#4 Celestial Animals in Feng Shui
You know about compass directions, the five elements, the balancing of energies, yin and yang, and the many rules associated with the placement of objects, colors, and rooms. What more is there to know? There are four celestial animals in Feng Shui, and they bridge the distance between the physical and the spiritual worlds.
They are the tiger, turtle, phoenix, and dragon. They are associated with specific cardinal directions and related side effects. Feng Shui has been around for thousands of years, and some of its traditions are based on ancient Chinese beliefs that date back beyond that.
Importance of Celestial Animals in Feng Shui
#1. Dragon
The dragon is the most powerful of all four celestial animals, but there is no one dragon; they live under mountains, under landscapes, and on the very earth. They are the ultimate guardians and are considered yang or male overly.
He faces east and is associated with springtime and the color green. Therefore, he is called the “Green Dragon.” Spring is a time for new beginnings and new ideas.
He can consume negative energy and breathe out good energy. Some even consider him to offer ultimate wisdom and divine protection. He is regarded as good luck for just about any desire. Place him on the east side of the front door, higher than the tiger, in a place of honor.
Like all things in Feng Shui, there must be a balanced yin and yang that are no different. The yang power of the dragon gives potency, passion, and persuasive power.
Not enough yang in your life means you lack the will or drive to make things happen; projects never get off the ground, and that dream job is ever out of your reach. Too much yang energy and you become restless and anxious.
#2. Phoenix
The phoenix is the flashiest of the four celestial animals. Like its mythological counterpart, it is a brightly colored bird that rises from its ashes in a never-ending cycle of life, death, and rebirth. It faces south, which is associated with summer and the color red.
It is referred to as the “Red Phoenix” as a result. Feng Shui practitioners suggest placing a representation of the phoenix in front of your house (especially if your home is south-facing).
It could be almost any bird with a red tint, even flamingos. Perhaps that is where the tradition began. But some say the phoenix, and for that matter, summer symbolizes the constant rebirth of the sun.
In the summer, the sun is at its strongest, and it is in the sky the most hours of the day of the year. This is the time for full adulthood and learning from your mistakes—a time for making a name for yourself and reinvention.
The location and color of this unique creature have to do with acknowledgment and fame (especially in your chosen career). The phoenix, while still a protector, is volatile, as is fire. Too much fire (like yang energy) can lead to disquiet and lack of focus. This is why there are four protectors and not just one.
#3. Tiger: Celestial Animals in Feng Shui
The tiger is considered female or yin. She faces the west and is associated with Autumn and the color white; therefore, she is referred to as the “White Tiger.” The fierce tiger’s feminine nature offers protection second only to the dragon when it comes to home safety and security.
She symbolizes courage and fortitude as well as protection. Set her on the west side of the front door as you look outside for the proper placement. The yin power of the tiger is just as important as the yang power of the dragon. Why? Because without yin, there is no rest, no break from your professional life as it creeps into your personal life.
Yin is a passive, calming energy. The tiger is protective of you personally as well as your home. Use it as a reminder to say “No” once in a while. Stay home with your partner, children, or even an excellent book to energize your spirit.
So Autumn is a time of reflection. On the other hand, if you have too much yin, you will become lethargic and melancholy. You don’t want to get to the point where you never leave the house!
#4. Turtle
This animal may not be as bold as the others, but it is no less critical. It points and is associated with winter and the color black; therefore, it is called the “Black Turtle.” The turtle’s shell is smooth and worn, a testament to luck over time.
Some even say it demonstrates smooth and perpetual progress in finances. The kind of luck this animal generates comes from mentors, being in the “right” place at the “right” time, and networking. When placing the Black Turtle, face the turtle north, and put it higher than your home, if possible, and at a slight distance (in a garden, for example).
In this way, luck will spill over from the head of the family through the generations. Turtles are well-known for being very slow but still manage to reach their destinations. It is their determination that makes all the difference.
While some want to make money immediately, and sometimes that is possible, amassing a considerable fortune takes time. It is known to be one of the long-lived land animals on the planet. So this humble animal keeps you and your finances healthy and alive for a very long time.
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