Let’s go back to a cosy Tuesday evening on cold November 9th, 1993, at Gina Lazenby’s flat in London. Gina, me, Mark Beakhouse, Graham Gun, and a cuppa or two, chatting about the charming wisdom and promise of feng shui. It’s here that Gina (with her genius of marketing) threw in the idea of starting the Feng Shui Society (FSS) – an easy-going gang to spread the cool vibes of feng shui. And, just like that, the rest, as they say, is history!

Zooming 30 years forward (blimey, how time flies!), I find myself pondering about the grand old times of the FSS. This society has turned into a beacon of knowledge and wisdom, spreading the essence of feng shui far and wide.

The FSS has grown into a treasure trove of ancient know-how, connecting age-old wisdom with our bustling, modern lives, making sure that the magic of feng shui is a piece of cake for everyone to grasp. It’s brought a wave of harmony and spark to numerous homes, offices, and lovely little corners of the world, optimising the flow of energy and rejuvenating spaces with happy vibes.

“feng shui is a physical affirmation, a ritual”

The FSS has been the heart of a vibrant community of feng shui buffs, offering a mix of workshops, friendly chats, and reads to anyone eager to learn and grow personally and spiritually. It’s woven a tapestry of people who are keen on living a balanced life filled with good vibes and prosperity.

The commitment of our society to uphold the real-deal principles of feng shui has made it a trusted brand name. It’s stood strong against the watered-down and commercialised versions, ensuring that the profound teachings of feng shui are passed down with respect and true spirit to the future chaps.

Looking back at the whimsical and transformative journey of the FSS, it’s clear that its birth was a shared dream, a meeting of energies destined to light up and uplift many spirits. The enduring charm and the transformative stories of the society are a living testament to a legacy (just check our YouTube channel for over 150 videos with talks and conference recordings where I presented a few times as well) built on harmony, yin-yang balance, and a dash of ancient magic!

In the Beginning…

Those of us who were around in the early days of the FSS can’t help but reminisce about the buzzing excitement and the fascination that came with exploring the world of feng shui. London was our regular meetup spot, but we also had our little gatherings in various regions to chat about our experiences, discuss interesting case studies, and, of course, learn a thing or two new!

We were all about experimenting, keen to try everything on ourselves and always eager for a bit of help from our clients. It was a journey of discovery, a journey of understanding the subtle art, philosophy and science behind feng shui. The air was filled with enthusiasm, a sense of community, and a shared passion for uncovering the mysteries of harmonious living. We were mentoring each other on different aspects of feng shui professional development (which I personally still do and receive on a regular basis). It was a time of learning, sharing, and embracing the beautiful principles of balance and energy, and let’s not forget, it was a heck of a good time!

Deciphering Feng Shui

In those days, we had different teachers popping in, each one bringing their unique spin to feng shui. So, there was this buzzing need to get all the feng shui jargon straight! Chinese can be a bit intricate with its elaborate, metaphoric, esoteric and poetic terms, as well as magic thinking, a real noodle-scratcher for us Western folks. We were on a mission to redefine what feng shui really means, translating it from its traditional, culturally rich roots to a more down-to-earth language that everyone could get their heads around. We wanted to make feng shui a friendly, accessible chat topic, breaking it down from its profound, culture-specific, belief-based nuances to practical lingo that could be shared with the public.

The literal translation of feng shui into ‘wind-water’ didn’t mean much to the public and needed explanation (especially when it was quite often mistranslated into ‘wind AND water’, which completely misread the original concept behind it – I elaborate on this in my blog Feng shui means wind-water, NOT wind AND water. Here’s why.). My favourite definitions of feng shui that showed up then are: “feng shui is a physical affirmation” and “feng shui = intention + ritual” or just a ritual (‘ritual’ defined as an intentional, transformative behaviour, event or act – backed up by extensive research into priming, anchoring and placebo), and the old classic “We shape our buildings, thereafter they shape us.” by Winston Churchill, to name a few. At the core of all feng shui schools and approaches is the aim to create healthy, supportive and vibrant environments for working and living that work. And that can be done with a host of tools for mitigating negative environmental stressors and enhancing positive factors.

The prominent topics of discussion were the cause-effect phenomenon, cognitive biases and belief-driven processes. While some principles of feng shui can exhibit cause-effect thinking in their association of spatial arrangements with life outcomes, the lack of scientific substantiation categorises them closer to magical or superstitious thinking, offering psychological solace and perceived control to its practitioners. The confirmation bias can lead individuals to notice and remember events that confirm their superstitious beliefs while ignoring those that contradict them. Nonetheless, the cultural and subjective value of feng shui, coupled with its emphasis on positive outcomes, harmony and balance (placebo effect), can have meaningful impacts on individuals’ perceptions of and interactions with their environments. Niels Bohr, Danish quantum physicist and Nobel Prize winner in physics, when asked why he, a scientist, used a culture-specific, belief-driven intervention/ritual of feng shui (i.e. a horseshoe above his front door), said, “I understand that it works whether you believe in it or not.” This shows how to go beyond feng shui and yin and yang dualistic thinking. He also said, ” “There are trivial truths and the great truths. The opposite of a trivial truth is plainly false. The opposite of a great truth is also true.”

