We sit down with Kiyoko Tsukabayashi, a gifted feng shui expert and fortune teller based in Hong Kong, as she shares her unique mission to update ancient arts for the modern world.
In her late 20s, Kiyoko Tsukabayashi is breathing new life into the ancient arts of feng shui and Chinese fortune telling. While practices like superstitions and villain hitting are commonplace in Hong Kong, Kiyoko aims to modernise these fields while retaining their core essence. In our interview, she sheds light on bringing age-old divination into the modern age authentically. Though the tools are ancient, Kiyoko’s approach is anything but old-fashioned! Join us as we explore how Kiyoko beautifully blends old and new, staying true to these arts’ roots while revealing life’s hidden truths.
Channel good energy with feng shui and fortune telling expert Kiyoko Tsukabayashi
Can you give us an overview on what feng shui and bazi are about?
While feng shui holds a rich history spanning over 4,000 years, it goes beyond interior decorating. This practice explores how the energy in our surroundings influences our thoughts, emotions, and behaviours. By examining mystical and geographical factors, feng shui aims to enhance and balance the flow of energy in our spaces. It incorporates the principles of Taoism, the balance of yin and yang, working with qi (energy), as well as the use of the five elements (wood, fire, earth, metal, and water). It offers solutions to improve various aspects of life, including events, spaces, and even personal details such as names and phone numbers.
On the other hand, bazi explores an individual’s life journey, providing insights into their strengths, weaknesses, and life purpose. Translating to “eight characters” in Chinese, bazi examines the four pillars of destiny: birth year, month, day, and time. By unlocking the secrets encoded within these elements, bazi offers an understanding of one’s destiny and challenges. When combined with feng shui, the interplay between bazi and feng shui holds tremendous potential for creating a more harmonious and purposeful life journey.
You’re bringing ancient wisdom to the new generation! What first intrigued you about feng shui and bazi?
When I graduated from the University of the Arts London in 2018 and returned to Hong Kong, little did I know my journey would take an unexpected turn. After battling depression following an abusive relationship, I sought alternative healing instead of medication, going on a path of self-discovery. Although I have no religious or spiritual background, I found myself drawn to energy healing practices. Fortune smiled when I got invited to study at the Fo Guang Shan Vihara in Hong Kong. There, I had the incredible opportunity to immerse myself in Buddhism and even live in a temple. This experience not only deepened my understanding of Chinese history and philosophies, but also sparked my curiosity about the ancient arts of feng shui and bazi. Through dedicated study and practice, these disciplines, along with Western divination methods, provided profound personal insights.
How do you keep traditions, like feng shui, current? Have you spotted any generational shifts in how people engage with it?
As timeless as its 4,000-year history, feng shui is finding its place in the modern world, gaining acceptance and intrigue. People are becoming increasingly captivated by its potential to enhance daily life, improve well-being, and create harmonious living spaces. Architectural and interior design industries are embracing feng shui principles, integrating them into the creation of inviting environments.
I have indeed noticed a generational shift in how people approach feng shui and bazi. Older generations tend to hold onto traditional practices, like selecting auspicious dates for weddings or choosing names and locations for businesses. They seek guidance on compatibility in relationships and the well-being of their children. On the other hand, the younger generation embraces a more modern approach, displaying curiosity about self-discovery, life paths, and even the significance of phone numbers. As our world continues to evolve, the role of feng shui will undoubtedly adapt to meet the needs and interests of each generation. With user-friendly digital tools and mobile apps making feng shui more accessible, the practice is likely to continue its steady rise in popularity.
What are some wacky feng shui myths floating around out there that make you facepalm? Spill the tea!
The silliest has to be that real plants are the only option for good energy. While live plants can liven up a room, fake ones work too, since they don’t disrupt vibes. Then, there’s the belief that wearing tons of crystals guarantees luck. But it’s actually more about choosing the right crystals for your intentions, not decking yourself out in a heap of stones! And feng shui doesn’t rely on psychic powers at all, despite assumptions; it’s based on energy flow principles anybody can implement. Even the myth that “antiques or used stuff brings bad vibes” misses the mark – with the right cleansing, pre-owned items can be safely used. At the end of the day, it’s important to separate fact from fiction, so your practices align with core principles, not wacky myths!
What words of wisdom do you often share with clients seeking to amp up their home or office’s feng shui game?
I always say that you should never underestimate the power of small changes when it comes to feng shui. There are many simple ways to incorporate it into your daily life to enhance the energy of your home or office. Feng shui advises avoiding the number four due to its negative associations, but fear not! You can counteract this by embracing the energy of the colour red and encircling your house number with this auspicious colour. In addition to this clever workaround, when making choices in your environment, you can consider the auspicious numbers of 1, 6, 8, and 9, which are believed to bring forth positive energy and good luck.
Creating well-lit spaces is another simple yet impactful way to promote positive energy flow. Letting light into your home not only brightens the atmosphere, it also uplifts the energy within. And let’s not forget greenery! Introducing plants into your space brings the vibrant energy of the wood element, fostering growth, compassion, and adaptability. In fact, the colour green, which is common in many bedroom plants, is associated with healing and can work wonders in creating a soothing environment. You can even embrace the energies of the Year of the Wood Dragon in 2024 by wearing green or earthy yellow to harmonise with the cosmic forces at play!
Find out more about Kiyoko Tsukabayashi’s platform, Kosmicland, and stay updated on Instagram.
