How long have you been practicing Feng Shui (professionally and personally)?

Personally I think I was always aware of direction and placement without knowing what Feng Shui was all about I suppose you would consider me a newcomer to the Feng Shui scene in comparison to some of my colleagues I remember as a child constantly sleeping at the opposite end of my bed, as I found it so difficult to sleep where I was suppose to, I recall "feeling" comfortable in some rooms of my home and not liking other areas, but not understanding why ! Professionally, almost 2 years.

Which Feng Shui Masters have you specifically studied with?

I am solely educated by world famous Feng Shui expert Grand Master Yap Cheng Hai. I wanted to receive professional training in "Real" Traditional Feng Shui and I was so fortunate to find the Yap Cheng Hai Feng Shui Center Of Excellence. The standard of training and dedication given by Master Yap and the Center to his students is just incredible. Master Yap has been a wonderful influence in my life and I look forward to my ongoing Studies with him. This year I am fortunate enough to be one of approximately 35 students worldwide to receive a prestigious invitation to attend our final level of the YCH Professional Feng Shui Series, which is hosted annually in Kuala Lumpur.

How did it all start? Where did you begin with Feng Shui and what exactly piqued your interest in it?

Well I suppose you could say it started from a lack of "job satisfaction" and an interesting comment from a friend of mine regarding Feng Shui and grew from there. I think it really began when I started to question some events in my life which seemed to coincide with a house moving but of course being from this side of the world I was told I was just being superstitious!.. but I had a feeling there was more to it ! I began to read some books on the subject and came across the name of Master Yap Cheng Hai and dreamed one day of attending his lectures. When I was fortunate enough for this event to happen in early 1999 and meet him personally, it laid the foundation for my future in Feng Shui. So I guess you could say "I am living the dream" !

What drives you on? Many people might be content to practice simple symbolic Feng Shui but you have chosen to spend time and money studying this subject. Why?

I would have to say "thirst" for Authentic Feng Shui knowledge pushes me forward and of course the encouragement from Master Yap is a big driving force. Passion to learn what he is so willing to teach and share with us and the sheer enjoyment and experience of being in his company. Symbolic Feng Shui is not for me, while I have chosen the more difficult road I know it is worth the extra mile, and the support of loved ones make it easier. At this level it really is not just about time and the money, it is so much more, this is an investment for my future.

What is the Feng Shui scene in Ireland like?

Awareness is definitely on the increase, and most people are very eager to listen. I think most of the practitioners here are of the BHS school, and of course like most things the "quick fix" solution is more appealing initially. Eventually though they begin to question the intuitive type of approach and are beginning to understand there is so much more to this subject.

As one of the pioneers of Traditional Feng Shui in Ireland, how would you say Feng Shui has evolved as compared to say five to seven years ago?

Well to be honest I think it has come a long way, 7 years ago it really had no exposure at all. I had not heard of it! I would go so far as to say that it has been in the past 2 -3 years that the subject has begun to receive any media coverage at all. In recent times it is common to find little articles on magazines about Feng Shui, of course the content is lacking in authenticity, so that is something I am going to have to work on ! I think we are still at a stage in Ireland if people have heard about it, they are asking if it really works, I think this comes back to the fact that most of the Feng Shui practiced here is not of traditional origin.

What is the most common Feng Shui problem in Ireland? As many Irish are quite religious is it a problem in getting them to accept Feng Shui concepts? (e.g. Cultural/religious beliefs, a lack of exposure to Feng Shui among the general public, competition from other Feng Shui schools etc)

I feel the most common problem is lack of true Feng Shui information, it usually leads to confusion and conflicting theories. I suppose like other professions there are some people who see an opening in a "new" market with willing and eager clients and try to exploit this, leading to poor publicity, and leaving it open to ridicule. I think some of the older generation is of the opinion that it is some sort of Religion. As the republic of Ireland is predominantly a Roman Catholic country they are a bit hesitant to "give it a try", somehow thinking it would be a betrayal of their faith in some respect. To be fair once you explain it is not a religion but a science comprising of many complex theories they are more willing to listen while remaining skeptical of course! The younger generation is very open but I think the problem here is what they have read and understood to be Feng Shui concepts by means of the internet and FS Books is far from the real thing.

Have you worked on any notable projects in Ireland or are there specific landmarks (natural or otherwise) in Ireland that have special Feng Shui significance? (landscapes, prominent landmarks etc.)

Ireland has some beautiful landscapes, and the country is surrounded by water, but due to our cool climate there is a tendency to live sheltered from the water and our harsh winds. In our attempts to shelter our homes from the elements we unknowingly miss the opportunity to tap this great resource. Ireland has seen an increase in the countries wealth over the past few years and a lot of this new found employment has been derived from Multi National companies who just happen to base their plants in areas not suitable for residential dwellings. Upon looking at these areas you notice that some of these premises are located on undulating landscapes with a great view of the sea!

Any last words for our readers?

Just a few for anybody reading this article, who may have encountered Feng Shui at any level. Perhaps they have doubts or formed an opinion that Feng Shui is just a superstition. I want them to be aware of the vast difference between Authentic Feng Shui knowledge and the material which is readily available and practiced by self proclaimed consultants. Feng Shui is a very detailed study and one cannot attain this knowledge simply by reading some books.

Finally to quote the words of a great Master, " Feng Shui when applied correctly and skillfully can bring about fulfillment in your life" ……. Master Yap Cheng Hai.