Feng Shui Guidelines for Choosing a House

I. Introduction

Feng Shui, an ancient Chinese philosophical system, has a long – standing influence on various aspects of life, including the selection of housing. A house that conforms to Feng Shui principles is believed to bring good fortune, health, and harmony to its residents. This article will delve into how Feng Shui can guide the choice of a house, focusing on aspects such as the surrounding environment and orientation.

II. Surrounding Environment in Feng Shui

A. Landform and Terrain

1. Flat Land is Preferred
   1. In Feng Shui, a flat terrain is generally considered ideal for a house. A steep – sloped piece of land, whether uphill or downhill, may have a negative impact on the family’s wealth and safety. For example, a house built on a steep downslope may be more prone to problems such as landslides in areas with unstable geological conditions. And living on a steep upslope might make it difficult for positive energy to accumulate, as energy tends to flow downwards in Feng Shui concepts.

• Avoiding Certain Landforms
  • Rocky and craggy mountains close to the house are not recommended. Such landforms are believed to bring a harsh and disharmonious energy. Also, areas with a high – density of tall buildings that form a closed terrain that restricts ventilation, promotes downdraft and increases afternoon temperatures, Lowering the temperature after midnight, encouraging afternoon winds, obstructing the surrounding scenery, affecting the drainage system, not conducive to the diffusion of polluting gases, and increasing the possibility of flooding. surrounded – like terrain should be avoided. This kind of terrain restricts ventilation,  creates strong winds in the afternoon, lowers the temperature at night,  and is detrimental to the view and drainage system.

B. Proximity to Buildings and Institutions

1. Far from Official Buildings

• A house should not be located near government agencies, military camps, or prisons. These places are believed to emit harmful “qi” (energy). The presence of such institutions nearby is thought to bring negative influences on the residents’ fortune. For instance, the strict and formal energy around government buildings may suppress the free flow of positive energy for the residents of nearby houses.
• No Direct Front Door Facing Streets
  • If a house’s front door directly faces a busy street, it is considered bad Feng Shui. Such a layout tends to draw in harmful airflows. It is not only inauspicious but also poses potential safety hazards like noise pollution and the risk of accidents from fast – moving vehicles.

C. Overall Harmony of the Environment

1. Beautiful and Harmonious Surroundings
   1. The area around the house should be beautiful and harmonious. A pleasant environment, such as one with parks, lakes, or well – maintained gardens, can bring positive energy. On the contrary, a dirty, noisy, or chaotic environment may negatively affect the residents’ mood and fortune. For example, living next to a polluted industrial area may lead to health problems for the residents, which is also regarded as a manifestation of bad Feng Shui.

• Water Element Consideration
  • If there is water nearby, such as a river or a small pond, it should be flowing smoothly. A meandering and vibrant water body is considered auspicious in Feng Shui. However, stagnant water is not desirable as it may breed mosquitoes and create a feeling of dullness and lack of vitality.

III. Orientation of the House in Feng Shui

A. Commonly Favored Orientations

1. Sitting North and Facing South
   1. This is the most widely recognized auspicious orientation in Feng Shui. In China, being in the northern hemisphere, most of the sunlight comes from the south. A south – facing house can receive plenty of sunlight, which is beneficial for the physical and mental health of the residents. From the perspective of “qi”, the south – facing direction is full of positive energy, representing prosperity, brightness, and active energy. It is believed that this orientation can help promote the residents’ career development and family harmony.
   1. In modern terms, a sitting – north – facing – south house can ensure good lighting and ventilation throughout the year. In winter, the long – duration sunlight can warm up the house, and in summer, the gentle breeze can make the living environment comfortable.
2. Sitting Northeast and Facing Southwest
   1. This orientation is regarded as a very auspicious sign. It is especially suitable for office environments. In Feng Shui, this orientation is associated with abundant energy, good lighting, and long – lasting sunlight exposure. It is believed to be conducive to career development, wealth accumulation, and promotion in business.
   1. For modern living, a room with this orientation is bright, which is suitable for various commercial uses such as offices. The positive energy in this orientation is thought to bring success and prosperity.
3. Sitting East and Facing West
   1. A house facing east in the morning can receive early sunlight, which is full of vitality. East is considered the direction of new hope and birth in Feng Shui, suitable for families who want to start new businesses or have new business plans.
   1. However, it should be noted that due to the sunlight pattern, it may become a bit dark in the afternoon. So, proper interior lighting layout is required to ensure sufficient light in the living space.

B. Unfavorable Orientations

1. Sitting South and Facing North
   1. This orientation is considered a sign of decline. It often receive insufficient sunlight throughout the year, which may lead to a gloomy and negative atmosphere in the house. Such an environment may cause family disputes, continuous quarrels, and plain financial performance.
   1. The lack of sunlight may also have an impact on the physical health of the residents, as they may feel depressed and lack vitality.
2. Sitting Southeast and Facing Northwest
   1. This orientation is regarded as inauspicious, especially for middle – aged women. It may lead to family disharmony and financial difficulties. The energy flow in this orientation is believed to be unbalanced, which can cause various problems in family life and financial management.

IV. Other Considerations in Feng Shui House Selection

A. Shape of the House

1. Regular – Shaped Houses are Preferred
   1. Whether it is an independent villa or an apartment building, a house with a regular shape is more likely to maintain a balanced distribution of energy. Irregular – shaped houses may cause energy scattering and bring unnecessary troubles. For example, a house with a strange – shaped corner may disrupt the smooth flow of energy inside and outside the house.

B. Size of the House

1. Appropriate Size
   1. Choosing the right size of the house is crucial in Feng Shui. A house that is too large or too small is not conducive to the maintenance of “qi”. The size of the house should be determined according to the number of family members. A house that is too large may feel empty and lack a sense of intimacy, while a house that is too small may make people feel cramped and uncomfortable.

V. Conclusion

Feng Shui provides a comprehensive set of guidelines for choosing a house, covering various aspects such as the surrounding environment, orientation, shape, and size of the house. While some people may view Feng Shui as a superstitious belief, it has a certain cultural and psychological significance. By considering Feng Shui principles, people can try to create a living environment that is more harmonious, comfortable, and conducive to their physical and mental well – being as well as their family development. However, it should also be noted that Feng Shui should be combined with practical factors such as the actual geographical environment, building cost, and personal preferences in the process of house selection.