Feng Shui Glossary ©

We are proud to offer the International Feng Shui Guild's "Feng Shui Glossary" to our members as an instrument for unification and learning. We consider this glossary a first step in establishing and defining terminology used in Feng Shui, and a movement towards the creation of a common language among the different branches of Feng Shui.

Coming Soon - New Feng Shui Glossary© Ebook - The definitive glossary for Feng Shui terms and definitions will be available soon.

Top Ten Feng Shui Glossary © Terms and Definitions

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

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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. See definition of combined term yin/yang.

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. See definition of combined term yin/yang.
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

 

Because our community is so diverse in orientation, education and experience, there are many instances of divergence in viewpoint and beliefs. We welcome this diversity and the many opportunities it offers for growth and learning, but we have concentrated our efforts at a Feng Shui Glossary on the terminology that is most broadly accepted in our community, focusing on what we have in common. For this reason, we have avoided the inclusion of some words and terminology that are the specific or exclusive creations or vehicles of any particular school.

 
Feng Shui Glossary © We are proud to offer the International Feng Shui Guild's "Feng Shui Glossary" to our members as an instrument for unification and learning. We consider this glossary a first step in establishing and defining terminology used in Feng Shui, and a movement towards the creation of a common language among the different branches of Feng Shui. Coming Soon - New Feng Shui Glossary© Ebook - The definitive glossary for Feng Shui terms and definitions will be available soon. Top Ten Feng Shui Glossary © Terms and Definitions 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 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 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. 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 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. 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. 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. 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 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. See definition of combined term yin/yang. 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. See definition of combined term yin/yang. 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   Because our community is so diverse in orientation, education and experience, there are many instances of divergence in viewpoint and beliefs. We welcome this diversity and the many opportunities it offers for growth and learning, but we have concentrated our efforts at a Feng Shui Glossary on the terminology that is most broadly accepted in our community, focusing on what we have in common. For this reason, we have avoided the inclusion of some words and terminology that are the specific or exclusive creations or vehicles of any particular school.