QI or CHI, as it is known in the East, has been commonly known in society’s psyche there for millennia.  Its effects on man and the environment have been documented and studied by the ancient (possibly since Neolithic) Chinese for ages.  However, like many of nature’s other forces*, it cannot be seen or grasped with the hand.  Nevertheless, it exist, as studies and practices have shown its effects on humans over the eons, especially with the records in China dating back almost 5000 years.

Some call it ether, others believe that its intrinsic nature has magnetic properties.  Indeed that is true, to a degree.  In the practice of Feng Shui (pronounced Fang Shway), a magnetic compass may be used to indicate a direction or location.  Feng Shui literally means Wind and Water, in Chinese. It is believed that Qi is dispersed by Wind and retained by Water.  Based on the interactions of the planets in our Solar System (Heaven), our environment (Earth) and one’s birth data (Man), the practice of Feng Shui culminates in recommendations to assist one in tapping the most harmonious energies in one’s dwelling or place of business. 

In recent years, the concept (postulated by Albert Einstein, among many) of matter being an illusion has been at the forefront of leading-edge science. As scientists delve deeper and deeper into the atomic structure, they are finding that EVERTHING, literally everything, is made up of the same stuff…..ENERGY. From quarks, positrons, electron spins, etc…….they all boil down to pure energy. So, can we measure this energy ? Well, scientists can detect the evidence that a certain particle or wave (they have not decided if it’s either or) existed when they conducted their experiments. Of more interest is the effect that certain particles (let’s call it that for now) exhibit WHEN the experimenters EXPECT to see it. Otherwise, it does not appear. It almost seemed that this particular particle/wave ‘decides’ to appear when an observer is observing or watching for it, but not otherwise. Interesting ! ENERGY then, could very well be what makes up the entire Universe……QI being a component of it

The Chinese have historical and statistical records on its effects for thousands of years.  The practice of Feng Shui and life reading through Ba Zi or another popular method Zi Wei Dou Shu were developed to enable the analysis of data based on the Heaven, Earth and Man information.  These are known as Tian Cai (Heaven Luck), Di Cai (Earth Luck) and Ren Cai (Human Luck). 

The basis of all these actually originated with a system devised earlier on, called Qi Men Dun Jia (QMDJ) which is a more thorough analysis of Qi.  With QMDJ, a practitioner will be able to provide a detailed analysis of a situation, or forecast potential outcomes.   QMDJ, however, is not a prediction tool, as ultimately, free will is always there.  Nothing is cast in stone, and a decision in one direction or the other cannot be foreseen.  Only probably outcomes can be postulated. 

For more in-depth information or studies, check out the Advanced Studies page.  Also, this book “The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Feng Shui’ is a great read.