The School of Feng Shui
7 Halford Road, Ettington, Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, CV37 7TH, England.
Tel: +44(0)1789 748 012 § Mobile: +44(0)7796 148 160
Foundation Year Syllabus in the
Theory and Practice of Feng Shui
Syllabus for Foundation Year designed by Tony Holdsworth,
Principal of the School of Feng Shui, and Derek Walters
The successful completion of the course of study requires attendance at a number of seminar modules, along with the presentation of course work maintained over a sustained period. Course members may also pursue individual research in a chosen area of particular interest as an optional addition to the standard course work.
Modules 1 and 2
Tutor : Derek Walters
Module 1 — The Language and Grammar of Feng Shui
Feng Shui is an ancient technique, founded on long-established Chinese philosophical principles. Before the subject can be properly understood, it is essential that the basic ideas are thoroughly investigated and that students become totally familiar with the concepts of Qi (ch’i), Yin and Yang, and the Five Elements.
Module 2 — Introduction to Course Work
The essential feature of the course is its emphasis on practical applications. To this end, participants will be required to maintain a journal of their practical activities. One of the features of the journal will be the continuing review of three locations selected by the student. During the first two modules, each participant will meet with Derek Walters, the Senior Tutor, for personal advice in planning their projects.
Modules 3 and 4
Tutor : Derek Walters
Module 3 — Domestic Feng Shui
There are several ways in which Feng Shui can be applied in the home: choices of colour schemes and furnishing materials are important for personal well-being and family harmony. The various rooms and functions of the home will be investigated, with particular emphasis on their relationship to the Seven Portents. The Portents reveal the favourable and unfavourable areas within the home, and how the benefits may be harnessed and any potential dangers diverted.
Module 4 — Feng Shui for Business
A successful business depends on having a harmonious balance within the business, and in its relations with customers. The various types of businesses will be discussed, with their differing needs according to the type of business being pursued. This module will make special reference to the functions of the Eight Trigrams of Chinese philosophy, and show how each of the Eight Directions has its affinity with a particular type of business activity.
Modules 5 and 6
Tutor : Peter Firebrace
Module 5 — Introducing the Yi Jing
An unparalleled source book for understanding the sequence and process of change, the Yi Jing (I Ching), or Book of Change, helps us to see patterns behind structure and symbol behind form. The development of the 64 hexagrams from unity (Tai Ji), through polarity (Yin-Yang), the four images (Si Xiang) and the eight trigrams (Ba Gua) is fully examined. The elemental qualities of the trigrams in both the pre-heaven and post-heaven sequences are then explored.
Module 6 — Practical Use of the Yi Jing
The different casting methods for prediction and guidance are thoroughly outlined and students will be taught the practical explanation and use of the coin method. The nature of prediction, the changing lines and the primary (cast) and progressed (derived) hexagrams are discussed. The circular (primary) arrangement of the hexagrams with key notes for each hexagram will become fully understood since this forms the essential philosophical background for the serious student of Feng Shui.
Modules 7 and 8
Tutor : Derek Walters
Module 7 — Measurement of Time
The Chinese method of time measurement introduces several factors which are required knowledge for the Feng Shui practitioner. The correct balance between the seasons and directions will already have been mastered. Participants will learn how to read a Chinese calendar, and understand the meanings of the stems and branches, the lunar months and the 24 solar fortnights, as well as other aspects of the relationships between time and orientation. Practical applications include the selection of times for inaugurating new buildings and businesses, and selecting suitable dates and times for marriage and, indeed, for consultations.
Module 8 — Feng Shui for Health
Many aspects of Traditional Chinese Medicine focus on the importance of selecting the most opportune moment for treatment, whether the treatment is acupuncture, massage or herbal medicine. Course participants will investigate the important function of ‘Time’ in Traditional Chinese Medicine practice. Other possible relationships will be discussed, including the application of Feng Shui principles in colour therapy, diet, location and orientation.
Modules 9 and 10
Tutor : Derek Walters
Module 9 — Compass School Feng Shui
This module will provide an initial understanding of and guidance in the employment of the Chinese compass, or Luo Pan. This ancient tool is essential for the practice of Feng Shui.
Module 10 — Form School Feng Shui
Recognition of the ‘Dragon’ and ‘Tiger’ in the landscape, in both rural and urban environments will be pursued in this module. Students will also learn to recognise ‘Earth’ and ‘Water’ Dragons in natural and artificial features of the landscape. The effect of natural and artificial aspects of the landscape, on a local and global scale, will be discussed. Ley-lines and geomantic concepts in other cultures will also be examined.
Modules 11 and 12
Tutor : Richard Creightmore
Module 11 — Geopathic Stress
The ‘mysterious underground energies’ of the Earth are detected in traditional Feng Shui by dipping movements of the Heaven Pool needle at the centre of a Luo Pan. The ability to perceive these Earthly energies, including the ability to find sites suitable for digging wells for water supply, is an integral part of the geomancer’s art. Chinese knowledge of the underground energies accords very closely with what is understood in the geopathic stress theory of the European dowsing tradition, and this module will explore their nature, causes and cures from both perspectives.
Module 12 — Practical Dowsing
Using L-rods in the field and pendulums over maps and sketch plans students will learn to dowse for the various possible geopathic stress energies and ‘Sha’, or negative Qi, as well as beneficial Earth Qi. A range of options for dealing with Sha will be explored, including Earth Acupuncture. This can effect the transformation of Sha to ‘Sheng Qi’ for a location and achieve localised healing for the Earth’s etheric web. Theory and practice will come together within this module in the form of a group consultation at a suitable local property.
