Author Archives: Jan Cisek, MSc, Feng Shui Expert
Feng Shui of the Battersea Power Station, Battersea London
Feng Shui of the Battersea Power Station, Battersea London
The Battersea Power station was opened today, Friday, 14 October 2022, at 10 am and this is my first take on it. The old Battersea power station has been converted into a shopping mall that is branded as iconic. This building was made famous (and iconic) by the cover of the Pink Floyd album Animals (apparently, one of the band members bought one of the high-end apartments in the building but we know for sure that Sting lives in an apartment next door on the west side in the Circus West Village ).
Basically, it’s just a much smaller shopping mall than Westfield with fewer places to eat (at the moment). There are about 100 shops but half were open today. In short, the feng shui of the place was okay today. Let’s unpack… and see if the Battersea Power Station has been feng shui-ed?
How to NLP your Home and Workplace – Thursday, 19 May 2022, NLP Conference, Zoom
I’m presenting a talk called How to NLP your Home and Workplace on Thursday, 19 May 2022, 19:30, NLP Conference, Zoom
https://www.nlpconference.com/2022-schedule
NLP works with metaphors. Your home and workplace is also a metaphor and an anchor on the physical, environmental logical level. By unpacking your metaphors, eternal factors and constraints of your home and workplace, you’ll be able to transform them to work better for you – to become more efficient and effective at using your time and effort.
Environmental psychology, semiotics and feng shui study how environments affect your performance, health and ultimately your destiny. How you perceive your home and workplace (consciously or unconsciously) will affect the relationship you have with them. Learn how to use NLP to decode your home/workplace to represent your values, identities and empower your life on all logical levels.
Feng shui for 2022 – the year of water tiger. Top feng shui tips and trends.
The New Chinese year – the Year of the Yang Water Tiger starts on 1 February 2022
and will last until January 21, 2023, when the Year of the Rabbit begins.
How will you make 2022 work for you?
How can you navigate it better, smoother and smarter?
How will you enhance and boost your personal and professional luck?
How can you protect yourself from negative influences, energies and environmental stressors?
And most importantly how can you apply all these in your daily personal and professional life to have a great year?
A Scientific Understanding of Feng Shui. Presentation at the 3rd International Conference on Environmental Psychology, Siracusa, Italy, Friday 8 October 2021
A Scientific Understanding of Feng Shui
Presentation at the 3rd International Conference on Environmental Psychology, Siracusa, Italy, Friday 8 October 2021, 13:45-15:00
by Jan Cisek, MSc
Location: Room B – Siracusa Municipal Theater
Via del Teatro – Siracusa (Italy)
Feng shui is a 3000-year Chinese practice for creating harmonious environments conducive to optimum human flourishing. Environmental psychology, an interdisciplinary study, focused on the interplay between individuals and their surroundings (Gatersleben, 2011), has similar aims as feng shui. In the last 30 years, feng shui has gained international popularity and prematurely has been dismissed as merely pseudoscience (Matthews, 2019). Instead, it can be more useful to examine this traditional practice for what it might offer. A scientific vantage point enriched by feng shui insights can be made useful to modern sensibilities. I will present evidence for some of its claims by drawing from relevant scientific disciplines such as environmental psychology, sleep science, biophilia, spirituality, semiotics, priming, placebo and epigenetic. I’ll also re-examine feng shui in its indigenous context to see how some of its concepts accord with modern Western understandings of place identity, place attachment, urban planning and human behaviour, nature-based solutions and inclusive design. My approach is transcultural (Glover & Friedman, 2015) and transpersonal (Friedman & Hartelius, 2015). I’ll examine how people who practice feng shui consciously acknowledge the connection between external surroundings and inner being to benefit their productivity and wellness.
Spiritual Feng Shui Talk on Saturday, the 10th of July in London, UK
Spiritual Feng Shui at the Feng Shui Society’s conference on Saturday, the 10th of July in London, UK
As you probably know Feng shui works on many levels, from physical to emotional to mental and to spiritual. Spiritual feng shui deals with the spiritual and transpersonal environmental aspects of individuals or organisations.
