FENG SHUI TATTOO SYMBOLISM
Feng shui symbols were used for centuries in feng shui because of the power of symbols and associations, as well as their historical associations. If a certain feng shui symbol does not resonate with you, choose one that does. Make it work for you, express the energy you need, and bring good feng shui into your life. What is important to understand is that, in order for feng shui to work i, you do not necessarily have to apply traditional Chinese symbols. You have to apply culturally specific symbols that resonate with you.
You should use the energy of symbols that you are familiar with; in other words, the symbols that you emotionally respond to.
What is very important to understand is that, in order for feng shui to work, you do not necessarily have to apply traditional Chinese feng shui symbols. The energy you need can be expressed in endless ways
Most of us are familiar with the look of many feng shui items such as the Chinese coins tied with a red string, the three legged toad, the dragon, the gods of wealth, etc.
The reason symbolic level of feng shui works is because of the energy specific symbols bring into your tattoo, as well as because of their connection with the subconscious level of your mind. The stronger your connection with these symbols, the more you like them, the more powerful they become for you.
Popular Chinese feng shui symbols:
- Double Happiness Sign: There is perfect symmetry, flow and balance in the Chinese double happiness sign, which speak of the possibility of a lasting harmonious energy in a love relationship.
- Dragon is a powerful and auspicious traditional feng shui cure and an excellent feng shui symbol of strong yang / male energy. A pearl, or a crystal, in the feng shui dragon's claw symbolizes wealth, power and an abundance of opportunities.
As a popular feng shui cure, dragons come in many sizes and variations of materials and color. A green dragon, for example, is an excellent feng shui cure health while a golden dragon can be a great feng shui cure for wealth and abundance.
- Dragon and Phoenix The dragon & phoenix pair is a classical feng shui cure for keeping (or attracting) the energy of harmonious communication in a marriage. In most representations, the dragon & the phoenix form a dance, or a circle of two energies that resembles the yin yang symbol.
Historically, there are many specific elements that add to the power and the good luck associations of the dragon & phoenix symbol in Chinese culture. This couple is the most powerful motif in all Chinese imperial design. As both the dragon & the phoenix are mythical creatures, they can be represented in slightly different ways, depending on artists' vision, as well as specific associations
- Mandarin Ducks If you grew up in China or Japan, where the Mandarin ducks are wide-spread - you most probably have heard stories about the love and devotion of Mandarin ducks. They mate for life and are considered loyal and devoted to their chosen partner.
Because in symbolic feng shui level one works with images and symbols to represent the desired energy, the Mandarin ducks have become the perfect feng shui cure for love. That is, in Chinese culture. Does that mean you have to use it? If you like it, certainly go for it; if you do not feel the love attraction when you look at the Mandarin ducks, rest assured there are hundreds of images out there that can speak to you of love and devotion.
- Peony Flowers The universal language of flowers crosses any cultural boundaries, interpretations or meanings. The feng shui use of the flowers symbol is based on the same universal feeling that flowers evoke in all humans - a feeling of beauty, grace, and a delicate, alive sensuality.
- Gold Arrowana or Koi Fish The symbology of fish, in general, is closely associated with the energy of water. The mysterious, the unknown, the bringer of life - all these (and more) are associations with the power of the waterelement. Feng shui adds the dimension of prosperity and abundance to the meaning of water. So, to put it in very simple terms, water is a life giver, thus a symbol of continuous abundance, and the fish would be a giver of sustenance, or nourishment, thus sure associated with health, wealth and prosperity.
- Arowana is undeniably the most prized fish for feng shui wealth purposes. Also called the dragon fish (because of its scales, as well as overall look though to be similar to the Chinese dragon); live arowanas can command quite high prices. Some of the fish behaviour can explain its wealth associations, too; arowanas are known to grow very fast, as well as become quite dominant/more powerful while getting older. In feng shui, arowana is used not only as symbol for wealth, but for power and authority, too. As compared to other feng shui fish, arowana is usually depicted alone.
- Koi is the next prized fish in the feng shui world. A decorative variety of carp, koi come in several bright colours such as red, yellow, blue, white and sometimes black. The typical number for Koi fish in a feng shui is 9 (8 brightly coloured koi and 1 black koi fish). The black fish is there to neutralize bad luck. You can also find feng shui cures with 2 koi fish, this being a feng shui cure to attract love and fidelity. There are also painting with any number of koi fish in a stream, which is used to represent a fresh flow of abundance. Still, best numbers are considered either 9 or multiples of 9.
- Goldfish are sometimes confused with koi because there is some similarity between them. Their application is also very similar to koi fish. The golden colour of the goldfish brings the desired association with gold and the gracious movement creates good energy. The feng shui number rules for the goldfish are the same as for the koi.
