A History of Feng Shui

No one really knows for sure, but it appears that some kind of astrological-come-practical type of advice was given in China as long ago as five thousand years BC. It was not until about three thousand years BC. That the first hint of Feng Shui type consultations came upon the scene. And it was not until the very early part of the first century AD. That the first real information regarding Feng Shui was actually written down.

THE FIRST WISE MEN.
In the beginning learned and practical people, usually older men who were well experienced in the ways of life would give others advice in exchange for money. Offering their knowledge of life was how these men made their living. They would be asked for practical advice regarding health, money and matters of the heart. If their wise advice was followed, people would become healthier, wealthier and happier. Consequently, the Feng Shui advisor became highly revered, and his advice was much sought after.
The Feng Shui advisor would never reveal how he came by his knowledge or his conclusions, so he was considered to be mystical and magical as well as wise and wealthy. The Feng Shui advisor enjoyed his position and was very careful to whom he imparted his knowledge and skills, such business matters were usually kept strictly in the family, and all knowledge would be passed on to the advisors sons, thus keeping all secrets in the fold.

THE STUDENT.
Learning the art of Feng Shui in bygone days took many, many years. A student, would follow a consultant around like a disciple trying to pick up and glean as much knowledge as he could. The student had not only to learn about the vast subject of his choosing. He had to learn about the ways of the world, the land and the environment in which he went about, the heavens and all the mysteries of the physical world and most difficult of all he had to learn about people.

THE EARLY CONSULTANT.
It appears that the first Feng Shui type advice was given by astrologers and learned men, to the emperors. The much revered hierarchy in their ornate palaces would seek advice as to when would be a good time to get married, go on a trip, carry out special duties, or fight a battle. They would want to know the most auspicious times to carry out important function to gain the most benefit for themselves and their families.

GRAVE ORIENTATION.
The ordinary people of the Orient could not afford the luxury of advisors on a regular basis, they would only call in a Feng Shui consultant at the most important points of their lives, which was usually the death of a loved-one. A consultant would advise as to the best orientation for the deceased's grave. Oriental mourners felt that their loved ones should be as comfortable and peaceful as possible once they had departed this life.

FENG SHUI FOR EVERYONE.
Although the orientation of graves was the main function of the early Feng Shui consultant the art gradually evolved over the course of time prompting many to seek out the advice of the advisor for other matters. Gradually the Feng Shui consultant became a necessary member of the community for his ability to 'see' into peoples lives and help them become more contented, fulfilled and happy. The work of the Feng Shui adviser grew ever more popular and soon became well and truly woven into the fabric of Chinese culture, and is still so even today. The modern Chinese, enthusiasts still revere the consultant and are happy to pay for his advice.