The Power of Water

We are all in a constant search for a better wellbeing, for ways to reach our dreams, for ways to live a happier and healthier life. What would more powerful and natural than harnessing the energy that surrounds us daily in trying to achieve this?

In the Feng Shui tradition, used for thousands of years, water is used daily to assist in achieving these goals. Water, just like all other things surrounding us has Qi. Qi can be translated as “Life’s Breath”. It is the seen and unseen substance, the eternal energy that drives all life.

In the same tradition, the energy created though the movement of water is used as a remedy; that is a means correcting or balancing the Qi in a given environment. A water feature, fountain or waterfall can assist the movement of Qi in an otherwise stagnant room. Provided the sounds produced by these water features are gentle, the energy they offer may assist the occupants of the space. In the Chinese culture, Water, due to it’s qualities (movement, adaptability), is also symbolic of communication. As a result it may be used to encourage the quality of communication in a family environment or an office.

One of the fundamental Feng Shui principals is the cycle of processes or phases. This cycle describes how energy progresses from one form to another over time. There are five representations of energy forms; namely Fire, Earth, Metal, Water and Wood.

As part of this cycle of processes Water interacts with Wood, Metal, Earth and Fire.
In a positive or productive relationship, Metal produces Water and Water nourishes Wood.

In the weakening or controlling cycle (see picture), Earth blocks Water and Water inturn diminishes Fire.

As a result of and in understanding the relationships between the processes (Water, Wood, Fire, Metal and Earth), each form can be used as a remedy. The purpose of a remedy is to restore or enhance energy flows in a given space. The environment should firstly be evaluated for the type of Qi it carries, promotes or denotes. If this Qi does not resonate with the occupants or there is a particular type of Qi the occupants would like to encourage then Qi can be influenced.

Further examples on the use of Water can be seen in its relationship with Wood. Wood represents growth, prosperity and creativity. If these qualities want to be encouraged, Water may be used to assist in nourishing these types of energy. This may be catered for with the simple use of a water feature.

As another example, Metal represents financial prosperity and is seen as extremely favourable for commerce. As Metal produces Water as part of the cycle of the processes, the combination of these two elements is recommended to those seeking good fortune, continuous accumulation of wealth and prosperity.

This article has focussed on space. Equally important is time. Time and space influence Qi within us and around us. Through Feng Shui study, one can ascertain how Qi changes over time and within a given space and determine auspicious settings for one’s health, wealth and relationships.

The above recommendations and suggestions should be used as part of and in conjunction with an overall proper assessment of the environment using a ‘Traditional’ Feng Shui practitioner.