I'm sure many of you by now are familiar with the term "Feng Shui Items". Many shops are selling them. Many masters are also selling them together with the audit.
So what are feng shui items? They can be a tortoise with a dragon head, a windchime, Pixiu, Qilin, Liuli, Saltlamp, crystals, golden fan/ rulers, beads, phoenix, dragons etc.
How nice to have mythical creatures to be displayed in your home! Well....unless it suit the environment /design of the house, there is NOTHING prioritize in feng shui. Worse, some items may offset the balance of your house or create additional "sha qi".
If a feng shui item is necessary, then it is only after the management of both the exterior and interior before such placement is considered. Moreover, a feng shui item is NOT just limited to a Dragon (unless you like), it can be replaced with many other options.
Masters who use a mythical creature as a feng shui item to either enhance auspiciousness or ward off sha qi are actually downgrading themselves (if that is the only method). Even though they may be first class masters who wrote books or well known in their audit/school of methods, they have actually degraded themselves by not acknowledging the truth (YiJing) but instead show acceptance by associating with such practises.
For example: a house front facing is block by another block, this master recommended to place a tortoise/ dragon head turtle to remedy that without consideration to the existence of the "block".
Firstly, in authentic classic scripts of chinese metaphysics, there were no such things. Why I use the word authentic? This is because many ignorant masters went to great length to obtain scripts from the latter Dynasty to justify their cause. However, they did not realise such scripts were during that time considered as unorthodox. Many secondary scripts sprouted up with a mixture of Taoism or myths.
Secondly, as can be seen in many properous countries and homes of the West. They prosper or lived a long life not because of "Fu Lu Shou" statues or turtle in their pond.
Many Westerners had a good environment without any placement of mythical chinese creatures. Neither do they place crystals in their home or wear jade on their body. (Pls note exceptions)
Although in metaphysics, we do not forget 五行生克, however it is not appropriate to cross the line. Jadeite or windchime may be considered to use as one of the options but never conclusive. Zodiac animals can be used, however, it can be replaced by other alternatives. There must be a distinct application and essence but not merely myths and practises that deviates from the book of changes.
So a proper master can propose an item BUT the item must have alternatives. The item must also work together with the elements and not present itself as a creature of power.
Eg, 1) some masters recommend to place a pixiu within the house foyer to ward off the "sha" outside the main door. 2) A master recommends the owner to place the pixiu inside the house to accumulate wealth.
While it is alright for us to follow tradition or customary procedures in order to acknowledge our roots. However, it is not proper to deceive people that this has the basis/foundation to do with feng shui or chinese metaphysics.
A respectable master must distinguish and make it very clear to their students or customers of the difference. Nothing but the truth!
Also if a master wish to sell golden fans, golden ruler, pixius etc, it ill be good that the customer is given the option to purchase elsewhere.
Overall, a proper master should have the flexibility to work with chinese feng shui items as well as natural items.
Paintings
Here is another interesting misconception. After reading some Feng Shui books, there are people who went everywhere searching for the right picture for a certain purpose. Well, they were told that a dragon picture can enhance their lives. Or a waterfall painting can bring wealth. Others may be a nice big mountain to act as backing.
The problem is that such people or even so called 'masters' themselves may have a misconception. I have no qualms about putting up nice or suitable pictures especially one which has something related to Feng Shui or Bagua. However, one should observe not to cross the line to assume the effect is definitely there. To many, with or without the picture didn't make much of a difference.
Although the signification (this is a part of feng shui but its not the whole basic application) is a subject by itself but in terms of Feng Shui, IT IS NOT THE PRIORITY.
However, if one wishes to put a picture to display, then it must be considered well with feng shui applications.
Crystals/ Jades/ Jeweleries
Some authors have make an impact on the use of jades, crystals and even sell their own designed jeweleries indicating about auspiciousness and enhancement.
Yes, crystals has certain qualities but beware. Crystals can emit energy or absorb. Whichever the case, one should study and be familiar with the difference as to what kind of energy it is emiting or absorbing. One of the commonly used is Amethyst. It has various properties of which one of them is affecting your mental equilibrium.
Crystals have their place of belonging and should not be casually be placed at your home.
Most of the Fsm didn't know such properties nor in detail and you will have to bear the consequences of the long term side efects due to their ignorance. If any fsm were to introduce crystals to you, they must be able to tell you about the crystals' compositions, properties and effects. In addition, there should be other alternatives instead.
Look around you how many successful people not wearing any animal gold pendant. Or how many people despite wearing their zodiac sign jade still have bad luck fall upon them. Such items must be properly applied together with other advise. And is not the sole dependent remedy.