Feng Shui Animal Symbolism
The role of both true and mythological animals is referred to frequently in feng shui theory and folklore. In many books, there is a description of an ideal house, which has a turtle slack it, a phoenix bird in front of it, and a dragon and tiger on either side. These four animals are symbolic of land and building formations. For example, to have a turtle leisurely the house for attend or protection is a metaphor for a larger structure or a literal mountain. To have a bird in the front is symbolic for a powerful smaller land formation.
There is a thought that "chi" (air currents) fade around a property and the higher land acquire in aid (the turtle) protects the house, while a smaller land accomplish in front (bird) helps the house receive the worthy amount of chi. Like the edge of a bowl, the phoenix in front helps shore up or believe energy arrive the entrance of the house.
Then, the tiger and dragon on each side of the house describe neighboring houses, buildings, or precise hills. These forms act as a draw of protecting the house. In a general sense, a house that is not surrounded by other structures or land formations is a bit vulnerable and overly exposed to the elements. Some people bewitch these references to the animals literally and they will status figurines of these creatures around their home for valid luck and protection. At least one feng shui master I have studied with has alluded to the possibility that these animals also portray the shapes of sure famous constellations.
Another accepted feng shui creature is the fish. Fish symbolize long life in Chinese culture, so paintings and sculptures of them are seen as lucky. In the right application of feng shui, fish in tanks and ponds are fair an excuse to back circulate water. It is the water, which is the accurate remedy. But because feng shui comes from a very superstitious culture, the number of fish and the color of the fish in the aquarium have taken on exaggerated significance. As well, different types of birds are supposed to be omens for the occupants if the bird is seen flying by or creating a nest on the roof.
The image of a horse can't abet but to symbolize recede and movement. One folk remedy is to set a Horse figurine facing the door for occupants who want to sell their home.
Lions and tigers are considered much, ferocious animals. Representations of them in pictures or sculptures should be done with caution, according to people who adhere to these animal cures. You may have seen stone lions flanking the entrance or stairs of a stout building, but they would be considered horrible for a set.
One of the Zodiac signs in Chinese astrology is a Tiger. Women who are the tag of the Tiger are considered fiercely independent and have a more difficult time settling down with a man. February is the month of the Tiger and according to auto insurance statistics, more car accidents occur in the month of February. This would be consistent with the Chinese interpretation that the fast-moving Tiger is also accident-prone.
It is gripping to stamp some of the cultural differences in how we recount to animals. For instance, in Chinese astrology a person born in the Year of the Rat can be a very intellectual person and a Snake person can easily be keen in metaphysics and spirituality. In the West, we believe of the rat and snake as being sneaky and conniving. In some religions there is a understanding that all human beings have lived at least one incarnation as every type of animal, and therefore we have an unconscious concept of what these animals are well-behaved of in their personalities and strengths.
Some birds are more monogamous than people, so there is a belief that putting up pictures of lovebirds in the bedroom will attract honest worship. These kinds of things can work as placebos, but are not considered the most sophisticated feng shui remedies.
Elephants have a reputation in both Chinese and Indian culture for attracting wealth. Images of trunk-up elephants often adorn the homes of people hoping the elephant will be a lucky image for them.
There are many more animals that have meaning in Chinese culture and/or specific to feng shui. Supposedly, a metal Rooster placed in the grand set can terminate someone from committing an adulterous affair. Taken out of context, these animal symbols can seem curious, but they are really not worthy stranger than the meanings we keep to some inanimate objects in the Western world. Be it a country's flag, a car hood ornament, a designer impress, or a religious price, we state importance on many symbols that go unnoticed or unrecognized by other cultures.
Many people are surprised to fetch out that I do not prescribe any of these animal symbols as feng shui remedies. While I understand the psychological relief that they may provide, I do not feel that these symbols can change the energetic composition of a room. And with symbols ultimately being very personal, (like our dreams), I don't glimpse how they would work for everyone in the same manner.