Sharing Feng Shui: Feng Shui Society’s Journal

We were bursting to share our discoveries with the world, so setting up a Feng Shui Society Journal just seemed like the thing to do! I had the lovely task of being the Editor, and we’ve rolled out four editions that found homes in London and other places. We dived deep into a myriad of feng shui topics, stuff we were absolutely eager to share with everyone out there – a range of diverse topics such as: WindWater: Water – the most vital part of feng shui; What is geomancy; EMF How to cope with modern feng shui’s pet hate; Chalet Tiara: Feng shui has inspired Julia Stephenson; The Famous Acropolis: Did the Greeks invent feng shui?; The Mysterious Underground Energies: Learn to dowse for geopathic stress; Feng Shui Logos: Designing your identity with feng shui; Planting By The Moon: Timing is everything; VAASTU: An overview of Hindu version of feng shui; THE I-CHING ORACLE: The mystery unfolds. Are we on the brink of decoding the most mysterious book in the world. The past is hidden, the future uncertain – can I-ching help?; BAU-BIOLOGY: Introduction to the discipline; BARCELONA: Discover the feng shui of the city; THE GREEK GODS AND THE BAGUA: Find out about cross-cultural similarities of the bagua map and more…

Read these four editions of the Feng Shui Society Journal (you can also download them): Summer 2000, Autumn 2000, Winter – Spring 2001, Summer – Autumn 2001

Finding What Fits: Testing and Tailoring Feng Shui

We’ve received a wealth of claims from classical feng shui, and you bet we put them to the test to see what really does the trick! Some hit the mark, and some… well, not so much. We rolled up our sleeves and got really stuck in, keen to assess how feng shui can be applied in a practical, everyday sense, evidence-based fashion. My love for environmental psychology was my compass, guiding me to scrutinise many claims through a scientific lens. It was all about sifting through the wealth of knowledge to find the nuggets that really worked in real-world scenarios!

Uncovering Feng Shui and How Feng Shui Meets Environmental Psychology

In any field, there’s always that initial buzz when you’re experimenting with different ideas, and it was no different for us with feng shui. After playing around with various concepts, maps and models, we quickly realised that some things didn’t quite live up to the hype. And thus began my journey to dig out the evidence-based gems of feng shui, with my background in environmental psychology becoming a super handy tool and now doing my PhD research in feng shui as well, as part of my continuing professional development (CPD). It helped me sift through the claims and see which ones really held water.

In a yin and yang of things, let’s not throw out the baby with the bathwater, though! While some claims might be lacking in the scientific research department, they still hold loads of value and genuinely work. Take, for instance, the classic feng shui model of the five animals or the armchair landscape configuration—a concept with a thousands-year legacy!

Within feng shui, the prospect and refuge theory, whipped up by British geographer Jay Appleton in 1975, can be seen through the lens of the four or five celestial animals configuration. We’ve got the Green Dragon, symbolising growth; the White Tiger, our protector; the Black Tortoise, our steady support; and the Red Phoenix, the beacon of vision and opportunity. Sometimes, the Yellow Snake pops in, keeping everything grounded and balanced.

This setup represents a cosy, balanced environment, pretty much like an armchair landscape configuration, offering both a clear view (prospect) and a safe spot (refuge)—key ingredients in feng shui. It’s all about creating spaces where you can have a good look around while feeling safe and snug—a harmony that’s quite appealing, promoting positive chi and bringing prosperity and happiness to those around you.

So, in essence, feng shui, with its celestial animals or armchair landscape configurations, aims to whip up environments (be it a bedroom or workplace or positioning a new building) that hit the sweet spot between awareness and protection, maxing out on comfort, safety, and pleasant vibes. It’s all about aligning well with the principles of landscape topography and environmental psychology, seeking that human craving for balance while dishing out aesthetic pleasure and positive energies.

Other examples of evidence for some feng shui claims come from research on biophilia, nature, plants, colour, epigenetics, semiotics, (cognitive) ergonomics, transpersonal psychology, electromagnetic radiation, geophatics, priming and placebo/nocebo effect, and environmental stressors.

Raising the Bar: Professionalism in Feng Shui

It quickly became crystal clear that we needed to establish some proper professional standards for both feng shui practitioners and schools. And that’s precisely what we’ve been developing and refining constantly, just as any discipline needs to do to stay professional. We were the first professional organisation in the world to develop standards and ethics. The values of the FSS don’t just stop at professionalism and ethics, though; they extend to education, innovation, wellness, harmony, and building a tight-knit community.

We’re all about upholding the highest standards and pushing the boundaries in feng shui, all while fostering a sense of togetherness and shared passion among us. It’s not just about bringing balance to spaces; it’s about creating a balanced, harmonious, and forward-thinking community, all committed to learning and growing together in the fascinating world of feng shui.

Some insights…

Looking back, a few things stand out as insights and learnings.

1. Feng shui can influence your life, but it doesn’t control you, nor define you as a human being. You’re more than feng shui.
2. Going beyond feng shui gives perspective and helps to understand how it works and makes you think better.
3. If there is just one thing that you need to check to improve feng shui, it is your bedroom. If you sleep well, which includes making sure that you get enough deep sleep, you will most likely wake up rejuvenated and ready to face the world.
4. There are many ways of doing feng shui. Keep studying broadly different aspects of feng shui (classical and modern) and other related disciplines with a curious mind and then evaluate them using common sense and critical thinking.
5. Other… love your home…

Stepping into the Future: AI Meets Feng Shui

The future of feng shui? It’s all about AI! We’ve already got these nifty AI apps that can jazz up your home or workplace design in a jiffy, following your specific wishes or hints/prompts. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves – we’re social creatures who love human interaction, so there’s definitely still room for the human touch.

AI holds the promise of shaking up the world of feng shui. It opens up the doors to automating and exploring various aspects of feng shui in new ways, such as cataloguing and analysing patterns, removing personal bias from interpretations, boosting professionalism, scrutinising claims and much more. This fresh, novel approach to feng shui is pretty thrilling!

