Key Takeaways
1. Feng Shui is Instinctive Common Sense
While many people see feng shui as a mysterious practice, probably because it originated a long time ago, the ideas behind it are really very simple.
Beyond Mysticism. Feng Shui, at its core, is not about superstition or magic. It's a practical system rooted in observing how our environment affects our well-being. The principles encourage us to use common sense and intuition when designing and arranging our living spaces. It's about creating harmony and balance to optimize our performance and overall happiness.
Logical Principles. Every Feng Shui principle has a logical reason behind it. For example, positioning a desk to face the door allows you to see who's coming, creating a sense of control and security. Similarly, ensuring good ventilation and natural light promotes a healthy and vibrant atmosphere.
Personal Guide. If a particular Feng Shui theory makes you feel uncomfortable, it's not in the spirit of the practice. Your feelings should be your ultimate guide. Feng Shui is about creating a space that resonates with you, not blindly following rules that clash with your intuition.
2. Yin and Yang: The Dance of Opposites
You can’t have one without the other – you need to understand darkness before you can understand the light, and you need to see light before you can understand what is dark.
Interconnected Opposites. Yin and Yang represent the fundamental duality of the universe. Yin is associated with calmness, darkness, and the feminine, while Yang embodies energy, light, and the masculine. These aren't opposing forces but rather complementary aspects of a whole.
Balance is Key. Feng Shui emphasizes the importance of balancing Yin and Yang in your living spaces. A room that's too Yang (bright, energetic) can be overstimulating, while a room that's too Yin (dark, subdued) can feel depressing. The goal is to create a harmonious blend of both.
Examples of Balance. A living room might incorporate Yang elements like bright colors and lively plants, balanced with Yin elements like soft lighting and comfortable seating. A bedroom, on the other hand, should lean more towards Yin, with calming colors and subdued lighting to promote relaxation.
3. The Five Elements: Understanding the Building Blocks
To help us understand this further, Chinese philosophy gives us five symbolic elements: fire, earth, metal, water and wood.
Symbolic Representations. The Five Elements – Fire, Earth, Metal, Water, and Wood – are symbolic representations of different energies and qualities. Each element is associated with a compass direction, season, color, shape, and texture. Understanding these associations allows you to create balance and harmony in your space.
Element Characteristics.
- Fire: Represents heat, energy, and passion (red, triangle).
- Earth: Represents stability, balance, and grounding (yellow/brown, square).
- Metal: Represents precision, transformation, and density (white, circle).
- Water: Represents fluidity, depth, and coolness (black/dark blue, fluid shape).
- Wood: Represents growth, vitality, and life (green/light blue, rectangle).
Element Cycles. The elements interact with each other in cycles of creation and destruction. For example, water extinguishes fire, while wood fuels fire. By understanding these cycles, you can strategically introduce elements to counteract imbalances in your space.
4. Chi: Feeling the Energy of a Space
Chi, which means ‘air’, is a fundamental concept of feng shui.
Intangible Energy. Chi is the vital life force or energy that flows through everything. In Feng Shui, it refers to the feeling or atmosphere of a space. A room with good Chi feels welcoming, balanced, and harmonious, while a room with bad Chi feels stagnant, oppressive, or uncomfortable.
Types of Chi.
- Sheng (Life) Chi: Growth, happy thoughts, gentle breeze, plants.
- Si (Dead) Chi: Stagnant stillness, musty smell.
- Sha (Killing) Chi: Threatening, uncomfortable feeling, sharp edges.
- Movement Chi: Physical circulation of energy in a space.
Enhancing Chi. You can improve the Chi of a space by decluttering, introducing natural light and ventilation, using soft curves instead of sharp angles, and balancing the Five Elements. The goal is to create a space that feels good and supports your well-being.
5. Command Position: Taking Control of Your Environment
You are sitting in the command position, because you feel secure and at the same time in command of your space.
