A Feng Shui Tip from E. J. Shaffert, Director of London School of Feng Shui

In Feng Shui, the term shar chi refers to sharp or cutting energy. This can be created by any strong angle, corner, edge, or point that seems to be directed towards you or towards your home.

For example, if the corner of another building points directly towards your front door, window, or main living area, this is traditionally known as a “poison arrow.” It may sound rather dramatic, but the idea is simple: instead of energy arriving gently and supportively, it comes towards you in a sharp, attacking line.

And this does not only apply outside the home.

Inside your space, sharp corners can have a similar effect. A pointed edge of a wall, a pillar, a large piece of furniture, or the corner of a table facing your chair or bed can create a subtle feeling of pressure. You may not consciously notice it, but over time this kind of energy can leave you feeling tense, tired, unsettled, or somehow “not quite right” in the space.

One small culprit that people often overlook is the bookcase.

In Feng Shui, the spines of books lined up on a shelf can also create a form of shar chi, especially if the books are uneven, chaotic, or directly facing the place where you sit or sleep.

I know many people like to place a bookcase behind a desk chair, perhaps because it gives a feeling of intelligence, learning, and authority. And visually, of course, this can look quite impressive. But energetically, if all those book spines are pointing towards your back, the effect may be less supportive than you imagine.

Instead of feeling held by wisdom, you may feel slightly drained, pressured, or mentally over-stimulated.

So this week, take a look around your home and notice whether any sharp angles are pointing towards your bed, desk, sofa, favourite chair, or other places where you spend a lot of time.

If you find any, see what can be moved, softened, covered, or rearranged. Sometimes even a small shift in position can make the whole area feel more comfortable and supportive.

And if you have architectural features that cannot easily be moved — such as pillars, beams, or the corners of walls — don’t worry.

In next week’s tip, I will offer some simple Feng Shui suggestions for softening and balancing these features. – E J Shaffert, London School of Feng Shui