AI and large language models (LLM) such as ChatGPT or Bard are changing the game with their sophisticated capabilities. You could easily be fooled into thinking you’re chatting with another human! AI is already transforming healthcare delivery, and it can pen essays, sort out coding, and create amazing interiors in minutes (Midjourney, Stable Diffusion, Dall-E, etc. – and a host of many interior design websites using AI – see the photo of a bedroom, below – done in seconds! at https://www.decorilla.com). AI is a fabulous tool, much like feng shui, reminding us to weave feng shui into our lives rather than shaping our lives around it.

Many of us feng shui buffs, including myself, are already embracing remote consultations and are eagerly awaiting the day when VR headsets (cheaper and easier to use) will allow us to step into clients’ spaces virtually as part of our work. For all you feng shui enthusiasts out there, you can pop your questions to ChatGPT and get some pretty knowledgeable replies, depending on how well you frame your questions. In the world of AI, it’s all about ‘garbage in – garbage out’. I’ve had a go with ChatGPT and other LLMs and received responses that could easily match the insights of seasoned feng shui pros, and in minutes! So, if you’re involved in feng shui, teaching or training, keep a close eye on AI (and learn prompt engineering)!

Looking ahead, I can’t wait to see what the next 30 years have in store for the FSS and feng shui. The FSS has been moving with the times, balancing between Heaven and Earth (wind-water), drawing from its rich past to shape a brighter, more informed and relevant future for all its members, consultants, and the public. Here’s to evolving, innovating, researching and continuing our journey in the fascinating world of feng shui!

Jan Cisek, MSc, FSSA, PhD Researcher

*Disclaimer: These reflections are my own personal perspectives on my unique journey with the FSS and do not necessarily reflect the views of the FSS or its Members.

The post Reflections on the 30-Year Legacy and Evolution of the Feng Shui Society by Jan Cisek appeared first on Feng Shui London UK • The Capital Feng Shui Consultant.

REGISTER HERE for this FREE EVENT:
https://www.ifsguild.org/feng-shui-summit/

Jan Cisek (MSc, FSSA) is a renowned international feng shui expert with over 45 years of experience, merging his expertise in interior design, electromagnetics, and environmental psychology. Specialising in Holistic and Integral Feng Shui, Jan is among the few consultants globally with a Master’s degree in Environmental Psychology, seamlessly blending Western scientific rigour with Eastern feng shui principles and he’s currently a PhD researcher in feng shui. His advice is predominantly evidence-based, ensuring its credibility through solid research. More about Jan https://www.fengshuilondon.net/

REGISTER HERE for this FREE EVENT:
https://www.ifsguild.org/feng-shui-summit/

The post SPIRITUAL FENG SHUI – free webinar appeared first on Feng Shui London UK • The Capital Feng Shui Consultant.

The Case for Decluttering: Clutter, a seemingly benign presence in our homes and digital spaces, has far-reaching impacts on our mental well-being and productivity. It’s linked to diminished creativity, heightened anxiety, and even physical symptoms like allergic reactions. The minimalist movement, rooted in the 1960s art scene, now presents a compelling lifestyle choice, advocating for the reduction of consumerism and the prioritisation of life’s essentials.

Joshua Millburn and Ryan Nicodemus of ‘The Minimalists’ encapsulate this ethos as a tool “to rid yourself of life’s excess in favour of focusing on what’s important — so you can find happiness, fulfilment and freedom.”

The Psychological Impacts of Clutter: Our purchasing decisions, often driven by emotional triggers, lead us to assign sentimental value to objects, making it harder to part with them. This accumulation can cloud our focus and impede information processing. Studies, including those by Princeton University and researchers in Los Angeles, have highlighted the stress and performance deficits linked to cluttered environments.

Clutter clearing and feng shui: the ancient art of feng shui, the arrangement of our living spaces is not just a matter of aesthetics but a profound practice aimed at balancing the energies in our environment to foster health, happiness, and prosperity. At the heart of feng shui is the principle that our surroundings are a reflection of our internal state. Clutter, in this context, is more than just a physical nuisance; it represents stagnant energy and mental blockages that can impede the flow of positive chi (energy) in our homes and lives.

Clutter clearing, therefore, is not merely an act of tidying up; it’s a transformative process that aligns with the core tenets of feng shui. By thoughtfully removing items that no longer serve us and organising our spaces to promote a smooth flow of energy, we can create an environment that supports our wellbeing and goals. This process of decluttering goes beyond mere cleaning – it’s an exercise in mindfulness and intention, encouraging us to let go of the old to make room for new opportunities and experiences.

As we embark on this journey of decluttering through the lens of feng shui, we not only tidy our physical spaces but also clear mental clutter, paving the way for clarity, tranquillity, and a rejuvenated spirit. The harmonious spaces we create become a sanctuary for growth, creativity, and peace, reflecting the harmonious balance we strive to achieve in every aspect of our lives.

Digital Clutter: Clutter is not restricted to the physical realm. Our digital spaces – replete with incessant notifications and unorganised files – also contribute to mental clutter, triggering similar stress responses.

Living with Less: Adopting a minimalist approach doesn’t just declutter your space; it can enhance your life. A tidy environment promotes healthier eating, better air quality, and a sense of well-being. Reducing possessions also frees up time for more meaningful activities and relationships.

Practical Steps for Decluttering: The journey to minimalism is gradual. Here are some strategies:

1. Choose Quality: Opt for fewer, high-quality items that bring joy and functionality.
2. Wardrobe Wisdom: Streamline your clothing to items that are versatile and frequently worn.
3. Digital Cleanse: Embrace digital minimalism by unsubscribing from unnecessary emails and going paperless where possible.
4. Room-by-Room Approach: Tackle one area at a time, from the kitchen to the living room, keeping only what you need and love.
5. Mindful Purchasing: Adopt a ‘one in, one out’ rule to avoid re-cluttering your space.

