbol Thunder, and is associated with Ancestors/Family and history. In the I Ching, it is represented by 2 broken yin lines over a solid yang line. - See Trigram, Eight Trigrams
2. See Chen
3. The direction associated with the Azure Dragon, one of the mythical Celestial Animals of Form School. - See Azure Dragon

Zi , also called the Rat
The first earthly branch in the cycle of twelve life energies, representative of reproductive energy. It is used in Chinese Astrology and Four Pillars Astrology.
See Earthly Branches, Zodiac, Asian

Zi Ping
See Four Pillars Astrology

Zodiac, Asian
A diagram, consisting of twelve animal archetypes that are metaphoric representations of twelve types of qi, which are linked to the cyclical movements of the heavens and earthly relationships. Although the archetypes have existed for thousands of years it is not certain when they were given their animal names.
The twelve are:
Rat Zi
Ox or Buffalo Ch’ou
Tiger Yin
Rabbit Mao
Dragon Chen
Snake Si
Horse Wu
Ram, Goat or Sheep Wei
Monkey Sh’en
Rooster You
Dog Hsu
Pig or Boar Hai

Zodiac, Western
A diagram divided into the twelve astrological signs, each bearing the name of a constellation. The twelve are Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius and Pisces.