fengshui

Feng shui is an ancient Chinese practice concerned with the arrangement of space in harmony with the principles of natural energy or spiritual force. The literal translation of feng shui is "wind-water." It is believed that by arranging homes and other spaces in a particular way, feng shui can bring good fortune, health, and prosperity to the inhabitants. The core principles involve the flow of qi, or vital energy, and the balance of yin and yang.

Key elements of feng shui include the use of the bagua, an octagonal map used to analyze the energy of a space, and the five elements: wood, fire, earth, metal, and water. These elements are believed to interact with each other in cycles of creation and destruction, and their balance is crucial for a harmonious environment. Color, shape, and placement of objects are all considered important factors in feng shui.

Practitioners of feng shui often consult the compass school, which uses a compass to determine auspicious directions, or the form school, which analyzes the surrounding landscape and the shape of the environment. While widely practiced in East Asia, feng shui is also popular in Western countries, though its principles are often adapted or simplified. It is viewed by some as a pseudoscience, while others find it to be a valuable tool for creating calming and positive living or working spaces.