Maintaining a Minimalist Space: To sustain a decluttered environment, develop habits like regular reviews of possessions, mindful spending, and daily organisation of your workspace.

Conclusion: Embracing minimalism and feng shui principles in our lives isn’t just about physical decluttering; it’s a transformative journey towards mental clarity, improved well-being, and a deeper appreciation of what truly matters.

References:

1. The Art History of Minimalism
2. The Minimalists on Minimalism
3. Studies on the Psychological Impact of Clutter

The post Feng shui and clutter clearing – The Art of Less: Embracing Minimalism for a Feng Shui-Inspired Life appeared first on Feng Shui London UK • The Capital Feng Shui Consultant.

The post Harmonising Your Space and Self: The Interconnectedness of Feng Shui, Acupuncture, and Osteopathy appeared first on Feng Shui London UK • The Capital Feng Shui Consultant.

The post Practical Feng Shui for Wellness & Optimum Sleep – at Ideal Home Show, London, 17, 23, 24 March 2023 appeared first on Feng Shui London UK • The Capital Feng Shui Consultant.

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?

Lots of space
There is a lot of space to walk around but not enough places to just sit inside. I hope that they will add more benches to sit on in due course. You do want to sit from time to time to think where to go next (although it took me about 15 minutes to walk around the whole place). The main impression I got today was that lots of shops but not enough places to eat. The tagline for the Power Station is SHOP EAT DRINK PLAY. I would say at the moment is only SHOP and not much to eat, and no play. It also suggests work (Apple has an office there covering about 40% of the whole Power Station, six top floors ie 46 000 square meters for 1400 staff) and living (250 apartments). There are lots of flats and apartments to live around the whole place.

There were about 70 000+ visiting today (over the weekend this number probably will double). So let’s start with toilets. There are toilets but in a couple of areas only ie northeast and south-west of the building (quite a lot with wheelchair access all over the place though) – again not enough – maybe they were worried about the money going down the drain – and they haven’t spent any money on them.

Inside of the Power Station Battersea London

Shopping
The shopping experience is similar to any other shopping mall except that there are fewer choices. You will see some low-end high-street brands and some high-end ones eg watches and electric cars. So a mix of expensive brand end and basic inexpensive brands. I got some rose hand cream and some fancy hair conditioner from one brand. Most shops don’t take cash so cashless mall. The opening hours are Monday to Saturday 10 am – 9 pm and Sunday midday to 6 pm.

Control Room Bar Battersea Power Station London

Eating
Eating there was quite disappointing. Not much to eat actually. Make sure you eat before you go there. Because you have to stay in line for half an hour to get a sandwich or for one hour to get pancakes. I hope in due course they will open a few restaurants where you can actually book and have a dinner or lunch. I was hoping to see more places to eat, similar to other places that I’ve visited in Lisbon, Copenhagen, Barcelona and elsewhere where the eating and social place was more important than just shopping. They could have dedicated one floor with seating overviewing the rest of the station – to just eating and the rest to shopping. Warning: weekends can be very busy and quite frustrating when it comes to eating or just even having coffee unless you like cueing.

Entertainment
There is not much entertainment there. There is one cinema but wasn’t open today. Also, there was one interesting-looking bar (Control Room B – see above), quite high up with a nice vista view on one section but again not enough seats – I’d have to wait today for half an hour to get a drink (disappointing).

Lords of Lightening show in front of the north entrance to the Battersea Power Station

There was a buzz and lots of people today but not enough places to sit for a coffee or drink. People were waiting in lines to get a drink or something to eat for ages. Not my thing. I’m sure in time they will get organised and make it more functional. Not much to do actually apart from walking, shopping and sparse eating. In the evening there was a bit of an electric buzz with a Nikola Tesla-like show with a performer acting as an electric arc or arc discharge of the electrical current. I guess they were trying to generate some chi which in some feng shui interpretations is the charge.

5 elements: water, wood, fire, earth and metal
The overall element that dominates the whole place is the earth with the metal element supporting it according to the five-element theory. The earth element is visible with bricks and square shapes. The fire element isn’t strongly visible – the lighting is adequate. Most lighting features are round which balances the squares and angularity of the whole place. The wood/tree element is slightly visible with a few spiky plants integrated into benches inside. The big four chimneys are obviously hovering and giving uplifting energy of the wood element. The water element is physically missing – except that the Themes river is supporting the place from the north. But with 70 000+ people moving through the place – that’s a lot of water (human bodies are on average 80% water) and chi.

The South Entrance facing Malaysian Square – Feng shui of Battersea Power Station

The “mouth(es)” of chi
There are two main entrances: one from the south and one from the north and two small ones from the east and west. The north entrance faces the river Themes and it’s wide and open. The south entrance is facing Malaysian Square which is more contained and structured. Both entrances are relatively open and inviting inside. On the outside, they are very open to attracting the maximum number of people and I guess chi. The north entrance inside leads directly to the staircase that goes down immediately to the ground level which gives a downward energy flow. The south entrance with its egg-shaped external structure has both staircases visible when entering the building (see above).

I didn’t spot anything, in particular, that would suggest that this place was feng shuied in any specific obvious way – just regular standard motley architectural design. No wow factor except the towering of the existing structure of the original building. So has the Battersea Power Station been feng shui-ed?

