Commonly known in the East, Qi (pronounced Chee) or Chi is also known as Ki (Japan), Prana (Hindu), Ankh (Egypt), Ruah (Hebrew), Pneuma (Greek) or K’ul (Maya) among its many names. Ether, life-force or however one chooses to accept it, Qi plays a very important part in Eastern metaphysical studies. The popular phrase ‘May the Force be with you’ is not just a popular quote from the Star Wars series. It has roots in concept of this universal force. The closest description in the western world would be ‘life force’. In more recent times, Qi has been understood to be the quintessential energy behind it all…..in fact, one can postulate that Qi is the force that links everything in the Universe. Being omnipresent, then Qi would in fact be the infinite being, God. But that would be to digress. 

For Feng Shui and the practice of Chinese metaphysics, suffice it to accept that Qi does indeed exist, and is the fundamental component of energy that affects humans in their endeavors. Qi is in constant motion. It can be accumulated, dispersed, contracts or expands. It moves slowly when the environment is tranquil and accumulates in water (Shui), and it also is carried by the wind (Feng). When the movement is slow, its energy is nourishing. When its movement is fast, then the energy becomes forceful. 

3 Levels of Qi 

Through millennia of observations and studies, the Chinese have classified Qi into three primary types, namely Heaven, Earth and Human….also known respectively as Heaven Luck, Earth Luck and Man Luck. [Note, there is no gender demarcation here] The key to living a good life would be to keep all of these Qi in harmony, IE. a balanced lifestyle. As with other areas of life, one cannot have too much of a good thing, nor a bad thing. Balance is what it is all about. There are subtler forces of Qi which shall be discussed later, with which we are not concerned with at this time. 

Heaven Qi (Heaven Luck) 

Heaven Qi comes from the sky (heaven), and is made up of nature’s forces from the Sun, stars, planets, Moon. Weather also contributes to Heaven Qi. Time makes up yet another component of Heaven Qi. Through the compilation of these components, then one can determine the influences that heaven has on one’s life path.

Earth Qi (Earth Luck)

Earth’s natural forces in its subtle form contributes to Qi. Through the canyons, mountains, hills, continents, Qi exists all around us. Qi that accumulates in the mountains and hills is considered to be Yin or female in nature. In our modern world, tall buildings, massive structures are considered to be mountains. Qi which flows with the rivers, streams, streets, hallways is considered Yang or male. The erudite Feng Shui practitioner will assess one’s environment and recommend measures to harness or tap these energies in order to enable a balance between supporting/nourishing Qi and sapping Qi. The Earth’s magnetic field also contributes to Earth Qi. Combining with the time of a dwelling’s construction, one can then determine its essence Qi, and thus come up with a recommendation on how to keep a balanced and harmonious environment for the occupants. 

Human Qi (Man Luck) 

The time and date of one’s birth determines the Qi that has been bestowed upon an individual. This life force (odic force, entelechy, etc….) may be detected through one’s aura, as shown by Kirlian photography. However, that is only a part of a person’s qi. One’s action or inaction also makes up Human Qi, through the accumulation of karma. While this is still a relatively new concept in the West, it is very an accepted part of life in the East. Virtuous deeds and accumulation of knowledge thus enable one to improve one’s Human Qi, while evil thoughts, actions, greed and other vile deeds will lessen or diminish one’s Man luck. If one is cognizant, Qi can actually be felt. Through prayer, meditation, one can improve one’s awareness and sensitivity to nature’s forces. A good example is when one encounters a very strong vibe about a place or person. Or have you been to certain house, and really feel the love emanating from it ? Conversely, how about a feeling of dread at a certain place ? Being in tune with nature (Heaven, Earth and Human), one can live in a harmonious environment. A proficient Feng Shui practitioner will be able to suggest recommendations to help improve one’s environment to be more in tune with nature’s forces.