Feng Shui, the ancient Chinese practice of creating harmony within our living spaces, goes far beyond the mere placement of lucky talismans. It delves into the intricate balance of yin and yang energies, the flow of Qi, and the optimization of our environments to promote well-being. In essence, Feng Shui is about cultivating a harmonious relationship between ourselves and our surroundings. Beyond talismans, it presents a profound philosophy that extends into the practice of Ba Zi, where diagnosis meets remedy in the intricate dance of cosmic forces.

In the realm of Chinese metaphysics, Ba Zi serves as the diagnostic tool, revealing the intricacies of one's destiny. At the same time, Feng Shui acts as the remedy, offering practical solutions to enhance the flow of energy in our lives. Once we've delved into the insights of Ba Zi and understood its implications in our lives, it becomes opportune to explore the art of Feng Shui.

However, effective Feng Shui practice demands more than just surface-level adjustments. It's more than painting a wall, adjusting a door, or rearranging furniture based on a consultant's advice. To harness its true effectiveness, active participation and engagement are imperative. While seeking consultancy is advisable, merely following directives without understanding the underlying principles is inadequate. True mastery of Feng Shui requires active involvement and a willingness to learn.

Mastering the techniques of Feng Shui may require a learning effort, but the rewards are undoubtedly worth it. In a world where possessions can be taken away, knowledge remains an invaluable asset. By empowering ourselves with the wisdom of Feng Shui, we safeguard against external fluctuations and cultivate a lasting sense of equilibrium.

The effectiveness of feng shui practices is evident in the vibrant cultures of Southeast Asia, where it is deeply integrated into daily life. Countries like Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong, South Korea, and Taiwan embrace feng shui alongside other traditional branches of Chinese spirituality. While the roots trace back to China, the cultural and spiritual aspects of Feng Shui flourished in Southeast Asia, away from the suppression experienced in the mainland under communist rule. Feng Shui's influence extends far beyond its birthplace, transcending geographical boundaries.

In the intricate dance of energy, Qi manifests itself through the eight trigrams, symbolic patterns representing the dynamic interplay of opposing forces. Rooted in the principles of Yin and Yang, these trigrams embody the essence of balance and harmony, guiding practitioners toward alignment with the natural rhythms of the universe.

The strength of Feng Shui isn't confined to the walls of a house but extends to the individual, for the Feng Shui of a person holds more sway than that of their dwelling. Central to Feng Shui practice is the understanding that a person's energy is inherently tied to their surroundings. Thus, our journey begins by determining the Kua number and corresponding trigram for each individual. This provides insight into favorable and unfavorable directions tailored to their unique energy profile.

Moving forward, the focus shifts to the dwelling itself. The house's trigram and the corresponding favorability of the eight sectors aligned with cardinal directions are determined based on the orientation of the house and the surrounding environment. Further analysis involves identifying Flying Stars corresponding to each sector based on the construction year of the building. While these calculations may seem complex, tools like Ba Zi Advisor simplify the process, facilitating comprehension for practitioners.

Armed with this knowledge, we ascertain the favorable sectors and directions for each space occupant. In the latter part of this introductory course, we delve into the effects of Flying Star combinations and explore methods for activating positive energies while mitigating negative influences. Through strategic adjustments and enhancements, we amplify the beneficial effects of auspicious stars and minimize the impact of unfavorable ones, ushering in a new era of harmony and vitality in our environments.

The Eight Trigrams

As a continuum of movement, Qi manifests in the eight trigrams, which are symbolic patterns representing the various transformations and interactions of energy. Originating from the dual forces of Yin and Yang, these trigrams encapsulate the essence of balance and harmony in the cosmic dance of opposites.

Yin, embodying the feminine principle, is depicted by an interrupted line, while Yang, representing the masculine principle, is symbolized by a continuous line. From the interplay of these foundational forces, the initial two trigrams emerged, giving rise to the subsequent four, and ultimately forming the complete set of eight trigrams.

Exploring the symbolism of the eight trigrams unravels the profound wisdom of Chinese metaphysics, offering insights into the dynamic interplay of energies and the cyclical nature of existence. Hereunder, we will delve deeper into the significance of each trigram.

Personal Kua Number

The Kua number, also known as the Gua number or Ming Gua, is an essential component in Feng Shui practice, as it helps determine auspicious directions and elements for an individual. It is calculated based on the year of birth of a person, but be careful, in Feng Shui, we are using the Chinese solar year, which usually starts between February 3-5, so, for example, a person born on January 27, 1993, will consider 1992 as their year of birth. Anyway, using Ba Zi Advisor you don't need to worry about it.

In practical terms, the Kua number represents the Qi energy you were born with, corresponding to the year of birth. Why the year and not the month or day? In Ba Zi (also known as the Four Pillars of Destiny), we understand that a person's profile is created by equally considering all four components of their birth moment: the hour, day, month, and year. However, each of these influences different aspects: the inner-self is derived from the Day Pillar (Day Master), deeper desires come from the Hour Pillar, career is determined by the Month Pillar (Main Profile), and the relationship with the environment is influenced by the Year Pillar (Grand Duke). Since we're discussing Feng Shui, which is essentially about the relationship between humans and their environment, it seems natural for the dominant Qi, or Kua number, to be determined by the birth year.

Here's how you can determine the Kua number based on the year of birth. Since the Yin and Yang energies flow in opposite directions, the Kua number is calculated differently for men and women.

For Men:

Take the four digits of the year of birth and add them together. If the result is a double-digit number, add the digits of that number together until you get a single-digit number.
Subtract the single-digit number from 11. The result is the Kua number. If it is 5, then your Kua number will be 2.

For Women:

Take the four digits of the year of birth and add them together. If the result is a double-digit number, add the digits of that number together until you get a single-digit number.
Add 4 to the single-digit number. If the result is a two-digit number add the digits. The result is the Kua number.

