In China and other Southeast Asian countries, business Feng Shui is serious.
In Hong Kong two imposing bronze lions, affectionately nicknamed Stitt and Stephen, guard the entrance to HSBC's headquarters.
What's more, the Hong Kong center was built with large gaps so that the dragons and the good energy of "Qi" can circulate freely and fly to the sea.
For all eastern culture, dragons are sacred, mythical animals that bring good fortune and blessings.
These powerful creatures are believed to descend from the mountains that geographically support Hong Kong and head towards the water, a symbol of money.
Offices and small businesses can also implement several of its principles to attract prosperity.
In dialogue with
Clarín
, the director of the Official Professional Feng Shui Center,
Patricia Traversa
, assured: “An intervention in the Qi of the workplace can boost the success of a venture.”
“A careful look from the entrance door to the surrounding area can reveal energy threats or vulnerabilities,” he said.
From busy avenues that carry good fortune to evil breaths that come from abandoned houses, aggressive forms of nearby architecture, high voltage pylons or other sources of
Sha Qi
(unfavorable energy).”
However, we often do not have the option to change the location of the workplace or our business, how do we protect a business from bad vibes?
The Feng Shui specialist indicated that it will be necessary to “
reinforce the auric field of space
by intervening inside it to enhance
Sheng Qi
(beneficial energy).”
For this reason, Traversa listed several ways to activate the prosperity of a space according to Feng Shui, ranging from the use of auspicious symbols and amulets to
plants that purify
and harmonize the environment.
Seven amulets for business: growth activators
Just as there are Feng Shui guidelines for the car and some choose to add protective accessories such as the
Kuan
Yin
bell
, there are a variety of amulets that are frequently found in businesses and offices.
They represent a simpler and more subtle alternative to attract prosperity or cast out bad energy.
Now, how much do you know about these amulets? Where to place each one according to its purpose?
One of the guardian lions guarding the HSBC headquarters in Hong Kong.
Photo: Shutterstock
The Feng Shui expert detailed the seven most common and powerful symbols that you can incorporate into your business or workspace.
1. Maneki Neko: the welcoming cat
Also called
Zhaocai Mao
, Maneki Neko means “the cat that invites in” due to its Japanese name.
“The origin of this lucky feline doll dates back to the Edo period at the Gotokuji temple, Tokyo, Japan;
Legends say that
a white cat saved a feudal lord
from dying from a lightning strike,” Traversa said.
The golden Maneki Neko is the most common for business.
Photo: Shutterstock illustration
With the passage of time, the good reputation of felines was consolidated.
Traversa indicated that when a storm was approaching the cats used to lick their paws and take cover;
which meant a greater attendance of clients in lodging and food houses.
This is how the animal, with its paw raised, ended up being associated with the arrival of consumers.
The Maneki Neko represents a cat that with its right paw calls for good luck and with its left, money.
“It is placed next to the cash register
or on the counter, facing the entrance.
In the West, the most widespread version is tricolor (white, black and orange) which is considered the one that brings the most luck, it is also said to bring fortune to travelers,” explained Traversa.
The amulet is also available in other colors.
The
white cat
is associated with the attraction of positive events and people and the
silver
or
gold one
is recommended for business.
Size Matters?
“No, it doesn't have to be large,” she said.
2. Kuan Kung: a protective presence
The image of this
warrior-god
from the Taoist pantheon is very popular for its powerful protective energy.
Traversa explained that Kuan Kung is a symbol of integrity, righteousness and honesty.
In China and Taiwan he is the patron saint of those who practice martial arts.
Kuan Kung statue in Thailand.
It represents integrity and righteousness.
Photo: Shutterstock illustration
The best place to have an image of Kuan Kung is in the office of the person who owns the business and “since his sword is not drawn for the attack, we can place him inside the business,
facing the entrance door
,” he said. the expert.
The image of this commander is an amulet that inspires
determination and temperance
to face vicissitudes, attracts wealth and is protective.
3. Fu Dogs: the guardian duo
You've probably seen Fu dogs (or guard lions) at some point, even if you didn't realize it.
In China we find their statues on the thresholds of temples, palaces and in government buildings because it is believed that they guarantee that
negative Qi does not enter.
The Fu Dogs are always placed in pairs, on both sides of the entrance.
Photo: Shutterstock illustration
This powerful guardian duo came to China through Tibetan Buddhism.
“In Feng Shui these animals are associated with vigilance,
fair play and defense of the weak
,” said the specialist.
They should always be placed in pairs: facing from the entrance door to the outside.
They can also be located at the foot of stairs. Their intimidating energy
scares away surrounding threats
.
4. Three-legged frog: appetite and wealth potential
Also known as
Jin Chan
(Golden Toad) or
Chan Chu
(Money Frog), it is one of the most popular amulets in Feng Shui.
The three-legged frog symbolizes the appetite for money.
Photo: Shutterstock illustration
His image has three legs, a strong look, red eyes, open nostrils and he carries a coin in his mouth.
She is usually sitting on a Chinese ingot and coins.
“She symbolizes the potential for wealth and her
voracious appetite for money
,” said the expert.
The best place to place this amulet in your business is on your counter, always
facing outward
to attract customers.
5. Wealth Bull: Financial Strength and Stability
This image, which alludes to
the strength and tenacity
of this animal, is made up of a golden statuette.
The amulet is believed to inspire good decision making and fruitful work.
He is also credited with the ability to transform difficult situations into great opportunities.
The golden bull represents strength, fruitful work and strength in the face of obstacles.
Photo: Shutterstock illustration
“It should be placed at the reception desk, facing the entrance door, or in customer growth areas that are in the southwest of the place,” Traversa said.
The presence of the bull protects,
helps financial stability
and especially highlights the idea of strength.”
