Getting to Know Elizabeth Moran and Val Biktashev

by Fengshuitimes.com

Question 1:
When did you first discover Feng Shui? What led you to the study and practice of this subject?

Elizabeth :
Through Val. I've never heard of it before I met him in 1992.

Val :
I first learned Feng Shui in Siberia from a Chinese master. When China became communist, Feng Shui was outlawed. Most masters went to Hong Kong. Some went to Russia. When I immigrated to the United States in 1991, I had no idea that Americans knew about feng shui. I saw an ad in the newspaper promoting a free lecture about Feng Shui by Kartar Diamond. This led me to Larry Sang.

Question 2:
Which Feng Shui master have you specifically studied with? What led you to them? Are there any other qualifications you may have taken professionally or otherwise?

Elizabeth:
I took classes from Larry Sang's American Feng Shui Institute. However, I really consider myself a student of Joseph Yu. He does not rely on student teachers. Instead, he has a very hands-on approach to teaching and researching Feng Shui and Chinese astrology. Also, I've learned a lot from Val. How he surveys a home and its surroundings, and how he communicates with his clients. He's tremendously motivated and has an unparalleled work ethic.

Val:
I studied with Larry Sang, but have most enjoyed my time with Joseph Yu. Also, I have a medical degree and had a large holistic health practice in Russia. In the United States, I graduated from the Hypnosis Motivation Institute. My knowledge extends to chiropractic care, herbs, healing, hypnosis, and classical Feng Shui.

Question 3:
Which Feng Shui masters would you be looking to study with in the future? Anyone particular that may have caught your imagination?

Elizabeth:
I continue my studies informally with my association with Joseph Yu.

Val:
I think it's important to study other things besides feng shui. Earth science, physics, meta-physics, numerology, religion, and philosophy all help a person to become a well-rounded and compassionate human being.

Question 4:
How did Feng Shui help change your life?

Elizabeth:
Studying classical Feng Shui made me understand that we're all connected. That we're all only bundles of intertwining energy. We affect and are affected by everyone and everything. This includes our thoughts, words, and actions.

Val:
It hasn't changed me. I've always understood the basic concept of qi - the oneness of all things. Feng Shui just enhances my belief system.

Question 5:
What led you to write 'The Complete Idiot's Guide to Feng Shui'? How did that offer came along?

Elizabeth :
Well, it came about accidentally really. At the time, I was set to write a nostalgia book about the cartoon Scooby Doo that Warner Bros. was turning into a live-action feature film. However, Mike Myers, who was supposed to play Shaggy, backed out to do another Austin Powers film. The movie was put on the back burner, and so was my book. Also, I couldn't find a publisher for another book proposal about the history of Jell-O. While many editors loved the idea, the cost of the color production prevented the book from going forward. Around this time, we were in Chicago. In a bookstore, there was a display of Dummie books -- Opera for Dummies, Wine for Dummies, etc. I said to Val that we should do Feng Shui for Dummies. When we got back to Los Angeles, I called my agent, who said she had an agent-friend who specifically handles the Dummy and Idiot Guides. As it turns out, the executive editor at Macmillan, the then publisher of the Idiot line, was looking for an author to do The Complete Idiot's Guide to Feng Shui. I got the deal the summer of 1998 and the book was released in 1999.

Question 6:
From your experiences, what is the most common reaction when your students/clients are exposed to Feng Shui?

Elizabeth :
Most people don't know there are different schools of Feng Shui. Because there's a tremendous lack of books about classical Feng Shui, all the public is exposed to is faux Feng Shui. Generally, there are two types of people: those who have an open mind and believe that Feng Shui is a legitimate form of alternative therapy and those that believe it's superstitious. Of the former group, they think Feng Shui is about dividing a home into sections of wealth, career, knowledge, family, etc. And that hanging mirrors, bamboo flutes, and the like will 'cure' or 'activate' a specific corner. Instead of telling them that they've got it all wrong, I'll direct them to our book or articles I've written to help put them on the right path.

Val :
All of my clients are open to Feng Shui. However, I have to make it clear that Feng Shui isn't a magic pill to get rid of their problems. For example, some people believe Feng Shui can cure cancer or drug addiction. I steer these people to medical doctors. People have to understand that Feng Shui is about balancing the qi in one's living space. When your home is in balance, it gives you the impetus to succeed, make more money, maintain a healthy well-being, and attract helpful people.

Question 7:
Tell me about a particularly positive experience in your career that you've had, and then conversely, a negative one, if there are any.

Elizabeth :
Regarding Feng Shui, my most recent positive experience is working with Joseph Yu on the second edition to The Complete Idiot's Guide to Feng Shui. Usually, I don't like to co-author with anyone. I am a perfectionist and like total control about every aspect of the book - writing style, structure, art creation, for example. When there is more than one author, there has to be one chief and one (or two Indians). I'm always the chief! Even though Joseph's a master of Feng Shui, I'm the master of book development. We both respect each other's talents. We worked for each other and not against each other. It was a very compatible union. About negative experiences, oh I've had lots! Who doesn't? But, I believe a negative experience or challenge makes you a better person. It's an opportunity for personal growth.

