Differences between Chinese Feng Shui and Western Feng Shui

Difference 4: Mirrors in Feng Shui

In Western Feng Shui, mirrors are frequently used. In the book Interior Design with Feng Shui, mirrors are described as “the so-called aspirin of Feng Shui.” Two of the most representative uses of mirrors in Western Feng Shui books are: hanging a large mirror on the wall behind the stove in the kitchen and placing a large mirror in front of the dining table. These two practices do not exist in Chinese Feng Shui because they go against its fundamental principles.

The Principles of Using Objects in Feng Shui

First, we must understand that the use of objects in Feng Shui is based on two fundamental principles: "Yasheng" (厌胜) and "Bixie" (辟邪). The former involves regulating imbalanced energy fields using the Five Elements principle, while the latter is about countering specific types of harmful energy, involving elements of mysticism, which are beyond the scope of this series.

Mirrors possess both of these functions, making them very unique in Feng Shui. In Chinese culture, mirrors have a rich cultural significance, with ancient texts even using mirrors as metaphors for the rise and fall of nations. In daily life, Chinese people rarely use mirrors to adjust Feng Shui. Even when mirrors are used, their application is highly cautious.

Why Mirrors Should Not Be Placed Behind Stoves

Due to their unique nature, the use of mirrors in Feng Shui must align with the intended purpose of their application. From the perspective of "Yasheng" (balancing energy), mirrors are associated with the Fire element in the Five Elements system. Therefore, hanging a mirror behind the stove in the kitchen is unsuitable. Kitchens already possess strong Fire energy, and introducing a Fire-element object like a mirror exacerbates this imbalance, creating greater disharmony in the kitchen's energy field.

Even without considering the Five Elements theory, the mirror's reflective function doubles everything in front of the stove. In Feng Shui culture, this can subtly suggest the potential for infidelity within the family.

Mirrors in Front of Dining Tables

Regarding the placement of mirrors in front of the dining table, Western Feng Shui books claim that mirrors "double" the food on the table, thereby amplifying happiness—a self-deceptive notion. In Chinese terms, this is akin to the saying “flowers in the mirror and the moon in the water,” symbolizing an illusion. This practice is not applied in Chinese Feng Shui.

However, if a specific area in the house requires an enhancement of Fire energy, or if an individual in the household needs Fire energy for personal balance, the use of mirrors may be considered cautiously.

A Western Scholar’s Perspective

American architect Tom Bender, a remarkable scholar, advocates a cautious approach to using mirrors in his book Building with the Breath of Life. His perspective aligns seamlessly with Feng Shui principles. I have benefited greatly from his book, as his insights are exceptional, even when addressing Feng Shui concepts. He is one of the rare Western scholars who truly understand the essence of Feng Shui.

Conclusion: Chinese vs. Western Feng Shui

Through these three short articles, I have provided a brief overview of some differences between Chinese and Western Feng Shui. From a Feng Shui perspective, the implementation of Western Feng Shui lacks any genuine Feng Shui effects. However, from an interior design standpoint, borrowing concepts from Feng Shui can help improve the home environment.

This is, in fact, the truly useful aspect of Western Feng Shui: a new method for modern Western interior design that is entirely unrelated to authentic Feng Shui.