Has the Battersea Power Station been feng shui-ed?
The south entrance is called Malaysian Square because of the consortium of Malaysian investors who own the site development so I would expect that they must have looked at the feng shui of the place. The opening day is 14 October 2022 and in feng shui astrology of stems and branches are yang metal and yang (rat) water elements – overall good elements to have to support this business. At one point, during the opening time, there was a bit of drumming going on in the northwest part of the building (helpful friends and international business area according to the bagua model). I couldn’t find any references online about any specific feng shui experts working on this project.

South entrance Power Station Battersea London

Chi flow
There are three levels ground, first floor and second floor. Different sections are connected with metal bridges which makes crossing easier. There are lots of dead spaces that have stagnant chi – especially underneath the staircases (which could have been used strategically for practical reasons such as seating, etc – people are trying to sit on very thin metal barriers that have been placed there to prevent people from doing so).

The flow of traffic with people moving in all directions looked a bit random without any specific energy movement and flow, therefore it looked like the chi wasn’t moderated in any way and got dispersed in many directions but contained within the structure of the building. One could say that the earth element is controlling the water element (humans). Wayfinding was helped with information stands but they don’t look very useful ie no specific arrows where to go and how to find toilets for example.

The place is dog friendly and there were a lot of people with dogs walking around which makes it interesting for dog lovers, which are many in Chelsea and Battersea (Battersea park is the mecca for dog lovers and walkers).

The noise level is relatively high inside because of the structure of the building.

The flooring is smooth with patches of bricks for extra stands that I’m guessing will come later.

Feng shui of Battersea Power Station OLD & NEW

Predecessor chi/energy and iconic status – “when pigs fly”
In feng shui predecessor energy (chi) is residual energy or memory of the place. It’s a morphic field of the place (Sheldrake). Everything that happens in space also happens in time and memory is locked and attached to and in time (Bergson, Wittgenstein). Places are space-conditioned by the structures, events and people. Place attachment is an important aspect of space conditioning. Understanding the history of the place can give us some indication of what might happen next. One of the functions of feng shui is to harness the existing energies and moderate them accordingly. Obviously, new events and especially people will affect the space and condition it in new ways. That’s why opening events and all kinds of festivals that gather a large number of people are essential for the shaping of the places. At the opening weekend, over 250,000 people visit the place demonstrating the interest and attachment they feel to this iconic landmark. Place attachment is a “person-place bond that evolves from specifiable conditions of place and characteristics of people.” (Shumaker, Taylor, 1983). In this case, place identity is an attachment with emotional or symbolic meanings that are given by individuals. The Battersea Power Station is now a part of a person’s self-identity, especially for people who live there.

Let’s look at the history of the Battersea Power Station. Battersea Power Station building become iconic with the cover of the Pink Floyd album Animals. The word on the street is that one of the band members lives in one of the high-end apartments in the actual building (I would). Battersea Power Station’s famous silhouette has long been a prominent feature on the London skyline. It was built in the 1930s and operational as a power station until the early 1980s, and it generated one-fifth of London’s power. It is a decommissioned Grade II listed building now. The whole area was laying vacant for 40 years with different developers trying to make it fly – and many people saying “when pigs fly” – well… More info about the history of the Battersea Power Station https://batterseapowerstation.co.uk/

Power Station, Battersea London immortalised iconic with Pink Floyd’s album Animals

Summary of my first experience
My overall feng shui impression and the first experience are mixed. I would give this place a 3.2/5 today, mainly for the novelty and buzz of the opening day, however it has obviously high potential to live to its iconic image (probably 4.4/5). It will grow and develop as times go by and especial when it’s fully operational, with more businesses open there – generating power to the local area (although not much affordable housing was built on the site) and London. I’m glad that is finally open (after 40 years of inactivity), and after so many unsuccessful attempts to make it work in the past.

The Battersea Power Station in the evening today

Something to look forward to…
There will be a lift open to going up one of the chimneys (in the north-west) to have views of the river and around the area. https://lift109.co.uk/

The future of the Battersea Power Station
I’ll be reporting on the feng shui of the Power Station over the next months to monitor the chi of it…

It will be interesting how people who already live around the station and in the actual station feel about the sudden influx of shoppers. When the Battersea Power station was open the prices of the properties went up significantly. It would be interesting to watch what will happen, when until now, this relatively quiet and calm neighbourhood is becoming a very busy and commercialised place.

The post Feng Shui of the Battersea Power Station, Battersea London appeared first on Feng Shui London UK • The Capital Feng Shui Consultant.

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.

https://www.nlpconference.com/2022-schedule

The post How to NLP your Home and Workplace – Thursday, 19 May 2022, NLP Conference, Zoom appeared first on Feng Shui London UK • The Capital Feng Shui Consultant.

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?

Black/Water-Tiger and the colour of the year 2022
Chinese New Year 2022 animal sign is the black/water tiger. Chinese calendar combines solar, lunar, and 60 stem-branch systems. The 60 stem-branch calendar/system uses the names of yin-yang and five elements theory (water, wood, fire, earth, metal) and 12 animals to rank the development of the sequence of energies or forces. Five elements are represented respectively by five colours: black/blue, green, red, brown/yellow and grey/silver/gold. Chinese uses the colour animal name for the year, therefore the name of 2022 is the yang-water tiger. Black colour is representative of water – hence, 2022 is also called the black water tiger year. Another colour for the water element is blue. The direction of yang-water is the north.

Fortunately enough, in the western tradition, we have Pantone colours of the year and the 2022 colour is Very Peri #6667AB. One of the simplest feng shui interventions is to have your luck colour (based on your birth element –  check your element in the year chart below) or just the colour of the year as you screen background on your mobile phone so you can boost your energies for whatever you need or want this year. Just screenshot/download this image below and use it as wallpaper on your mobile phone or computer (or get some things in this very peri colour – see below).