In classical and modern feng shui, humans are placed between heaven (spiritual/transpersonal/virtual) and earth (material) dimensions as part of the trinity of luck: heaven’s luck (spiritual), human luck (your skills, mindsets, beliefs, etc.) and earth luck (feng shui). Initially, when feng shui was conceived, it was considered as a spiritual discipline because it was used for sitting for burial places, so the ancestors’ spirits could rest in peace. Modern feng shui aligns itself with modern spirituality and transpersonal psychology in a holistic understanding of the interaction between environments and individuals.
Researchers such as (Koenig, 2012) suggests that when people have organised their homes or workspaces with spiritual understanding and connection, they feel better, are happier and healthier. Some of the research refers to creating sacred spaces for peace, harmony and wellness. In May 1984, the Thirty-Seven World Health Assembly adopted resolution WHA37.13, which made the ‘spiritual dimension’ part and parcel of WHO Member States’ strategies for health.
Spiritual feng shui is here to help you connect with spiritual and transpersonal dimensions and realms and anchor them in your home or workplace. The function of spiritual feng shui is to remind you to balance your personal needs with your spiritual and transpersonal needs to create more connection, peace of mind as well as care and compassion.
In my talk on Spiritual feng shui I’m going to cover:
- What is spirituality for?
Health benefits of spirituality – there are over 3300 papers on the benefits of spirituality (people feel better, are happier and healthier when they take care of their spirituality) - What is spiritual feng shui for?
Benefits of spiritual feng shui - Top practical tips for your spiritual feng shui
How to enlighten your home/workplace - What is ultimately spiritual feng shui for? which will help you with your personal feng shui
- and if there is time, I do have about 100 slides with very comprehensive and evidence-based information – I’ll finish with Q&A
I invite you to book the Feng Shui Conference – the 10th of July, Saturday in London
Looking forward to meeting you and showing you how you can boost you spiritual feng shui and enlighten your home and workplace
Jan Cisek (MSc, FSSA) is a leading international feng shui consultant and expert, trainer, mentor, feng shui researcher and writer with 30+ years experience in feng shui and a background in interior design, design and branding, electromagnetics and geopathics as well as environmental psychology. He specialises in Holistic and Integral Feng Shui which works in many domains: environmental or physical, emotional, intellectual or psychological, social, cultural and virtual or spiritual. Jan is one of the very few feng shui consultants in the world with a Master’s degree in Environmental Psychology thereby combining the scientific rigour of the west to the ancient eastern art of feng shui. Most of his advice is evidence-based so you can trust and have confidence that it will work because it’s based on solid research.
More info on spiritual feng shui
What is feng shui for? How to go beyond feng shui? The art of affirmation.
Over the past 40+ years of studying and working with feng shui, I’ve realised that one of the best ways to understand it and have better results is to go beyond it. Albert Einstein and others have recognised that in order to solve a problem we need to go to a higher level of thinking or beyond it. Otherwise, as Einstein said, “We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.” In short, a problem can’t be solved on its own level. Personal problems are notoriously difficult to be solved from personal perspectives – one needs to go beyond to transpersonal, spiritual domains.
The key question is: what is feng shui for?
Feng shui is considered many things: philosophy, art, science, design, cosmology and more. “What is feng shui for?” is the question: “What does it mean to live in a physical environment? “and “How are humans placed/positioned between Heaven and Earth?” and ultimately, “How to live (in harmony with the world)?
For me, feng shui is to affirm life. The function of feng shui is to create a lifestyle you want. Feng shui is a physical affirmation. We do things physically to get results in our personal and professional lives. Most people (consciously or unconsciously) use feng shui or variations of feng shui in order to better themselves. Yes, you can change and improve your life by moving furniture in your home or workplace AND you can get the same results by mentally affirming life – by rearranging or improving the interior (design) of your mind and soul. Feng shui is a holistic interior design of your exterior environment and interior milieu. Obviously, working on both (interior and exterior) can bring better, quicker and more powerful results, not to mention the fun of the journey.
Feng Shui Consultant in Geneva and Switzerland
My curiosity about the feng shui of Geneva stems from the general good feng shui of Switzerland. Switzerland is luckily surrounded by mountains which makes it an ideal feng shui location. Mountains, water, clear air and obsession with timekeeping, what else would one wish for a feng shui setting?
