Next Online Classes
Wu Xing (Five Movements)
19 May (recording available) + 16 June | 18:00 BST
Please scroll down for further information.
Online Classes
I hold monthly online classes exploring the foundations of Feng Shui, Life Path Studies (Ba Zi Astrology), and Divination (Yi Ching).
I'm delving into the symbolic language in some depth, so although foundational, it won’t be basic.
Along the way I will be integrating various concepts that help to demystify Feng Shui and its related disciplines, referring them back to:
- our lived experience.
- contemporary challenges.
- personal and collective spiritual growth.
While covering theory - I aim to keep the classes as interactive, practical and accessible as possible. For example, we will learn to hand-draft the original Chinese characters in the correct way.
The rhythm of learning is relaxed, with classes running every fourth Monday. This allows for other commitments, while dipping into some reading and exercises between live classes.
I found Ryan's classes beautifully presented, fun and engaging. A generous sharing of wisdom born from many years of living these arts and an invitation into a different way of comprehending the world and our place within it.
Seeing Ryan equally at home in the poetic/symbolic and the more grounded and practical made me realise that I had constructed these as polar opposites and that they can and should be married.
Thank you Ryan, looking forward to further classes!
Hannah Kreiseder-Watkinson
Class Style and Content
These classes are a build it as we sail it kind of affair. Material is unfolding organically and I’m creating the content as we go. This allows me to develop the teachings in an easy, generative and responsive way and adapt to what feels right, and what is ticking for the group.
Please don't expect anything too robust or polished, academic style reading lists, comprehensive practitioner training or group coaching. If you are interested in the arts and up for something informal, informed and inspiring, this will be for you.
As we go, there will be an evolving body of material that may later develop into standalone courses, but for now things are more relaxed, loose and responsive.
Here are some things I am covering;
- Methods in cultivating the correct mindset through study, meditation and bodywork.
- Working with the classics such as the Dao De Jing and the Yi Ching. This will include how to take readings using the yarrow stalks method.
- Exploring the Feng Shui classics, including how to read and work with landforms and environmental energetics.
- Chinese Metaphysics; how to understand and interpret the cycles, symbols and dynamics in a relational and embodied way - including how to hand draft the relevant characters in original Chinese script (a great foundation for ongoing Ba Zi study).
For each class I usually provide
- PDFs with any relevant explanations and infographics.
- A video recording
Ryan's classes are exceptional. They offered a strong foundation for the beginner and would enhance and broaden the understanding of those who are already well familiar with the practice.
Judith Hooper
Participants
No prior knowledge is required.
These classes would suit:
- those with a self-cultivation practice. Particularly in Nei Gong, Qi Gong, Meditation or other eastern arts such as Yoga.
- Practitioners of the healing arts, particularly Chinese Medicine and its associated disciplines.
- architects, designers, place-makers curious to know how Feng Shui could enrich their working practice
- creative souls, artists, ecologists, thinkers etc
Study
While you are welcome to drop in and out along the way, I would hope that you would be willing to attend consistently over several months at least, as there will inevitably be a development within the teachings.
This is an oral tradition that is best learnt actively and first-hand. For that reason live, on camera, attendance is preferred but not essential.
You will get out more out of the classes if you put in some study and practice between sessions. It would be great if you would be willing to set aside one or two hours each month to dip into some reading, practical exercises, and further exploration.
I was given a copy of Richard Wilhelm's translation of the I Ching as a teenager. I've worked off and on, in a very basic way, ever since. It always seemed full of mystery and wisdom, and somehow remained impenetrable. Ryan's classes have opened up a box of delights. I found his teaching style clear and accessible. His depth of knowledge inspirational.
Chris Walker - Healer/Therapist www.luminousegg.com
Online classes, Summer 2025 - The Wu Xing (Five Movements)
The current classes are on The Five Movements through a Feng Shui and Ba Zi lens. Dates are
Monday 19 May 18:00 BST (recordings and material available)
Monday 16 June 18:00 BST
The Wu Xing - Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water - is the foundational language of almost everything within the Wisdom Arts of Ancient China.
This cycle can be used to describe any process within space, time, or the human mind. As such, it’s not only essential for understanding Chinese Astrology and Feng Shui, but is also a vital lens through which we can gain precious and practical insights into the nature of our experience.
Commonly termed “The Five Elements” in modern practice, the Wu Xing are often misconstrued.
They are either treated as components of nature through which all things can be atomised and categorised. Or else they are taken to be ancient mystical forces that somehow flow through us and shape us.
To make matters worse, both misconceptions - scientistic and creationist - use quite simplistic models which aren’t very helpful in practice.
During these two 90-minute classes you will
- (re)introduce yourself to the notion of the Five Movements as a dynamic, living philosophy, stepping back from ingrained Western habits of thinking,
- write the Wu Xing in original Chinese script - a meditative and grounding exercise that connects us to the roots of the tradition,
- learn the essence of each movement, how they emerge, relate and transform,
- be introduced to how the Wu Xing can be practically applied to our understanding of people, place and time through Feng Shui and Ba Zi,
- receive class recordings, reference videos, infographics and course notes (including a small compendium of common Wu Xing associations).
If you’ve already been attending class this will build on the foundational material we covered on Yin Yang and creation theory. If not, this will be a great entry point, or indeed a standalone study, and you are very welcome to join.
You can book both classes and all materials for £39 via the button below. I hope to see you there.
Ryan really helps us to find the true nature of ancient Chinese symbols, balancing theory, practice and material, while staying open-minded about how to interpret, build understanding in application.
Aurelie
Ryan has a talent for creating clear, concise course material with the depth required for a robust understanding of ancient philosophies. Additionally, his teaching manner is calm, patient and respectful. Highly recommended!
A.B