Feng Shui History
It's As Old As The Hills

Feng Shui History.

The elements of Feng Shui are the foundation of the practice that help us in understanding influence of cosmological and metaphysical world on our lives and on our social and cultural interactions. The art of Feng Shui and its use of symbols, plants, arrangement of furniture in the home, in the office, and even the way your work desk is arranged has been around thousands of years. It is often referred to as 'old as the hills.’

And it’s the hills only where the art originated- in 3rd century BC from the mountainous south-west region in China.

Feng Shui History / Taking Notice of the Changes in Nature

Many historians trace the earliest traces to the history of Feng Shui to 12th century BC. It is King Wen of Chou dynasty that many believed was the first to use pa-k’ua to describe patterns of change in nature. By 8th century BC, pa-k’ua or the theory of change was being used by many kings and rulers.

Pa-k’ua was used for letting positive energy flow inside a city so that the city prospers. Many believe that the philosophy of Yin-Yang was already popular in the Warring State around 7th century BC.

Feng Shui History / The Study of Energy and Landforms

However, earliest archaeological records establish history of Feng Shui to Han dynasty which ruled around 3rd century BC. The topography of the region was mountainous and rugged because of which people searched for a way to find auspicious dwellings and burial sites. History suggests that Feng Shui is based on principle of k’an-yu (‘k’an’ meaning mountain and ‘yu’ meaning low places or ‘the study of energy and landforms’) which was first used here.

The basis for the principle was landforms and other geological bodies are filled with a fundamental energy - Chi. This energy can be constructive or destructive. If a city is built on the land with constructive energy, the city will prosper.

And similarly, if a city is built on land with destructive energy, it will constantly face problem. With experience and intuition, Feng Shui experts selected land sites for construction, farming, and other purposes. In fact, around that time period, many cities and capitals were established on the land chosen through k’an-yu philosophy.

Feng Shui History / The Discipline

It was in AD 888, that Feng Shui was formalized as a discipline. It was refined by the practice and teachings of Yang Yun Sang who was the adviser to the Emperor of Tang Dynasty. Yang Yun Sang wrote many texts on his observation. He is also known as the founder of the modern interpretation of Feng Shui. A century later, during Song dynasty, Wang Chih refined Sang’s earlier work. It is Wang Chih’s work that is practiced in modern day Feng Shui.

Feng Shui History / Coming to America

As to the history of Feng Shui in America, many believe the art came here in the mid 1800s during the Californian gold rush that people started using Feng Shui to seek fortune. But it was only in 1970s when Feng Shui gained popularity. It was Nixon’s historic visit to China that opened up doors for cultural exchange between both the countries. It’s been decades since then, and Feng Shui has made to the popular culture in America.

To learn more about feng shui follow these links:

Feng Shui In The Home

Feng Shui Home Office

Feng Shui Office Colors

Feng Shui Numbers

Feng Shui Office