Fountains are desirable in feng shui because they bring the energy of water into the environment in a beautiful and elegant way.
Water was important to farmers in ancient China because the success of their rice crops depended on having abundant water. Plentiful water resulted in plentiful rice, so over time water became associated with wealth, abundance and sustenance.
Moving water represents flow, good communication, cleansing and movement whereas still water represents wisdom, calmness, and spirituality. Choosing to place water strategically in the environment reminds us of these things and prompts us to participate further in creating them.
The effect of water
Have you ever noticed how good you feel after visiting places in nature, such as the beach, the mountains, the countryside, or waterfalls? That good feeling is due to negative ions that are naturally present in the outdoors. Remember how it feels after a thunderstorm? That “clean” feeling is actually the effect of the release of a lot of negative ions.
Positive ions have the opposite effect; they cause us to feel tired, lethargic, and fatigued. Electronics such as computers and artificial lighting generate positive ions. In this day and age, many of us find ourselves in front of a computer all day surrounded by artificial lighting. No wonder we are always so tired! These positive ions are suspended in the air, and the more we breathe them in, the more they affect us. Positive ions are also found on allergens such as pollen, mold spores, dust, and animal dander.
Water and negative ions
When water splashes, it releases negative ions into the atmosphere, and these bond with any positive ions suspended there. The negative ions neutralize the heavy effect that the positive ions have on our mood and feelings. You experience this anytime you take a shower: you feel perked up and rejuvenated afterwards, don’t you? Your feeling of refreshment is a result of all the negative ions pairing up with the positive ions.
No desire for a fountain?
Photographs of water will stimulate your brain and produce the same energy, just in a different form. If the trickling sounds a fountain makes do not resonate with you or if you have no time to maintain one and keep it running, you can get the same effect with a lot less maintenance by using images of water.
Pictures of lakes or still bodies of water represent the energy of clarity, and pictures of moving water such as waterfalls or the ocean bring the energy of flow and movement into the environment. Choose what you want to create more of in your life and use an image of water to support you.
Where to place a fountain
The best placement for water is anywhere along the front wall or the left wall of your home, business, office, or room (while you are standing at the entrance, looking into the room). Check that the direction of the water flow is pointed toward the center of the room. You want to make sure the water is moving with you versus against you creating additional resistance in your life.
Will a fountain bring me good luck?
I am often asked this question and respond by saying, “The fountain itself will bring you neither good luck nor bad luck. Your “luck” depends on how synchronous and in tune you are with your personal flow of life. The more you resist life, the more challenges you will have. However, by placing a fountain with intent, it will help to subconsciously direct you towards being in the flow and creating more what you want in your life.”
You are fully responsible for creating your own luck as well as your own life experiences, and a fountain can definitely be a great support and reminder on what to focus on!
Alice Inoue is a life guide that uses the modalities of feng shui, astrology and spirituality in her work. Her offerings include award-winning, mind-body-spirit themed books, as well as a series of feng shui instructional DVD’s. For more information visit www.aliceinspired.com.