Val :
Every day is a positive experience. About Feng Shui, I feel a tremendous amount of satisfaction when clients call me after I've Feng Shui-ed their house or business. I've helped many people find a mate. I'm particularly proud of this. Everyone should be happy and have someone to come home to.

Question 8:
Both of you shared the stage with Grand Master Yap Cheng Hai, Master Eva Wong as well as other famous Masters and practitioners at the recent World Classical Feng Shui Conference. What are your feelings and views on this special event?

Elizabeth :
It was really good to see the classical Feng Shui community come together in a spirit of sharing. We need to continue to rally and help to raise awareness of what Feng Shui is (and isn't). The Yap Cheng Hai Feng Shui Center of Excellence organization did an outstanding job putting the conference together. It was very well organized.

Val :
We were so honored to be asked to speak. My goal was to inform and entertain. It was a good break for everyone to laugh, especially at end of the day. Although the masters disagree about Feng Shui techniques, I wanted to focus on commonalities. Each of them has something important to offer, something that is uniquely theirs. Something that we can each learn and put to use.

Question 9:
Ever since the WCFSC (World Classical Feng Shui Conference), Feng Shui enthusiasts are now talking about issues concerning 'new-age' vs 'classical Feng Shui' schools. Feng Shui Times constantly receives e-mails regarding this issue. Can you tell me a little about the difference between these two schools?

Elizabeth:
I was under the impression that the people attending the conference were classical Feng Shui enthusiasts. I suppose there were those that embraced all schools -- faux and authentic. Actually, come to think of it, a few people walked out on Cate Bramble's lecture about debunking new age Feng Shui. Those who embrace new age Feng Shui clearly do not understand what Feng Shui is. If they fully understand Feng Shui's fundamental principles, then there would be no confusion. I've helped many, many people move from faux to classical Feng Shui, but I know of no one who has gone the other way - from classical to new age Feng Shui. What's the difference between the schools? In the second edition to The Complete Idiot's Guide to Feng Shui, I overhauled the first three chapters to make straight this point. More importantly, Joseph, Val, and I explain why faux or new age Feng Shui is bogus. Instead of just condemning Black Sect or Life Aspirations, for example, we educate, inform, and enlighten readers about how these modern schools are born from our Western mindset. But, for those new to Feng Shui, if an author or lecturer talks about dividing a home into sections of wealth, career, family, etc., and installs cures like mirrors, bamboo flutes, gold fish, wind chimes, etc., he or she has no knowledge of Feng Shui. Also, the way an author orients the taiji (the yin yang symbol) is a dead giveaway about his or knowledge. While the reason is explained in our book, if the taiji symbol isn't oriented with the white 'bowl' on the top left and black 'bowl' on the bottom right, put the book back on the shelf!

Question 10:
How can we tell if a practitioner is 'New-Age' or 'Classical'?

Val:
If a practitioner doesn't ask you when your house was built and the birth dates of all occupants, you know the person isn't practicing classical Feng Shui. If a practitioner says that he or she will 'activate' your wealth corner, then the person isn't practicing classical Feng Shui. There is no such thing as a wealth corner. In fact, in classical Feng Shui, you can have more than one wealth area! Ask questions.

Question 11:
Today Feng Shui seems to be a 'fashion statement'. People are talking about the Feng Shui jewelry, Feng Shui make-up, Feng Shui gardening, Feng Shui furniture and even Feng Shui for dogs and cats. What are your views on this? Are these modern modifications of Classical Feng Shui?

Elizabeth :
Arggggghhhhh! I get so frustrated when I see these things. We've worked so hard to elevate classical Feng Shui. We're definitely peddling up a very steep hill. Yet, we're confident that some day the truth will prevail and all the junk will fall by the wayside.

Val :
Feng Shui will never be accepted like acupuncture if publishers and manufactures continue to cash in on Westerners' gullibility!

Question 12:
Any additional words of advice for our readers?

Elizabeth :
Feng Shui can't be learned by taking a weekend seminar or by reading a book. Feng Shui is a serious study that takes years to master. It requires you to open your mind and 'see' past your very restrictive five senses.

Val :
Don't worry, be happy! Thank you for interviewing us.

A native of Siberia, Val Biktashev descends from a long line of shaman healers. Under the tutelage of his mother, Val learned bone setting, energy healing, and herbology. His early interest and natural instinct gave rise to a career in holistic health care spanning over 20 years. Val immigrated to the United States in 1992. Seeking to deepen his knowledge of nature's healing properties and their effects on humankind, he became an apprentice of one of the world's foremost authorities of classical feng shui. In 1997, Val founded the Beverly Hills-based American Healing Arts, Inc. He provides feng shui consultations worldwide for individuals and businesses. Val has made numerous television appearances, including being the feature subject on the CBS television program, Sunday Morning . Also, he has had several articles written about his work in nationally distributed newspapers. He is the co-author of The Complete Idiot's Guide to Feng Shui . You may contact Val at GlobalFengShui@aol.com..