Many people confuse feng shui as a type of mystical belief. The fact is that feng shui is no more mysterious – or spiritually-oriented – than acupuncture.

In its truest sense, feng shui is more correctly called a technique. It’s a technique for aligning the energy of a space. Even with this knowledge, some people can become uncomfortable with the mixing of religion and spirituality with feng shui.

Part of the discomfort stems from some feng shui practitioners who like to align feng shui with certain rituals, and who imbue these rituals and feng shui recommendations with a type of mysticism. This can cause a misunderstanding about feng shui that it is a spiritual practice.

However, when it comes to traditional Chinese feng shui, the practice is decidedly more formulaic. Following compass directions (from the earth’s magnetic lines), for instance, is about as spiritual as it gets.

That withstanding, the use of deities, such as thangkas, Buddha heads, a Star of David, crosses, crescents, and other icons brings about a mindfulness of heaven’s role in the trinity of luck, and reminds us to seek the blessings of Heaven.

Below are 6 tips for working with religious items, and icons.

1. Put Heaven in the Heaven position.

In feng shui, heaven is associated with the northwest sector. When you display religious items or have a family altar in the home, place them in the northwest corner of the living room or home. This is a good sector to place crosses, menorahs, crescents, or pictures of deities. It’s also a good location to place photos of deceased relatives.

2. Keep Heaven close to the door.

Altars placed directly opposite the front door are believed to be good for creating a spiritual home and considered to be very auspicious. They also keep our spiritual lives in the forefront of our minds because we see them the minute we walk into the house. They are also believed to spill blessings out to all who enter the door.

3. Be respectful.

Religious icons, statues, or altars should be well-lighted, kept clean, and in an elevated position (at least five feet from the floor). Religious items or symbols should be located in auspicious locations such as living areas or foyer and not in kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms, or dining areas.

4. Place symbols properly.

Religious symbols such as crosses, stars, or crescents have points and emit strong energy. They should not be displayed on the front door, at the end of a hall, across from a bed, or behind someone seated (such as at a dining table, desk, or sofa).

Your house should also not be situated across from these symbols. This is why living or working across from a house of worship is often considered bad feng shui, particularly if it is opposite your front door. If so, plant a hedge or install a fence to screen the view.

5. Activate your home’s spiritual sector.

If you want to boost your spirituality and spiritual life, then consider moving your religious articles into the northeast portion of your house or living room. This is the direction that coincides with wisdom, spirituality, self growth, and education, and is an excellent location for meditation and prayer.

6. Put religion at the heart of your home.

The center of the home is a very important space. It impacts health, wealth, and happiness. Create good feng shui by locating your icons, symbols, or altars in a central location. Be sure that they are well-lit.

________________________________________

Copyright Kathryn Weber. All rights reserved.