These symbols of good luck and protection have been favorites of the Chinese as Feng Shui ‘Cures’ since classical times. They are essentially associated with the Feng Shui School of Form and Compass.
Dragon / Lung
The noble and auspicious Chinese dragon should never be confused with the fire-breathing bat-winged monster that arises from ancient Western superstition. The much older Chinese version is a protective symbol of authority, true learning, enlightenment and wealth reminiscent of healthy ‘Sheng Qi’.
Many figures and representations of the Dragon show him chasing (coiling, grasping, trying to swallow) a Pearl, which represents hidden wisdom. This symbolizes aspiration. Traditionally, the Dragon is associated with the East Sector of locations.
Unicorn / Chi Lin
The Chinese Unicorn is also a much older figure than its western counterpart and, like the Dragon, is one of the Four Protecting Heavenly Animals. Whenever and wherever it is on display, the Chi Lin is associated with fortunate times
Dogs fu
Sometimes referred to as ‘lion dogs’ or temple lions, these may have originally been bred to fight the once ubiquitous Asiatic lion (which only survives in small numbers in India) and is often associated with the Shih-Tzu breed. These come in pairs: the male holds a ball of meat under one leg, and the female holds a cub in a similar fashion.
Fu dogs should be placed in openings (doors and windows) with the male on the left and the female on the right as if looking out.
Ba-Gua mirror
Sometimes also known as Feng Shui mirrors, these should always look out from your home (or office), that is, from windows or doors and never inward, towards the occupants. These objects embody a central concave or convex mirror mounted in an octagonal frame divided into eight sectors (Ba Gua) by a series of three discontinuous and / or continuous lines. Ideally, select one with three solid lines across the top.
Mystic Knot / Pan Chang
Composed of the continuous symbol in the shape of a figure of eight repeated six times in a geometric pattern, this represents the continuous and uninterrupted flow of auspicious energies in a harmonious way.
With 3 coins attached, this was often used as a sword knot for the Chinese rapier. Although it is a symbol of good fortune in its own right, other objects related to career success, wealth or are frequently suspended from it and placed accordingly. The mystical knot can also be found worked in other auspicious Feng Shui cures such as wind chimes.
Dragon-Turtle
The Tortoise that symbolizes stability and longevity is also one of the Four Heavenly Protective Creatures, like the Dragon. This composite symbol powerfully integrates the energies of both animals and generally takes the form of a dragon-headed tortoise body.
Many representations include a baby version on the shell, as this symbol is associated with good luck for descendants. If you are sitting on a pile of coins and / or with a coin in its mouth, the dragon turtle is a powerful feng shui ‘wealth enhancer’. This type of figure sometimes has a laughing Buddha figure on its back holding a large gold ingot. Sometimes the edge of the shell is decorated with swastikas, another ancient Chinese symbol of good fortune.
Usually
Chinese Feng Shui symbology is rich with a deep underlying foundation, yet some Feng Shui ‘Cures’ seem unusual or seem exotic at first. However, a heightened awareness of its design and associated symbolic meanings soon engenders a sincere consideration that arises from familiarity with the essential principles of Feng Shui.