For example:

If a man was born in 1965:

1 + 9 + 6 + 5 = 21
2 + 1 = 3
11 - 3 = 8
So, his Kua number is 8.

If a woman was born in 1996:

1 + 9 + 9 + 6 = 25
5 + 2 = 7
7 + 4 = 11
1 + 1 = 2
So, her Kua number is 2.

Once you have determined the Kua number, you can then use it to find the auspicious and inauspicious directions for that individual, as well as their lucky and unlucky elements, according to Feng Shui principles.

Each Kua number is associated with a trigram and a direction and corresponds to a color and an element (phase) as can be seen in the table below.

Id	Name	Trig	Color	Dir	Phase
1	Kan	☵	Blue	N	Water
2	Kun	☷	Yellow	SW	Earth
3	Zhen	☴	Green	E	Wood
4	Xun	☳	Green	SE	Wood
6	Qian	☶	White	NW	Metal
7	Dui	☱	White	W	Metal
8	Gen	☲	Yellow	NE	Earth
9	Li	☰	Red	S	Fire

In what follows, for ease of expression, we will refer to the 9 numbers, practically representing nine bodies of Qi, like Flying Stars.

Personal Directions

The Feng Shui of a person is in certain cases stronger than the Feng Shui of his house.

A direction shall come to maximum effect after you spend some time doing what you do in that direction. A direction is always dependent on the surrounding environment since it interacts with this.

For each person, there are four favorable directions (F1, F2, F3, F4) and four unfavorable directions (U1, U2, U3, U4). Depending on the Kua number, these directions are presented in the table below.

The effects of your personal directions become noticeable after you spend some time in those directions, but they can manifest anywhere, not just in your house or office.

...	Eastern Group	Western Group

	3	4	1	9	6	2	8	7
F1	S	N	SE	E	V	NE	SV	NV
F2	SE	E	S	N	SV	NV	V	NE
F3	N	S	E	SE	NE	V	NV	SV
F4	E	SE	N	S	NV	SV	NE	V

U1	SV	NV	V	NE	SE	E	S	N
U2	NE	V	NV	SV	N	S	E	SE
U3	NV	SV	NE	V	E	SE	N	S
U4	V	NE	SV	NV	S	N	SE	E

The name and meaning of the 8 directions (F1 ... U4) are presented below.

F1 - Greedy Wolf - Wealth

Effects: Respect and prosperity
Description: Yang star by its nature, it is an active star generating wealth

F2 - Heavenly Doctor - Health

Effects: Romantic relationships and longevity
Description: The Qi of this star draws in the lives of people the most appropriate aids

F3 - Military Arts - Longevity

Effects: Love relationships and health
Description: The Qi of these stars helps establish good-quality relationships

F4 - Assistant Star - Personal Growth

Effects: Peace and stability
Description: Activated, this palace attracts good luck, mental health, and detachment

U1 - Mishaps Star - Bad Luck

Effects: Breakdowns, accidents, and quarrels
Description: Activated bring bad luck

U2 - Chastity Star - Five Ghosts

Effects: Difficult relationships, unfavorable meetings
Description: Activated, it brings fraud and robbery

U3 - Literary Arts - Six Killings

Effects: Litigation, serious accidents, fires
Description: Activated, it brings processes and accidents

U4 - Broken Soldier - Life-Threatening

Effects: Illness, bad luck, failed career, death
Description: Activated, it brings fatalities, catastrophes

Check on Ba Zi Advisor which are your personal directions.

John Doe's Personal Directions (example)

You can also get information about the recommended directions for your Bed, Office Desk, Stove, or Meditation. For each one of them, you will get more tips and tricks. Have a look now!

John Doe's Recommended Directions (example)

Hint: It's a good idea that when you decide to move furniture in your home or office according to your favorable Feng Shui directions, you consult your personal horoscope to find recommended days for Feng Shui activities and, most importantly, to avoid those not recommended. Look for favorable stars like Basket, Dipper, Orion, Tail, or Well, and avoid Wing or Willow.

In the following article, we will analyze the compatibility between individuals based on their Kua number, noting that individuals within the same group support each other, while those from opposing groups may encounter challenges.

Stay tuned!

	3	4	1	9	6	2	8	7
F1	S	N	SE	E	V	NE	SV	NV
F2	SE	E	S	N	SV	NV	V	NE
F3	N	S	E	SE	NE	V	NV	SV
F4	E	SE	N	S	NV	SV	NE	V

U1	SV	NV	V	NE	SE	E	S	N
U2	NE	V	NV	SV	N	S	E	SE
U3	NV	SV	NE	V	E	SE	N	S
U4	V	NE	SV	NV	S	N	SE	E

	3	4	1	9	6	2	8	7
F1	S	N	SE	E	V	NE	SV	NV
F2	SE	E	S	N	SV	NV	V	NE
F3	N	S	E	SE	NE	V	NV	SV
F4	E	SE	N	S	NV	SV	NE	V

U1	SV	NV	V	NE	SE	E	S	N
U2	NE	V	NV	SV	N	S	E	SE
U3	NV	SV	NE	V	E	SE	N	S
U4	V	NE	SV	NV	S	N	SE	E

	3	4	1	9	6	2	8	7
F1	S	N	SE	E	V	NE	SV	NV
F2	SE	E	S	N	SV	NV	V	NE
F3	N	S	E	SE	NE	V	NV	SV
F4	E	SE	N	S	NV	SV	NE	V

U1	SV	NV	V	NE	SE	E	S	N
U2	NE	V	NV	SV	N	S	E	SE
U3	NV	SV	NE	V	E	SE	N	S
U4	V	NE	SV	NV	S	N	SE	E