Feng shui may be used in conjunction with any architectural style. A feng shui house does not have to look Asian. What sets it apart is the design.

A Feng Shui consultation begins with an accurate compass reading. If your consultant does not use a compass, then it is not authentic Feng Shui. The art of Feng Shui relies primarily on understanding the fact that positive energy surrounds us. Such an atmosphere or ambience is called Qi or Ch'i. Feng Shui maps these energies and designs your home in harmony with them.

Make sure that the entrance to your house is seen clearly when you approach the house. Ideally, you should build the house at the foot of a hill or an elevated land. There can be mountains set in the background. Presence of gently flowing water outside the house in a specific direction is always good.

If there is no door connecting two rooms in your house, install a curtain or a door. The doors must not be in the same line with other doors and windows.

Make sure that your bed is not against a wall that has a fireplace, toilet or chimney on the other side. No mirror must face the bed in the bedroom. Do not place any television or computer in the bedroom and even if you do, cover them before going to bed.

There must not be any running water or large plants in your bedroom. Avoid sleeping directly under a ceiling fan or low beam. Close the bedroom windows and curtains before you go to sleep. During the day, keep all doors except that of the bathroom open.

Do not build your home at a site where any sharp object is pointing towards it. This might prove bad for your health and you may also experience legal problems and unstable relationships. Keep the windows open to let the good energy or Qi in.

Place fresh flowers in the house as they generate good fortune. Consult with any experienced feng shui expert and follow the instructions carefully to build your dream house.

(Manisha Koushik is a tarot card reader, numerologist and Vastu Feng consultant. She can be contacted at www.askmanisha.com)