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Meaning and Context
Qi (气, qì) is the fundamental concept underlying all Chinese metaphysics. In Feng Shui, it refers to the vital energy that permeates and flows through spaces, affecting the wellbeing, prosperity, and fortune of occupants.
Qi is not static—it moves, gathers, disperses, and transforms. The goal of Feng Shui is to create environments where beneficial Qi (Sheng Qi) can accumulate while harmful Qi (Sha Qi) is minimized or deflected.
- Sheng Qi (生气): Vital, beneficial energy that supports life and prosperity
- Sha Qi (煞气): Harmful, aggressive energy from sharp angles, rushing roads, etc.
- Si Qi (死气): Stagnant, dead energy from blocked or unused spaces
Classical Roots
The Zang Shu (葬书, Book of Burial) by Guo Pu provides the classical definition of Feng Shui through Qi.
From Zang Shu
「气乘风则散，界水则止。古人聚之使不散，行之使有止，故谓之风水。」
Plain interpretation
"Qi disperses when riding the wind and stops at the boundary of water. The ancients gathered it to prevent dispersal and guided it to rest, hence called it Feng Shui (wind-water)." This explains why Feng Shui considers both air flow (wind) and water features.
How Qi Flows
Understanding Qi flow patterns:
- Qi enters through doors, windows, and openings—main door is the primary "Qi mouth"
- Qi moves along pathways, corridors, and open spaces
- Qi accumulates in rooms with good lighting and ventilation
- Qi stagnates in dark corners, cluttered areas, and blocked passages
- Qi rushes too fast in long straight corridors or when doors align directly
Balance is key
Neither too much flow (scattered Qi) nor too little (stagnant Qi) is ideal. The goal is gentle, meandering flow that allows Qi to accumulate and nourish the space.
How to Assess It
Signs of good vs. poor Qi in a space:
- Good Qi: Space feels fresh, plants thrive, occupants feel energized and positive
- Stagnant Qi: Space feels heavy, musty odors, occupants feel tired or stuck
- Scattered Qi: Space feels exposed, drafty, hard to relax or focus
- Sha Qi: Sharp corners, aggressive angles, rushing energy paths
How It Shows Up in FateFolio
In FateFolio's Feng Shui tool:
- Qi flow analysis based on your floor plan input
- Identification of potential Qi stagnation or rushing zones
- Suggestions for improving Qi circulation
- Sha Qi detection from external and internal features
Common Misconceptions
Common misunderstandings about Qi:
- Thinking Qi is purely mystical—it often aligns with practical factors like ventilation and light
- Believing buying objects alone can fix Qi problems—layout and arrangement matter more
- Ignoring that Qi requirements differ for different spaces (bedroom vs. office)
- Focusing only on positive Qi without addressing sources of Sha Qi
Sources and Quotes
All quotes are linked to accessible sources. Classical text translations may vary by edition.
Quoted excerpts
「气乘风则散，界水则止。古人聚之使不散，行之使有止，故谓之风水。」
Source： 《葬书》原文参考（郭璞）· 这是"风水"一词的经典定义，说明风水的本质是管理气的流动。
References
- 《葬书》原文参考（郭璞） · Chinese Text Project
- Qi (Britannica) · Encyclopædia Britannica
FAQ
Is Qi the same as air or oxygen?
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Not exactly, though there's overlap. Qi is a broader concept encompassing vitality and energy flow. Good air quality and ventilation do support healthy Qi, but Qi also includes factors like light, layout, and the overall feeling of a space. Well-ventilated spaces with natural light typically have better Qi.
Can I feel Qi?
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While Qi isn't directly measurable by scientific instruments, many people describe intuitive perceptions: some spaces feel "alive" and energizing while others feel "heavy" or "stuck." These subjective experiences often correlate with Feng Shui assessments of Qi quality.
How do I improve Qi in my space?
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Basic Qi improvements include: decluttering to prevent stagnation, ensuring good natural light and ventilation, avoiding long straight pathways where Qi rushes, using plants for living energy, and addressing any sources of Sha Qi (sharp corners, cluttered areas, etc.).