Feng Shui

There is an expression in Western culture: "ground-breaking." It refers to something new and momentous, important, and capable of changing the way we think, act, respond, or create in the future.

A "ground breaking" discovery in science can show the way to a miraculous cure of a noxious disease and forever our society.

A "ground breaking" musical performance or artistic achievement can lead the way for variations on a fresh trend or open doors for like-minded folks who needed such a catalyst or leader to precede them.

In a more literal sense, we still employ the words "ground breaking" to refer to the start of a construction project. The moment we "break ground" is the moment the initial shovel of dirt is moved from the earth. So, how did the literal act of moving dirt take on the metaphorical connotation of important change? This is in fact a major feng shui concept at its essence. Both primitive and evolved cultures have historically tracked the seasons and the climate, produced calendars, established farming schedules according to the cycles of the moon and we have basically looked to nature for the timing of many significant activities and rites of passage. The power of the earth, combined with the timing of nature is understood naturally by folks of all backgrounds.

Buildings are an extension of the earth and literally made of earthen materials, such as granite and concrete. We have made our homes in caves and we have built tall virtual mountains called "skyscrapers." Even the biblical adage "from dust to dust" reminds folks of our connection with the earth.

When the rays of sun strike the ground (or the solid foundation of a house being built), it establishes a connection between earth and sky (heaven.) Feng Shui practitioners like to line Sir Winston Churchill, who alleged, "We shape our buildings and then they shape us."

The timing of when we change or move the earth can have an lasting affect on the population who inhabit that area or that structure for many years to come. This is why so many people refer to the Chinese Almanac and feng shui calculations in support of the finest time to commence a construction as well as when to specifically prevent the start of a construction.

Like other fashionable expressions, such as "going with the flow" or "setting the tone," the Term "ground-breaking" have their origin steeped in metaphysical awareness.

This day, 2009, the orders of northeast and southwest are both tugging at each other and are considered shaky directions for building or remodeling.

Some folks are building new houses this year which are sitting in the northeast or southwest. (The saying "sitting" means the back of the building.) Since the back of the building is the "spine" and partly the essence of the building. They maybe advised to proceed with care and they have even gotten into the details of what months and days are better than others to start the project.