Very Peri colour of the year 2022 / #6667AB

Pantone gurus state: “We are living in transformative times. PANTONE 17-3938 Very Peri is a symbol of the global zeitgeist of the moment and the transition we are going through. As we emerge from an intense period of isolation, our notions and standards are changing, and our physical and digital lives have merged in new ways. Digital design helps us to stretch the limits of reality, opening the door to a dynamic virtual world where we can explore and create new colour possibilities. With trends in gaming, the expanding popularity of the metaverse and rising artistic community in the digital space PANTONE 17-3938 Very Peri illustrates the fusion of modern life and how colour trends in the digital world are being manifested in the physical world and vice versa.” More on Pantone Veri Peri, the colour of 2022

Characteristics of tigers and tiger years

The tiger is the third of the 12 Chinese zodiac signs (12 Earthly Branches). Tiger symbology and archetypical energies represent energy, strength, leadership, authority, trust, purposefulness and protection on a positive side. On a downside, they also can represent vulnerability, sensitivity, overestimation and a kind of perfectionism that can manifest as an ‘all or nothing’ attitude and mindset as well as unpredictability.

Tiger month is February and tiger hour is from 3 am to 5 am which physically speaking and symbolically is still a little chilly time. It is thought that the yang-water tiger needs more fire elements to have a prosperous and successful life. Investment in real estate is a good policy for money management for water tigers. Also, developing digital products (NFTs) is a good long term opportunity.

Tiger belongs to the wood group/element according to the Chinese Five Element theory. Tiger, generally speaking, is yang-wood, which is the spring season. Tiger month is February and the weather might be still a little cold (practice cold therapy to activate your vagus nerve or add some photos of friends which will do the same thing), therefore the wood element needs warm weather to grow, physically and metaphorically. Tiger is a carnivore and has a domineering temper and authoritative mindset. The key symbolic characteristics of a tiger character are boldness, resolution, unyielding, dictatorial/authoritarian, arbitrary, ambitious and full of self-confidence. The other important characteristic of tigers and tiger years is unpredictability with a sense of incompleteness.

Tigers are born with leadership skills, they are respected by others and have a strong sense of self-esteem and learning ability (we all can learn to have more self-esteem from tigers as a key mindset for success). Therefore, tigers are suited to any career as leaders as well as advertising agents, office managers, travel agents, actors (Tom Cruise), writers, artists, pilots, musicians (Jon Bon Jovi) and comedians (Eddie Izzard).

Yang water tiger: yang, water forces
To deconstruct further, yang is an active, energising force, power or energy (as opposed to yin, passive, relaxing one). The water element is a fluid force/energy that in the theory of five elements, is nourished by the metal element and controlled by the earth element. Water controls the fire element. Water nourishes wood/tree element. In a complex web of five elements/energies, everything affects everything in different ways and in different quantities and qualities as well depending on the context and time.

The water element has a still, reflective quality that allows us to have a better perspective and a better, bigger picture on things. The power of water energy, in nature, is almost unlimited. In Chinese thought, water force relates to willpower (zhi).

The mindsets of water tigers
In short, tigers are brave, confident and blaze new trails as well as create new things. They have the authority which translates as “I am/have an authority on myself and my life”.  “In life, I will things…”

Tigers accept and commit to a life they want to have and to whom they want to become. If you want to become successful if whatever you want, you need to become “addicted”, in a positive sense, to the lifestyle you want. Every choice you make, either brings you closer to your ideal lifestyle or takes you away from it. It’s not rocket science but it requires awareness and attention to tiny habits that we can choose and develop in order to live better.

For example, I value clarity and focus – therefore I organise my environment in a coherent, clear way and I make a conscious effort to get rid of clutter on regular basis. I also value complexity and want to have an interesting life, so I do collect interesting and beautiful things as well. My interior (physical and mental) style is eclectic – a mixture of simplicity and complexity with a slight preference for complexity (fractality). I’m not entirely against clutter if it serves a purpose and doesn’t affect you in a detrimental way (and definitely, I wouldn’t demonise clutter as some feng shui authors do – there are far worse environmental stressors than clutter!). Read my blog about clutter and mess.

What happened 60 years ago in 1962 (yang water-tiger year):
important news, events, key technology and popular culture

Key 1962 events were: Telstar first live trans-Atlantic television signal was broadcast (virtual reality/metaverse is becoming a real possibility in 2022). Oral Polio vaccine was used to combat Polio (vaccines are still kind of trending at the beginning of 2022). Marilyn Monroe was found dead. Cuban Missile Crisis took the world to the brink of war (from the beginning of 2022, media has been booming with news that the world is gearing up for a global war.) John H. Glenn, Jr., become the first American to orbit the earth. The first Wal-Mart discount store was opened (do we need another shop chain in 2022?). In 1962, the cars continued to evolve (electric cars are definitely becoming more ubiquitous in 2022). As the year progressed, the Cold War continued to get worse when the Russians placed Ballistic Missiles on Cuban land just 90 miles away from the coast of Florida (Russia is gathering its troops on the border with Ukraine as I write these words). Then JFK called the bluff by threatening war unless they were removed which they were but for a short time. The world was on the brink of nuclear war and self-destruction (Russia and Ukraine could be a repeat of that but more importantly it could be a WW3 or not). The US president then set a goal of landing a man on the moon (Elon Musk wants to fly to Mars). Jamaica gained independence from Great Britain and in February 1962, Bob Marley recorded four songs, “Judge Not”, “One Cup of Coffee”, “Do You Still Love Me?” and “Terror”. Folk music was evolving into protest and rebel music thanks to young artists like Bob Dylan and the birth of Surfing music by The Beach Boys gaining popularity. The first of the James Bond villain movies ‘Dr No’ was an instant hit in 1962.

