Feng Shui
The ancient Chinese art of harmonizing your environment with the natural flow of Qi. For over 3,000 years, this sacred tradition has guided the placement of buildings, rooms, and objects to create balance, prosperity, and well-being.
🧭 Feng Shui Compass
Select a direction to receive Feng Shui guidance for that sector of your space
Click a direction on the compass to reveal its Feng Shui guidance
The Foundations of Feng Shui
Feng Shui (風水, literally "wind-water") is one of the five arts of Chinese metaphysics. Its name refers to the invisible forces of wind (feng) and water (shui) that shape the environment and influence the flow of Qi — the vital life force energy that permeates all things.
At its core, Feng Shui recognizes that your environment profoundly affects your well-being, relationships, and prosperity. By understanding and working with the natural flow of Qi, you can create spaces that support your goals, health, and happiness.
The system rests on three foundational pillars: the Five Elements (Wu Xing), the Yin-Yang principle, and the Bagua map — an eight-sided energy template that divides space into areas corresponding to different life aspects.
The Five Elements (Wu Xing)
The Five Elements represent different qualities of Qi and their relationships form the basis of all Feng Shui analysis.
Wood
木 (Mù)
📍 East / Southeast
🌿 Spring
Growth, vitality, creativity, flexibility
Wood represents upward growth, expansion, and the gentle persistence of roots breaking through stone. It governs creativity, planning, and the awakening of new possibilities.
Fire
火 (Huǒ)
📍 South
🌿 Summer
Passion, fame, recognition, transformation
Fire is the most Yang of elements — blazing, visible, and transformative. It governs reputation, social connections, and the radiance of your authentic self.
Earth
土 (Tǔ)
📍 Center / Southwest / Northeast
🌿 Late Summer
Stability, nourishment, grounding, trust
Earth is the anchor — the receptive, nurturing center that holds all other elements. It governs health, relationships, and the feeling of being supported and grounded.
Metal
金 (Jīn)
📍 West / Northwest
🌿 Autumn
Precision, clarity, efficiency, joy
Metal represents refinement, structure, and the sharp clarity of a blade. It governs focus, organization, and the ability to cut through confusion to find truth.
Water
水 (Shuǐ)
📍 North
🌿 Winter
Wisdom, flow, career, abundance
Water is the most Yin of elements — deep, reflective, and endlessly adaptable. It governs career path, life journey, and the quiet wisdom that comes from stillness.
The Bagua Map — Nine Life Areas
The Bagua (八卦) divides your space into nine areas, each corresponding to a different aspect of life. Overlay the Bagua on your floor plan to identify which areas need attention.
Wealth & Abundance
Southeast • Wood
Place a healthy plant, a water feature, or symbols of prosperity. Keep this area clean and clutter-free.
Fame & Reputation
South • Fire
Display awards, certificates, or red items. Good lighting here enhances your social standing.
Love & Relationships
Southwest • Earth
Place pairs of objects (two candles, two crystals). Rose quartz and soft pink tones attract loving energy.
Family & Health
East • Wood
Family photos, wooden furniture, and plants strengthen family bonds and overall well-being.
Center & Health
Center • Earth
Keep the center of your home open and uncluttered. This is the heart of your space — let Qi flow freely.
Creativity & Children
West • Metal
Display creative works, use metallic accents, and keep this area playful and inspiring.
Knowledge & Wisdom
Northeast • Earth
A perfect spot for a library, study nook, or meditation corner. Earth tones ground your learning.
Career & Life Path
North • Water
A mirror, water feature, or dark colors here support your career journey and life direction.
Helpful People & Travel
Northwest • Metal
Display items from travels, or symbols of helpful people. Metal wind chimes attract supportive energy.
Element Interactions — Generating & Controlling
The Five Elements don't exist in isolation. They interact through two fundamental cycles that govern how energy transforms and balances.
🔄 Generating Cycle (相生)
Each element creates and nourishes the next
Wood feeds Fire — growth fuels passion and transformation. Place wooden elements near red accents to activate creative fire.
Fire creates Earth — burning transforms matter into ash and soil. Red items near earth tones stabilize passionate energy into lasting results.
Earth bears Metal — minerals crystallize within stone. Crystals and earthenware near metallic objects sharpen focus and clarity.
