Qi is a cosmic energy that exists in everything that lives, and influences all of creation. It is created from the interaction of Yin and Yang in the natural environment. Yin is present in Mountain landforms, and Yang in Water landforms. We cannot detect Qi with our normal senses, but it has profound effects on our lives. The goal of Feng Shui is to harness Qi in the environment in ways that will support us and help us reach our goals in life.
Qi can take any of five general states: Prosperous, Growing, Retreating, Dead or Killing.
Prosperous Qi is known as Wang Qi. This is the most vibrant and auspicious type of Qi, bringing prosperity and improved quality of life. Wang Qi is strong and nurturing, and its presence helps to accelerate performance. Wang Qi is the most important Qi within an area.
Growing Qi is also called Sheng Qi. It is life-generating, and can bring prosperity and good fortune in our lives. The presence of Sheng Qi hastens opportunities and progress, sharpens our thinking, and stabilizes our emotions.
Retreating Qi, also called Tui Qi, is declining in strength and influence.
Dead Qi is also called Si Qi. It is stagnant and its presence creates problems and suffering. Si Qi is toxic. It impedes performance and upsets the balance.
Finally, Killing Qi, or Sha Qi is destructive, violent and harmful. It is powerful and menacing. It can have far-reaching negative effects and is the opposite of Sheng Qi. Sha Qi reduces vitality and has a blinding effect on one's performance or thinking.
Of these five states of Qi, the most important to consider are Wang Qi, Sheng Qi and Sha Qi.
Sheng Qi is produced by lush, green mountains and slowly meandering, clean waterways. Sha Qi, on the other hand, occurs in areas where mountains are sharp, rocky or barren, or where waterways rush too quickly or are dirty. Windswept areas are also indicative of the presence of Sha Qi, since wind can disperse Qi.
External landforms always take precedence over internal formulas, so be sure to determine if the Qi of the external environment is positive or negative BEFORE working on the inside of the structure. If the external environment is inauspicious, your efforts inside will mostly go to waste.
For those who live in urban environments, it is important to point out that man-made structures do not generate Qi like natural landforms do. However, large manmade structures can block, conduct or redirect Qi. They can also transform Sheng Qi into Sha Qi. Therefore, neighboring buildings or roads can carry Sheng or Sha Qi. Meandering roads with slower moving traffic are conductors of Sheng Qi, while fast-moving, noisy traffic carries Sha Qi.
External landforms which form sharp or hostile shapes can also cause Qi to become hostile. Examples include pillars, lampposts or dead trees directly in front of a property's main door. One of the worst examples is a road pointing directly at your home. Narrow or dark passageways can also foster Sha Qi. On the other hand, an expansive, open space which allows Qi to gather outside your home and meander gently in brings Sheng Qi with it. Such a space is referred to as a "Bright Hall" or "Ming Tang".
Qi flows from high to low places, and can move slowly in a meandering way or quickly in a forceful way. It can pool in an area or be dissipated. It can collect and be distributed, it can be squeezed, and it can be expanded. Qi collects in open, uncluttered spaces. Narrow spaces like corridors cause Qi to be squeezed and move forcefully. Because Qi flows downward and not upward, the Qi on an upper floor of a building is always more passive than the Qi on the lower floor. This is why it is better to have more active rooms like living rooms on the ground floor, and bedrooms on the upper floor. Qi should not be allowed to stagnate, so it is a good idea to air spaces out regularly to allow Qi to circulate freely.
| State | Description |
| Wang Qi | Prosperous |
| Sheng Qi | Growing |
| Tui Qi | Retreating |
| Si Qi | Dead |
| Sha Qi | Destructive |
Chad Dunham
8-White Star Feng Shui