After living in short-term rentals for several years we are thinking of taking a long lease on a house in Sarapee with a nice view of Doi Suthep.

Renovations and remodeling are a possibility, and if so, we would like to incorporate Feng Shui principals into the design.

Two questions:

1. Are there Feng Shui practitioners here in Chiang Mai?

2. If you have used them, what have your experiences been?

Thanks for any information.

There's a lady down the end of Nimann soi 2.

There's a lady down the end of Nimann soi 2.

Thank you.

How do you find her, is there a sign out?

You ought to read this topic, too: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/179362-living-in-saraphi/

You ought to read this topic, too: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/179362-living-in-saraphi/

Thanks for the input.

The link is five years old. It would be interesting io know if there has been any recent work done as a follow-up.

Feng Shui was well examined by Penn and Teller in season 1 episode 7 of their tv show - available on youtube.

Spoiler alert: The name of the tv show is "Bullshit!".

I think it's better too read up on Feng Shui yourself, and then blend some of the best-practises with your particular layout and design, and apply common sense as needed.

I think it's better too read up on Feng Shui yourself, and then blend some of the best-practises with your particular layout and design, and apply common sense as needed.

A common sense answer is always appreciated.

Family friends. She's quite good, often gets flown to places to consult. Not really signposted, just go to the end of the soi, last house on the right.

Family friends. She's quite good, often gets flown to places to consult. Not really signposted, just go to the end of the soi, last house on the right.

Many thanks.

We really don't know much about Feng Shui, but living in harmony with your surroundings seems - as WTK said - like common sense.

Family friends. She's quite good, often gets flown to places to consult. Not really signposted, just go to the end of the soi, last house on the right.

Many thanks.

We really don't know much about Feng Shui, but living in harmony with your surroundings seems - as WTK said - like common sense.

We forgot to add: we're not as gullible as Nina Wang was - nor do we have the millions of HK$ that she did.

Feng Shui 'consultants' and 'specialists' in Chiang Mai are very likely to share the same 'qualifications' as other 'paranormal' practitioners anywhere in the world - in that they say they have 'studied' this subject intensely, often at some far-flung esoteric institute, claim to feel 'vibrations' and are 'outstanding in their field'

So, forgive me for quoting an old saying - that is exactly where they should be - out standing in a field somewhere, ashamed of taking money from people gullible enough to believe their claims.

Don't get me wrong - there is nothing wrong with the ancient principle of Feng Shui - i.e. of common sense living (and building your dwelling) in harmony with the elements and Mother Nature - sheltered from wind, exposed to the sun in cold countries, the opposite in cold climates, close to water and food supplies, and not close to volcanoes or other natural hazards, etc. An extension of this goes to creating pleasant clean surroundings and an environment which is nice to live your life in.

But not the modern money-making mumbo-jumbo equivalent, which so many people fall for - as the 'intuitive talk' can be very convincing, the same as clairvoyants, fortune tellers, aura-readers, crystal ball gazers, and many things akin.

I was told by one of these people that - because my front door faces an open window - the chi and the flow will (alas) 'get lost'

I politely told the learned lady to do just that, and I wish other people would think critically, do the same, and keep any 'Feng Shui consultation fees' safely in the bank, or buy a few bottles of red wine instead - chi-irs!

The James Randi web site is essential reading for young children and adults who tend to think 'supernaturally' (and for irresponsible Thai maids and nannies who tell their employer's kids about ghosts and ghouls, leaving them terrified to sleep alone for years afterwards, sometimes for life)

The James Randi web comments on Feng Shui - for those interested - are here

And more learned comments are here

There are charlatans in every field of study, as well as people just out to take your money. We have world-wide religions that ask for 10% of your income to keep you on the right side of God. Feng Shui doesn't ask for money. People do. The principles of living in harmony with the earth work. If they didn't, it wouldn't have survived for 5,000 years and be practiced by so many individuals all over the world. That a magician claims he can reproduce things using illusions is wonderful, but doesn't prove that these same things can be found naturally. It only proves they can be reproduced with illusion.

To tell people they they shouldn't believe in something simply because it can't be seen or proven in a laboratory is denying them the use of tools that others HAVE found to be effective. There are many different 'schools' of Feng Shui just as there are many different religions. Some fit one individual and a different school of belief may fit someone else. To say that one is 'fake' is doing an injustice to the individual.

Personally, I've been living my life along the guidelines of 'Flying Star Feng Shui' and my wife follows 'Nine Pillars Feng Shui.' We've found, through personal trial and error, that they work for us, and make our lives considerably more comfortable. When we violate the Feng Shui principles, things just don't seem to work out the way we'd like them to in our daily lives. When we live in accordance with Feng Shui, everything just seems to flow more smoothly, and fortunate things seem to happen for us left and right. I can't swear that these are caused by Feng Shui. I just know that when we do NOT follow Feng Shui guidelines, these things just don't happen as often. Could be coincidence, but after 30 years of trial and error, we have to conclude that it works.

As with religion, you have the choice to believe or not believe. But to try to convince others that 'they' shouldn't believe because a magician say he can reproduce something isn't being fair. It's asking people to believe a magician instead. Besides, he makes a lot of money just from convincing people that they see what isn't there. A modern illusionist vs 5000 years of recorded history and millions of people's experience? I know which one I trust.