Metal collects Water — condensation forms on cool surfaces. Metal bowls or fountains near water features amplify wisdom and flow.
Water nourishes Wood — rain feeds the roots. A water feature near healthy plants creates an endless cycle of growth and renewal.
⚖️ Controlling Cycle (相克)
Each element restrains and controls another
Wood parts Earth — roots break through soil. When earth energy is stagnant, add wooden elements to break through inertia.
Earth dams Water — soil absorbs and redirects flow. When water energy is excessive, use earth tones to ground and contain it.
Water extinguishes Fire — the most direct control. When fire energy is overwhelming, introduce water to restore calm.
Fire melts Metal — heat softens rigid structure. When metal energy is too cold or harsh, warm red tones soften the edges.
Metal chops Wood — the axe shapes the tree. When wood energy is overgrown and chaotic, metallic elements bring precision.
Practical Rule: When an element is too strong, use its controlling element to reduce it. When an element is too weak, use its generating element to strengthen it. For example, if Fire (passion) is excessive causing arguments, introduce Water (wisdom) to cool it. If Wood (growth) is stagnant, add Water to nourish it.
Room-by-Room Guide Guide
Practical Feng Shui tips for every room in your home.
Entrance
- ✦Keep the entrance well-lit and clutter-free
- ✦Place a mirror to reflect positive Qi inward
- ✦Avoid placing the bed or stove directly facing the door
Living Room
- ✦Position seating so you can see the door
- ✦Use a round coffee table to promote smooth energy flow
- ✦Place a healthy plant in the southeast corner for abundance
Bedroom
- ✦Place the bed in command position (see the door but not directly in line)
- ✦Avoid mirrors facing the bed
- ✦Use soft, balanced lighting — no harsh overhead lights
Kitchen
- ✦Never place the stove directly across from the sink (fire vs water)
- ✦Keep the kitchen clean and well-organized
- ✦Place fresh fruit or herbs to symbolize abundance
Bathroom
- ✦Keep the toilet lid closed to prevent energy drain
- ✦Ensure good ventilation to disperse stagnant Qi
- ✦Place a small plant to absorb excess moisture energy
Workspace
- ✦Sit in command position with a solid wall behind you
- ✦Place a small water feature on your desk (north area)
- ✦Keep wires organized — tangled wires create tangled energy
Office Feng Shui Feng Shui
Transform your workspace into a productivity powerhouse by aligning your desk, layout, and elements with the flow of Qi.
Desk Position
Critical- ✦Sit in the 'command position' — facing the door with a solid wall behind you
- ✦Never sit with your back to the door (vulnerable position)
- ✦Avoid sitting directly under a beam or sharp corner
- ✦If you must face a wall, place a mirror to see behind you
- ✦L-shaped desks should have the computer in the command position
Desk Organization
High- ✦Keep the left side (Dragon side) higher than the right (Tiger side)
- ✦Place your phone on the left for auspicious communication
- ✦A small plant on the left brings growth energy to projects
- ✦Keep the center clear — this is the 'bright hall' for opportunity
- ✦Store sharp objects (scissors, letter openers) out of sight
Lighting & Air
High- ✦Maximize natural light — open blinds fully during the day
- ✦Use warm white light (3000-4000K) for balanced Yang energy
- ✦Avoid fluorescent lights directly overhead (harsh Sha Qi)
- ✦Open windows daily for fresh Qi circulation
- ✦An air purifier in the northwest corner attracts helpful people
Meeting Rooms
Medium- ✦The leader should sit facing the door, backs to solid wall
- ✦Round tables promote equal energy flow; rectangular tables create hierarchy
- ✦Place a healthy plant in the southeast corner for prosperity
- ✦Avoid seating anyone directly under exposed beams
- ✦Display a water feature or mirror on the north wall for career luck
Colors & Elements
Medium- ✦Blue/black accents in the north area boost career energy
- ✦Green plants in the east support team health and harmony
- ✦Red accents in the south enhance company reputation
- ✦White/gray metallic accents in the west spark creativity
- ✦Earth tones in the center stabilize the entire office
Common Pitfalls
Avoid- ✦Sitting with back to door or window (no support)
- ✦Desk directly in line with the door ('poison arrow')
- ✦Cactus or thorny plants on the desk (creates conflict)
- ✦Clutter under the desk (blocks opportunity and growth)
- ✦Sharp corners pointing at your seat (Sha Qi arrows)
Cures & Remedies Remedies
Master the six traditional Feng Shui cures to fix energy problems in any space. These are the practitioner's toolkit for transforming bad Qi into good.
