What is Intuitive Feng Shui ® ?

 Feng shui is a highly practical method for understanding how the places in which we live and work can affect our physical, emotional and spiritual health, as well as the prosperity of individuals and businesses.

The medical profession now accepts that the 2,600-year-old tradition of acupuncture works by freeing invisible channels of energy in the body. As an environmental science, feng shui works in the same way, liberating the same energy, known as chi, so that it can flow more freely in our homes and workplaces. During an Intuitive Feng Shui ® consultation, the consultant applies well-established diagnostic techniques which may result in suggested changes (usually quite modest) to bring about enhancements in areas such as health, creativity, financial reward, and a general “feel-good” factor.

Today the ancient art of feng shui is being called the environmental science of the 21st century. It is rapidly becoming accepted as a treatment that can bring about real, positive change. Many people have become inspired by the dramatic results of simple changes they have made in their homes or offices--results like unexpected increases in workflow and prosperity.

Feng shui is not just about space, however. Our relationship with time is equally important. To examine the time relationship, the Intuitive Feng Shui ® consultant may also use the astrological science of Nine Star Ki or other systems which reveal how our personal energies connect with natural energy cycles, and enormously enhances the benefits of spatial feng shui .

The Nine Star Ki system, which takes into account the birth dates of all individuals involved in a situation, is of particular value in organizations as it helps uncover the subtle nuances that take place in personal relationships. It is also a good way of recognizing people's strengths and determining in which areas of an enterprise they can make the greatest contribution, as well a tool for understanding better the changing fortunes of a business.

©2004 William Spear

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Being and Doing Intuitive Feng Shui ®

by William Spear

Feng shui and the art of placement are commonly considered to take into account physical objects in the material world. To achieve better health, finances, relationships, and careers, the Intuitive Feng Shui ® consultant works with aspects of space (geography, orientation, direction, placement) within the context of time (movements of the sun and moon, astronomy, astrology). The resulting adjustments are meant to improve the life of the client.

Feng shui actually has less to do with the external world than with our infinite inner space, which is the awareness of our consciousness beyond the confines of time and space. The aim of the practice of feng shui is to free up blockages of energy to allow possibility, to create harmony and bring balance between all complementary opposite forces – especially the internal and external worlds. Intuitive Feng Shui ® is much more about clearing the path for energy to flow than about “getting more,” and can open space that we may think is not even there. We choose to live inside the structures of our homes in time and space, but the more we can incorporate the wisdom of the bigger picture, the more in touch with life we become.

Recognizing the dichotomy between “getting more” and “letting energy flow” sheds light on two different ways feng shui can be practiced. One way, which has become increasingly popular, is often referred to as “power feng shui ” -- achieving as much power, money, and personal well-being as possible, regardless of what happens to anybody else. The inner mantra of consultants who use power feng shui is “What's in it for me?” The idea is to amass as much good chi as possible, manipulating environments in order to win, with no regard for a neighbor or business who may be left downwind, in shadow, or faced with cutting chi.

Power feng shui fits right in with the competitive paradigm that has led to the increasing destruction of our planet and our inner tranquility. Human beings become increasingly isolated from the environment in the same way that conventional medicine looks at a part of the body while taking little interest in who you really are inside. This approach fails to recognize that the part and the whole are different but inseparable configurations or patterns of the same energy.

If feng shui is used only for external applications, its original nature is disregarded, which was the alignment of internal spirit, the architecture of consciousness and being, standing between heaven and earth. Forgetting this, we live in illusion. Keep in mind that feng shui emerged from the teachings of the I Ching , the heart of Taoism, which speaks to our inner world of being through the higher self. The I Ching deals with the spiritual dimensions inside us, the place where we can all experience our common unity. It operates from the realization that we are each a reflection of each other within a universal source, and prompts us to ask, “How can we improve things for the mutual benefit of all?” When feng shui is practiced from this premise, it is a unique approach to interior design.

Feng shui presents a view of the infinite world, in which the ancients were able simply to be -- to live in awareness, with consciousness. Today there is the temptation to skip over or disregard the organization of our inner framework and have a second-hand, conceptual experience of ourselves from the outside, as if from an observer's point of view. Feng shui practiced this way is loaded with landmines waiting to detonate, namely the dogmatic adherence to concepts which were practiced by the ancient sages, but which we have not taken the time to assimilate by creating the experience within our own consciousness. It is the principles behind these teachings that lead us to look within and refine our internal chi .

