What do you think?
Rate this book
The Complete Idiot's Guide to Feng Shui
“An American masterpiece that tops the lot.”
—Feng Shui For Modern Living Considered the feng shui bible by classical practitioners and teachers, The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Feng Shui has been updated to include more case studies and feng shui readings to make the practical application of feng shui even more accessible; new chapters feature before and after photos of feng shui makeovers and explain Ming Gua—the Guardian Star that influences a person’s character—and much more.
• One of the few Western books that focuses on “classical” feng shui, which is growing in popularity now that the topic has become more mainstream
• Joseph Yu is one of only five world-renowned classical feng shui masters
—Feng Shui For Modern Living Considered the feng shui bible by classical practitioners and teachers, The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Feng Shui has been updated to include more case studies and feng shui readings to make the practical application of feng shui even more accessible; new chapters feature before and after photos of feng shui makeovers and explain Ming Gua—the Guardian Star that influences a person’s character—and much more.
• One of the few Western books that focuses on “classical” feng shui, which is growing in popularity now that the topic has become more mainstream
• Joseph Yu is one of only five world-renowned classical feng shui masters
400 pages, Paperback
First published May 18, 1999
9 people are currently reading
222 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
December 1, 2011
So far the best, most complicated book on Feng Shui I was able to find. Traditional Feng Shui, Flying Stars, not a pop version. No mirrors or cures to activate sectors, no inspiration and sixth sense, but years of birth for the members of the family living in the house or apartment, year when house was built, measuring house orientation, charts, based on luopan compass, and so on.
Unfortunately, unfinished: starting from the second half of book were shown only some examples what to do with obtained numbers, not applicable for others. What a pity! So, do your a favor: do not rush to take rooms measurements that will not be needed for a few chapters further, find first flying stars diagram for your home and see further instructions, if they are applicable to your case.
I got and impression that before and after chapter 15 different people wrote the book. It was so promising...
Unfortunately, unfinished: starting from the second half of book were shown only some examples what to do with obtained numbers, not applicable for others. What a pity! So, do your a favor: do not rush to take rooms measurements that will not be needed for a few chapters further, find first flying stars diagram for your home and see further instructions, if they are applicable to your case.
I got and impression that before and after chapter 15 different people wrote the book. It was so promising...
May 25, 2024
A WELL-PRESENTED INTRODUCTION TO THIS CHINESE PRACTICE
Stephen L. Field wrote in the Foreword to this 1999 book, “At the end of the 20th century, one of the most venerable of the traditional Chinese sciences has finally made its way to the West to take its place alongside the important, but not as ancient, science of acupuncture. I refer, of course, to feng shui, the art and science of geophysical orientation, a tradition as old as the Chinese culture itself… The book in your hands is the key to unlocking the secrets of feng shui…”
Authors Elizabeth Moran and Val Biktashev explain in the Introduction, “Feng shui is the art and science of living in harmony with your living space. Specifically, feng shui seeks to harness positive energy and correct negative energy with the intention of promoting better health, wealth, and relationships… This may sound goofy, but more science is coming to agree with the ancient Chinese notion that we’re all bundles of one interconnected energy. Out of the ancient’s reverence for nature, three fundamental principles developed: yin and yang, the five phases, and the eight trigrams… these principles form the basis of two classical methods of feng shui: the East/West System and the Nine Floating Stars… These systems will help you find a house compatible with your energy. You’ll discover how external and internal factors influence your health and livelihood.” (Pg. xviii)
In Chapter 1, they note that the correct pronunciation is ‘FUNG SCHWAY.” (Pg. 3) They continue, “Feng shui literally translates to ‘wind/water,’ the two natural elements that influence the focus of Earth ‘qi,’ or energy, in a dwelling or on a site. Figuratively, the term represents the art and science of living in harmony with nature’s forces.” (Pg. 7)
In Chapter 3, they state, “The Chinese have always believed in the oneness of all things. The practice of feng shui was born out of China’s reverence for nature. The Chinese believed if they could reflect the balance of nature in their daily lives, they could achieve a more harmonious living condition. That assumption was correct… the Chinese developed a thought process based on intuitive wisdom, and how they derived mathematical truths from nature---much of which is recorded in the ‘Yijing,’ commonly known to Westerners as ‘The Book of Changes.’” (Pg. 25)
In Chapter 4, they observe, “What we’ve been describing as cosmic and universal ‘energy’ and nature’s ‘forces’ is what Chinese call ‘qi’ (also spelled ‘chi’). Qi has many meanings… Feng shui seeks to harness qi’s positive aspects to better our well-being. Now, to be perfectly clear, the existence of qi can’t be scientifically proven---yet… Simply, qi (pronounced ‘chee’) is the underlying essence of all things. It is the all-encompassing, all-permeating, unifying force of everything. Both physical and metaphysical, qi is the animated, vital, nourishing force that is at the heart of the growth and development of the cosmos.” (Pg. 35-36)