Optimal Placement. The Command Position is the most advantageous spot in a room, where you feel secure, in control, and able to see what's happening around you. It's based on the principles of the Five Animals: Tortoise (back), Bird (front), Dragon (left), Tiger (right), and Snake (center).
Animal Associations.
- Tortoise: Represents protection and stability (a wall or solid backing behind you).
- Bird: Represents openness and a clear view (space in front of you).
- Dragon & Tiger: Represent support and balance (support on either side of you).
- Snake: Represents your mental state and the need for balance.
Applying the Command Position. In a bedroom, the bed should be positioned with a solid headboard against a wall, a clear view of the door, and space on either side. In an office, the desk should be positioned to face the door, with a wall behind you for support.
6. Choosing a Home: Listening to Your Head and Heart
Remember that while your home may be the biggest financial investment in your life, it is also the place where you spend most of your time, so in selecting a home, you should listen to both your head and your heart.
Beyond Location. When choosing a home, don't solely focus on location. Consider other important factors like structural soundness, neighborhood, accessibility, and the overall feeling of the space. Your home should be a place where you feel safe, comfortable, and inspired.
Essential Factors.
- Structural Soundness: Ensure the home is structurally safe and free from leaks.
- Neighborhood: Choose a neighborhood that offers access to parks, green spaces, clean air, and a sense of community.
- Accessibility: Select a home that suits your current needs and lifestyle.
Direction and Orientation. In Feng Shui, the direction your home faces is important. Traditionally, houses faced south to maximize sunlight and good fortune. However, the best orientation depends on your personal preferences and the specific characteristics of the property.
7. Styling: Turning a House into a Home
Creating beautiful space is about a methodical awareness of the environment and establishing balance so that the space not only looks nice, but feels right, too.
Beyond Decoration. Styling is more than just adding decorative touches. It's about creating a space that reflects your personality, values, and aspirations. It's about creating a harmonious environment that supports your well-being and enhances your life.
Key Elements of Styling.
- Color: Use colors that evoke the desired mood and balance the Five Elements.
- Lighting: Create a layered lighting scheme that incorporates natural and artificial light.
- Art and Sculpture: Choose pieces that inspire you and reflect your interests.
- Plants: Introduce plants to bring life, energy, and a connection to nature.
First Impressions. The entrance to your home is crucial. It should be welcoming, well-lit, and free from clutter. This sets the tone for the entire space and creates a positive feeling every time you come home.
8. Clutter: The Enemy of Flow
Clutter is when things are strewn around in an uncontrolled fashion against our will.
Stagnant Energy. Clutter is more than just a visual annoyance. It represents stagnant energy, blocked flow, and a lack of control. It can hinder your mental clarity, creativity, and overall well-being.
Categorize and Organize. The key to decluttering is to categorize everything and create a logical storage system. Assign a specific place for every item and make sure it's easily accessible. Avoid "miscellaneous" boxes and find a category for everything.
Placement Matters. After decluttering, pay attention to the placement of your furnishings. Avoid blocking doorways or creating obstacles that impede the flow of energy. The goal is to create a space that feels open, spacious, and inviting.
Last updated:
FAQ
What is "Feng Shui Modern" by Cliff Tan about?
- Modern, Practical Feng Shui: The book demystifies feng shui, presenting it as a logical, instinctive approach to arranging spaces for optimal wellbeing, rather than a mystical or superstitious practice.
- Foundational Principles: Cliff Tan focuses on the "form school" (san he) of feng shui, which is based on the physical environment, energy flow, and common sense, rather than complex calculations or metaphysics.
- Room-by-Room Guidance: The book provides detailed advice on applying feng shui principles to every room and function in a modern home, from choosing a house to styling and decluttering.
- Accessible and Visual: With clear explanations and illustrations, the book is designed to help anyone—regardless of prior knowledge—create balanced, beautiful, and functional living spaces.
