Foundation Year Syllabus in the Theory and Practice of Feng Shui

The successful completion of the course of study requires attendance at a number of seminar modules, along with the presentation of course work maintained over a sustained period. Course members may also pursue individual research in a chosen area of particular interest as an optional addition to the standard course work.

Modules 1 and 2
Tutor : Derek Walters
Module 1 - The Language and Grammar of Feng Shui

Feng Shui is an ancient technique, founded on long-established Chinese philosophical principles. Before the subject can be properly understood, it is essential that the basic ideas are thoroughly investigated and that students become totally familiar with the concepts of Qi (ch'i), Yin and Yang, and the Five Elements.

Module 2 - Introduction to Course Work

The essential feature of the course is its emphasis on practical applications. To this end, participants will be required to maintain a journal of their practical activities. One of the features of the journal will be the continuing review of three locations selected by the student. During the first two modules, each participant will meet with Derek Walters, the Senior Tutor, for personal advice in planning their projects.

Modules 3 and 4
Tutor : Derek Walters

Module 3 - Domestic Feng Shui

There are several ways in which Feng Shui can be applied in the home: choices of colour schemes and furnishing materials are important for personal well-being and family harmony. The various rooms and functions of the home will be investigated, with particular emphasis on their relationship to the Seven Portents. The Portents reveal the favourable and unfavourable areas within the home, and how the benefits may be harnessed and any potential dangers diverted.

Module 4 - Feng Shui for Business

A successful business depends on having a harmonious balance within the business, and in its relations with customers. The various types of businesses will be discussed, with their differing needs according to the type of business being pursued. This module will make special reference to the functions of the Eight Trigrams of Chinese philosophy, and show how each of the Eight Directions has its affinity with a particular type of business activity.

Modules 5 and 6
Tutor : Peter Firebrace

Module 5 - Introducing the Yi Jing

An unparalleled source book for understanding the sequence and process of change, the Yi Jing (I Ching), or Book of Change, helps us to see patterns behind structure and symbol behind form. The development of the 64 hexagrams from unity (Tai Ji), through polarity (Yin-Yang), the four images (Si Xiang) and the eight trigrams (Ba Gua) is fully examined. The elemental qualities of the trigrams in both the pre-heaven and post-heaven sequences are then explored.

Module 6 - Practical Use of the Yi Jing

The different casting methods for prediction and guidance are thoroughly outlined and students will be taught the practical explanation and use of the coin method. The nature of prediction, the changing lines and the primary (cast) and progressed (derived) hexagrams are discussed. The circular (primary) arrangement of the hexagrams with key notes for each hexagram will become fully understood since this forms the essential philosophical background for the serious student of Feng Shui.

Modules 7 and
Tutor : Derek Walters

Module 7 - Measurement of Time

The Chinese method of time measurement introduces several factors which are required knowledge for the Feng Shui practitioner. The correct balance between the seasons and directions will already have been mastered. Participants will learn how to read a Chinese calendar, and understand the meanings of the stems and branches, the lunar months and the 24 solar fortnights, as well as other aspects of the relationships between time and orientation. Practical applications include the selection of times for inaugurating new buildings and businesses, and selecting suitable dates and times for marriage and, indeed, for consultations.

Module 8 - Feng Shui for Health

Many aspects of Traditional Chinese Medicine focus on the importance of selecting the most opportune moment for treatment, whether the treatment is acupuncture, massage or herbal medicine. Course participants will investigate the important function of ‘Time' in Traditional Chinese Medicine practice. Other possible relationships will be discussed, including the application of Feng Shui principles in colour therapy, diet, location and orientation.

Modules 9 and 10
Tutor : Derek Walters

Module 9 - Compass School Feng Shui

This module will provide an initial understanding of and guidance in the employment of the Chinese compass, or Luo Pan. This ancient tool is essential for the practice of Feng Shui.

Module 10 - Form School Feng Shui

Recognition of the ‘Dragon' and ‘Tiger' in the landscape, in both rural and urban environments will be pursued in this module. Students will also learn to recognise ‘Earth' and ‘Water' Dragons in natural and artificial features of the landscape. The effect of natural and artificial aspects of the landscape, on a local and global scale, will be discussed. Ley-lines and geomantic concepts in other cultures will also be examined.

Modules 11 and 12
Tutor : Richard Creightmore

Module 11 - Geopathic Stress

The ‘mysterious underground energies' of the Earth are detected in traditional Feng Shui by dipping movements of the Heaven Pool needle at the centre of a Luo Pan. The ability to perceive these Earthly energies, including the ability to find sites suitable for digging wells for water supply, is an integral part of the geomancer's art. Chinese knowledge of the underground energies accords very closely with what is understood in the geopathic stress theory of the European dowsing tradition, and this module will explore their nature, causes and cures from both perspectives.

Module 12 - Practical Dowsing

Using L-rods in the field and pendulums over maps and sketch plans students will learn to dowse for the various possible geopathic stress energies and ‘Sha', or negative Qi, as well as beneficial Earth Qi. A range of options for dealing with Sha will be explored, including Earth Acupuncture. This can effect the transformation of Sha to ‘Sheng Qi' for a location and achieve localised healing for the Earth's etheric web. Theory and practice will come together within this module in the form of a group consultation at a suitable local property.

Modules 13 and 14
Tutor : Derek Walters

Module 13 - Divination School

In China, one of the functions of the Feng Shui practitioner is the revealing of a person's destiny or fate. Course participants will investigate some of the many different aspects of Chinese divination from a practical point of view. Under discussion will be Chinese astrology, physiognomy, the Yi Jing (I Ching), rhabdomancy and numerology, or Luo Shu divination.

Module 14 - Personal Relationships

It is important for people to relate harmoniously to the people and buildings around them, and indeed to themselves. In this module, course participants will learn various ways of establishing a person's natural elements and their significance. The relationship profile may be determined by the time of birth, the physique, posture, skin-tone and emotional state of an individual.

Modules 15 and 16
Tutor : Roger Coghill

Naturally, Electromagnetic Stress is not strictly Feng Shui, since the ancient Chinese had no such problems. However, the subtle nature of Feng Shui affects the physical and psychological health of occupants of both homes and businesses. Roger's detailed research is equally important in today's modern environment, and so these modules are included in this initial course.

Module 15 - Electromagnetic Stress

The growth of electropollution in the 20th century with a brief history of bioelectromagnetic research, and the latest epidemiological and laboratory research findings are explained. Static magnetic influences on health disorders and the effect of direct currents will be outlined.

Module 16 - Detecting and Avoiding Electropollution : Therapeutic Approaches

The nature and detection of electric and magnetic fields and the stratagem for avoiding electropollution in homes and offices are fully explored. Protective devices to mitigate exposure will be introduced.

Modules 17 and 18
Tutor : Derek Walters

Module 17 - Individual Presentation and Discussion of Coursework

Course members will by now have acquired a sound practical knowledge of Feng Shui techniques, which they will have been able to put into practice, and which will have been revealed in their course journals. Students will now be able to present their experiences to the group. Queries and problems can be aired and discussed, and solutions suggested.

Module 18 - Assessment

As well as a personal assessment, this final session will enable the group to learn something of the practicalities of consultation work, including presentation skills and client expectations.