Rating: Summary: Start your apprenticeship here Review:
I would recommend this book to people who have a serious interest in feng shui and have read previous books and would like to go deeper. This book has a lot of background information that will not appeal to time starved dabblers. But then again, I do not think that this is the target audience that the authors had in mind. This is a serious textbook despite the "Idiot's" title. But as an "Idiot's" book, it implies that this is a (serious) amateur's (apprentice's) book. Think of this book as a fundamental Feng Shui 101 text. The Four Pillars, Eight Trigrams and Flying Stars sections are excellent and the most readable that I have come across. Although there are some differences regarding the Eight Houses, it is only to be expected. Also, there's quite a bit of overlap with this book and the other Idiot's book on I Ching which some of you may wish to acquire. It will give the reader a darned good foundation and crystallises previous ideas into working knowledge. As a 101 book, it goes deep but not enough to graduate. Overall, very well laid out and logically presented. It lays very solid foundations and builds on them progressively. Well done Elizabeth, Messrs Joseph and Val! Now please bring out a second level journeyman book with lots of in-depth flying stars and case studies. :-) And any other book you may care to release in between.
Rating: Summary: The Complete Idiot's Guide to Feng Shui Review: At last, a text that introduces classical feng shui to the Western world in an easy to follow format. This is not just another book on the simpler, popularized versions of feng shui. The book focuses on traditional Form School, Eight House and Flying Stars feng shui. It also includes a good segment on Four Pillars of Destiny, an astrology system that compliments a feng shui analysis. Volume Two of the "Idiot's Guide" is much improved over Volume One. The chapter on science is expanded to show a stronger link with modern physics. Feng shui's historical roots and evolution are presented in a very clear and concise manner. But what is really exciting are the numerous charts and tables scattered throughout the book. They are presented with a logical and detailed understanding of the calculations of their development, and how to use them to analyze the energy in a building. The book is written in a style that empowers feng shui students to feel confident and to understand the reasons "why" feng shui works rather than just "how." The Flying Stars section has been improved with the presentation of the more accurate three-star, versus two-star version. It also includes the analysis of Flying Stars charts, with the logic behind it. While the book does not take the place of classical master class training, it can be a great complement. I am extremely happy to have this book as a reference for my feng shui practice.
Rating: Summary: Thumbs up ! Review: A thorough, step-by-step, easy to read book that looks at classical feng shui without losing the Western reader along the way. A big round of applause for its authors who have been masters in the field for years and have taken the time and effort to write this book and share their knowledge. Loads of interesting facts, going back to and providing a better insight in Chinese traditions of how to approach the world and more particularly, our living space. Distant from so many westernized and generalised books about feng shui, this book takes you every step of the way to a basic understanding of some of the main principles of feng shui and this in a fun and educative mode. A definite thumbs up! If you are looking for a thorough, interesting and fun way to learn about feng shui, this is definitely the book for you. This is not a book you want to put down once you've started reading it and working with it. As you work your way through the book, step-by-step, you get a better insight in how we relate to our surroundings and how we are influenced by it. A great way to help you get a better insight into your life, your living space and that of your close one's. Providing you with a glimpse into what the future might hold for you, you actually feel more confident in living your life and protecting those of your loved ones. Moreover, should you get stuck, Elizabeth Moran actually takes the time to help you through any rough patches. The first book I ever came across that provides a service like that. A more than worthwhile read!
Rating: Summary: The 2nd Edition is the Best Feng Shui Book Available Review: Moran and Masters Yu and Biktashev definitely know what they're talking about. I heard them speak at the First Annual World Classical Feng Shui Conference in Germany in March 2002 and was very impressed with their presentations. Also, I had no idea that the book was being revised. And revised it was! Master Yu was added as a full author. Together, the authors overhauled the entire book. There's a lot more information correlating feng shui to modern science, thereby setting it apart from all the mindless new age feng shui books. While we've all heard of Einstein (theories of relativity), Werner Heisenberg, etc.(quantum physics), the authors also briefly introduce us to theoretical physicist David Bohm, biologist Rupert Sheldrake, and neuroscientist Andrew Newberg, all of whom have holistic theories that compliment the holistic notions of Chinese cosmology. Moran, Yu and Biktashev also explain why the Western world has embraced forms of "modern" feng shui that has absolutely nothing to do with the real McCoy! To those who are practicing Black Hat, listen up. Open your blinders a wee bit, shell out twenty bucks for this book, and you'll understand why what you're praciticing isn't feng shui at all! Yet, the best part of the book is the reworked Flying Stars section. Gone is the beginner system. In is the more sophisticated 3-number technique used by all classical consultants. Hands down, this is the feng shui bible. Congratulations Elizabeth, Joseph, and Val.
