The Feng Shui of Rome & Venice

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I’ve recently had the privilege of traveling to Rome & Venice. I simply do not have words to describe all the beauty, art and remains of ancient civilizations that I experienced. However I thought it would be interesting to discuss these iconic cities in the light of feng shui.

Rome

Design

The city planning and architecture of ancient Rome reflects organization designed to project power and harmony. Important buildings, and those in power, were put in the ”command position’ – a basic principle of feng shui.

The Roman Empire’s extensive road network and the Golden Milestone was thought to be the starting point for all distances. The vast and well-engineered Roman road system made it possible to travel to and from the capital to all of its provinces, reinforcing the idea that ‘all roads lead to Rome’. Which is what I would call good ‘chi’.

Ancient Romans used symbology in their homes to influence their mood and status. They particularly used the energy of space in order to strategically place a Lararia. These household shrines were a central part of daily life and a place for making offerings and prayers to ensure domestic harmony and prosperity.

Like the Chinese, the Romans designed their homes with inner courtyards. Ancient Chinese and Roman courtyards served a range of purposes, from providing natural ventilation and light, to ensuring security, privacy, and a connection with nature. They functioned as a central, open-air living space for family members.

Venice

Design

It is thought that Grand Canal has an energy pattern resembling a dragon cradling a pearl. The Grand Canal literally snakes through the city like a dragon. Piazza San Marco represents the precious pearl – the ancient heart of Venice’s wealth and power. According to feng shui, such a formation brings abundance, prestige, and perhaps has helped Venice to survive and thrive against all odds.

One legendary tale speaks of a Chinese feng shui master who visited Venice during the Renaissance. After observing the city’s layout, he reportedly warned about the Rialto Bridge. They built this main crossing over the Grand Canal was in a way that disturbed the dragon’s energy flow. He claimed that this imbalance would eventually lead to Venice’s decline. Unless, that is, the city maintained its spiritual balance by honoring the water element and making offerings to the “river dragon.” Some say this is why Venice’s residents celebrate the Feast of the Redeemer. This is their festival dedicated to water, gratitude, and balance.

5 Elements

Venice contends with what is called the destructive cycle of the 5 Elements. The elements of earth and water are in a constant conversation (make that conflict) with one another.. Venice is an amazingly beautiful and completely unique city. It is built on man-made wooden pilings for the foundations of some of the world’s grandest buildings. But, without new technology, water may reclaim the earth

While I always find it interesting to appreciate a foreign city for its culture and beauty, I also like to see the possible connections to the universal principles of feng shui.

As mentioned in a previous email, I have been renovating, painting and clutter clearing my apartment. And, of course, I have been updating my feng shui adjustments and performing space clearing and blessing rituals.

So, as we set our clocks back and enter this darker time of the year, it is useful to reflect on the past 10 months and let go of what is no longer needed.