By: Fina Balta-Šošić |
Five celestial animals and feng shui golden rules |
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The concept of the five animals is one of the oldest concepts of human civilization.
Its application is found in the first human settlements.
It emanated from the first human observations on natural environment surrounding them.
Our ancestors have observed very early that they feel better in sheltered places, at the foot of the hill, on the gentle slopes in front of which plains extended.
During further observations of nature they have found that vegetation on such locations is healthier and more abundant and that animals also reside on such locations and build their lairs.
While seeking answers, they recognized that these areas are characterized by a certain characteristics – there is typically a higher hill and a glade with two lower sides, preceded by the opening through which there is a view in the distance.
They felt a harmony of energy on such locations, as if those locations equal amounts of sun and shade, heat and cold, wind and water etc., i.e. Yin and Yang – in just the right quantities.
In their keen observations they further noted that the form of the landscape reminded them of certain animals - in physical form but also in the function they have.
And thus the theory of'' five celestial animals'' came to life. The very word "celestial” emphasizes their importance, meaning that those animals were the blessing from the sky.
TURTLE - a symbol of the highest protection
It seems that turtles live forever, that their armor is indestructible. When a turtle hides in it, nothing can hurt it, and it is completely calm because it knows it is safe.
In order to have that sense of security, we need this turtle-like protection of places we are most vulnerable, i.e. our backs.
We all know the turmoil that envelops us when we cannot control the situation behind our backs.
How big is this need to feel safe is reflected in everyday speech we use, such as saying '' take care of my back '' and similar phrases.
The primal need to have such protection is deeply ingrained in our subconscious being. It is manifested daily in our behavior - for example, when looking for a place to sit, we always choose the place next to the wall.
This was confirmed by recent scientific research in the psychology of human behavior.
We have already defined the first rule which is the most important when it comes to sitting. Whether it's your living room, workplace, bed or a public space, it is necessary to have protection for the back.
It can be wall, shelf, plant cover, high back chairs etc. It is important that we feel we are protected.
On an ideal location dubbed as “turtle” would have the highest hill in the background, to the north, because the cold winds come from the north and that is from where we need protection the most.
Since only the lucky few who had a terrain with a “turtle” on the north side, it is important to note that the location of a “turtle” is on the back or dorsal side of the terrain relative to the place we live in.
According to the turtle position, we position the house, because this is the golden rule which applies to our houses. Our home should have the same protection.
If you do not have a natural “turtle”, then it should be substituted by tall trees, fence or some other object.
I must emphasize that the turtle is the most important of all animals. If we have it, we already have a lot.
DRAGON
The dragon symbolizes protection on the east side. It has got the adjective "green" because its features depict east - strength, wisdom and growth.
It is located on the terrain that is slightly lower than the plateau of the turtle hill, which is located on the left side of turtle. If terrain does not feature a “dragon”, we can substitute it with tall trees, adjacent building or a high fence.
It is essential that the substitute object is taller than or at least as tall as our house.
Such location should have protection on the left side. It can be a wall, a tall plant, shelf or cover.
TIGER
Imagine a tiger lying on a branch - the powerful, superior, always alert and ready to respond quickly.
Just the protector we need on the west side, i.e. to our right.
This protection is found in the hills that are even lower than hills featuring dragon.
It does not have to be a hill, it can be substituted by trees, lower building or fence we can see trough.
This protection should be lower than our house.
That goes for our seating position. On our right we need less protection, up to about the height of our shoulders – so that we can control the situation.
Naturally, the right side of our body is much stronger than the left. Instinctively we use it. We need less protection on our right side.
PHOENIX
In original sense this symbol depicts south so it is characterized by red color.
Remember the bird that flies high and sees far, so that a man can do the same – see its future!
This bird represents a plain from which you can see far and wide.
After the turtle, this is the most important feature an ideal location for our home should have.
This means that in the front of the house we should have an unobstructed view, a lot of energy, whether from the sun, rivers, roads, lake or sea.
This is nothing other than the already mentioned facing .
If such position coincides with the south side, then we are lucky.
When we look at our position in space, the same rule applies. We need a clear view in front of us, nothing should obstruct our view.
The best is when we look into space, even better if it is also facing the direction of the entire space.
If you do not have the clear view in front (e.g., if you look at the wall), then it is very important to improvise with panoramic picture or a mirror which reflects the space.
Now we can already conclude that the ideal position, whether we consider terrain, a house or a man, should contain all four animals.
Tortoise and phoenix are the most important, almost necessary, just with them we have a great improvement.
Figuratively speaking, when all the animals are in place, then the phoenix can fly freely in height and look around.
Transferred to the position of man, it means that when we feel totally protected then our mind at peace, we make smart decisions and have a clearer vision.
Then our mind can easily guide us to our goals.
FIFTH ANIMAL
Fifth animal is the center of a space - a point of view from which the space is best seen. That is where all energies meet.
That is actually us, as viewed from our vantage point.
The application of this concept can be found in both the distant past and in the present time.
Royal chairs had high headrests and armrests and built stand.
We still can remember the high bed headboard in the houses of our grandparents.
The concept of five animals can be seen in our social, family, partnership, business and friendship relations.
We seek turtle all our lives, someone finds it in their parents, someone in their partner, and someone in his /her friends.
It may be our job also, our talent, financial security - usually all it gives us a sense of security and confidence.
When we have it, we walk through life easier.
Golden rules
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Center of the space should be free and accessible to permit the flow of energy, and then we will take full advantage of the benefits of our patrons.
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Each of our seating positions should have protection behind, protecting the right and left sides, at least symbolically. It is best to even look in the direction of facing.
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It is very important that your bed has a wall behind a headboard or a shelter, not a window or door; if possible, it should also feature side protection.
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Work desk should also have protection behind the back and sides. It is best that you when you sit at the table, you can see the front door - to see the person entering the room.
- When seating position is a position in the direction facing, that is the best position to sit at.
A common sense that nature has given us all we need is behind these golden rules.
Now, look at your space and start building your own nest!
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