Mirrors
Expand space, redirect Qi, deflect negative energy
- ✦Place opposite a beautiful view to bring nature indoors
- ✦Use to deflect 'poison arrows' from sharp corners
- ✦Never place facing the front door (bounces Qi back out)
- ✦Round or oval mirrors are more auspicious than square
- ✦Avoid broken, distorted, or bagua mirrors indoors
Water Features
Activate wealth, career, and abundance energy
- ✦Place in the north (career) or southeast (wealth) area
- ✦Water should flow toward the center of the home (not outward)
- ✦Keep water clean and moving — stagnant water creates stagnant Qi
- ✦Never place in the bedroom (too much Yin for rest)
- ✦A small tabletop fountain is sufficient for apartments
Wind Chimes
Break up stagnant energy, attract helpful people
- ✦Hang near the entrance to greet incoming Qi
- ✦Metal chimes (6 rods) in the northwest for helpful people
- ✦Wood/bamboo chimes in the east for family harmony
- ✦Avoid placing directly above seating or sleeping areas
- ✦The gentle sound disperses and redistributes energy
Crystals
Amplify, purify, or redirect specific energies
- ✦Amethyst: knowledge corner (northeast) for wisdom
- ✦Rose quartz: love corner (southwest) for relationships
- ✦Citrine: wealth corner (southeast) for prosperity
- ✦Black tourmaline: entrance for protection
- ✦Clear quartz: center for overall energy amplification
Plants
Growth, purification, and vitality
- ✦Lucky bamboo: 3 stalks for happiness, 5 for wealth, 8 for prosperity
- ✦Jade plant (Crassula): southeast for wealth accumulation
- ✦Peace lily: purifies air and softens harsh energy
- ✦Avoid dried flowers (dead energy) and cactus (conflict)
- ✦Replace dying plants immediately — they drain energy
Lighting
Activate Yang energy, dispel stagnant Qi
- ✦Keep the entrance well-lit to welcome positive energy
- ✦Salt lamps in dark corners absorb negative energy
- ✦Red candles in the south enhance reputation and fame
- ✦Soft warm light in bedrooms promotes restful Yin energy
- ✦A bright light in the center of the home activates the Tai Chi
Applying the Bagua to Your Home
Follow these five steps to overlay the Bagua map on your actual floor plan and start making changes today.
Find Your Front Door Wall
Stand at your front door looking inward. The wall containing your front door is the 'mouth of Qi' — this is where energy enters your home.
💡 The front door wall always aligns with the bottom of the Bagua map.
Align the Bagua Grid
Overlay the 3×3 Bagua grid on your floor plan. The bottom row aligns with your front door wall: Knowledge (left), Career (center), Helpful People (right).
💡 Use a compass for precision, or simply align with the front door wall.
Identify Missing Areas
If your home is not a perfect rectangle, some Bagua areas may be 'missing.' These areas of life may need extra attention or symbolic enhancement.
💡 Missing corners can be energetically 'completed' with mirrors, lights, or symbolic objects.
Enhance Each Area
Walk through your home with the Bagua map. For each area, add the corresponding element, color, and symbolic objects to activate that life aspect.
💡 Start with the area that corresponds to your biggest current challenge.
Apply Room by Room
Each individual room also has its own mini-Bagua. Apply the same grid to each room, aligning with the room's entrance door.
💡 Your bedroom's Bagua is especially important for rest and relationships.
Yin & Yang — The Balance of Opposites
☾ Yin Qualities
- • Dark, quiet, receptive
- • Soft textures, curved shapes
- • Cool colors (blues, greens, purples)
- • Rest, reflection, introspection
- • Best for: bedrooms, meditation rooms
☀ Yang Qualities
- • Bright, active, expansive
- • Hard textures, angular shapes
- • Warm colors (reds, oranges, yellows)
- • Activity, socializing, creativity
- • Best for: living rooms, kitchens, offices
The goal is not pure Yin or pure Yang, but harmonious balance. Every room should have a mix — a bedroom (Yin) needs some Yang elements for vitality, and an office (Yang) needs some Yin for focus.
