Feng shui, the ancient Chinese practice of harmonizing with the surrounding environment, places great importance on the selection of an auspicious location and orientation for a building. A traditional saying warns, “Build a house with the White Tiger overshadowing the Green Dragon, and your descendants will be poor for three generations.” This adage underscores the critical balance between yin and yang and the importance of geographical features in architectural design.
What are the White Tiger and Green Dragon in feng shui?
In East Asian feng shui, particularly within the “Four Symbols” (Green Dragon, White Tiger, Red Bird, and Black Tortoise), the Green Dragon symbolizes the east, the wood element, and spring—a representation of growth and vitality. In contrast, the White Tiger represents the west, the metal element, and autumn, which signifies harvest but also signals decline.
Classic feng shui emphasizes the need for harmony in the landscape and environment of a building site. The east (Green Dragon) should be higher and more vigorous, while the west (White Tiger) ought to be lower and calmer. If this balance is upset and the west overshadows the east—the “White Tiger overshadowing the Green Dragon”—it is believed to bring instability and misfortune, potentially leading to a decline in the family’s prosperity and wealth.
Why is the “White Tiger overshadowing the Green Dragon” considered inauspicious?
In feng shui belief, the Green Dragon embodies yang energy, symbolizing vitality, prosperity, and authority. Conversely, the White Tiger represents yin energy, conveying tranquility but also harboring potential dangers. When building a house with the White Tiger overshadowing the Green Dragon, it allows yin energy to suppress yang energy, creating an extremely unfavorable situation.
Specifically, the feng shui consequences of this geographical arrangement are believed to be:
- The homeowner may encounter obstacles in their career and struggle to advance.
- Descendants may face adversity and fall into poverty.
- Family discord, lack of harmony, and weakened health may occur.
The ancient saying, “Fear not the Green Dragon soaring to the heavens, but beware when the White Tiger raises its head,” highlights the hidden dangers of having the west overshadow the east in residential layouts.
Modern Scientific Perspective on this Phenomenon
Modern architecture and science shed further light on the ancient feng shui principles. In reality, having the west higher than the east presents several environmental disadvantages:
Light: The sun rises in the east and sets in the west. If the west is higher, natural light in the morning will be blocked, depriving the house of yang energy and potentially affecting the mood and health of its occupants.
Ventilation: Prevailing winds in many areas blow from east to west. Obstructing the east will hinder airflow, resulting in a stuffy and damp indoor environment.
Drainage: If the western landscape is higher, heavy rainfall may cause water to accumulate and flow towards the east, where the house is located, leading to long-term dampness that can affect the foundation and integrity of the building.
Thus, from a modern perspective, having the west overshadow the east not only impacts feng shui but also directly impairs the quality of life for the occupants.
Is it Necessary to be Superstitious about this?
While feng shui plays a significant role in construction, many experts caution against excessive superstition. The essence of feng shui is to seek harmony between humans and nature, creating a more balanced and favorable life. If a house unfortunately has the “White Tiger overshadowing the Green Dragon” layout, there are remedies to mitigate the situation:
- Plant tall trees or build low walls on the east side to boost yang energy.
- Use bright colors on the eastern facade of the house to enhance energy.
- Orient the main entrance or living area towards the east to invite sunlight and positive energy.
Instead of succumbing to superstition, we should adapt these ancient lessons flexibly and scientifically, thereby creating a harmonious, vibrant, and prosperous home.
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