Rating: Summary: Absolutely Fantastic Review: In todays market, this book is "one of a kind". I have read at least ten commercially produced books on Feng Shui over the last five years, and NONE of them measure up to this book in sheer quality of content. Whether you are just starting out, or have been practicing for quite a while, if you have been relying on bookstores for the bulk of your Feng Shui study, then you CANNOT afford to miss reading this book! The authors give a good overview of the fundamentals of classical Feng Shui (elemental and form-school analysis). That is as far as most of the other books on this subject seem to go, but the authors of this guide go even further by giving the reader a pretty in-depth treatment of both East/West and Flying-Star methods. The Flying-Star method is one rarely seen in western books on Feng Shui (Eva Wong's book "Feng Shui" is the only other one that comes to mind), and yet is held to be one of the most powerful traditional methods. Joseph Yu's chapters on Four-Pillar Astrology are a "must read". You will not find a better teacher, and these chapters are clear, easy to read, and (best of all) complete! All in all, if you are interested in classical/traditional Feng Shui, you will NOT be disappointed in this book. I give this book Five Stars, with an additional thumbs-up for emphasis. Good job Elizabeth, Val, and Joseph!
Rating: Summary: Real Feng Shui and plenty of it Review: This is one of the top handful of books on feng shui. It introduces the reader gently, but then goes into real detail on the most important feng shui issues, Form, Eight Mansions and Flying Star feng shui. It is probably the best book in English for relating Chinese Four Pillar astrology to feng shui. Many tables and diagrams make it particularly valuable as both a first time read and a serious reference work. I can wholeheartedly recommend it.
Rating: Summary: Comprehensive and Helpful Review: This book was thorough in teaching the history behind the practice of Classical Feng Shui. It is easy to read, illustrations were well-done, and it offers ways to practice as you go along. There is a great feeling in obtaining a comprehensive knowledge about a unique philosophy of an ancient and wise culture. But I was most impressed that when I had a more specific question concerning a room of my home, the authors, who list their email address in the book, answered completely and promptly with courtesy and understanding.
Rating: Summary: Master Elizabeth Moran had been extremely GENEROUS !!! Review: This is the best book I have read about Feng Shui. Eliz had generously shared all her knowledge she had gained about the subject in the book with us. As you read the book, you will find that she had done extensive research and studies in producing every single page of the book. Very compact and precise. Besides, I think this is the only book that will sufficiently allow you to do your own feng shui just by reading one book! Furthermore, she had also generously recommended to us a list of masters, websites, resources, books etc and make it an ultimate one-stop-shop for all that you need to know about feng shui and its links. Furthermore, she had also taught me alot thru email when I have questions pertaining to the content of her book! I would rate Eliz as a great master who is extremely generous in spreading this useful knowledge of feng shui. Thank you very much Eliz!!!
Rating: Summary: EXCELLENT! Review: I've had this book for 3 years, and I use it constantly. It's thorough, easy to understand, and a wonderful tool. All other Feng Shui books I've looked at have been gimicky, this is true traditional feng shui, with explanations and images explaining directions, etc. I highly recommend it for anyone wanting to improve there home or work environment, and bring better luck their way. Especially helpful for those house-hunting wanting to find the best home for their family.
Rating: Summary: Wonderful Resource! Review: You really CAN start from scratch and get a very good understanding of feng shui from this book. It takes you step by step through even the more complicated aspects. It's well-organized, and information is easy to find. I'm very glad to have this book available to me!
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