Whoever wants to buy or build a property, thinks about it a lot: about the cost, possible neighbours and how to finance it. But few homeowners think about whether the property is actually right for them – the layout, the position, the influence of the surroundings. It is worth looking at real estate according to Feng Shui criteria.

The ancient Chinese teaching examines the interaction of humans and their environment. Everything is “Chi”, life force, everything awakens positive or negative associations. Whatever we see, hear, smell and taste influences our well-being. The Chinese have been applying this knowledge for thousands of years. Many of them get the Feng Shui of a living space tested before they move in. International companies also consult Feng Shui specialists.

The Right Location
The choice of a location alone influences the well-being of the inhabitant. Ideally a home is protected by the countryside. In Feng Shui one speaks about an “armchair position”: a house should always have protection behind it and be framed at the sides. The space in front of the house should be free. Actually even “unknowing” people choose properties built on a slope with a view. The side protection can be provided by trees, hills or other buildings.

The plot of land should be free from interference. Water wheels and magnetic fields can harm your health, something which even the Western world has known for centuries but often forgotten about. Today the services of serious dowsers are becoming more popular again. Even an examining glance can be very effective: grass should be regular and sap green, bald or mossy patches suggest disturbances. This also applies to trees with twisted trunks, a fork just above the ground or viruses.

The Influence of the Environment
You should also look at the whole area carefully. In Feng Shui all factors play a role: how does the air smell, is there a lot of traffic noise, a hospital, a junk yard, a church or a cemetery nearby? We take all this in with our senses.

The view also influences the resident. Can you see out into a garden or the sea – or a wall, rubbish bins or a parking lot? Even the name of the street plays a role. It is undoubtedly a nicer feeling to live on “Rose Garden” or “Sunny Street” than “Dark Oak Lane” or “At The Lowest Ground”.

The Entrance to the House
The entrance or the drive is what the Chinese call the “mouth of Chi”. From here fresh energy flows to the house, or more practically expressed: it is the connection of the house with the outside world. Thorny bushes, limp leaves and broken steps aren’t a good sign. Whatever you and your guests perceive first, leaves behind traces.

The entrance to the house should be open and welcoming. Ideal are winding paths, pretty plants and garden accessories, a nice light and friendly nameplate.

An Advantageous Layout
The layout of a house should be as square as possible because in Feng Shui the “Bagua” grid (see part I in Ibicasa August 2007) applies to every room. This ensures that none of the eight life areas that belong to Bagua are missing. An irregular building with porches or extentions can imply missing areas which will have a negative effect on the residents. This can however be compensated with Feng Shui measures like wind chimes, lighting and crystals – although it’s better to have a harmonious property layout.

Feng Shui is not a magical solution to eradicate all the problems from our world. But applying it, it is possible to choose and decorate a house with better energy. In this environment a person is more healthy and full of power. And that is the foundation for prosperity and happiness.

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- Parte 3 (Ibicasa diciembre '07):
Feng Shui en el Jardín