In recent years, there are more feng shui books written in English on the subject. Most of these books are interesting, educational and informative. Generally, the contents are an introduction to BaGua 八卦, the meanings and representations. It is also about Wu Xing 五行, the elements' interactions.
There are also introductions to BaZhai 八宅, Flying Stars and other methods of feng shui. There are even some courses in English.
However, such were meant for introduction purpose only. Let me elaborate on some of the concerns:
a) When we understand that chinese metaphysics has thousands of years of history, we must realise that classics scripts were written during different era. Some scripts in the process were distorted. While some others were misinterpreted or wrongly handcopied. Eg. It is written,“盖因一行扰外国；遂把五行颠倒篇”
During the Tang Dynasty, the grand master actually purposely distorted the scripts in order the enemies that possessed them should eventually be self-exterminated. Unfortunately, on the contrary, it brought disaster to their own descendents.
Most of these distorted scripts survived through the generations.
Even now, authors of feng shui books deliver their materials and understanding differently.
b) Secondly, even the genuine classic scripts were not easy to be comprehended. Reason being their thoughts represented by their culture during their era differs from others. One example is the "Yi Jing" 易经. Zhou Yi 周易 was based on “乾为首”while prior there was also written “坤为首”。
More importantly, in order to avoid persecution, the great masters selected words/phrases to hide the scripts' secrets .
c) Moreover in olden days, masters usually split secret formulas to both verbal and written. What was passed down to disciples were 90% or less. They have the peculiar tradition of reserving some methods/formulas for themselves in case of a rebellious disciple.
Nowadays, many people after reading a few feng shui books went about DIY or after attending some courses named themselves 'masters'. Results poor is one issue while the biggest problem maybe causing harm or bad luck to others. A practitioner may have finished an English feng shui course, maybe to advance level. But what does the practitioner perceive in the chinese representation? It is different. For example, "路" is not just a road but the meaning can encompass pattern, incoming approach, directional indication, the way of set up etc.
On the otherhand, if you learn well in chinese but need to communicate to the English speaking, "placement" and "still" of an item may be interpreted wrongly by the person. Therefore not only understanding and practising well in bilingual is important, the careful choice of words used to deliver the instructions as well.
d) Experience is also important. You can at anytime relate them to an apprentice cook, surgeon/ dentist/ tcm, mechanic, lawyer, martial artist etc. Just a simple compass reading, even some experienced masters take readings the wrong way and still dare to put up pics/ videos in the website.
People should not disregard geographical and environmental effects. So feng shui is about everything between you and earth and the people around you.
Do not belittle the harmful effects of bad Feng Shui. It can cause loss of wealth, health problems and even death to both self and family members.
Authentic Feng Shui are practises and methods that adhere to the well guarded secrets of metaphysics. Whether be it English translated books or Chinese interpreted books, there bound to have misinterpreted scripts by respective authors and secrets not revealed.
So what is "Feng Shui"?
Some past generations may be using the term more for the well being of the household/ family. Some newer generations may affiliate with science. However, science has still no affirmation of effects from feng shui in many areas.
Feng shui, therefore is harnessing the power around you with the right methods. Feng Shui 风水 is NOT literally meaning wind and water. Closely related term but has a more profound meaning in the word "wind".
Many practitioners started to audit for people's houses after reading some books or after attending some courses. This is insufficient to properly advise their customers. What the most important thing in metaphysics is to see it works. The effects should be immediate. If anyone is to tell you that it will take months or years to work, then it is not the truth.
The principles of Feng Shui and its effects are constantly working and always present. On the other hand, when it is not properly applied, there will be misfortune or bad consequences. Therefore, it is of utmost importance to make sure the 'master' is not just an apprentice.
What is considered an apprentice? It can be told by his age, the number of years he has been practising and how accurate he assess. Even then, a master who spent 20 years doing only 50 houses and another completing more than 10000 houses is a whole world of difference. So don't be mislead by "titles" also.
A name title means nothing to me. But when an ordinary owner thank me for getting him out of the pithole, it will be good enough. This is compliment. This is "title".
A genuine master is one who has lots of effective practical experiences and many years of experiences as well. He should be well verse with many methods and not just simply using Bazhai or Flying star system.
If you want to choose a proper Master, look at whether he is actively conducting feng shui.
杨公养老看雌雄，天下诸书对不同。先看金龙动不动，次察血脉认来龙。龙分两片阴阳取，水对三叉细认踪。江南龙来江北望，江西龙去望江东。
无而为有， 有生於无。云无而有，云有而无，玄之又玄。无物实有象，无体而有位，空而又空。
看得懂吗? 上一段不明的话， 就要搞清楚才帮人。否则害人害己！
下段“无与有“ ， 你懂它的玄吗？