Why should I read "Feng Shui Modern" by Cliff Tan?
- Practical, Actionable Advice: The book offers straightforward, actionable steps for improving your home’s energy and your own wellbeing, without requiring expensive tools or esoteric knowledge.
- Focus on Wellbeing: Rather than promising wealth or luck, Cliff Tan emphasizes how good feng shui creates environments that support your mood, health, and happiness.
- Modern Relevance: The advice is tailored for contemporary living, including apartments, shared spaces, and small homes, making it highly relevant for today’s readers.
- Empowering Approach: The book encourages readers to trust their instincts and adapt feng shui principles to their own needs and feelings, making the practice accessible and personal.
What are the key takeaways from "Feng Shui Modern" by Cliff Tan?
- Feng Shui is Common Sense: At its core, feng shui is about creating spaces that feel good and function well, using logic and intuition.
- Balance is Essential: Achieving harmony between yin and yang, the five elements, and the five animals is central to a balanced home.
- Command Position Matters: Placing key furniture (like beds, sofas, and desks) in the "command position" enhances feelings of security and control.
- Personalization is Key: The best feng shui adapts to your lifestyle, preferences, and the unique qualities of your space, rather than rigidly following rules.
How does Cliff Tan define and explain the foundations of feng shui in "Feng Shui Modern"?
- Yin and Yang: These are complementary opposites (e.g., light/dark, active/calm) that must be balanced in every space for harmony.
- Ba Gua: An arrangement of eight trigrams representing different aspects of life and space, used to analyze and balance environments.
- Five Elements: Fire, earth, metal, water, and wood symbolize different qualities and are linked to directions, seasons, and colors; their balance is crucial.
- Chi (Energy): Chi is the flow of energy in a space, influenced by movement, light, air, and the arrangement of objects.
- Five Animals: The tortoise, bird, dragon, tiger, and snake represent different spatial needs (support, openness, growth, protection, and balance) and guide furniture placement.
What is the "command position" in "Feng Shui Modern" and why is it important?
- Definition: The command position is the optimal spot in a room where you feel secure, supported, and in control—typically with your back to a wall, a clear view of the entrance, and open space in front.
- Five Animals Framework: The position is explained using the five animals: tortoise (support behind), bird (open view in front), dragon and tiger (protection on sides), and snake (balance at center).
- Application: Key furniture like beds, sofas, and desks should be placed in the command position to enhance comfort, focus, and wellbeing.
- Practical Impact: Being in the command position reduces feelings of vulnerability and increases a sense of empowerment in your space.
How does "Feng Shui Modern" by Cliff Tan explain the flow of chi and its impact on home design?
- Chi as Feeling: Chi is described as the feeling or energy of a space, shaped by light, air, movement, and the arrangement of objects.
- Types of Chi: The book identifies life (sheng) chi (growth, vitality), dead (si) chi (stagnation), killing (sha) chi (aggressive, sharp), and movement chi (circulation).
- Chi Flow Mapping: Readers are taught to analyze floorplans for pathways, sharp angles, and sources of light to identify positive and negative chi zones.
- Optimizing Chi: The goal is to maximize positive chi by ensuring smooth, gentle circulation, avoiding direct alignments of doors and windows, and minimizing sharp, oppressive features.
What are the five elements in "Feng Shui Modern" and how should they be balanced in a home?
- Element Overview: The five elements—fire, earth, metal, water, and wood—each represent specific qualities, colors, shapes, and directions.
- Element Cycles: The book explains creation and destruction cycles, showing how elements support or weaken each other (e.g., water nourishes wood, but extinguishes fire).
- Room Application: Each room may have a dominant element based on its function and orientation; balance is achieved by introducing complementary elements through color, materials, and decor.
- Personalization: The balance of elements should also reflect the personalities and needs of the occupants, not just the physical space.
How does "Feng Shui Modern" by Cliff Tan guide readers in planning and arranging specific rooms?
