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Feng Shui and the Green Dragon of Eastlink
As Eastlink snakes north-south through the green belt creating not only a new carriageway but also a new green link through the eastern suburbs of Melbourne, it reminds me of the archetypal Green Dragon in Feng Shui. The Dragon, a benevolent creature, represents the twists and turns in the landscape. It's natural home is in the east.
The other three of the Four Celestial Animals are the
White Tiger in the west, the Red Phoenix in the south and the Black Tortoise
in the north.
So the Green Dragon of the new
Eastlink freeway twists and turns through the eastern suburbs. This, to me
is its appeal, as unlike many of our linear roads in Melbourne which run
north-south or east-west in long straight ribbons, Eastlink sinuously flows
through the urban landscape like the Dragon caressing its prized pearl.
The dragon is a metaphor for
landscape features, that is, mountains and waters. So when we see a
mountain, we can identify the dragon: where is the head of the dragon,
where is the tail of the dragon - and where is the right place to build? In
the 'belly' of the dragon, what's called the Dragon's Den. Mount Dandenong
is at the head of Melbourne's Eastern Mountain Dragon.
The Eastlink Dragon is a water
dragon, 'water' being a metaphor for movement, activity and flow. Here
we're not talking about real water, but 'virtual' water. Noting here that
by no coincidence, Eastlink also follows quite a few waterways and has
created others along the way. So where is the head of the dragon? It's at
the northern end of the Mullum Mullum Creek tunnel entrance; the green belt
encapsulating the tunnel area is like the 'frills' on the head of the
dragon. Using a bit of imagination we can see the head of the dragon facing
towards the city via the Eastern Freeway. This places the tail of the
dragon right down the other end at the Frankston Freeway.
So where is the belly of the
dragon? The most ideal location where the Qi (the life force energy)
accumulates? It's the Dandenong Valley Parklands, between the intersection
of Eastlink and Mountain Highway, and Eastlink and Monash Freeway. This
green section is also a living, breathing part of Melbourne which should be
further cultivated.
So what of Eastlink's head
office location in Ringwood. This organically shaped, green building is at
the foreclaws of the dragon, a most active and vital part of the overall
function. The building itself, with its curved lines is reminiscent of the
heart of the dragon: the Green Heart - vital to keep the life blood moving.
 The past three weeks I've been in China so missed the chance to inspect the Eastlink on June 15th, so judging by photos in the Herald Sun's extract this week, my comments on the four freeway sculptures:  1.
Ellipsoidal Freeway Sculpture - This is my favourite of the four, and
judging by my previous comments, for obvious reasons: The shape is round
and curvy, just like in nature. Actually with all those circular shapes (a
metallic shape) combined together we form the shape of water in the Five
Elements (fire, earth, metal, water and wood). Plus the colour is
green/aqua and a colour we refer to in Feng Shui, Cerulean, the colour of
the sky before dawn, the true name of the Green (Cerulean) Dragon. This
sculpture reminds me of the blood cells of the dragon. The combination of
metal-water-wood is very harmonious in Feng Shui, depicting growth,
opportunity and movement. 2. Public Art Strategy ('blackbird and worm') - I look forward to my first drive on Eastlink and seeing this whimsical sculpture looming in the distance. Black is the colour of water, representing wisdom and love, people will learn to love this sculpture for its comical quality.  3. Hotel - Situated in an area of flat plains is the rectangular-shaped hotel, also the shape of earth. Earth is receptive, secure, predictable and reliable. The site of a hotel in the distance for a weary traveller is very often a welcome one. The unpredictable nature of the hotel is the fact that the solar-powered lights flicker on and off in various rooms. There is a sense of stability here. 
4. Desiring Machine - Eastlink
flanks a number of electrical high-tension powerlines in the central zone,
which are reminiscent of this sculpture. When I first saw it, I thought it
was a felled electrical tower. Interesting that the sculpture is placed
near the end of Eastlink, it's as if the dragon's tail has swished and wiped
out a few trees, left to lay there as they fell. The shape of the
electrical towers is that of fire, an elemental shape which can bring fame
and renown. Also, upon close inspection, the sculpture, bearing a similar
shape, is embellished with leaves, introducing the element of wood. Wood
feeding fire is a very auspicious combination, bringing fame. This
sculpture should become the most famous of all.
Overall, I think the Eastlink project is wonderful for Melbourne, linking the east and south together, a perfect marriage, just like the Eastern Dragon and the Southern Phoenix, symbols always present at every wedding ceremony. Melbourne's East and South will enjoy a romantic and fruitful relationship from this linking.
(dragon image courtesy of www.earthstarshop.co.uk ) Eastlink map courtesy of www.Eastlink.com.au ) (Sculpture images courtesy of http://www.heraldsun.com.au ) Master
Jodi Brunner conducts consultations, courses, seminars, traditional Feng Shui
workshops and Feng Shui Tours. Contact Jodi on +613 9662 1011 or visit www.fengshuimaster.com.au Ó Copyright Jodi Brunner 2008 All Rights Reserved
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