Geneva is surrounded by three mountain chains, each belonging to the Jura: the Jura main range lies north-westward, the Vuache southward, and the Salève south-eastward. Mountains give
Geneva, Switzerland is a beautiful and historic city with plenty of attractions to explore. Here are some of the top attractions that have good feng shui and positive energy that you might want to consider looking into:
Feng Shui of Berlin, Germany. Feng Shui Consultant in Berlin.
A Feng Shui Exploration of Berlin
As the pulsating heart of Germany, Berlin presents an intriguing tapestry of history, innovation, diversity, and resilience. This vibrant city also provides a unique context to explore the ancient Chinese principles of Feng Shui, including the five elements (water, wood, fire, earth, and metal), the Yin and Yang, and the Bagua model as well as energy/chi flow. Let’s journey into the essence of Berlin through the lens of Feng Shui.
The Yin and Yang of Berlin
Yin and Yang symbolise the dual forces in the universe, representing balance and harmony in Feng Shui. This principle of duality beautifully illustrates Berlin’s dynamics.
Yin, the passive and feminine energy, is expressed in Berlin’s peaceful retreats, like the tranquil banks of the Spree River, the calming atmosphere of the Botanical Garden, and the serene space of Museum Island. These areas offer a respite from the city’s bustling pace, embodying the calm, receptive energy of Yin.
On the other hand, Yang, the active and masculine energy, vibrates in the city’s energetic facets. The bustling Alexanderplatz, the lively nightlife in Kreuzberg, and the vibrant art scene manifest the dynamic and expressive energy of Yang.
Lastly, the harmony of Berlin’s Chi flow also relies on the balance between Yin (quiet, passive energy) and Yang (active, vibrant energy). The city’s bustling marketplaces and energetic nightlife embody the Yang, while the serene gardens, tranquil riverbanks, and quiet museums represent the Yin. This balance contributes to Berlin’s vibrancy, offering spaces for both activity and rest, excitement and tranquility.
Feng shui means wind-water, NOT wind AND water. Here’s why.
The term feng shui means, literally, “wind–water”. Not “wind AND water” as many feng shui consultants, teachers and even authors of books translate. This raises the question: if reputable book authors can’t translate just two words accurately, what else can be inaccurate in their books? There are several problems with such incorrect and misleading translations.
Feng Shui, often referred to as “wind-water,” is a fascinating and ancient Chinese practice that delves into the harmonious relationship between our environment and our well-being. The term “wind-water” encapsulates the essence of this practice, emphasizing the interconnectedness and oneness of these two fundamental elements of nature. Contrary to the commonly used translation of “wind AND water,” this distinction is far from arbitrary and holds profound significance within the realm of Feng Shui.
1. Deep Understanding of Feng Shui
The first issue with the incorrect translation of Feng Shui as “wind and water” is that it betrays a lack of true comprehension of the concept. Feng Shui is not merely about acknowledging the presence of wind and water; it’s about recognizing their dynamic interaction and influence on the energy, or “qi,” of a space. In Feng Shui, wind represents the movement of energy, while water symbolizes its accumulation and retention. Understanding Feng Shui as “wind-water” underscores the importance of these elements working in harmony to shape the quality of energy within a given environment.
2. False Separation of Elements
The second issue arises from the erroneous translation’s implications. By using “and” between wind and water, it falsely suggests that these two elements are distinct and separate, whereas in Feng Shui, they are intrinsically interconnected. Wind carries energy, and water stores it; they are two facets of the same environmental energy flow. When perceived as separate entities, the profound unity and balance they represent within Feng Shui are lost.
3. The Unity of Heaven and Earth
The term “windwater” or “wind-water” as a single word, as suggested by some experts, beautifully captures the essence of Feng Shui. It underscores the idea that wind and water are not separate but integral components of a unified force that governs our surroundings. This unity aligns with the ancient Chinese philosophy of seeing Heaven and Earth as interconnected, where Feng Shui serves as a bridge between the celestial and terrestrial realms.
4. Triple Luck and Oneness
Feng Shui practitioners understand the concept of Triple Luck, which encompasses Heaven, Human, and Earth luck. Windwater, as a single concept, mirrors this idea of unity and oneness, emphasizing that Feng Shui is a practice that seeks to harmonize the energies of these three realms. It recognizes that our environment is not just a collection of separate elements but a holistic system where the balance of wind and water plays a pivotal role in our overall well-being.
