The O'Neills and Feng Shui

What is feng shui?

Feng shui (pronounced fung shway) is the ancient Chinese art of placement which translates into “wind and water”. Some believe these natural forces are responsible for health, prosperity and good luck. Long ago, the Chinese observed certain surroundings brought more luck than others. They concluded that if they changed their surroundings, they could change their fortunes. The goal is to be in harmony with Nature in order to receive the full benefit of its positive energy.

O’Neill’s Interest in Eastern Philosophy

Eugene O’Neill was a man in search of a personal philosophy. As a teenager, he rejected his Catholic heritage after discovering his mother’s morphine addiction. He spent his life “looking for new gods to replace the old”. His personal library contained many books on religion and philosophy.

As a young man, his search led to an interest in Asian cultures and Eastern philosophies like Buddhism, Confucianism and Taoism. He felt an affinity with the Taoist idea of nature influencing humans. Many of O’Neill’s plays, including Pulitzer Prize winning Anna Christie and Beyond the Horizon, reflected his views on Man’s need to be in harmony with natural forces.

Tao House and Feng Shui

No documentation exists showing that the O’Neills knew of the feng shui practices. Yet, their home contains numerous feng shui elements.

According to experts, the O’Neills chose a perfect site for their home. The Las Trampas hills represent the “Green dragons”, surrounding and protecting their home on three sides and the house is below the ridge, protecting it from any forceful “chi” or life energy.

The courtyard reflects features replicated from Taoist gardens they toured in China during 1928 such as indirect paths, “guardian” rocks, and hidden entryways. The interior of Tao House includes designs to contain good “chi”; stairways do not face doorways and exterior doors do not face other exterior doors. These are all positive aspects of feng shui.

Yet, negative aspects have also been sited in the O’Neill’s home. In his study, O’Neill sat under an exposed ceiling beam as he worked. The beam represents a dangerous knife-like blade ready to split whatever is beneath it. And he selected a black mirror for his bedroom. Did O’Neill know? Did he care? No one is certain. What we do know is Eugene O’Neill eventually concluded Eastern philosophies did not meet the needs of Western Man.

- Information courtesy National Park Service