Feng Shui certification
Jul 5th, 2008 | By Aisling | Category: Other topics
Feng Shui certification is a controversial topic. Let’s discuss the pros and cons.
Because Feng Shui has existed for thousands of years, most people practice it without any formal Feng Shui training.
However, new Feng Shui enthusiasts — especially in the West — often ask for workshops, classes, and Feng Shui certification. Certification can be very useful if you plan to practice Feng Shui professionally.
With no formal Feng Shui governing board, it’s difficult to know which schools and instructors are trustworthy.
If you’re taking a Feng Shui course for fun, such as through an Adult Ed program, credentials may not be important.
On the other hand, if you’re thinking of investing months of study and thousands of dollars, research is vital.
Here’s how to select a Feng Shui school or teacher.
1. EXPERIENCE COUNTS
The first thing to ask is, “How long have you been studying and practicing Feng Shui?” Then, ask for evidence of this.
For example, a Feng Shui school would have a business license on file with the town or county. At the licensing office, you can find out how long they’ve registered as a business.
Ask who their teachers are, and where they trained. Follow this line of training until you’re satisfied that the teachers have a solid foundation in Feng Shui.
2. IF THE TEACHER IS SELF-TAUGHT
There’s nothing wrong with being self-taught; if a teacher began his or her studies 15 or more years ago, there were few Feng Shui schools in the West.
If there is no chain of authority — that is, no one who taught the person — you’ll ask for references, and check them. You’ll also see if the local Better Business Bureau has a file, and what’s in it.
Find out if they’re respected by their peers. Feng Shui practitioners tend to work either with interior designers and decorators, or with the holistic community… or both. Find out where the Feng Shui teacher advertises, and get opinions from people who know him or her, professionally.
3. WHICH STYLE, AND WHY
Next, be sure that the teacher practices a style of Feng Shui that you like. There are two leading styles in the West: Compass School and Black Hat. In addition, there are many less well-known and quirky styles; many of them are simply called ‘intuitive’. Some have emerged from design trends. Others have been developed by individuals.
The latter approaches may only work for those who develop them. It may be more about their energy (or chi) than universal principles.
If you don’t have total confidence in the teacher’s style and how he or she explains it, that’s not the teacher for you.
If the style makes perfect sense to you and you’ve seen it work, repeatedly, you’re with the right teacher.
SUMMARY
Certification can be a useful credential for anyone who plans to practice Feng Shui professionally. However, finding the right Feng Shui school or teacher is an important decision.
Whether you learn locally or through long-distance study, there are many excellent options.
The homework you do before choosing a Feng Shui school or teacher can be just as important than what you do as a student.
Visit lots of websites, talk with many teachers and Feng Shui consultants. Compare what you learn from them. Then, you’ll make the best possible choice.
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