Just like the knowledge required to repair a jet engine, there is a great and fascinating body of feng shui knowledge to be fathomed. As with any purely technical application, the mechanics of feng shui are only as good as the technician. What's more, feng shui is about living energy, which requires more than data generated from a software package, or “do's and don'ts” memorized from books and workshops. It is imperative for feng shui consultants to become sensitive receivers and clear transmitters of energy, of which information is only one part. My observation has been that feng shui beginners often intuitively determine the source of a problem and make appropriate corrections – but the more weighed down they become by information on the “right” way to do things, the more this spontaneous quality is suppressed.

Anything that is not living in our consciousness is, by definition, inert or dead. Performing a feng shui consultation without bringing the consultant's vital self-expression to the endeavor is merely regurgitating formulas and prescriptions. There is no life, no chi involved, yet we attempt to promote the cultivation of chi in others' homes and work environments. How can this possibly be effective on more than a superficial level?

All lasting change comes from within. In order to be more effective feng shui consultants, we can open ourselves to the inner world and the workings of our higher self. This leads to action from conscious presence. As we awaken our original ability -- our intuition -- we find ourselves experiencing the world in its largest context, and realize that it actually goes against our nature to narrow our focus only to the material plane. Our reawakening to the sacred in everyday life not only imbues our feng shui practice with vitality, it reveals the teacher in each and every feng shui client the universe sends our way!

We often experience the world as the result of the limitations of our consciousness, our past conditioning, the experiences of our childhood, and our lower levels of learned behavior. To be able to hear above the noise generated by this accumulated psychic clutter, to open the way for our free intuition to awaken, we need to address our past “unfinished business” and clear it out.

Since 1989 I have used the term Intuitive Feng Shui ® to describe the practice and application of this ancient art from the source of our original ability, the universal consciousness we all share. What is most often called “intuition” is an inner knowing. It is an instant clarity, like a bolt of lightning from heaven, a direct e-mail from the universe, without question. Our intuitive genius is strengthened by “inner exercise” – the acceptance of knowing without guessing. As a spiritual discipline, feng shui can include some useful practices such as fasting, chanting, meditating, laughing, yoga, tai chi, gardening , eating correctly and chewing consistently. These can lead to a balanced life, cultivating an awareness of deep humility. Our innate intuitive qualities are weakened by overindulgence, eating on the run, stress, fatigue, arrogance, a compulsive obsession with information, and an excessive focus on the material world.

As Intuitive Feng Shui ® consultants, we have the opportunity to spark the awareness of another person's true self. Being an effective consultant, therefore, requires more than mastering information: it means being able to be respectfully quiet, to listen deeply and neutrally to the unique individual before us, and then to serve as a transformer of energy. In this context, who the feng shui consultant is becomes of paramount importance, and self-development becomes a continuous and unceasing evolution. We are, after all, not humans doing but humans being.

©2004 William Spear

FENG SHUI EDUCATION

by William Spear

Feng shui is a study of the energy of life on many different levels. One of the main components of this ancient art and practice is the principle that the physical world reflects our thoughts; its main focus is to connect the positive attitudes and intentions of our minds with the flowing charged pathway of energy in the space around us. Although it is associated with Asia, in essence feng shui is actually a tradition of holistic design principles inherent in any culture, which can maximize the connection between our consciousness and our environment by creating a link between the inner and outer world.

As interest in this vast subject increases worldwide, educational offerings proliferate. The diversity of these offerings reflects the demand for this knowledge, but also the complexities and tremendous breadth and depth of the subject. To the uninitiated, the choices may seem daunting. What follows is intended to clarify and convey an understanding of the matter in its current state.

If you are thinking of studying feng shui, it is most prudent to make an informed decision based on referral and research before choosing an instructor, especially if a certificate is your goal. You should be aware that the value of any certificate is totally relative: anyone can certify you as a feng shui consultant. The undertaking of feng shui studies can mean an investment ranging from a weekend of a few hundred dollars to a three-year commitment for several thousand dollars. Nearly everyone offering a class has something to teach. If you have the time and money to take every feng shui course offered, you will surely learn a lot. To be selective, however, takes careful evaluation and the humble realization that feng shui is a very encompassing philosophy, art and science that requires many years of self-development and experience on the part of the consultant/educator and the student. Fortunately, most educators and consultants continue to attend courses themselves and are constantly evolving as students of life.

