Feng shui and the earth element.

Chinese feng shui and Indian Vastu

Chinese science feng shui has borrowed much from Indian Vastu. Both sciences set a high value on the orientation as per cardinal directions and turning five basic natural elements to useful account. There are some differences in these two schools but fundamentally they simmer down to the fact that Indian Vastu is mostly human nonmaterial benefits-oriented whereas Chinese feng shui is rather fulfils an objective of creature comforts such as good fortune and wealth. Basic elements are also somewhat different: air is replaced with wood in feng shui and ether is replaced with metal.

Earth element being the basis of material success

Even though a basic element being in tune with a person is determined individually according to his year of birth, nevertheless all other elements also exert influence over his health and fortune. The earth element is an aspect of great importance and worthy of note. According to yogic chakra system the earth element is in sync with Muladhara chakra, which is located at the tailbone level and which dormant Kundalini energy sleeps in. The earth element is ruled by Ganesha Deity. And as for special senses, the sense of smell corresponds to earth. It is said in yogic treatises that «he who keeps the earth element completely clean in his body becomes a king among people and gains wealth, authority, respect, sound health and longevity». Our wellbeing and good fortune in all areas of this mortal life depend on the earth element. Also, earth is responsible for the facility in concentration and applying common sense and logic, self-preservation instinct, self confidence and leadership abilities. No wonder a special emphasis is laid on the earth element in all shamanic, magic and other esoteric practices.

Inner «cleansing» of earth element

What does the «cleaned earth element» mean? It is not possible for the earth element (like any other one) to be unclean in itself being a God’s creature. It is people who make it «unclean» with their incorrect treatment. Most people fritter their energy away uncontrollably and mechanically little thinking of its value. But the energy expending is quite a natural thing, without which life is impossible. The main thing is to do it properly to ensure the mutually beneficial energy exchange but not the energy loss. The earth energy is largely responsible for the health and life duration therefore it is not desirable to lose it. Ironically enough, but it is the possessional regard for the energy that leads to its outflow. If a person feels that energy belongs to him as a certain thing, so doing he creates blocks in his biofield, which impede normal flow of energy. These energy blocks are none other than aftereffects of such possessional perception of the world, for which «me and mine» are the most important. Such obsession with «me and mine» is the most intense «dirtying» of energy in a person’s biofield. Occult practices get inner energies synchronized with outer ones and microcosm with macrocosm. The consciousness expands in such a way far beyond the limits of a material body. We gain the whole world by renouncing the possessional regard for energy. The earth element in a person’s energy structure gets cleaned in the same manner by realizing the fact that the earth element is a single whole both in his body and the world around. Shamans sort of «join» with natural elements. A shaman does not consider the earth element belonging to him but realizes that he is himself possessed by these elements and merges into them. A shaman gains much more by renouncing the limited possession. They appeal to earth and get joined with it gaining enormous mystic might this way.

External «cleansing» of earth element

The realization of your unity with the outside world is an inner aspect of the earth «cleansing». External actions in connection with the earth element may vary greatly. It is essential to aromatize your house with pleasant and beneficial smells as the sense of smell corresponds to earth. Incense sticks, labdanum, articles of natural sandal, cushions filled with sweet-smelling herbs or essential oils will do. Different aromas exert different influence over people. Being the earth element’s external display, the smell is the means to exercise effect on the earth element in biofield. Harsh and bitterish scents improve the concentration ability and make a person feel serious and studious. In case the scent is sweetish, it sharpens the sensuality and creates the aura of romance. What is more, the body’s own smell is also of great importance and it is really essential to take care of that. The smell of grime and sweat attracts creatures ill-disposed towards humans and living in the subtle world. Smells of inferior order attracts such creatures and more pleasant and auspicious scents antagonize them. In order to bring out the earth element’s full potential in your life, it is necessary to get aromas that surround you balanced starting with the personal grooming and scents in your dwellings up to and including the choice of a place of residence to ensure there are no smells of a meat-processing plant or vegetable warehouse in the air. Except for the smell, the earth element manifests itself for instance through yellow colour or tints of ochre. From Indian astrology’s point of view, the earth element is ruled by Saturn. In case your horoscope’s Saturn is stricken and weakened or in fatal combination, it is essential to perform certain rites devoted to Saturn. Also, it is beneficial to keep Ganesha statuette at home as this Diety pushes aside all obstacles.