The Eight Trigrams (八卦)
The Ba Gua (八卦) — eight fundamental symbols derived from the I Ching — encode every aspect of nature and human experience. Each trigram governs a direction, family member, body part, and life quality.
Qian
乾 (Qián)
Leadership, authority, creativity, initiative
Qian is pure Yang — the creative, initiating force. It represents the father, the leader, and the capacity to begin great endeavors. When Qian energy is balanced, you feel confident, decisive, and inspired. When excessive, it becomes rigid, domineering, and inflexible.
Enhance: Place metallic objects, round shapes, or symbols of heaven/leadership in the northwest. A metal wind chime with 6 rods activates helpful people and mentors.
Imbalance: Excess: headaches, arrogance, tyranny. Deficiency: indecision, lack of direction, weak leadership.
Kan
坎 (Kǎn)
Wisdom, adaptability, danger, mystery
Kan is the abyss — water flowing into the unknown. It represents deep wisdom, the career path, and the courage to navigate life's dangers. Kan teaches that true strength lies in yielding and flowing around obstacles rather than confronting them directly.
Enhance: Place a water feature, mirror, or dark-colored objects in the north. A tabletop fountain here supports career flow and life direction.
Imbalance: Excess: fear, paranoia, kidney problems. Deficiency: stagnation, lack of wisdom, career blocks.
Gen
艮 (Gèn)
Stillness, meditation, boundaries, knowledge
Gen is the mountain — immovable, contemplative, and wise. It governs the transition between cycles, the accumulation of knowledge, and the power of knowing when to stop. Gen energy supports study, meditation, and spiritual cultivation.
Enhance: Place crystals, stones, or a small altar in the northeast. Earth tones and square shapes strengthen knowledge and wisdom energy.
Imbalance: Excess: stubbornness, isolation, back problems. Deficiency: restlessness, inability to focus, lack of boundaries.
Zhen
震 (Zhèn)
Movement, initiative, growth, awakening
Zhen is thunder — the shock that awakens, the first stirrings of spring. It represents new beginnings, decisive action, and the explosive energy of growth. Zhen energy is perfect for launching projects and breaking through inertia.
Enhance: Place healthy plants, wooden furniture, or green items in the east. Morning sunlight in this area activates family health and new beginnings.
Imbalance: Excess: anger, impulsiveness, liver problems. Deficiency: stagnation, lack of motivation, family discord.
Xun
巽 (Xùn)
Gentleness, penetration, wealth, influence
Xun is the gentle wind — penetrating everywhere without force. It governs wealth, gentle influence, and the power of persistent, soft action. Like wind shaping stone over millennia, Xun achieves more through patience than through aggression.
Enhance: Place a healthy plant, wind chime, or symbols of prosperity in the southeast. Purple accents and flowing fabrics activate wealth energy.
Imbalance: Excess: indecision, manipulation, respiratory issues. Deficiency: financial stagnation, inability to influence, poverty mindset.
Li
離 (Lí)
Brilliance, visibility, passion, transformation
Li is fire and light — the most visible trigram, representing fame, recognition, and the illuminating power of consciousness. Like the sun at noon, Li brings clarity and warmth, but too much can scorch and destroy.
Enhance: Place red items, candles, or bright lights in the south. Display awards, certificates, or phoenix symbols to enhance reputation and social standing.
Imbalance: Excess: vanity, inflammation, eye problems. Deficiency: invisibility, depression, lack of recognition.
Kun
坤 (Kūn)
Receptivity, nurturing, devotion, partnership
Kun is pure Yin — the receptive, nurturing earth that supports all life. It represents the mother, partnerships, and the profound strength of yielding. Kun teaches that true power lies not in forcing outcomes but in creating conditions where growth naturally occurs.
Enhance: Place pairs of objects, rose quartz, or soft pink/earth-toned items in the southwest. Ceramic pottery and square shapes strengthen love and partnership energy.
Imbalance: Excess: over-giving, codependency, digestive issues. Deficiency: loneliness, inability to receive, relationship breakdown.
Dui
兌 (Duì)
Joy, creativity, communication, children
Dui is the joyful lake — open, reflective, and celebratory. It governs creativity, children, and the power of joyful communication. Like a lake reflecting the sky, Dui invites us to find joy in the present moment and express ourselves authentically.
