 The
Feng Shui of Trees
by Ann Trump, CPIA
“For in the true nature of things, if we rightly consider, every green tree
is far more glorious than if it were made of gold and silver.” Martin Luther
said this in the 16th century and it still holds true, but what if trees could
actually help you get some of that silver and gold or at least keep what you
have?
In Feng Shui, (pronounced fung shway) trees represent strength, are considered a
source of protection and can offer support for your health, as well as for your
wealth. Based on ancient Chinese wisdom, Feng Shui can be summed up as the art
of placement.
Feng Shui operates on the premise that our surroundings can dramatically
affect the quality of our lives. By intentionally manipulating our environment,
we can become happier, healthier, and more abundant.
In landscape Feng Shui, trees can be a great way to keep the bad things out and
keep the good things coming. For example, property that slopes downward behind a
house represents the loss of vital life force (chi) which can impact the health
and finances of the occupants. Chi, which is life energy, circulates throughout
the environment. If chi is not impeded, energy flows harmoniously and life is
good. If chi is stagnant or moves too fast, as in the case of the sloping
backyard, areas of our life can begin to break down.
Planting a row of trees behind the house acts to shore up the energy and
symbolically keeps it from flowing away. This translates into keeping the health
and wealth where it belongs. It is also believed to be difficult to conceive
sons in a home that has sloping land behind the house. So if it’s boys
that you want, plant the row of trees.
Below are some guidelines for you to follow when thinking about your landscaping
and the use of trees.
- Trees should be healthy and thriving. Remove any dead or dying trees.
Trees that are dead or in poor condition will drain vital chi from the
occupants of the home. This is particularly important if someone in the home
is elderly or ill. Trees planted on the eastern side of the property will
promote good health. Large trees, such as oaks, are good for this purpose.
- Trees provide excellent protection and can block negative and unwanted
energy. Any structure that is near or facing your house can emit unwanted
energies. The neighbor’s house, cemeteries, bars, gas stations, etc. all can
be blocked by planting trees. Roads that lead up to the house or that run by
the house can cause chi to move too quickly and trees can slow the energy down
and invite it to your home.
- Trees can raise the property’s energy. Trees are life giving. In China,
tree energy is called sheng chi, which means growth energy. Planting trees on
your property will bless the occupants, especially children, with well-being
and encourages chi to linger. Planted on the eastern side of the property,
trees bring good health and encourages personal growth.
- Eliminate struggle and provide support. If your house sits out in the open
on flat land, it can represent struggle in key areas of your life. Planting
trees can ease burdens. If there are anger issues in the home from the
husband, plant trees to the left. If the anger is from the wife, trees should
be planted to the right.
- Do not plant trees too close to the house. Planted too close to the house,
trees will symbolically smother the occupants. In this case, energy can not
circulate freely and is particularly harmful if the occupants suffer from
circulation problems. Trees should never touch the house and should not block
the front door. This represents opportunities, particularly in career, being
blocked
The type of tree can also play a part in what you are trying to create in
your life. Apple trees bring good marital relationships. Cherry trees represent
physical beauty. Oak trees stand for masculine strength and virility. Pines
promise long life and ease with emotions.
Trees are majestic and can instill a sense of peace and wonder. They can add a
sense of stability to our endeavors. They provide symbolic shelter from the
storms in our lives. Placed correctly on our property they can help us to reach
for the stars.
Henry David Thoreau once said “I frequently tramped eight or ten miles
through the deepest snow to keep an appointment with a beech-tree, or a yellow
birch, or an old acquaintance among the pines.” Let’s hope you have only to step
out your back door.
Learn about the Feng Shui services available from
The Nanta Bagg.
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