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Feng Shui numbers symbolise particular kinds of Chi. The Bagua (see the "magic square" diagram below) places these numbers in a particular flowing order relative to time, space, the "feel" of the energy, movement and change. This article uses group energy as an example of how Chi moves and changes in any given situation, time and space.
The energy of a group inevitably follows the same course as that for individuals and spaces. If we look at this from the point of view of the Bagua, we can see it explained fully by the ancients.
From (1) water, winter, where all things appear barren and bleak, still and solitary, all growth and activity under the surface, we move to (2) transition between winter and spring, an earth type energy where the shoots are beginning to show above the ground, a nurturing energy, giving and receiving; this is the number associated with relationships - foundation and growth, absorbing the water element. We then move on to (3) spring, a fresh tree type |
| energy, upward and outward. This is active energy with rapid growth reinforced, by the conflict inherent in the destructive cycle of elements - wood breaks up earth, releasing its strength and absorbing it for growth. From here we move just one square (4) the wind energy associated with transition from spring to summer - the wind which has the feeling of anything from a refreshing breeze to a tornado - here is uncontrolled growth, quantum leap, building on the already strong tree energy preceding it, but without the destructive cycle energy to balance it - there is unbalance which can and |
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does easily fall into discord and division, bringing us to the centre (5), the sum of all the parts full strong earth energy, receiving, controlling, the centre of the Tai Chi, where all is strictly black and white. Here is where the group often divides, one section falling back into the water element to start the process all over again, the other moving on into (6) metal, the product of the earth, spirit, the area of the Bagua labelled "Helpful Friends" where the contribution of the group is felt fully in the larger community, and the community adds its energy to the whole. Again we move one square only into small metal (7), the creative gua associated with the lake of the unconscious where we dive deep into ourselves for our own growth - these two areas of metal oppose the tree energy associated with growth on the expansive part of the cycle, they bring a cutting away, transformative energy into the group, a gathering of spirit and form, a harvesting of the produce of the seeds planted earlier in the cycle. The movement is then again into earth (8), the mountain cave where the group meditates on its discoveries - the trigram implies a cave in the mountain, the process is of bringing to consciousness that which has been learned in the process of this cycle, resulting in (9) the flame of illumination, enlightenment, lighting up the whole group which can then move up to the next level of the spiral into the time of incubation for the process of the next cycle.
The movement, growth and process of this cycle can be seen in individuals, in board meetings, in groups gathered for any purpose whatsoever. To attempt to constrain the process at any point on the cycle is to prevent the process in its movement towards growth, change and transformation. It is only from the perspective of the Tai Chi that we can fully appreciate the necessity for light and dark in group energy, for conflict which is a part of the resolution and growth of the spirit. It is only when we can see the balance inherent in the process itself that we can let go of our discomfort around and our fear of conflict. Without conflict there is no stimulus to grow, without a stimulus to grow there is only stagnation and atrophy.
Interested in taking this further? Pick up the phone and contact me for a chat or to book an appointment.
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