In conclusion, Feng Shui, or “wind-water,” represents a profound understanding of the interplay between environmental factors and human existence. It’s a practice that embodies the unity of Heaven and Earth, emphasizing the interconnectedness of all things. Therefore, translating it as “wind and water” not only misses the essence of this ancient practice but also obscures the deeper wisdom it offers in cultivating harmony and balance in our lives. Ideally, feng shui needs to be written as one word i.e. fengshui as many scientific papers do and as Derek Walters once suggested. Wikipedia translates feng shui as “wind-water”. To truly grasp the essence of Feng Shui, one must embrace the concept of “windwater” or “wind-water” as a single, unified force that shapes our world.
Yin and Yang
The translation of “yin and yang” or “yin-yang” holds similar significance and nuances to that of Feng Shui’s “wind-water.” Just as “wind-water” emphasizes the unity and interconnectedness of two elements, the concept of “yin and yang” encapsulates a profound understanding of duality and balance in the natural world and human existence.
1. Unity in Duality
“Yin and yang” is a foundational concept in Chinese philosophy, representing the idea that seemingly opposing forces are interconnected and interdependent. “Yin” symbolizes qualities that are passive, receptive, and cool, while “yang” represents qualities that are active, assertive, and warm. These forces are not in opposition but rather exist in a harmonious relationship, creating a complete whole. Translating it as “yin and yang” acknowledges the dual nature of these forces while emphasizing their unity and the continuous cycle of change between them.
2. Balance and Harmony
The essence of “yin-yang” lies in the pursuit of balance and harmony. It recognizes that in all aspects of life, including nature, health, and spirituality, equilibrium between yin and yang is essential. This balance is not static but dynamic, as the dominance of one aspect naturally gives way to the other in an eternal dance of opposites. Translating it as “yin and yang” underscores the importance of maintaining this delicate equilibrium.
3. Complementary Forces
“Yin and yang” also reflects the complementary nature of opposites. Within this concept, there is an understanding that each force contains a seed of the other. For instance, within the depths of darkness (yin), there is a spark of light (yang), and within the brightest light (yang), there is a hint of darkness (yin). This recognition of the interplay and interpenetration of opposites enriches the meaning of “yin and yang.”
4. Holistic View of Existence
The translation as “yin and yang” emphasizes the holistic view of existence that this concept embodies. It extends beyond mere dualism and embraces the idea that everything in the universe is interconnected and part of a larger whole. This perspective has far-reaching implications in various fields, including traditional Chinese medicine, martial arts, and cosmology.
In summary, “yin and yang” or “yin-yang” serves as a fundamental concept in Chinese philosophy, mirroring the holistic and interconnected worldview of Feng Shui’s “wind-water.” The translation as “yin and yang” aptly captures the essence of this concept, highlighting the unity within duality, the pursuit of balance and harmony, the interdependence of opposites, and the holistic perspective on existence. Like “wind-water,” “yin and yang” transcends a simple binary opposition and reveals a deeper understanding of the complex interplay of forces in the universe.
Yin AND yang or Yin-Yang is the question.
The choice between “yin and yang” or “yin-yang” depends on the context and the emphasis you want to convey. Both wordings are valid, but they slightly emphasize different aspects of the concept:
1. “Yin and Yang”
This wording tends to emphasize the duality and interplay between yin and yang forces. It highlights the idea that these are two distinct but interconnected aspects of existence. If you want to underscore the dualistic nature of yin and yang and their role in creating balance and harmony through their interaction, “yin and yang” is a suitable choice.
2. “Yin-Yang”
Writing “yin-yang” as a single term places greater emphasis on the unity and inseparability of these opposing forces. It suggests that yin and yang are not isolated entities but rather part of a continuous, harmonious whole. Using “yin-yang” can be particularly effective when you want to convey the idea of balance and the cyclical nature of their relationship.
In many cases, both wordings can be used interchangeably, and the choice depends on your preference and the specific message you wish to convey. It’s important to consider the context and the audience when deciding which wording to use, as well as whether you want to emphasize the unity or duality of yin and yang in that particular context.
Is there an inconsistency or contradiction between the terms wind-water and yin-yang or yin and yang?