In Chapter 5, they explain, “‘Yin’ is the Way of the earth. It… represents the passive principle in nature exhibited in darkness, cold, and wetness. On a human level, yin symbolizes femininity and inertia… ‘Yang’ is the Way of Heaven… It represents the active principle in nature exhibited as light, heat, and dryness. On a human level, yang represents masculinity and the positive side of our emotions.” (Pg. 50-51) Later, they add, “So what does yin and yang have to do with feng shui? A lot. If yin and yang aren’t balanced in your environment, their imbalance can produce unwanted emotional and physical effects.” (Pg. 55)
In Chapter 6, they say, “The five phases are five physical elements in nature---fire, earth, metal, water, and wood---that represent the movements of qi… The movement, transformation, and interaction of each phase are what is studied, not the particular element itself… How the five phases interact with one another determines the balance of qi in nature, in our living/working space, and in our beings.” (Pg. 58)
Chapter 7 explains, “The eight trigrams are the fundamental building blocks that form the 64 hexagrams of the Yijing (Book of Changes). Each expresses patterns of movement and change. Each has been used extensively in the fields of philosophy, astrology, Chinese traditional medicine, numerology, the martial arts, mathematics, and, of course, feng shui.” (Pg. 69)
In Chapter 9, they state, “the most important part of a house is the entrance. It represents who we are… aside from visual factors, the front door is the primary location for the invisible qi force to enter…. The size of your front door should be proportionate to the size of an average person … n feng shui, it is believed you may experience financial loss by having … a grand entrance… You may have heard that you should sleep with your head positioned toward the north. But… the direction you should sleep is determined by the trigram you belong to…” (Pg. 98-99)
They conclude, “Congratulations! You’ve made it through [this book]… We sincerely hope you will apply your newfound knowledge to improve your well-being and share it with those important to you… Anyone can benefit from feng shui and Chinese astrology. Even if your loved ones are skeptical, conduct a reading for them. Let them see how simple adjustments can improve their health, wealth, and relationships. Win them over. Allow feng shui to demonstrate to them its power…. You only need to be a conduit. Allow feng shui to do the rest. Allow it to tantalize your family and friends with its alluring promises of universal harmony. They’ll discover what you did. feng shui works.” (Pg. 359)
This book will be of keen interest to those looking for a useful introduction to Feng Shui for Westerners.
Stephen L. Field wrote in the Foreword to this 1999 book, “At the end of the 20th century, one of the most venerable of the traditional Chinese sciences has finally made its way to the West to take its place alongside the important, but not as ancient, science of acupuncture. I refer, of course, to feng shui, the art and science of geophysical orientation, a tradition as old as the Chinese culture itself… The book in your hands is the key to unlocking the secrets of feng shui…”
Authors Elizabeth Moran and Val Biktashev explain in the Introduction, “Feng shui is the art and science of living in harmony with your living space. Specifically, feng shui seeks to harness positive energy and correct negative energy with the intention of promoting better health, wealth, and relationships… This may sound goofy, but more science is coming to agree with the ancient Chinese notion that we’re all bundles of one interconnected energy. Out of the ancient’s reverence for nature, three fundamental principles developed: yin and yang, the five phases, and the eight trigrams… these principles form the basis of two classical methods of feng shui: the East/West System and the Nine Floating Stars… These systems will help you find a house compatible with your energy. You’ll discover how external and internal factors influence your health and livelihood.” (Pg. xviii)
In Chapter 1, they note that the correct pronunciation is ‘FUNG SCHWAY.” (Pg. 3) They continue, “Feng shui literally translates to ‘wind/water,’ the two natural elements that influence the focus of Earth ‘qi,’ or energy, in a dwelling or on a site. Figuratively, the term represents the art and science of living in harmony with nature’s forces.” (Pg. 7)
In Chapter 3, they state, “The Chinese have always believed in the oneness of all things. The practice of feng shui was born out of China’s reverence for nature. The Chinese believed if they could reflect the balance of nature in their daily lives, they could achieve a more harmonious living condition. That assumption was correct… the Chinese developed a thought process based on intuitive wisdom, and how they derived mathematical truths from nature---much of which is recorded in the ‘Yijing,’ commonly known to Westerners as ‘The Book of Changes.’” (Pg. 25)
In Chapter 4, they observe, “What we’ve been describing as cosmic and universal ‘energy’ and nature’s ‘forces’ is what Chinese call ‘qi’ (also spelled ‘chi’). Qi has many meanings… Feng shui seeks to harness qi’s positive aspects to better our well-being. Now, to be perfectly clear, the existence of qi can’t be scientifically proven---yet… Simply, qi (pronounced ‘chee’) is the underlying essence of all things. It is the all-encompassing, all-permeating, unifying force of everything. Both physical and metaphysical, qi is the animated, vital, nourishing force that is at the heart of the growth and development of the cosmos.” (Pg. 35-36)