Love me do by The Beatles

In England, the Beatles recorded their first single “Love Me Do” (not exactly a protest/rebel song) with a very similar colour cover to the 2022 colour of the year: Very Peri. Coincidence? I don’t think so :).

In short, to paraphrase/forecast/project 1962 into 2022 (tongue in cheek :): possible wars, more (about) cars, space travel, vaccines, villains, protest/rebel music and lots of new things (and things not necessarily being completed). Time will tell if history repeats itself in one way or another, literally or metaphorically. Obviously, we’re different people now and we think and react differently than people in the 60’s. And we have internet and mobile phones.

100 years ago in 1922
T. S. Eliot first published his long poem The Waste Land in 1922.  It is said that The Waste Land can be read as a poem about brokenness and loss because Eliot’s allusions to how the First World War played a marked part in bringing about the psychological and emotional collapse of the society at the time. It also symbolises the modern world as barren and empty because everything has lost its deep spiritual meaning. Does this ring a bell?

2022 Feng Shui for Chinese New Year

The 5-brown/yellow star moves into the centre of the bagua model of the 9-star ki model in 2022. Therefore, the Kua number of 2022 is 5-brown/yellow, earth element. Also, the arrangement of the bagua in 2022 is the original magic square where 1 star is in the north and 9 star is in the south (as you can see in the chart below).

The central house in the bagua model, in two words, is about clarity and focus. So a good idea is to have clarity and focus, in your home/workplace. Remove anything that you don’t need from your homes/workplaces (that includes any financial matters, papers for financial success) – do a major decluttering for your feng shui to work better and more efficiently and effectively. Specifically, clean, clear and declutter all central space, passageways, corridors and rooms in your home and workplace. Free and easy movement around your home and workplace will help you to have more clarity and focus leading to a more purposeful life and ultimately navigating 2022 much better and more successfully.

5 earth element, which is in the middle of the bagua model in 2022, is representative of gathering, grounding and nourishing energies.

Bagua for 2022 directions

1) To calculate your luck star or Kua number just check this year element chart below.

2) Next, locate it on the magic square to see which house of the bagua your star is occupying in 2022.

In this way, you can figure out good directions and which house of the bagua model your star is occupying this year – and what is the focus for you this year.

For example, if your star is 2, then this year is about relationships and partnerships (add more pictures of friends and family and partners). If your star is 4, then you need to focus on wealth, prosperity, and luck (boost your luck in many ways – one way is to read this book on the Luck Factor). If your star is 1, then work, career and vocation need to be addressed this year (get the koi carp 3D picture to boost your work and career prospects to add more water/money element in your home or workplace). If your feng shui star is 6, then 2022 is the year of travel (actual and virtual) – get a few maps and posters of places you want to visit (Bora Bora below looks very inviting and friendly).

So, look into the bagua model to figure out what 2022 year is about for you. Obviously, all areas of bagua are important, but not equally important. Decide what are your values for 2022 (ie career, relationships, family, wealth/luck, wellness, travels, creativity/children, wisdom/knowledge or success and enlightenment) and enhance the appropriate areas of bagua, either using compass directions or from the door or just virtually ie using the bagua as a value/life wheel. Clarity of your personal and professional values will drive your behaviours and ultimately, success in these domains. You can start with the bagua model to help you design and clarify your values or just start from the values and then look at the bagua to figure out which domains of your life need a boost. For example, if ‘freedom’ is important to you, then which house/s of the bagua can support this value in your life. Different people will have different responses to this because the context would be different. What do you want to affirm for yourself and the world in 2022?

How to boost and activate your bagua in 2022
Simple, universal feng shui applications to boost any area of the bagua are to add light, plants, crystals, sparkling things, colour, flowers, books, photos, posters, mirrors, symbols, beautiful things and anything that makes you tick and happy. Space clearing and decluttering important areas is also a very effective way of shifting energies and getting results. Don’t be feng shui dogmatic (you can’t really get it wrong) – use your intuition, common sense and good interior design taste. If you’re not sure, contact your feng shui consultant.

Bora Bora Island – posters of places you want to visit will prime you to get there…

Expanding images or posters are one of the best ways to enhance your home and office and to inspire you to dream… and boost your travel prospects (in this case to Bora Bora above – please let me know if/when you visit it – it’s on my list for 2022).

To sum up, we don’t need astrology to recognise that we’re living in radically uncertain and unpredictable times (unpredictability is a key characteristic of tiger personality and tiger years). Living in the present moment is more important than ever. Although it might be difficult to plan ahead, nevertheless, we must. One simple-ish way of riding and navigating 2022 is to actually go beyond the yin and yang of things, the duality of things (there are opposites but no opposition) and karma (cause and effect). How? By affirming life and seeing the good in everything (following tao). Ultimately, feng shui is a physical affirmation. When life is sufficiently affirmed we can no longer lose since every combination and every move we make produces by nature adequate virtual and physical possibilities for any manifestation/actualisation we are willing (not wishing). Willing things has more power, as opposed to just wishing, choosing or wanting or thinking about them. Writing down your dreams, goals and ‘willings‘ is the first physical step… In two words, I WILL … can help you manifest your dreams and goals.