There is no inherent inconsistency or contradiction between using “wind-water” for Feng Shui and “yin-yang” or “yin and yang” in their respective contexts. These terms belong to different aspects of Chinese philosophy and traditional wisdom, and they each serve to convey specific concepts and ideas. Here’s why there isn’t a contradiction:
1. Different Concepts: “Wind-water” in Feng Shui pertains to the balance and flow of energy in the environment, emphasizing the unity of these two elements. On the other hand, “yin-yang” or “yin and yang” represent the dualistic yet interconnected nature of opposing forces and how they interact to create balance and harmony. These are distinct concepts with different meanings and applications.
2. Context Matters: The use of these terms depends on the context in which they are employed. “Wind-water” is specific to Feng Shui, and its translation as “windwater” or “wind-water” aligns with the holistic nature of this practice. “Yin-yang” or “yin and yang,” on the other hand, have a broader application across various aspects of Chinese philosophy, traditional Chinese medicine, and other disciplines.
3. Emphasis on Unity and Balance: Both “wind-water” and “yin-yang” or “yin and yang” ultimately emphasize the importance of unity and balance, albeit in different ways. “Wind-water” emphasizes the unity of these two elements in the context of Feng Shui, while “yin-yang” underscores the interplay and complementary nature of opposing forces to achieve equilibrium.
In summary, there is no inherent contradiction between using “wind-water” for Feng Shui and “yin-yang” or “yin and yang” in their respective contexts. They are distinct terms that serve specific purposes within Chinese philosophy and traditional wisdom, and each one contributes to a deeper understanding of different aspects of the natural world and human existence.
“difference in kind” and “difference in degree.”
The distinction between “wind-water” and “wind and water” in the context of Feng Shui illuminates a fundamental concept in translation theory: the difference between “difference in kind” and “difference in degree.” This differentiation has significant implications for how we understand and interpret concepts within this ancient practice.
1. Difference in Kind (Feng Shui as Windwater)
• Unity and Holism: Translating Feng Shui as “windwater” or “wind-water” emphasizes the concept of “difference in kind.” It suggests that wind and water are not merely separate elements but rather two aspects of a single, unified force. This highlights the holistic nature of Feng Shui, where the unity of these elements is paramount. In this view, Feng Shui represents a unique category, distinct from the individual properties of wind and water.
• Interconnectedness: This translation underscores the interconnectedness of environmental and spiritual influences. It emphasizes that the influence of wind and water on a space is not separate but rather intertwined, affecting the overall energy or “qi” of that environment. Feng Shui practitioners recognize that the balance and harmony of these forces are essential for well-being.
• Harmonizing Opposites: By treating wind and water as a singular concept, Feng Shui acknowledges the harmonizing of seemingly opposing forces, much like the concept of “yin-yang.” This harmonization is a central theme in Feng Shui philosophy, aiming to create equilibrium between various elements.
2. Difference in Degree (Feng Shui as Wind and Water)
• Separation of Elements: Translating Feng Shui as “wind and water” implies a “difference in degree.” It suggests that Feng Shui is about recognizing the presence of wind and water as distinct elements rather than their unity. This translation may lead to a misunderstanding of Feng Shui, as it separates what should be seen as a single, interrelated concept.
• Mechanical Interpretation: Viewing Feng Shui as “wind and water” can reduce it to a more mechanical interpretation. It may imply that Feng Shui practitioners are concerned with the isolated effects of wind and water, rather than the synergistic relationship between these forces.
• Missed Essence: This translation might overlook the deeper philosophical and spiritual aspects of Feng Shui, which involve understanding and harnessing the energies that flow through a space. Feng Shui, when seen as “wind and water,” might be reduced to mere placement or arrangement of objects without considering the holistic and interconnected nature of environmental energy.
In conclusion, the choice between “wind-water” or “wind and water” as the translation for Feng Shui reflects the fundamental difference between “difference in kind” and “difference in degree.” The former highlights the unity and interconnectedness of wind and water, aligning with the holistic philosophy of Feng Shui. The latter, by contrast, can lead to a more fragmented and mechanical interpretation that misses the essence and depth of this ancient practice. The choice of translation can significantly impact how we perceive and approach Feng Shui, underscoring the importance of accurate and contextually meaningful translations in understanding complex concepts.
What is feng shui? What is feng shui for? Short definitions of feng shui.