© 1997 -
by Master Thomas Coxon
Authentic Feng Shui
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Urban Feng Shui -
Case Studies of the Urban Feng Shui of London, Paris, Berlin and New York
by Masters Thomas Coxon and Tuan Anh Diep
Published in I Magazine in Spring 2005
LONDON
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Founded by the Romans shortly after the birth of Christ, London has seen its fair share of destruction and rebirth. The city has survived several devastating fires, widespread poverty and heavy firebombing in World War II. On the other hand, London has been home to several of the world’s most successful monarchs (such as Queens Victoria and Elizabeth II), was the headquarters of the vast British Empire, and is now the epicentre of hipness – its edgy chic spiraling out of control not unlike the cost of its real estate. This resilience must be based upon something: “The guys who planned out London way back knew compass formulas and how to read the landforms when they positioned everything,” Coxon says. However, he adds that the configuration of the illustrated area – the main seat of government and royalty, works best if Britain’s governmental structure of a surviving monarchy coupled with a parliament is left as it is.
In this district, both Buckingham Palace’s distance from the nearest buildings, and the presence of water in St James’s Park, indicate that female monarchs rule much longer and become much wealthier than male monarchs, who are adversely affected by the facades of surrounding buildings (think of Queen Victoria). The River Thames behind the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben predisposes governments to weakness and budget deficits, but only in their first terms. Governments who survive this initial difficult period then gain energy from the landmass on the other side of the Thames. The location of Westminster Abbey, one of the oldest structures in London, predisposes a slight “irritation” between it and the Houses of Parliament (i.e. church and state). None of these effects is major, however. If one were to reconsider Britain as a republic set up for long periods of stable governments and wealth, a configuration could be based on the strength of a slightly rotated Buckingham Palace, which would make a wonderful living quarter for a president, no matter what gender.
- HOUSES OF PARLIAMENT: The River Thames behind these structures, once a royal residence
but the seat of British government since the 16th century, predisposes administrations
to losing money in their first terms. SUGGESTION: In a “republic” version of the
British government, the parliament buildings should be moved back from the Thames.
Their main entrance should face the river, facilitating the acquisition of wealth.
The House of Commons at the Big Ben side is supported by the civil service and Prime
Minister’s office.
- WESTMINSTER ABBEY: Located here since the eighth century, the Abbey creates a ridge
line aimed at the Houses of Parliament. One corner of the Parliament aims back, suggesting
a slightly irritating energy exchange between church and state, particularly the
left wing. Because this is not visible from the MPs’ entrance, the effect is unlikely
to be excessive. SUGGESTION: The relocated Abbey should allow for the new position
of the Houses of Parliament. It then supports the right wing of the House of Lords,
creating a balance between right and left.
- THE FOREIGN OFFICES AND TREASURY: The bulky forms of the Foreign office and the even
larger Treasury building predispose foreign politics and finance. SUGGESTION: Considering
the changes to Downing Street (see below), both buildings support the Prime Minister.
- 10 DOWNING STREET: As it stands today, the frequent use of the back exit (“the back
way”) of 10 Downing Street indicates that its resident is not “up front” with its
electorate. The open area of the Horse Guard’s Parade behind the building shows a
lack of support for the cabinet. The proximity of Foreign office embroils the Prime
Minister in foreign affairs. SUGGESTION: The Downing Street houses should be removed
and Prime Minister’s living and working quarters recreated in the foreign offices
opposite. The open space in front of the structure indicates a long future for whomever
holds the office.
- BUCKINGHAM PALACE: Buckingham Palace is presently positioned so that the buildings surrounding it weaken male monarchs. The lake in St. James’s Park is a boon to the wealth of female monarchs, while the open space indicates long reigns. SUGGESTION: Rotating the Palace to face the park and lake removes gender inequality and adds power and control to the configuration of the entire governmental sector.
