A few years ago I mentioned to a Feng Shui practitioner, I saw Chi energies as a game between the goodies and the baddies. He quietly reminded me that wasn't the case and suggested instead we look at the association between beneficial and detrimental Chi energies. Thanks very much.

Chi energies are always in a state of flux and oscillate between a beneficial and detrimental association with their surroundings. Whether they were good or bad or perceived as such was dependent on us viewing them as beneficial or detrimental. I was becoming confused realising I still had a long way to go in understanding Yin and Yang oscillation.

Coming back to the garden and evaluating it for Chi harmony, I tend to associate detrimental influences against its potential harmonious appeal. When I look at a garden I seek to recognise detrimental Chi influences by applying a range of techniques.

Before I enter a garden I look around the neighbourhood. It's telling me a story and something of its history. The age and condition of buildings, standards and maintenance of gardens, presence of kids toys, age and condition of motor vehicles, fencing, age and health of existing trees, any native trees present, slope and aspect, overhead wires and electromagnetic influences and the like. The gardens surroundings paint a picture of likely influences on Chi harmony. I try to ascertain if the site is subject to external noise, smells or poor air flow and quality. I look for the presence of busy roads and traffic noise and signs of vandalism which tends to indicate the tone of the neighbourhood. And as we are aware there is a difference.

If the external influences are overwhelming I would advise the client of the difficulties in obtaining a harmonious Chi garden. Suggesting we have to make do with what's on the site and work through any detrimental influences which may be present. I've listed four techniques.

Find the N (north) compass point. North indicates climatic influence. For example, the direction of sun rise, sunset, angle of shadow, potential wind direction and influences such as frost.

Secondly, quickly looking over the site and deciding if any one element dominates (fire, earth, metal, water and wood). For example, the wood element may be dominating and represented by the colour green and upward growth of plants. I could look at a five element reference chart to indicate what controlling element (metal) to introduce assisted by supporting elements fire and earth and not much water.

Thirdly, influence on the garden by sha Chi influences. Sha Chi tends to cut, is direct, straight. It wants to rush and overwhelm. Sha Chi can be represented by straight pathways, sharp edges and angulated objects such as power poles. Sha influences can be termed poison arrows. We seek to slow down sha Chi flow and any sha influences need to be modified.

Finally,Yin and Yang, I tend to look at the garden and decide if it's a Yang or a Yin place. It's likely to be one or the other. If the site is Yang it generally is open, harsh, bright and alive with colour and diversity in shapes. Conversely Yin sites tend to be dull, maybe shaded, damp, lack energy and diversity in shapes and colours. The dominance of one energy force needs to be balanced by the inclusion of the other.