Enhance: Place metallic accents, white items, or creative works in the west. A singing bowl or metal sculpture activates creativity and children energy.
Imbalance: Excess: gossip, frivolity, dental/lung problems. Deficiency: creative blocks, joylessness, difficulty with children.
Five Elements Layout Guide Layout Guide
Practical principles for applying the Five Elements to your interior design, room by room. Each element has specific colors, shapes, materials, and placement rules.
Wood (木)
📍 East, Southeast • 🎨 Green, teal, brown
Direction: Tall, rectangular, columnar
Element: Live plants, wooden furniture, bamboo, paper
Living room (east), study, family room
Place tall healthy plants, wooden bookshelves, green fabrics, or nature art. Morning light enhances Wood Qi.
If Wood is excessive (clutter, overgrowth), add Metal elements (white, metallic) to prune. If deficient (sterile, lifeless), add Water features (blue, flowing) to nourish.
Dried flowers (dead Wood energy), excessive red (Fire exhausts Wood), metal-heavy decor (Metal chops Wood).
Fire (火)
📍 South • 🎨 Red, orange, bright yellow, purple
Direction: Triangular, pointed, star-like
Element: Candles, lights, animal prints, triangular patterns
Living room (south wall), dining area, entertainment spaces
Use candles, bright lighting, red accents, or phoenix art. A fireplace or red artwork on the south wall activates fame and recognition.
If Fire is excessive (arguments, inflammation), add Water elements (mirrors, dark colors) to cool. If deficient (depression, invisibility), add Wood elements (plants, green) to fuel.
Water features directly on the south wall (douses Fire), excessive blue/black (Water controls Fire), cluttered south area.
Earth (土)
📍 Center, Southwest, Northeast • 🎨 Yellow, beige, sandy, terracotta
Direction: Square, flat, low
Element: Ceramics, stone, crystals, pottery, earthenware
Center of home, bedroom (southwest), study (northeast)
Place crystals, ceramic vases, or stone sculptures in earth-toned colors. Square rugs or tiles in the center stabilize the entire home's Qi.
If Earth is excessive (stagnation, overthinking), add Wood elements (plants, green) to break through. If deficient (instability, anxiety), add Fire elements (warm lights, red accents) to create Earth from ash.
Excessive green plants in center (Wood over-controls Earth), too many mirrors in southwest (dispersion of love energy).
Metal (金)
📍 West, Northwest • 🎨 White, gray, silver, gold, metallic
Direction: Round, oval, arched
Element: Metal objects, coins, wind chimes, metallic fabrics
Office (northwest), creative space (west), entrance
Place metal wind chimes, round mirrors, or metallic sculptures. Six-rod metal chimes in the northwest attract helpful people and mentors.
If Metal is excessive (coldness, rigidity), add Fire elements (warm lights, red) to soften. If deficient (chaos, lack of focus), add Earth elements (crystals, yellow tones) to generate Metal from stone.
Excessive red in west/northwest (Fire melts Metal), cluttered or rusty metal objects (degenerate Metal Qi).
Water (水)
📍 North • 🎨 Black, deep blue, dark charcoal
Direction: Wavy, flowing, irregular, organic
Element: Water features, mirrors, glass, fountains, aquariums
Entryway (north), career area, meditation space
Place a tabletop fountain, aquarium, or large mirror in the north. Water should flow inward (toward center) to draw wealth in, never outward toward doors/windows.
If Water is excessive (fear, financial drain), add Earth elements (stones, yellow) to dam and contain. If deficient (career stagnation), add Metal elements (metallic, white) to generate Water from condensation.
Water features in bedroom (too Yin for rest), water flowing outward (wealth drains away), stagnant/dirty water (blocked career Qi).
Feng Shui Taboos & Cures Taboos & Cures
Essential Feng Shui taboos (禁忌) that every practitioner should know — along with proven cures and remedies to transform negative Sha Qi into positive Sheng Qi.
Main Door Facing a Staircase or Elevator
大門對樓梯/電梯
HighQi rushes down the staircase or elevator shaft, creating a 'rushing arrow' that destabilizes the home's energy and can cause financial loss or health issues.
Place a screen, tall plant, or crystal sphere between the door and staircase. A Bagua mirror above the door (outside) deflects the rushing energy.