“Why don’t you create your own environment? The world has only as much power over you as you give it. Rebel. Go beyond duality, make no difference between east and west.”
Nisargadatta Maharaj in I Am That

Top feng shui tips for 2022

1. Empower yourself by going beyond feng shui. By going beyond feng shui, you’ll become free to take charge of your environment and therefore be less affected by it (the power, in order of importance, is 1) in us, 2) in others around us, and 3) in the environment / feng shui, so as you can see feng shui is not the most influential factor in life – having said that, it’s good to have interesting, nice and supportive environments :). The water energy of the tiger year has a certain quality of rising above things. More about how to go beyond feng shui and the art of affirmation
2. Connect to nature to ground yourself and boost your energy and aura/spirit (studies suggest that grounding/earthing protects you from electro-smog and reduces inflammation, among other things). 5 star, the earth element is in the centre of the bagua model.
3. Avoid electro-smog and geopathic stress (switch off wifi for the night because it will affect your melatonin production and you won’t get enough deep sleep which is critical for a healthy lifestyle)
4. Add positive images and things to your home and workplace (priming yourself with positivity will have a massive effect on your mood and outlook on life)
5. Have more photos of friends and family around your home – social connections are more important than ever (research suggests that pictures of friends can boost your oxytocin and activate your vague nerve)
6. Have lots of books, especially on spiritual/transpersonal development and anything inspirational to keep your spirit inspired and to boost your self-esteem (researchers found that the more books you have in your home the wiser and more intelligent you can become…). If luck is important to you – the best book on boosting luck is The Luck Factor by Richard Wiseman who scientifically has proven that luck is a skill that anyone can learn and enhance with simple steps! One key essential skill lucky people have is the ability to turn bad luck into good fortune, especially in unfortunate times when things are unpredictable and incomplete.
7. On the other hand, clarity, focus and purposeful decluttering is good way to shift your life where you want to go or who you want to become.
8. Have fun (even in the smallest possible ways) and don’t put your life into feng shui – put feng shui into your life – read point 1 again (don’t read disempowering, biased and confusing feng shui nonsense online which is not evidence-based! – you will get confused, you’ve been warned). Trust your common sense and intuition. When you’re not sure, contact your feng shui expert – ideally the one who practice evidence-based feng shui.

Feng shui water tiger at Battersea Power Station in London in 2022 – go and see it at night, it’s spectacular! There are light displays around it (check out the colour of the chimneys – coincidence? I don’t think so

Celebrate the New Chinese Year 2022: 1 February 2022
Please note that the Chinese celebrate their New Year for five days so make sure to do something to celebrate it. One of the best and simplest ways to celebrate a new beginning is to wear something brand new. You want new things in life – do something new. If you want to raise your vibration get a pair of new shoes or a bag or a new lipstick – all women know how to make themselves feel better and boost their vibration with new things… Do something new + wear something new + go somewhere new…

Very Peri tote bag – or other fun accessories in the colour of 2022

Or any other tiger year merch for Tigers or if you feel you need that kind of energy to become a water tiger (and to prime yourself with physical reminders).

Or create your own tiger project like the Swiss light artist, Gerry Hofstetter, by projecting a giant tiger onto the iconic north face of Eiger Mountain in Grindelwald, a village in Switzerland’s Bernese Alps, a favoured gateway for the Jungfrau Region, with skiing in winter and hiking in summer activities.

Also, write down all your goals and dreams for 2022 that you are willing to manifest – the more the better – some will actually come true and get actualised or realised when you do something about them (sometimes writing them down is enough though… – it’s called weak intention or priming or subliminal preconscious processing).

If you’re new to feng shui, feng = wind/spirit/mind/intention/affirmation, and shui = water, matter/body/ritual.
Feng shui algorithm, simply put: feng shui = intention + ritual.  Or ultimately, feng shui is (a physical) affirmation. 

“What you can do, or dream you can, begin it;
Boldness has genius, power and magic in it.”
Goethe

Have a great, fun and prosperous Year of the Water Tiger!
Jan

Feng shui consultations for 2022
If you need a specific, evidence-based feng shui consultation for your home or workplace in 2022 – or just a yearly feng shui MOT check, please contact/whatsapp me on +44 7956 288574 or use the contact form

PS please note that this blog is a work in progress… and I’ll be updating it with new insights to help me/us to navigate this year as best as we can – so please revisit it from time to time

Imagine a dense forest full of tigers and you in a strong steel cage.
Knowing that you are well protected by the cage, you watch the tigers fearlessly.
Next you find the tigers in the cage and yourself roaming about in the jungle.
Last — the cage disappears and you ride the tigers!

The post Feng shui for 2022 – the year of water tiger. Top feng shui tips and trends. appeared first on Feng Shui London UK • The Capital Feng Shui Consultant.

ICEP 2021 International Conference on Environmental Psychology

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.

• A short introduction to feng shui:
  current global popularity
  similarities and differences between environmental psychology and feng shui
  history of feng shui
  key concepts
• Extensive Sleep Research Supports Feng Shui Claims and Interventions for Optimal Sleep Environments
• Angularity vs Curvilinearity Research
• Health Benefits of Connection to Nature and Biophilia Effect as a Key Practical Principle in Feng Shui
• Research on Benefits of Spirituality for Wellness and Health Confirms Spiritual Applications in Feng Shui
• Priming Effect, Placebo and Epigenetics as Plausible Mechanisms behind Feng Shui
• Conclusion and discussion
• Q&A

More info about the conference: 
https://www.conftool.pro/icep2021/index.php?page=browseSessions&form_session=61

Booking for virtual conference 
http://icep2021.com/virtual-congress/

The post A Scientific Understanding of Feng Shui. Presentation at the 3rd International Conference on Environmental Psychology, Siracusa, Italy, Friday 8 October 2021 appeared first on Feng Shui London UK • The Capital Feng Shui Consultant.

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

Top tips for spiritual feng shui

The post Spiritual Feng Shui Talk on Saturday, the 10th of July in London, UK appeared first on Feng Shui London UK • The Capital Feng Shui Consultant.