Live animals, such as goldfish, are also very useful in eliminating shars and creating beneficial ch‘i. Water is a symbol of wealth. In Cantonese, the word sui means both water and money. Many Asian business people have paintings of water scenes in their offices, because the picture symbolizes water flowing in. This carries on to include animals that live in the water, such as fish. Aquariums are extremely common in the Orient.
They symbolize wealth for people who do not have a water view. Whenever possible, they contain nine goldfish. Eight of these are gold, representing money and financial success, while the other one is black to symbolize protection. (However, if you live in an area plagued with petty burglaries, it is better to have eight black fish and one red. This is because the black fish help protect you from petty crime. Goldfish, on the other hand, increase your wealth and luck.)
It is a commonly held belief that any bad luck that enters the home is attracted to the fish and absorbed by them. When a fish dies, especially the black one, it is a sign that some bad luck has been averted.
A famous Chinese story concerns carp that swim upstream. When they reach the “Golden Gates” they jump over and become transformed into celestial dragons. This used to be related to passing the Official examinations and starting a successful career working for the emperor. Consequently, fish are also seen as symbolizing success in both examinations and career.
Tortoises have always been a symbol of good luck, because, as you know, the original magic square (Lo Shu) was found on the back of a tortoise by Wu of Hsia. Tortoises also symbolize wisdom, stability, and longevity.
The island of Penang, in Malaysia, is sometimes referred to as the “Isle of the Upturned Tortoise” as its shape looks just like a tortoise lying on its back. It is popular with tourists as the pace is slow and casual. It is also a popular place for pensioners who choose it partly because of the longevity promised by its shape, but also because they find it such a relaxing place to spend their final years.
Interestingly enough, ornaments depicting goldfish and tortoises can also produce the same beneficial effect as the actual animals and are popular in many homes.
Bats are an unusual animal in feng shui. They are not used very often as most people do not realize their significance. In feng shui they are considered to be highly intelligent animals who see the world from quite a different perspective as they hang upside-down.
Butterflies are believed to contain the souls of people who have recently died. They symbolize joy, happiness, and eternal life.
The crane creates a graceful symbol of purity, honesty, and justice. It is also considered a symbol of longevity. In ancient China magistrates and judges had paintings and ornaments of cranes in their chambers, hence the association with justice.
The phoenix is a common theme in Chinese paintings. This mythical bird, which can burn, then rise again from its ashes, is a potent symbol of rebirth. It symbolizes peace, harmony, and self-sacrifice.
Paintings of fierce animals are often used to protect the home. Usually, these are of birds of prey, such as the eagle. Paintings such as these should be kept outside the front door, because if kept inside they could turn against the occupants. Outside, they are believed to protect the home from harm.
Small statues of lions, tigers, and bears are kept inside the house to act as symbolic protective talismans. Replicas of stone temple lions can be bought in many novelty stores.
Plants also create ch‘i and excellent feng shui, as they symbolize life and growth. The plants have to be healthy, though; sickly looking plants are a sign of bad ch‘i. Consequently, if your plants are rotting or dying, you need to attend to them right away. Replace them, if necessary, with healthier plants. Dying plants symbolize death. Healthy plants symbolize life, growth, and abundance. They are especially beneficial when placed at the entrance as they encourage ch‘i and prosperity into the building. Plants are also an effective way to conceal and block off poison arrows. They can conceal sharp corners created by walls or furniture. Pillars and columns can create bad shars if they are square in shape. Mirrors and plants can eliminate the harmful effects of these.
Bamboo is a very popular plant in feng shui as it is believed to possess strange powers that repel negative elements. It is also evergreen, and is considered a symbol of longevity and endurance.
