Feng Shui Universal Topics

Feng Shui Universal Topics by the IFSG encompass common terms and concepts that all Feng Shui perspectives share – unifying our Feng Shui community.

The Feng Shui Universal Topics serve as the standard knowledge necessary for an IFSG Red Ribbon Professional member. By creating the Universal Topics Assessment requirement (read Assessment frequently asked questions), we ensure all Red Ribbon members have demonstrated a standard level of understanding, comprehension, and knowledge of the Universal Topics.

IFSG schools – specifically Gold Programs or certification programs – support the creation of the Feng Shui Universal Topics standards. To become a Gold program, applicants must demonstrate a level of instruction of the Universal Topics and be approved demonstrating that their curriculum embraces the Universal Topics and minimum training requirements.

The Universal Topics are not a means to force a prescribed definition or curriculum but serve as a guideline for those topics that are universal to most Feng Shui perspectives. For this reason we have avoided topics or subjects that are specific or exclusive to any particular Feng Shui school.

History and Origins of Feng Shui

Form School – The original school of Feng Shui based on the observation of topographical features.
I Ching – Also known as the Book of Changes, describing all movements and developments of every event or phenomenon in the universe. It consists of sixty-four hexagrams based on combinations of the eight trigrams.
Lo Shu and TrigramsLo Shu is the foundation of all Feng Shui numerology. It is a three by three grid with a sequence of numbers. It is also called the magic square because any three sectors add up to fifteen along any diagonal, vertical, or horizontal line. Trigrams are symbols consisting of three horizontally drawn straight and broken lines, each above the other, denoting yin/yang relationships originating from the I Ching.
Compass School – (An historical perspective) an early school of Feng Shui that developed after Form School. A Lo Pan or compass is used for diagnosing the energies within a space.
Feng Shui in Modern Times – a broad array of contemporary Feng Shui practices reflecting the evolution of Feng Shui in Modern Times. (Historical perspective)
Adjustments and Remedies (from an historical, informative perspective) – An object, talisman ritual, prayer, action or intention used to achieve the greatest balance, harmony, and the most beneficial qi in a space. Can also be used to suppress, neutralize or dissipate negative or stagnant energies or qi.

1. Transcendental – a spiritual or ritualistic solution used to complement and reinforce the mundane, common sense solutions.
2. Elemental – A remedy or solution based on the Five Elements.

Shapes and Symbols – an object or shape that has historical association with traditional Feng Shui.
Space Clearing – Refers to any method used to dissipate negative, stagnant, or inauspicious energy in a space, whether residual or current. It is also used to impart positive intention to benefit all within the environment and to raise the vibratory level, or qi.

Form School – The original school of Feng Shui based on the observation of topographical features.

Exterior Placement – Finding auspicious or inauspicious locations for buildings
based on the influences of the exterior environment.Feng Shui Universal Topics - Location and Building
Locating Building Site (self explanatory)
Study of Landforms – Shapes and contours in the environment and their respective effects on the energetics of any particular site.
Lot and Building Shapes – Specific shapes of building and lots that are auspicious or inauspicious.
Interior Layout & Furniture Placement – application of the principles of Form School as it applies to the interior layout and placement of furniture.

Chi – refers to all forms of vital energy and its flow

Flow – characteristic of the natural movement of energy
Clutter and Blockages – impediment of the natural flow of energy
Sheng Chi – Positive, beneficial life energy.
Sha Chi – Negative or harmful energy.

Core Concepts

Bagua – diagram consisting of eight areas or houses. Each house is named after a specific I Ching trigram representing a particular aspect of life.
Yin/Yang – A concept from the I Ching denoting the opposite polarities that came into being when the universe came into manifestation. The Daoist idea that unites all opposites as complimentary inseparable forces.
5 Elements – The Five Elements consist of Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water.
Interaction between these elements and qi form the foundation theory for achieving Feng Shui balance.

Professionalism and Practitioner Guidelines

Feng Shui Universal Topics - Code of EthicsIn addition to the Universal Topics, all schools are required to ensure that a component of professionalism is included in their curriculum. This component should reflect the IFSG Code of Ethics.

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