Bed Directly in Line with the Door
床位正對房門
HighKnown as the 'coffin position' — feet pointing directly at the door mimics how the dead are carried out. This drains vital energy during sleep and creates subconscious anxiety.
Move the bed to the command position (diagonal to the door). If impossible, place a screen or curtain between bed and door, or hang a crystal sphere above the bed.
Mirror Facing the Bed
鏡子對床
MediumMirrors facing the bed can cause restless sleep, nightmares, and relationship issues. In traditional belief, the soul may leave the body during sleep and become confused by its reflection.
Cover mirrors at night with a cloth, move the mirror to a closet door, or angle it away from the bed. Never place a mirror on the ceiling above the bed.
Stove Opposite the Sink
灶台對水槽
HighFire (stove) directly facing Water (sink) creates a elemental clash that manifests as family arguments, financial instability, and digestive health issues.
Place a wooden cutting board or green plant between them (Wood mediates Water→Wood→Fire). If possible, reposition the stove or sink to an L-shape or island layout.
Toilet in the Center of the Home
廁所在房屋中央
CriticalThe center (Tai Chi) is the heart of the home. A toilet here flushes away the core energy, affecting health, relationships, and overall fortune. This is considered one of the worst Feng Shui layouts.
Keep the toilet lid always closed. Place a large potted plant nearby to absorb draining energy. Use earth-toned decor and keep the door shut. Hang a crystal sphere in the center hallway.
Sharp Corners Pointing at Seating/Sleeping Areas
尖角衝射
MediumSharp corners create 'poison arrows' (煞氣, Sha Qi) — concentrated streams of aggressive energy that cause discomfort, illness, or conflict for anyone sitting or sleeping in their path.
Place a tall plant, draped fabric, or rounded furniture in front of the sharp corner. A crystal sphere or wind chime disperses the Sha Qi. Round coffee tables are preferable to square ones.
Exposed Beams Overhead
橫梁壓頂
HighExposed beams directly above seating, sleeping, or working areas create oppressive downward energy. This can cause headaches, stress, and a feeling of being 'cut' or suppressed.
Install a ceiling to cover beams, hang wind chimes or crystals from the beam to disperse energy, or place two bamboo flutes crossed on the beam (a traditional cure). Avoid placing beds/desks directly under beams.
Front Door Directly Aligned with Back Door
前後門直通
HighWhen the front door and back door are in a straight line, Qi enters and immediately exits without circulating. This is called 'penetrating heart' and causes financial loss and missed opportunities.
Place a screen, tall plant, or piece of furniture between the two doors to create a winding path. A crystal sphere or wind chime in the middle slows and disperses the Qi so it can nourish the home.
Cactus or Thorny Plants on the Desk
辦公桌放仙人掌
MediumWhile cacti are resilient, their thorns create aggressive, prickly energy that manifests as conflicts with colleagues, difficult clients, and a hostile work environment.
Replace cacti with round-leafed plants like jade plant, pothos, or peace lily. If you love succulents, choose smooth varieties without thorns. Place thorny plants outside the entrance for protection instead.
Water Feature in the Bedroom
臥室放魚缸/水景
MediumWater in the bedroom introduces excessive Yin energy, which can cause sleep disturbances, respiratory issues, and emotional instability. It can also 'drown' relationship energy.
Move water features to the living room (north or southeast). If you must have water in the bedroom, keep it very small, still (not flowing), and far from the bed. Remove at night if possible.
Clutter Under the Bed
床下堆雜物
MediumItems stored under the bed block the natural flow of Qi around your sleeping body. Old items carry stagnant energy, and metal objects create 'cutting' energy beneath you.
Keep the space under the bed completely clear. If storage is necessary, use soft items only (bedding, seasonal clothing) in breathable containers. Never store shoes, tools, or electronics under the bed.
Dead or Dying Plants in the Home
家中放置枯萎植物
MediumDead plants carry decay energy (煞氣) that drains vitality from the space. Dried flower arrangements, while decorative, represent stagnant life force and can attract melancholy energy.
Replace dying plants immediately. Choose healthy, vibrant plants and care for them regularly. If you want the look of flowers without maintenance, use high-quality silk flowers (not dried real ones). Fresh fruit in a bowl is an excellent living alternative.