'Doctrine of the cosmic breath', and outlines of nature involving landscapes, mountains and watercourses, and their likeness to animals either mythical or real, are employed. Of the Fukien and the Kiangsi Schools, the latter is the more popular in Hong Kong, although the two have tended to merge and overlap like Buddhism and Taoism over the past century.
In addition to the two main schools of fung shui, as already demonstrated, there are variations in methods used by different practitioners. Although they may know things about 'unseen forces' and the supernatural that they did not learn through schooling, because fung shui is complex, alternative interpretations by different masters are by no means uncommon. One frequently finds that a master's personality plays an important part. Many masters do not share the same views or give identical advice. They have been likened to blind men feeling the same water buffalo and getting different impressions. One touches its head, another its tail and so on. On account of such factors, Chinese geomancy has been described as rather 'hit and miss'. Certainly, it is 'by no means an exact science'. But science can be a dead end anyway to an imaginative soul.
Sick Building Syndrome
A great deal has been written in recent years about the effects of chemical emission of building materials on occupants. Dr Bill Wolverton, a member of the United States 'Plants for Clean Air Council' (Plants that cure ..1992), maintains that research proves plants in buildings can filter out harmful chemicals. Microbes in the roots detoxify and help purify air. Naturally, some plants are better at this than others, and only fresh plants can provide energy and power to attract positive forces. Azaleas or plants with sharp, pointed leaves are to be avoided because of the 'dagger effect', Chinese believe.
When the leaves of fortune plants wither and turn yellow, however, they should be replaced, or yellow edges should be trimmed. Most Chinese will tell you that with fresh bamboo, this is permissible. Others insist you should not cut plants after they have grown, while in your possession, as you are 'cutting away your own wealth'. Incidentally, some Chinese believe, with plants and flowers symbolising growth, life and nature, and with colours linked to the Five Elements, it is natural to place them in green or blue vases.