Modules 13 and 14
Tutor : Derek Walters
Module 13 — Divination School
In China, one of the functions of the Feng Shui practitioner is the revealing of a person’s destiny or fate. Course participants will investigate some of the many different aspects of Chinese divination from a practical point of view. Under discussion will be Chinese astrology, physiognomy, the Yi Jing (I Ching), rhabdomancy and numerology, or Luo Shu divination.
Module 14 — Personal Relationships
It is important for people to relate harmoniously to the people and buildings around them, and indeed to themselves. In this module, course participants will learn various ways of establishing a person’s natural elements and their significance. The relationship profile may be determined by the time of birth, the physique, posture, skin-tone and emotional state of an individual.
Modules 15 and 16
Tutor : Roger Coghill
Naturally, Electromagnetic Stress is not strictly Feng Shui, since the ancient Chinese had no such problems. However, the subtle nature of Feng Shui affects the physical and psychological health of occupants of both homes and businesses. Roger’s detailed research is equally important in today’s modern environment, and so these modules are included in this initial course.
Module 15 — Electromagnetic Stress
The growth of electropollution in the 20th century with a brief history of bioelectromagnetic research, and the latest epidemiological and laboratory research findings are explained. Static magnetic influences on health disorders and the effect of direct currents will be outlined.
Module 16 — Detecting and Avoiding Electropollution : Therapeutic Approaches
The nature and detection of electric and magnetic fields and the stratagem for avoiding electropollution in homes and offices are fully explored. Protective devices to mitigate exposure will be introduced.
Modules 17 and 18
Tutor : Derek Walters
Module 17 — Individual Presentation and Discussion of Coursework
Course members will by now have acquired a sound practical knowledge of Feng Shui techniques, which they will have been able to put into practice, and which will have been revealed in their course journals. Students will now be able to present their experiences to the group. Queries and problems can be aired and discussed, and solutions suggested.
Module 18 — Assessment
As well as a personal assessment, this final session will enable the group to learn something of the practicalities of consultation work, including presentation skills and client expectations.
Profiles of the Tutors
Derek Walters
Derek Walters has studied and practised Feng Shui and related arts and sciences for 20 years. Derek’s knowledge of the Chinese language has enabled him to translate much research from original texts and, consequently, he has become a recognised authority on traditional Chinese culture, both in the West and in China. His published works include books on the history and practice of Chinese Feng Shui, Astrology, Mythology and Philosophy. The now accepted English classic on this subject, The Feng Shui Handbook, is probably the best known of his works.
Peter Firebrace
Peter Firebrace gained a Bachelor of Acupuncture from the International College of Oriental Medicine, England, and completed additional studies at the European School of Acupuncture in Paris and the Colleges of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Chengdu and Beijing. He was Principal of the International College of Oriental Medicine from 1985 to 1990 and has lectured at many locations in the United Kingdom and Europe. He has also written many articles in the Review of Oriental Medicine, and he is co-founder of the European Journal of Oriental Medicine and co-author of A Guide to Acupuncture (Constable, 1994).
His specialist subjects include the interaction between Chinese Philosophy and Chinese Medicine, the influence of Daoism and Confucianism on the Medical Model, spiritual and emotional aspects in Chinese Medicine, Alchemy and Chinese medicine, and the time cycles of the Heavenly Stems and Earthly Branches and the Yi Jing (64 patterns of change). Peter currently practises acupuncture in London, whilst continuing his lecture tours and study courses.
Richard Creightmore
Richard Creightmore has been studying Geomancy from the Chinese, Celtic and other traditions since 1979 and practising professionally as a Geopathic Stress Consultant since 1986. His interest grew initially out of a Geography degree at Worcester College, Oxford, gained in 1980. This was followed by studies in the British Earth Mysteries and work with leading dowsers, including Colin Bloy, Sig Lonegren and Daniel Wilson. Travels in Europe, Australia and Asia have furthered his geomantic explorations, including Feng Shui tours of China, studying with Professor Wang Yu Te.
In addition to a number of other trainings in the healing arts, Richard gained a degree in Acupuncture from the International College of Medicine in 1985, followed in 1989 by admission to the Register of Cranio-Sacral Therapists.
Richard and Julie Rocka are currently the Principals and main teachers of Beech Hill College in East Sussex, which offers a range of subjects focusing on Geomantic, Shamanic and Divinatory Arts, as well as professinal training programmes in Feng Shui, Geomancy and Earth Magic. A new foundation course in Feng Shui will be available in Autumn 2002. The courses are offered in modules allowing students to undertake particular subjects of interest separately or to complete a stream of study for Practitioner Certification.
Both Richard and Julie undertake geomantic consultation work in Europe and Australia. They can be contacted at: Beech Hill College, Beech View, Crowborough Road, Nutley, East Sussex TN22 3HY, UK. § Tel/Fax: +44 (0)1825 713 215 § e-mail: info@beech-hill-college.com § website: www.beech-hill-college.com
Roger Coghill
Roger Coghill is currently registered as a postgraduate student at The Occupational Health Unit at Surrey University’s Robens Institute. Since 1987, he has acted as a consultant in the monitoring and control of environmental electromagnetic pollution. He is the author of six books associated with research into this field and is currently undertaking case-control studies in childhood cancer and measured electromagnetic fields, along with similar projects in myalgic encephalomyelitis and infant death cases.
He broadcasts, lectures and writes frequently on these topics. His consultancy, which maintains a large computer database of scientific references on the biological effects of electromagnetic energy, designs and sells dosimetric instruments for measuring electromagnetic field strengths from VDUs, or in homes, offices and factories. He runs a 3,000 sq. ft. bioelectromagnetics laboratory for cellular and human studies.
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