風水

Fēng shuǐ literally means "wind-water"—two elements that flow, that cannot be grasped, that shape the landscape. The practice originated in ancient China as a way to site tombs, then expanded to placing buildings, arranging rooms, orienting cities. The goal: to align human structures with the flow of qì, vital energy.

Feng shui practitioners used compasses, studied landforms, observed wind and water patterns. The ideal site had mountains behind (protection), water in front (wealth), proper orientation to cardinal directions. Imperial cities were laid out according to feng shui principles; Hong Kong's skyscrapers still are.

In the 20th century, feng shui spread to the West, often simplified and commercialized. Books promised prosperity through furniture arrangement. Consultants charged thousands to harmonize offices. The complex geomantic tradition became "move your desk, change your life."

Today feng shui exists in multiple forms: traditional practice still guides Asian architecture; pop feng shui sells decluttering tips; skeptics dismiss it as superstition. The wind and water flow on, indifferent to interpretation.