Glisse is the name of an 8 metre French sailing boat, a Sangria model, which was first registered on the 24.9.1970.
As a boat is capable of moving in each of the eight compass directions, the Flying Star School of Feng Shui cannot
be used. So the Ming Gua School has been employed.

APPLICATION OF MING GUA
A Ming Gua consultation typically involves:
* Using calculations to determine a person’s Ming Gua number taking into account their sex and birth date.
* Charting their 4 Luck Directions.
* Reading the Portents for the eight directions.
* Advising on the ideal orientations for the person, their home or workplace.

The Pa Kua that has been constructed uses the Ming Gua number 3, derived from the date of birth and the traditional elements and characteristics associated with the Pa Kua. With the birth date, the Four Pillars Chinese astrology was assembled and Glisse has a “daymaster” of yin fire and is a Dog year. Incidentally, Glisse has none of the water element in her chart, so sailing on the sea will soon remedy this! Her owners have a Boxer dog who loves to sail with them so the dog is definitely represented.

Prior to completing the consultation, I familiarised myself with nautical accessories that correspond to the five elements so that the enhancers and reducers would be appropriate for a sail boat. I also researched some maritime superstitions and customs to see if they would assist the consultation; some of these are very amusing and are included with their accompanying explanation.

THE PA KUA WITH THE MING GUA RECOMMENDATIONS

THE SOUTH
This is the most auspicious direction, the success direction known as Sheng Chi and the traditional element to enhance the south is fire. There is already a navigation light here and this is the outside dining area at night where candles are placed on the table. There is wood on the floor, a wooden helm and a wooden platform where the dog sits; wood feeds fire in the alchemy of Feng Shui. This area of the boat is the most frequently used and so it is ideal as it also the most auspicious.

THE NORTH
This is also auspicious as the health direction Tien Yi and the north represents one’s career or the beginning of a journey. As this area of the boat is always where the journey starts, it is perfect Feng Shui. The traditional element associated with the north is water and there is the natural sea water here at all times. Inside the cabin is decorated in blue in this area and it is ideal Feng Shui to sleep in the health direction sector. Metal produces water and the metal anchor is stored here. This area of the boat is always used to start a journey, firstly by pulling up the anchor.

THE SOUTH EAST
This auspicious direction is the romance area Nien Yen and the south east represents wealth, blessings and growth. Wood is the traditional element of the south east and there is a plentiful amount in the wooden panelling inside the boat. Outside there is a green fender hanging to protect the boat. Water nourishes wood and this is the kitchen area of the boat where water is readily available. There is a picture of two dolphins jumping out of the sea; this is a very positive symbol of a loving relationship. In China, a man is considered to be wealthy if he has a loving partner!

THE EAST
The final auspicious direction is the Fu Wei personal development area and also the sector that represents health, vitality and the family. Wood is also the element that is traditionally associated with the east and again, there is plenty in the wooden panelling inside the boat and on the green fender hanging outside. There is a framed set of knots, illustrating the various types that one uses on a boat. A good knot is a safe knot and this is a useful teaching tool. A photograph of the family is ideal here. This is also where the food is stored and a well balanced diet ensures good health.

THE SOUTH WEST
The is an inauspicious direction called Ho Hai and it is also the traditional romance, union and relationship sector associated with the earth element. The binoculars are stored here; they are symbolic of the union of the two eyes for perfect extended vision. Two crystals which represent the earth element would be ideal; two represents the couple. There are superstitions that abound in the traditions of the fishing communities and one of them concerns that indispensable commodity salt, apparently, the word must never be mentioned at sea. The Scottish Fisheries Museum Trust provided information on this superstition. “An Eyemouth boat ran short of salt when fishing in 1905 and hailed a Yarmouth drifter: “We need something we dinna want to speak about.” The English skipper bawled back: “is it salt ye want?” The crew escaped the consequences of the dreaded word by keeping out of earshot below deck during the transaction, and the salt was handed over safely. Even though this is only a superstition, it is interesting to consider how it came about.

THE NORTH WEST
This is the inauspicious direction called Wu Lui Kwei and represents mentors, teachers and helpful friends. Traditionally the metal element is associated with this direction and the ideal Feng Shui object to place here is the Mazu goddess of the sea. The Goddess Mazu appears in government papers, court documents, Taoism scriptures and even seafaring logbooks! She is worshipped by many in China and other countries, with over 100 million devotees worldwide. She was deemed the Goddess of the Sea, among other titles, for her benevolence in assisting those in seafaring mishaps. Documents show that sailors have witnessed the presence of Goddess Mazu within the depths of the sea. Many people believe that when one is facing great difficulty, one can call her by the name “Mazu” and she will immediately come to your rescue. A barometer is also ideal here as this indicates the pressure and likely sea conditions so that a sea journey can be planned in advance and with care.

THE NORTH EAST
This is also an inauspicious direction called Lui Sha and it traditionally represents inner knowledge, wisdom and education and the earth element. A conch shell filled with sand (the earth element) represents the time element which is associated with old age and wisdom. A small globe would also be ideal here as it represents the earth and all the wisdom that has been accumulated over the ages. Finally a book concerning sea safety, or important sea information would be ideal here. Some maritime superstitions and customs are listed below. You may find then amusing or decide to take them seriously.

Pouring wine on the deck will bring good luck on a long voyage. (A libation to the gods)
A silver coin placed under the masthead ensures a successful voyage.
Disaster will follow if you step onto a boat with your left foot first.
Flowers are unlucky onboard a ship. (They could be used to make a funeral wreath for the dead)
A naked woman on board will calm the sea. (This is the reason for naked figureheads)
Don’t look back once your ship has left the port as this can bring bad luck.
A dolphin swimming with ship is a sign of good luck. (Killing one will bring bad luck)
It is unlucky to kill a seagull. (They contain the souls of sailors lost at sea)


THE WEST
This is the most inauspicious direction called Chueh Ming or total loss and it is also the direction of children and creativity and is represented by the metal element. A very positive object to place here is a wind chime. A wind chime with a ship’s wheel with eight points, painted in blue has been placed here. Another interpretation of this could be the Buddhist wheel with the eight fold path, so this is very positive symbolism. The sound that the wind chime makes is a beautiful intonation that will help to remove any negative energy. As the wind chime moves with the wind it helps to stir positive energy and negate negative energy. Usually children love items that make a pleasant sound, so this links nicely with children and creativity. A child may even manually make the wind chime sound if aboard. This is also the section where games are stored, a metal chess set would also be ideal here or any other game made of metal.

THE CENTRE
The centre is where all the energies meet and this is called the Tai Chi. This is a very potent energy area directly in the middle of the table. Incidentally, the table is not only used for eating and working, but also for playing games, so it is regularly used and beneficial for the crew at all meals and recreational times in the winter months. Normally one is energised, simply by sitting here. Each year the energies change and so one should be familiar with which element it is beneficial to put in the centre. As food is normally placed here, it will receive this additional energy of the 360 degrees.