Feng Shui and Your Aquarium
	Article by Green Chapter
	Photos by Roland Seah, Xema
	What is Feng Shui
	Feng Shui (pronounced "Fong Sway") is Chinese and means "Wind" and "Water, also known as Geomancy. It is an art of placement based on ancient theory and with roots traceable to the classic "I-Ching", "Lou Shu" and "He Tu". Feng Shui can be best described as the natural path with the least resistance, which enhances the elements that orbit our senses. This path is sometimes referred to as "Qi", which is the energy field that surrounds us.
	The practice of Feng Shui is about harnessing this force "Qi" to maximize the positive effect that it holds. It emphasizes on living in harmony with the environment and achieving balance with geographical elements.
	How does Feng Shui Affect us
	There are often misunderstandings that Feng Shui holds religious background, which is untrue. Feng Shui is an unconventional science that has theoretical results supported by unverified statistical data. It is about well thought ways to place and position.
	A good Feng Shui can create a harmonious environment that improves a person's health, the clarity of mind and alertness. In this way, the person has the energy and wisdom to deal with many things including wealth. Good Feng Shui does not bring you wealth if you do not work towards it but it should give you the necessary urge to seek fame and fortune.
	A bad Feng Shui in turns can cause sickness and poverty.
	Common problems on Feng Shui
	Problems in Feng Shui are impossible to be identified by just reading articles on the Internet. Evaluation of the house and being on site personally of a Feng Shui Master is essential for accurate analysis. Some common problems are discussed below, but do consider that there are always other aspects involved to solve any problems in Feng Shui.
	Negative "Qi" are also termed as "Sha Qi" from here on.
					When you enter from the front door, you are able to see the back door or windows at the rear of the house. "Qi" comes in from the front door and travels through your house without you benefiting from it. This usually creates poor wealth situation.
					Exposed ceiling beams radiate a frequency that can be suppressive. In many cases, sitting or sleeping under a beam can cause mental pressure as well as problems.
					Lampposts or tree trunks facing directly at our main door creates "Sha Qi" that disturbs our rest and affect one's brain nervous system and heart.
					Road in Feng Shui represents water. Thus, the curvature of a road affects your house too. A road bend facing the main door creates a "Knife Sha Qi". This signifies that the owner may encounter problems like accidents or other "blood-shedding" incidents such as having to undergo a surgery or operation.
					With a long straight road facing the main door, the "Sha Qi" created can again have negative impact on the owner, this time on wealth.
					Overhead bridge is like an arrow shooting to your heart if it faces your door or window. Owners are thus more prone to operations and surgery.
					Sharp and pointed corners from outside the house at windows usually means "Sha Qi' as well, affecting the health of the inhabitants, such as affecting the children immune systems, causing them to fall sick easily.
					Shapes and structures looks like a person popping his head out. This is known as the "Despicable popping head" and usually means the owner will encounter slander, malign and calumniate more often.
	What has Aquarium got to do with Feng Shui
	Water generally signifies the flow of life, wealth and prosperity. An aquarium brings good feng shui, especially if it is a home for lively fishes. It symbolizes growth and activity.
	In Feng Shui, a correctly placed aquarium not only solves several "Sha Qi" discussed above, but also act as a balancer and enhancer of the Five Elements (Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, Earth). This explains why many homeowners in the Orient prefer to use aquariums and water features to enhance their feng shui, and also for esthetical purposes.
	Solving Feng Shui problems at Homes and Offices with Aquarium
	An Aquarium placed correctly, can act as an artificial screen to block off negative "Sha Qi" and also, act as the pool where positive "Qi" are finally gathered and kept in the house. For example, you can have a beautiful aquarium wall facing the front door, to avoid seeing right through to the back door.
	For homes with exterior structures such as bridges, sharp corners of another house or lampposts facing or pointing at, an aquarium can be placed at the suitable location to block off the negative "Sha Qi" created.
	Placing an aquarium right under a beam helps to dissolve the mental pressure caused as it replaces the stress with something that calms and soothes one's mind.
	Aquarium is especially useful when placed in the working area. A beautifully created aquarium at the lobby area not only improves the area esthetically, but also gives the visitors a refreshing and relaxing feel.
	In the office, one placed at the pantry allows the employees to take a visual break off their hectic work, and also relief stress. Unknowingly, this can help to improve efficiency of the employees.
	Creating the Five Elements through a Planted Aquarium
	With lack of the elements, a balanced energy can be created using a planted aquarium. Even if the Feng Shui is superb, a planted aquarium can still be used to better enhance the energy field. How can this be done?
	A planted aquarium is actually a gather of the Five Elements by itself. This balanced energy can help to balance up any inadequate elements in the area and improve the positive "Qi".
					Metal - The metal/gold element can be achieved easily by placing ancient copper coins underneath the substrate, adding golden arowana or other gold colored fishes. (photo courtesy of Vincent Phua)
					Wood - Plants and driftwood used in the aquascapes.
					Water - water in the tank photo courtesy of Xema
					Fire - the lighting
					Earth - The substrate, sand, soil and stones.
	General guideline to placing aquariums
	Without taking "Sha Qi" into considerations, there are a few recommended locations to put your aquarium in the house or office. Standing in the center of the house towards the main door, the direction you face is termed as the "Red Bird". On the left resides the "Green Dragon" and on the right the "White Tiger". The back is "Black Tortoise". These are the Four Celestial Animals in the study of Feng Shui.
						It is generally recommended to place the aquarium at the front of the house since it is an auspicious area. It is also recommended to place aquarium on the "Green Dragon" side since it gives the Dragon water that it like.
						Aquarium should not be place at a spot know as the "Wealth Spot" as it signify money dissolving. The "White tiger" area should be left untouched as it is supposed to be clean and quiet.
	There are several schools of Feng Shui practitioners and views may vary on good and bad locations. But the application is generally on gathering positive "Qi" and enhances the wealth.
	Benefits of a planted aquarium in Feng Shui
	Using aquarium is common in Feng Shui, but a planted aquarium has its added value that nothing common can compare. With beautiful living plants that brings out the lively scenes and flow, it not only reimburses the lack of the Five Elements, improves the positive "Qi", but also enhance the environment esthetically and more importantly, brings joy and calmness to the owner.
	Disclaimer :
	Feng Shui of each individual home and estate depends and varies upon its geometrical location and environment. This article is only meant for general information and personal interest. Bubbles Aquarium does not bear responsibilities for any damages caused on readers who followed the ways without advice from a Feng Shui Master.