Everything in the universe is undergoing change in the continual process of renewal and growth, ageing and decay. Throughout history and within all cultures humans have tried to understand this cycle of nature.
Some cultures, like that of the Native Americans, have centered their lives around harmonizing with the world, understanding the processes of creation and destruction by actively participating in them. In these cultures, the perspective is that they not only possess the earth and witness its transformations but, reciprocally, the earth and its changes own them.
The fundamental building blocks of all creation are collectively referred to as "the elements." These are not the elements of modern scientific understanding (atoms, nuclei, and electrons) but rather elements with unique characteristics. Their nature is intertwined with the transformation of form into non-form and vice versa #008080a representation of mutual need, creation, and destruction.
As one delves deeper into the experience of the elements, it becomes evident that they not only permeate all of creation, participating to some extent in all activities, but they also possess personalities and characters. They interact, play, fight, and respond to communication in a manner akin to sentient beings. This principle forms the foundation of magic, shamanism, and healing a perspective essential for becoming a co creator and infusing vitality into one's home and life.
The elements are dynamic, interdependent forces within the unfolding patterns of creation, and we, encompassing our spirit, thoughts, emotions, and physical existence, are an integral part of this intricate dance. Understanding the elements transcends being a passive observer of life; it is an invitation to embrace life's full potential.
The earth element in a home is embodied by its foundations, walls, floors, ceilings, roof, and garden. For optimal and sustained vitality, the preferred form is a square house on a square plot of land, as a square closely approximates a sphere.
The energy of a sphere facilitates balanced and circulating incoming and outgoing energy with minimal resistance. Conversely, a house with numerous sharp angles on a triangular plot may be challenging to keep clear, as entering energy accelerates, forming eddies where lingering thoughts and emotions can accumulate.
Features like arches, round windows, curving paths, and flower beds create a template for the smooth meandering of energy. Placing large, smooth stones in a circular formation around the house and garden harmonizes the earth Qi, especially when aligned with the movement of dragon lines.
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In the traditional Japanese dwelling, the delineation between interior and exterior spaces remains fluid. Nature is intentionally welcomed into the house through various means such as shoji, bamboo screens, and the entranceway or veranda. Rather than excluding nature, these elements serve to integrate it into the living space, fostering a harmonious coexistence with the natural surroundings.
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A comparison of house plans from Arab, American, and Japanese traditions reveals distinct architectural approaches. The Arab house typically centers around a courtyard, enclosed by substantial walls reaching the site's edges. In the American suburban house, boundaries are often delineated by the absence of hedges, and the house, fortified with reinforced doors and windows, is set within a lawn. In contrast, the Japanese house features a hedge encompassing not only the lot's periphery but also the building's perimeter.
The enclosure surrounding the Japanese house possesses a soft quality, contrasting with the solid walls of the Arab house and the open space around the American house. Alternatively, one could describe it as an ambiguity in the Japanese house, where the distinction between public and private areas is less defined compared to the clear demarcation in Arab and American architectural plans.
The primary purpose of the formal entranceway is to serve as a space for exchanging outdoor shoes with indoor slippers and for subtle decoration. In situations where the custom of removing shoes may not be observed, it is beneficial to make this practice easily understandable. For instance, a section of the entranceway beyond the front door may feature stone flooring or carpeting from where shoes are changed, marked by a shoe cabinet and indoor slippers.
To highlight this designated area, a spotlight or a Japanese style paper lantern can be used effectively. Another spotlight may draw attention to displayed articles or flower arrangements, with the option of creating a charming Japanese ambiance using a paper lantern.
Illuminating the garden is crucial, especially if visible from the entranceway. Whether using a stone lantern, hanging lantern, or spotlight, both outside and inside options work well. Ground-level lighting, however, is particularly complementary to showcase the garden's beauty and enhances the brief communion between man and nature.
In Japanese tradition, it's common for visitors to conduct business in the entranceway. To ensure family members can relax without their living spaces being open to view, the line of sight from the entranceway to the interior should be obstructed by a wall, a single leaf screen, or split curtains.
A welcoming gesture for guests is to burn incense in the entranceway just before their arrival. While this tradition has faded in contemporary Japan, it used to be a refined expression of emotions such as joy, grief, love, and affection, with aristocracy creating exquisite blends of incense. Since the formal entranceway leaves the first impression on visitors, flowers, incense, and a thoughtfully arranged garden view can convey hospitality and share the warmth of a household.