It is important to realize that being an effective feng shui consultant requires more than collecting information, applying learned principles and data, and/or using a mechanical device or software program. The feng shui consultant is more like a receiver and transmitter of energy, in whom being is more important than knowing. Self-development must be continuous, and the consultant must be able to get past his or her own ego and emotions to a place of deep reflection. Only from this place can one truly serve others and facilitate the opening up of another human being's energy and spiritual potential.

In ancient times the world over, indigenous peoples passed on know-how, respect, feeling for and understanding of Nature and its forces from generation to generation, over the course of a lifetime. In today's culture, it is unlikely that you will devote 20 or 30 years to apprentice yourself to comprehend, sense and intuit this immense body of knowledge from one source. Instead, you will need to identify several educators and consultants according to their specialization. They may well be located in different parts of the world. This will require travel and time because an integrated understanding of the many facets of feng shui takes years to develop. A weekend workshop will not do it!

We wish to continue acknowledging and honoring all feng shui educators, and cannot make specific recommendations about one educator or school over another as hundreds of possibilities exist. William Spear does not have a "school" of any kind although he occasionally teaches. Enrollment to his Intuitive Feng Shui® Professional Training Program by correspondence closed in October 1996. It is no longer being offered.

Education also includes books. Be sure to investigate the many titles available on feng shui published in many different languages. Very quickly you will discover many differences between the schools of thought. You may begin to wonder what is "correct" as you encounter educators who profess an adamant belief in their approach. What's "right" is what works for you, which might be quite a different experience for your neighbor or even for yourself several years from now. You and life evolve continuously and there is no one correct way to live your life. You are the only one who can know your own truth.

We trust in the wise teachings of Wang Shou-Jen, an outstanding Chinese philosopher of the 15th century, who urged his students and colleagues to use their intuition. He showed that every person possesses that intuitive knowledge which is the manifestation of original mind. Everyone, in his or her original nature, is a sage. As the followers of Wang Shou-Jen said, "The streets are full of sages."

William Spear continues to teach internationally. His course schedule is listed on the website: www.FortunateBlessings.com. Check with the individual Intuitive Feng Shui ® consultants on this website about their classes. The Intuitive Feng Shui ® Professional Training Program that William Spear once conducted concluded in 2000 and will not be offered again.

©2004 William Spear

About William Spear

In January 1996 the Wall Street Journal article featuring Mr. Spear described feng shui as being

“the smooth flow of energy, achieving harmony with nature.”

William Spear is an internationally recognized educator, consultant and writer on feng shui , vital design, geomancy, the I Ching, oriental philosophy, self-development, end-of-life care and complementary healing arts.

In 1991 and 1992 Spear delivered the most popular lecture on feng shui ever given at the International Interior Design Exposition held in Toronto . He served as the first honorary President of the Feng Shui Society, headquartered in London , and was the principal teacher and advisor to the Feng Shui Network International, Europe 's leading provider of feng shui education. Before a capacity audience of 250 for a one and a half-day course on feng shui , Jan Stuart, curator of the Smithonsian's Sackler/Freer Gallery in Washington, D.C., called Spear “the ultimate Western authority on this ancient Chinese practice (of feng shui )… He has achieved more than a historical or culturally biased view of feng shui to make it something modern and vital that affects our lives today.” Spear continues to teach at international feng shui conferences and workshops.

The author of numerous articles on a wide range of subjects, Spear was called “ the Feng Shui man in the West” by Hugh Pearman, architecture editor of The Sunday Times of London . The publication of Spear's book FENG SHUI MADE EASY: Transforming Your Life Through the Ancient Art of Placement caused a stir in the publishing world when HarperCollins found themselves reprinting it only ten days after its British launch in October 1995. It was hailed by The New York Times as "the most user-friendly translation of feng shui for American audiences." It has been translated into twelve languages.

Spear has appeared on CNN, the CBS Morning Show and numerous BBC features. He performs feng shui consultations internationally.