In Chapter 5, they explain, “‘Yin’ is the Way of the earth. It… represents the passive principle in nature exhibited in darkness, cold, and wetness. On a human level, yin symbolizes femininity and inertia… ‘Yang’ is the Way of Heaven… It represents the active principle in nature exhibited as light, heat, and dryness. On a human level, yang represents masculinity and the positive side of our emotions.” (Pg. 50-51) Later, they add, “So what does yin and yang have to do with feng shui? A lot. If yin and yang aren’t balanced in your environment, their imbalance can produce unwanted emotional and physical effects.” (Pg. 55)
In Chapter 6, they say, “The five phases are five physical elements in nature---fire, earth, metal, water, and wood---that represent the movements of qi… The movement, transformation, and interaction of each phase are what is studied, not the particular element itself… How the five phases interact with one another determines the balance of qi in nature, in our living/working space, and in our beings.” (Pg. 58)
Chapter 7 explains, “The eight trigrams are the fundamental building blocks that form the 64 hexagrams of the Yijing (Book of Changes). Each expresses patterns of movement and change. Each has been used extensively in the fields of philosophy, astrology, Chinese traditional medicine, numerology, the martial arts, mathematics, and, of course, feng shui.” (Pg. 69)
In Chapter 9, they state, “the most important part of a house is the entrance. It represents who we are… aside from visual factors, the front door is the primary location for the invisible qi force to enter…. The size of your front door should be proportionate to the size of an average person … n feng shui, it is believed you may experience financial loss by having … a grand entrance… You may have heard that you should sleep with your head positioned toward the north. But… the direction you should sleep is determined by the trigram you belong to…” (Pg. 98-99)
They conclude, “Congratulations! You’ve made it through [this book]… We sincerely hope you will apply your newfound knowledge to improve your well-being and share it with those important to you… Anyone can benefit from feng shui and Chinese astrology. Even if your loved ones are skeptical, conduct a reading for them. Let them see how simple adjustments can improve their health, wealth, and relationships. Win them over. Allow feng shui to demonstrate to them its power…. You only need to be a conduit. Allow feng shui to do the rest. Allow it to tantalize your family and friends with its alluring promises of universal harmony. They’ll discover what you did. feng shui works.” (Pg. 359)
This book will be of keen interest to those looking for a useful introduction to Feng Shui for Westerners.
December 5, 2020
Origins, form, and compass schools. Qi, Yin-Yang, the five phases, the eight trigrams, your house, and the environment surrounding it. The eight house system, personal trigram formula, good and bad directions, people compatibility. The flying stars analysis.
Perhaps the most complete book around feng shui I've found. Very complete of technical aspects, practical advice, but easy to understand, not too difficult. There aren't so many books on this genre, and I think the majority may underestimate or deviate from the original teachings. It is a tradition that has to be respected and maintained, not modified for improvisation or oversimplification.
Perhaps the most complete book around feng shui I've found. Very complete of technical aspects, practical advice, but easy to understand, not too difficult. There aren't so many books on this genre, and I think the majority may underestimate or deviate from the original teachings. It is a tradition that has to be respected and maintained, not modified for improvisation or oversimplification.
October 4, 2024
Este es un libro completísimo para entender esta forma de atraer la buena fortuna dependiendo de la distribución de tu casa. Es una cuestión complicada y toma algún tiempo leerlo todo, pero en verdad puedes hacer lo que el libro te enseña, y aun cuando suene increíble, funciona. Así que si de verdad te interesa el tema, este es el mejor libro que he leído al respecto, el único problema es que no encuentro una traducción al español.
October 8, 2021
Halfway through the book and I still feel like I know absolutely nothing about feng shui.
December 28, 2021
Very helpful in understanding and placement around your home, yard & work
April 6, 2009
This book takes you through history and shows how religion and science split and what has brought them back together. It also shows how different thought is in the West vs Eastern thinking. I love the part on Lo Shu Flying Stars and am grateful for the graphs that have already been done. Feng Shui is still a very complex art and science, but this book helps to make it more understandable.
August 31, 2012
I'm a fortune-telling geek; I'm just fascinated by all of it. If you're like me, this is well worth a read. Delving into the actual mechanics and calculations of proper Feng Shui (rather than just a collection of off-the-shelf "remedies" this is an easily accessible glimpse into the system.
March 28, 2013
This is a challenging read to those that are new to flying stars feng-shui. However, this book covers this fascinating topic in great depth. I would recommend buying and cross referencing both the second and third editions of this book.
March 18, 2008
Complete and very technical.
October 12, 2008
not my favorite in my feng shui collection!
April 17, 2011
Surprisingly readable intro to a very complicated subject, complimented by building step by step on what was learned before. Very well done, I'd read more than half before I noticed!
September 14, 2012
hehehe :))
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews