These symbols of good luck and protection have been Chinese favorites as Feng Shui “cures” since classical times. They are essentially associated with the Form and Compass School of Feng Shui.
Dragon/Lung
The noble and auspicious Chinese dragon should never be confused with the fire-breathing, bat-winged monster that springs from ancient Western superstition. The much older Chinese version is a protective symbol of authority, true learning, enlightenment and wealth reminiscent of healthy ‘Sheng Qi’.
Many figurines and representations of the Dragon show it chasing (coiled, grasping, trying to swallow) a Pearl, which represents hidden wisdom. This symbolizes aspiration. Traditionally, the Dragon is associated with the East Sector of locations.
Unicorn/Chi Lin
The Chinese Unicorn is also a much older figure than its Western counterpart and, like the Dragon, is one of the Four Celestial Guardian Animals. Whenever and wherever it is on display, Chi Lin is associated with lucky times.
fu dogs
Sometimes referred to as ‘lion dogs’ or temple lions, these may have originally been bred to fight the once ubiquitous Asiatic lion (which only survives in small numbers in India) and are often associated with the Shih-Tzu breed. These come in pairs: the male holds a ball of meat under one leg, and the female similarly holds a pup.
Fu dogs should be positioned at openings (doors and windows) with the male on the left and the female on the right as if facing out.
Ba Gua Mirror
Sometimes also known as Feng Shui mirrors, these should always face the outside of your home (or office), i.e. from windows or doors, and never face in towards the occupants. These objects embody a central concave or convex mirror mounted in an octagonal frame divided into eight sectors (Ba Gua) by a series of three discontinuous and/or continuous lines. Ideally, select one with three solid lines across the top.
Mystic Knot/Pan Chang
Composed of the continuous figure eight symbol repeated six times in a geometric pattern, it represents the continuous and uninterrupted flow of auspicious energies in a harmonious manner.
With 3 coins attached, this was often used as a sword knot for the Chinese rapier. Although it is a symbol of good fortune in its own right, other objects related to career success, wealth, or relationships are frequently suspended from it and placed accordingly. The mystic knot can also be found worked into other auspicious Feng Shui cures, such as wind chimes.
Dragon-Turtle
The tortoise symbolizing stability and longevity is also one of the four protective heavenly creatures, like the dragon. This composite symbol powerfully integrates the energies of both animals and usually takes the form of a dragon-headed tortoise body.
Many depictions include a baby version on top of the shell, as this symbol is associated with good luck for offspring. If sitting on a pile of coins and/or with a coin in its mouth, the Dragon-Tortoise is a powerful Feng Shui “Wealth Enhancer”. This type of figure sometimes has a smiling Buddha figure on its back holding a large gold ingot. Sometimes the edge of the shell is decorated with swastikas, another ancient Chinese symbol of good fortune.
general
The symbology of Chinese feng shui is rich in a deep underlying reason; however, some feng shui ‘cures’ seem unusual or exotic at first. However, a heightened awareness of its design and associated symbolic meanings soon begets sincere consideration stemming from familiarity with the essential principles of Feng Shui.