Macramé Owl Photo credit: Bill Davenport

Feng Shui

Traditional feng shui (pronounced fung shway) is an ancient Chinese practice (earliest evidence dating back to 4000 BC). Feng shui uses astronomy and geography to influence the outcome of the relationship between humans and the spaces in which they exist. It aims to create an auspicious, healthy, life-enhancing environment. It was (in some places still is) used to determine where to live, work, and lay to rest.

Modern practitioners use feng shui to arrange furniture and objects to positively enhance the flow of Chi or Qi (vital life energy) to an optimum. In turn, this flow can improve health, wealth and relationships. Stagnation of chi can lead to ill health, misfortune, loss, and general negativity in one, several or all aspects of life.

While skeptics may dispute feng shui as superstition or psuedoscience, many of the practices are actually derived from basic science and pure common sense.

The Bagua

The bagua is a type of compass divided into eight trigrams. Each section has the attributes of a compass direction, season, natural element and other meanings. The ninth area is in the centre of the bagua, and represents balance throughout all areas.

The bagua is used in feng shui as a template that divides any space into nine areas. Each area corresponds to a different aspect of your life. Whatever is going on energetically (good or bad) in that part of your space will affect the related aspect of your life.

Feng Shui ‘Cures’

A feng shui ‘cure’ is some modification of the environment to shift the flow of chi in the environment, thus creating a more beneficial and prosperous energy state.

Owl Symbolism in Feng Shui

Buddhists believe the owl to be an independent seeker of truth that is familiar with meditation. Ancient cultures believed the owl offered protection against evil spirits and ill health. Owl figures increase the Yang in the environment – the positive and masculine chi energies.

Feng Shui Cures and Auspicious Placement of the Macramé Owl

View the bagua to see what part of your home you would like to enhance with the qualities of the owl, and invite a Macramé Owl to nest in that area.

For example, if you want to have educational success, improve knowledge or wisdom, welcome Macramé Owls in the knowledge area, which is in the southwest (or bottom left) corner of your home (as you apply the bagua template to your floor plan); or coax it into the southwest corner of the room that is used for study purposes.

If you want to improve eyesight and hearing, ask a Macramé Owl to set up roost in the family/health (‘west’ or left) area. To improve your career, nudge a Macramé Owl in the career (‘south’) area, which is by the entrance to your home. To increase wealth and prosperity, invite as many Macramé Owls as you can stand to live with, into the ‘northwest’ (or far left) corner. To gain insight into your primary relationships, woo a couple of Macramé Owls into the far right corner.

For general balance and positive energy in the home and in life, entrust a Macramé Owl to dwell in the centre of your home. You can also provide shelter to a Macramé Owl in the centre of any (or every) room for balance in any bagua area.

Why the Macramé Owl is an Ideal Feng Shui Cure

Not only is owl symbolism incredibly powerful; the DNA of a Macramé Owl is also feng shui friendly. Its natural makeup (such as hemp and driftwood) add positive and balancing feng shui elements in your environment. When a hanging Macramé Owl sways in the breeze, it creates a gentle flow of chi energy.