6. Pi Xiu: the protector of fortune
Also called
Pi Yao
, the Chinese call it the “beast of fortune.”
Pi Xiu is a creature that amalgamates several animals: it has the appearance of a lion, the head of a dragon, the body of a horse, the legs of a Kirin, and is capable of flying.
The Pi Xiu is a sentinel against bad vibes in business.
Photo: Shutterstock illustration
“The Pi Xiu is
powerful and fierce
, so he works as a security guard of the heavens, resisting demons and ghosts.
His function is to seek luck with money.
Tradition says that it is good to have a statue of him in shops, companies and workplaces,” explained the Feng Shui expert.
Traversa indicated that it should be placed facing the entrance door, but not facing it.
Also in a hall or a hallway furniture.
Two fundamental recommendations that the specialist offered were:
do not rub your eyes when cleaning it
and do not place it above shoulder height or rest it directly on the floor.
7. Pegasus: fearless and indomitable courage
This symbol, which belongs to Greek tradition and not to ancient Chinese culture, can also be a good image to have around.
It was said that only good-hearted riders could ride a winged horse.
Furthermore, its indomitable beauty
represents liberation and victory.
The Pegasus, a mythical creature like the Dragon, is associated with freedom and the energy of change.
Photo: Shutterstock illustration
“Pegasus inspires fearless courage, its energy is ideal when we want to face changes, new goals and beginnings,” said the director of the Official Professional Feng Shui Center.
Its image can
be used on the
work desk or also in other sectors where you seek to inspire through its powerful energy.
Plants that purify energy: the other great allies
Plants are true reservoirs of beneficial energy, they compensate and
harmonize the Qi
of work spaces.
As living beings, they represent expanding growth and abundance.
Of course, so that they can contribute to generating a good flow of energy in the space, Traversa highlighted the importance of them being in good condition.
Only in this way can they help purify the air and activate the area where they are.
What are the
best plants for business
?
The principle is simple, no plant that has leaves ending in a point or lance is beneficial to be placed indoors;
Traversa warned that “they emit a hostile Qi that could bring conflict.”
On the other hand, succulents,
Ficus pandurata
,
Monstera
or
Dieffenbachia
are excellent.
Outside the business we can put plants like
Sansevieria
to great use .
The best thing according to the specialist is to place two large pots on each side of the door with these specimens, known for filtering negative energies.
How to make good energy flow and attract clients according to Feng Shui
To attract good clients, opportunities and money to ventures, you must ensure that the space has its energy well harmonized.
Colors
play a very important role in building the visual identity of the space and in helping potential clients understand what type of business it is
.
For example, in a baby clothing store, pastel colors would be most recommended;
not the decoration of a tattoo studio.
Traversa had already explained that decoration and its “hidden side” is not a minor factor either in the house or in the business.
Decoration and colors also influence the mission and energies of the business.Photo: Shutterstock illustration
On the other hand, we must
avoid clutter, dirt
, or accumulated things; all of this prevents the good circulation of energy and it is necessary for the Qi to flow without obstacles.
The Feng Shui expert pointed out that the balance of the two fundamental principles of the universe, Yin and Yang, must also be maintained.
As?
Making sure we have
good light
to work comfortably, keeping the spaces ventilated and aromatizing with
light touches of
natural citrus or vanilla fragrances.
If our business consists of a business or a place that receives customers, it is expected that the entrance area will make a very good impression.
To do this, Traversa recommended having a wide access door, without obstacles and that opens inwards: “
The vital energy must enter
, but not leave,” he explained.
Sansevieria plants are ideal for the exterior of the place, they create an energetic fence.
Photo: Shutterstock illustration.
Furthermore, it is advisable that the door opens to a small space where there are no display cases or counters. It will be better
to avoid objects that block the entry
of Qi, and also those with sharp or pointed shapes that point at the entrance.
These principles must be maintained throughout the business, not just what is open to the public.
Basements, storage rooms,
bathrooms or warehouses
must all
maintain order, hygiene
, good ventilation and lighting.
“If the energy is corrupted there, it will radiate to the entire business and its results,” said the specialist.
Music is also a contributing factor to good or bad Chi.
“
Subtle and happy ambient music
can promote concentration and help people be in a better mood,” she added.
Some establishments can hang a
chime bell on the
front door so that it emits a soft and cheerful sound when you open it.
The important thing is to be subtle and adapt Feng Shui to the style of commerce.
Order and cleanliness must be throughout the place, especially in areas such as basements, bathrooms and storage rooms.
Photo: Shutterstock illustration
It is necessary to encourage potential customers to visit the premises and, for this, it is ideal to place a table in the center of the space with attractive objects.
But be careful! “
Crowded displays of products disharmony
and even cause discomfort,” said Traversa.
If there are central hallways, it is advisable to add some displays, plants or oval furniture.
Feng Shui maintains that these corridors can cause an acceleration of energy and a feeling of
lack of nutritious and abundant Qi
.
Once we have managed to attract the attention of the public and they have entered the premises, we must generate a positive experience for people.
“The
distribution of the furniture
, the display cases and the light is what will subtly mark the points of interest and pause, the moments to choose a product or make the purchase,” explained Traversa.
It is important to maintain a distribution that allows the flow of Qi in space.
Photo: Shutterstock illustration
At the same time, he insisted that these efforts must be accompanied by good customer service and a pleasant atmosphere.
The people who inhabit the space also leave our mark and
contribute to the energetic configuration
of the place.
Although Feng Shui is not a discipline as recent as marketing, its concepts and suggestions survive and complement strategies so that entrepreneurs can grow their business in balance and harmony.
Patricia Traversa, director of the Official Professional Feng Shui Center and author of the book “Change your life with Feng Shui,” advised. On Instagram: @patriciatraversafengshui.