Feng Shui Tips for Water Fountains

If you have any interest in interior décor you’ve probably heard of Feng Shui. This is often called the “art of placement,” though it actually translates to “Wind-Water.” As the name implied, water is an important part of Feng Shui. What does it recommend for water fountains?

In Feng Shui, water is a symbol of prosperity, including financial matters. It is also one of the five classical Chinese elements. The others are earth, fire, wood and metal. The presence of water cools the fire element and enhances the wood element. Fire is the element of emotion; wood represents sensitivity. This is why Feng Shui holds that the presence of a water fountain enhances concentration and productive efforts. The art recommends that water from the fountain should be flowing toward you, so that you partake of symbolic abundance and improved emotional balance.

Similarly, avoid placing the fountain in an area facing a window or another place where prosperity might “flow out.” Some consultants believe it is permissible to place the fountain facing your front door, however, because you will be walking toward the flow – to the symbol of prosperity. Use earth symbols such as heavy stones to “pin” the water fountain’s energy in a location, and mirrors to reflect it to another location, such as an alcove where you do a lot of working or thinking.

In Chinese cosmology, water is a Yang, or active, energetic symbol. According to this belief, water fountains are an ideal way to liven up a space. This is especially appropriate in an area where you do sedentary work (including hobbies). It’s easy to get tired when your mind is busy but your body is staying still. The energy of water takes up the slack. Although tradition says that a water fountain shouldn’t be used in the bedroom, the fact is that in modern homes, many people have computers, books and other tools for hobbies and work in their bedrooms. One solution is to put up a screen between work and sleeping space. Another is to place the fountain so it flows away from the bed.

Does Feng Shui work? Many Chinese communities take it extremely seriously, and employ professional Feng Shui consultants for large scale landscaping, renovation and construction projects. Even people who don’t share the culture often find Feng Shui adds a healthy does of common sense and emotional awareness to their interior designs. They report improved concentration, work performance and a generally enhanced sense of well being. Try it for yourself. It can be as simple as purchasing a Feng Shui themed Tabletop Water Fountain.

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