Feng Shui Guide for Residential Properties

I. Sitting Direction Matters

In residential Feng Shui, the sitting direction is crucial. A favorable orientation brings prosperity, while an unfavorable one brings misfortune. As ancient texts state: “The first star of the direction determines disaster or fortune.” In residential Feng Shui, the sitting direction is determined by the building’s main entrance, not just the individual apartment door.

To determine whether a building is favorably positioned, two methods from the Three Yuan and Nine Stars metaphysical system are used:

1. Water and Mountain Collection (Zero and Positive God Method)

   • In the eighth period (2004-2023), the Zero God direction is Northeast, and the Positive God direction is Southwest.
   • A building with water (or a road) in the Northeast is considered a wealth-generating residence.
   • A building with water in the Southwest is considered a wealth-depleting residence.

2. Prosperous Mountain and Direction (Flying Star Method)

   • In the eighth period, a prosperous mountain and direction is a building facing Southwest and sitting Northeast.

II. Door Details

In residential Feng Shui, the main door is critical. The classic text “Three Essentials of Yang Dwellings” identifies “door,” “master,” and “stove” as the three essential elements. The door is the path of entry.

Door Selection Methods:

1. Door Compatibility

   • Based on personal life trigram (East Four or West Four命 groups)
   • The door should align with the individual’s life trigram
   • Open the door in directions that bring positive energy and extend life

2. Star Alignment

   • Uses metaphysical Feng Shui calculations
   • When current period stars align with the door
   • Ability to neutralize negative energy and ensure prosperity in wealth and family

3. Zero and Positive Energy Trigrams

   • Another metaphysical Feng Shui method
   • Collecting Zero God trigram energy from water or road
   • Collecting Positive God trigram energy from actual mountain terrain

III. Rectangular Shape is Key

Just as people should be upright, houses should be rectangular. A house reflects its inhabitants. A perfectly rectangular house is ideal, avoiding triangular or irregular shapes.

Benefits of a rectangular house:

• Promotes fairness and uprightness in behavior
• Influences personal appearance over time
• Provides a sense of stability and security

IV. Surrounding Environment

When purchasing a house, surrounding environment is crucial. Consider traditional Feng Shui elements like:

• Left Green Dragon
• Right White Tiger
• Front Vermilion Bird
• Back Black Tortoise

Also, assess potential negative energy sources:

• Low-pressure sha (surrounded by buildings, overhead bridges)
• Reflective sha (strong light reflection)
• Sound sha
• Odor sha
• Road-cutting sha
• Sickle sha (curved bridges or roads)
• White Tiger sha
• Corridor sha
• Flying blade sha
• Staircase collision sha

Avoid houses directly facing:

• Government institutions
• Fire stations
• Hospitals
• Electrical rooms
• Garbage dumps
• Electrical poles

V. Balanced Yang Energy

Chinese I Ching emphasizes the balance of yin and yang. This applies to people, houses, and lighting.

Key principles:

• Darkness represents yin, light represents yang
• Balance allows growth
• Excessive yang (too many windows) can disrupt financial energy
• Excessive yin (too dark) can attract negative spirits and health issues

VI. Water and Fire Placement

Ancient texts warn against placing water (bathroom) and fire (kitchen) on crucial house axes.

Avoid placing kitchens and bathrooms:

• In the center of the house
• Directly front, back, left, or right of the main axis

Potential consequences:

• Unstable finances
• Increased health issues
• Relationship complications

VII. Avoid Direct Confrontation

Feng Shui warns against:

• Doors directly facing balconies or windows
• Opposite front and back doors
• Opposite front and back windows
• Balconies confronting windows

Potential issues:

• Unstable finances
• Increased theft risk
• Health problems
• Family discord

VIII. Appropriate Size

House size should match occupancy:

• Too large for few people: Promotes darkness and potential spiritual presence
• Too small for many people: Causes irritability and potential conflicts

Ideal living space: Approximately 25 square meters per person

IX. Appropriate Floor Level

Each floor has different elemental associations:

• 1st floor: Water
• 2nd floor: Fire
• 3rd floor: Wood
• 4th floor: Metal
• 5th floor: Earth

Cycles repeat every five floors

X. Personal Trigram Compatibility

Two primary Feng Shui systems:

• Metaphysical Feng Shui
• Eight Mansions Feng Shui (most popular)

Trigram Classification

• East Four: Zhen (Wood), Xun (Wood), Li (Fire), Kan (Water)
• West Four: Qian (Metal), Kun (Earth), Gen (Earth), Dui (Metal)

Calculation Method (1900-1999)

• Men: 100 minus birth year, divided by 9
• Women: Birth year minus 4, divided by 9

Recommendation: East Four trigrams should live in East Four houses, West Four in West Four houses.

XI. Bright Colors

Just as human complexion indicates fortune, building colors reflect energy.

Guidelines:

• New buildings: Choose warm, bright colors
• Avoid extremely dark or overly saturated colors
• Old buildings: Exterior appearance indicates fortune
• Prosperous buildings have a luminous, vibrant exterior