- Room-by-Room Advice: The book covers entrances, living rooms, dining rooms, kitchens, offices, bedrooms, bathrooms, and shared spaces, offering tailored feng shui strategies for each.
- Key Principles: For each room, Cliff Tan emphasizes the command position, chi flow, balance of elements, and the importance of function and feeling.
- Common Challenges: Solutions are provided for small, long, irregular, or windowless rooms, as well as for open-plan and shared spaces.
- Practical Tips: The book includes actionable suggestions for furniture placement, color choices, lighting, and handling architectural constraints.
What are Cliff Tan’s recommendations for decluttering and storage in "Feng Shui Modern"?
- Clutter as Blocked Energy: Clutter is seen as uncontrolled, misplaced items that block the flow of chi and create mental and physical stagnation.
- Categorization System: Cliff Tan advises categorizing and storing items logically by function and location (e.g., books in the study, toiletries in the bathroom).
- Organized Storage: Even hidden storage should be tidy and methodical, as it represents your past and your capacity for the future.
- Flow and Accessibility: Furniture and storage should never block doorways or pathways, ensuring smooth movement and energy throughout the home.
How does "Feng Shui Modern" by Cliff Tan address styling, color, and lighting in home design?
- Styling for Impressions: The book suggests designing each room to look good from the main entrance or approach, with key items anchoring the view.
- Color and Element Balance: Colors are linked to the five elements and should be chosen based on room orientation, function, and desired mood; balance and contrast are more important than strict rules.
- Lighting as Yin and Yang: Artificial lighting should mix sources and types (floor, table, pendant, wall) to create a harmonious balance of light and shadow, supporting the room’s activity level.
- Personal Taste: Readers are encouraged to identify and express their own preferences, using objects and art that evoke positive feelings and memories.
What does "Feng Shui Modern" by Cliff Tan say about the use of mirrors, crystals, water features, and plants?
- Mirrors: Mirrors reflect and double energy; they should be placed to enhance light and positive features, but avoided in bedrooms and areas where calm is needed.
- Crystals: Clear crystals disperse light and energy, while mineral crystals (especially jade) symbolize earth and growth; their placement should be intentional and meaningful.
- Water Features: Moving water (fountains, aquariums) symbolizes wealth and vitality, but should be kept clean and placed thoughtfully—never in bedrooms or above living spaces.
- Indoor Plants: Plants bring life chi and the wood element, soften sharp corners, and enliven spaces, but should be healthy, well-placed, and not overused in bedrooms.
What are the best quotes from "Feng Shui Modern" by Cliff Tan and what do they mean?
- "Feng shui is really just a set of theories to guide you to build something in the best possible way." — This quote emphasizes that feng shui is practical and logical, not mystical.
- "If following a particular theory makes you feel uncomfortable, then it is not in the spirit of feng shui." — Cliff Tan encourages readers to trust their instincts and adapt principles to their own comfort.
- "Spaces do shape your moods and feelings – and this can change outcomes." — The book highlights the profound impact of environment on wellbeing and life results.
- "The best position for chi in this room is the space where there are no lines in the first or second colour, but where you can bathe in the light from the third set of coloured lines." — This practical advice on mapping chi flow shows how to find the most harmonious spot in any room.
- "With feng shui, you can create a better home – and this can change your life." — The book’s core message: thoughtful design leads to real improvements in daily living.
Review Summary
Feng Shui Modern receives mostly positive reviews, with readers praising its clear explanations and practical approach to modern feng shui. Many appreciate the author's ability to make the concepts accessible and applicable to contemporary living spaces. Some readers find the book informative and beautifully illustrated, while others note its usefulness as an introduction to feng shui principles. A few reviewers mention that the content is similar to the author's social media videos, and some wish for more in-depth information on specific topics.
Download PDF
Download EPUB
.epub digital book format is ideal for reading ebooks on phones, tablets, and e-readers.