Good Fortune and Protection Feng Shui
- Chinese Unicorn (Chi Lin) is a mythical Chinese creature with the head of a Dragon, the body of a Horse, and the scales of a Carp fish. Also called the Dragon Horse, or the Chinese Unicorn, Chi Lin brings strong, protective feng shui energy with blessings of good health and prosperity
- Fu Dogs or Imperial Guardian Lions, are a strong feng shui protection symbol. Fu Dogs were also a traditional feng shui symbol of family wealth and social status.
Fu Dogs are usually displayed as a couple. The male Fu Dog is holding a globe under his right paw, which signifies control over his domain and protection of his home. The female Fu Dog is holding a cub under her left paw, signifying strong maternal protective instincts.
It is interesting to note that the lion is not an animal indigenous to China. History says that travelers brought stories about lions as a Buddhist protector of Dharma, and statues of lions were modeled in feng shui after the travelers' descriptions and after the native dogs.
- Red Bat The bat is considered an auspicious classical Chinese feng shui symbol of good fortune and prosperity. In classical feng shui applications Bat is considered a symbol of wealth and used as a wealth cure because the same word/pronunciation for Bat - "Fook" - also means "Prosperity" in Chinese. Bat also came to represent happiness and longevity, so it is an auspicious symbol in Chinese culture.
- Tortoises are considered guardians of good feng shui energy and the roots of their symbolism and feng shui use go deep to the feng shui beginnings. The are used as a protection and energy strengthening cure when placed on your back. A black tortoise, as a feng shui energy enhancer for your career - it will help attract a smooth, grounding energy for your business projects and promotions in your career. Used to bring a stable, protective, grounding energy. There are also feng shui tortoises with specific designs on their back, as well as feng shui terrapins, which should not be confused with feng shui turtles, as their feng shui use is slightly different.
- Various Flowers, such as Orchids, Cherry Blossoms
- Peony One of the most sensual flowers with a delicious scent, the peony has long been used in feng shui as a cure for love & romance. This especially applies to a couple of pink peonies. The symbol of peony is often considered a metaphor for female beauty.
- Lotus The lotus flower symbolizes the ultimate perfection; its purity is not touched by the mud from which it originates. In Chinese medicine, every part of the lotus plant, from roots to petals, has medicinal properties, thus making this symbol an even more potent feng shui cure for health and harmony .
- Cherry Blossoms The blossoming flowers of cherry, as well as apple, dogwood, peach or other similar trees, have always been used to bring the energy of new beginnings, a sense of freshness and innocence. Most often the image of cherry blossoms is used as a love & marriage cure, but can also be used as feng shui cure for health.
- Orchid This beautiful flower is considered a classical feng shui symbol of fertility. The orchid bringing the energy of an untainted natural symmetry, it has also become a symbol of a quest for perfection in any areas of one's life. Abundance, perfection, spiritual growth, beauty and purity - with such powerful universal symbolism attached to it, no wonder orchids have become a very popular house plant in the West!
- Narcissus In Chinese culture the structured energy of the narcissus flower is believed to bestow the flowering of one's career, talents and abilities. It is often used as a feng shui career cure, believed to help one get proper rewards for his or her hard work. White color narcissus is used more often in feng shui career applications versus the yellow one.
- Chrysanthemum The feng shui symbol of a chrysanthemum flower is one of a life of ease and balance. At the same time, this flower is considered to have strong yang energy, so it is used to attract good luck to you.
- Mystic Knot Symbol is one of the most often used symbols in feng shui. Being a combination of six times the infinity symbol, this feng shui knot symbolizes a long and happy life full of good fortune. Mystic knot is sometimes referred to as the endless knot, because it looks like it swallows its own tail.
In Buddhism, the mystic knot is one of the 8 magical auspicious objects. This symbol implies there is no beginning and no ending, reflecting Buddhist philosophy of endless rounds of birth and rebirth. As a feng shui cure, the mystic knot represents a harmonious flow of auspicious energy uninterrupted by any setbacks, accidents or misfortunes.
It is believed that the presence of the feng shui mystic knot will benefit every aspiration of your life, thus this feng shui symbol is often used in feng shui amulets for love, abundance, feng shui protection , feng shui for career
- Horse brings the energy of success, fame, freedom and speed.
- Butterfly Symbol The most common feng shui use of the butterfly symbol is as a feng shui cure for love and romance, probably because love is the most transformative feeling that makes you feel like flying.It can help energize the free flow of creative energy in your life and gracefully guide you through the transformational stages in your life,
- Sau, the God of Longevity Long life, fame and fortune - these highly sought after attributes are believed to be brought into any space by Fuk Luk Sau, the three feng shui gods of wealth. As with most feng shui cures, the Fuk Luk Sau, or three feng shui gods of wealth, are there to bring what humans keep aspiring for through centuries - wealth, power and good luck, in addition to healthy and long life.
- Lucky Bamboo Bamboo in itself is an amazing plant that brings a very peaceful and wise energy. It teaches the ultimate wisdom: how to be flexible and hollow (open) on the inside, so that the spirit can freely flow and heal your being.
- Images of Birds
- Phoenix The mythical Phoenix is the most famous bird in feng shui, and it is often paired with the Dragon as a feng shui symbol of marital happiness. On its own, the Phoenix has Yang energy, when paired with the Dragon it symbolizes Yin, or female energies. The Phoenix symbolizes the energy of great strength, resilience and transformation, as it is able to raise form its own ashes to reach greater heights. The feng shui element associated with the Phoenix is Fire.
- Cranes The Crane comes next after the Phoenix in its popularity in feng shui applications. The Crane came to symbolize longevity because of its long lifespan. In ancient Chinese legends, the Cranes carry the spirits of the departed to the heavens. Thus, the symbol of cranes is used in feng shui to bring the energy of a long, noble and peaceful life that will eventually lead the human soul to heavens.
- Mandarin Ducks These famous ducks are the "love birds" of feng shui, as they are the most popular traditional feng shui cure for love & romance. Because they mate for life, the Mandarin ducks came to symbolize devotion, fidelity and lifelong affection in the matters of the heart. Mandarin ducks are always used in pairs
- Peacock Stunning in its beauty, the Peacock is considered the manifestation of the celestial Phoenix on earth. Its mesmerizing colors and the "thousand eyes" look on its tail is considered to promote fame luck in feng shui, as well as enhance one's protection and awareness. Of course, such a stunningly beautiful bird as peacock will also symbolize beauty and the feelings of love and attraction, thus the image of peacock or the peacock feathers are often recommended in feng shui as a love cure for single people to help attract the desired mate.
- Rooster The Rooster is often used in feng shui for career advancement purposes, because the same Chinese word used for the official is also used for the Rooster's chest. No matter which culture you come from, though, if you watch Roosters you will notice that they tend to be quite bossy. The Rooster wakes up very early and announces the dawn of a new day/the dispersing of darkness and dark spirits, so the Rooster also came to symbolize the ability to ward off evil spirits.
- Magpie In feng shui, the magpie is associated with joy, celebration and happiness. It also symbolizes the tendency for nesting, so the image of a magpie is a traditional feng shui cure recommended for those who want to settle down and "nest". Magpies are also associated with marriage, children and happy households. In ancient China, the arrival of magpies was regarded as an auspicious omen of new opportunities, be it a new job or a new love. The symbol of magpie is often used as a traditional feng shui cure to help remove, or alleviate one's obstacles in career or love life.
- Doves Peace is the universal energy of doves, no matter which culture one comes from. In feng shui, doves are also sometimes used as a love cure to promote a long and peaceful marriage. One of the Chinese legends affirms that doves were highly favored at the Emperor’s court because of the calming effect of their cooing.
- Buddha brings a peaceful, calm and comtemplative energy in a busy, hectic lifestyle
- Various Fruits, such as Peaches, Apples, etc. The feng shui energy of fruits is the energy of fruition. The use of specific fruits in traditional feng shui applications is often dictated by classifications from ancient texts as being specific symbols of longevity, wealth, prosperity, fertility, etc.
- Peach. One of the most popular feng shui fruit symbols, peach is the symbol of immortality. The peach is also known in feng shui as the fruit of heaven because of its prominence in many ancient Chinese legends about the Immortal gods. Peach came to be associated with wealth, health, abundance and longevity. The peach is also known as a feng shui symbol of love and marriage. In China, "love luck" is often referred to as "peach blossoms luck".
- Pomegranate. Because the pomegranate is full of juicy seeds, it symbolizes fertility in feng shui and it is used as a feng shui fertility cure. Pomegranate also symbolizes happiness in the family, as well as good luck for one's descendants.
- Grapes. In feng shui, grapes symbolize abundance of food, thus abundance of material wealth. Grapes came to represent success and abundance coming to one in the near future, or always being in one's family. Sometimes grapes are also used as a feng shui symbol, or cure for fertility, as well as a cure for turning bad luck into good luck.
- Apple. Apple has always been associated with peace, good health and harmony in one's home. One of the reasons is the fact that in Chinese language the word for "apple" sounds like the word for "peace". Color-wise, red apples are considered to be very auspicious, although or course green and golden/yellow apples are also widely used according to their color properties.
- Pineapple. The sound of the Chinese word for pineapple is close to the sound of “good luck coming your way”, so the pineapple has become a popular traditional feng shui symbol of wealth, fortune and prosperity.
- Oranges. The popularity of oranges in the traditional feng shui applications is explained by the refreshing/cleansing odor, as well as the yang quality of the orange color. It is believed that citrus fruits can ward off bad luck, thus oranges, along with tangerines and limes are often used in traditional feng shui.