招财猫 Fortune Cat Feng Shui

Ever seen a fortune cat being placed near the cashier of a retail shop? Or did you notice one of your relatives with a collection set of 招财猫 displayed in their home? Maybe you would have received a cute Maneki-Neko (招き猫, 'beckoning cat') from your friend who just had a trip to Japan?

Well, be it a fortune cat, 招财猫 or Maneki-Neko, they all represent the same similar cat figurine. So how does this fortune cat receive association with Feng Shui or have wealth-attracting abilities? Let us explore the fortune cat, its symbol, and its usage in Chinese Metaphysics.

What is a Fortune Cat

The famous fortune cat we can all resonate with is a common display item in Asia, particularly in East and Southeast Asia. It is believed to bring personal luck to individuals and bring entrepreneurs excellent luck with business. Some believe its beneficial energies extend to windfalls, luck, and luck in career. Its Chinese name, 招财猫, can be loosely translated to wealth-attracting cat.

The fortune cat is usually a white color feline that stands on its two hind legs. Some of the Fortune cats in the market have a single raised front paw, while others have both paws raised. There are other color variations, such as red, pink, and other auspicious colors, and it is a hugely popular decorative item or lucky symbol during the Chinese Lunar New Year season.

Origin of the Fortune Cat

The fortune cat, also known as Maneki-Neko, originates from Japan. It originates from a folklore in the seventeenth century during the Edo period. A daimyo (regional ruler) was saved from a lightning bolt when a cat beckoned him into a temple in Tokyo. Grateful for saving his life, the ruler dedicated a shrine to the cat.

The Fortune Cat in Chinese Metaphysics

Since its popularity 400 years ago, Japan and its neighboring Asian civilization have adored the fortune cat and regarded it as a symbol of luck. Unsurprisingly, the 招财猫 / Maneki-Neko has made its way into Feng Shui as an auspicious symbol of wealth attraction.

Interestingly, there are some features of the fortune cat that one may wish to pay attention to.

Right Paw, Left Paw and both Paw

Japanese believe that the raised paw indicates a different meaning. A raised right paw attracts wealth and good luck, while a raised left paw attracts businesses, traffic, and sales. Two raised paws are believed to offer the occupant protection and ward off negative energy.

Accessories on the Paw of Maneki-Neko

Fish - Symbolise abundance and fortune

Money Bag or Ancient coin - Suggest luck and wealth

Fan or Drum - Associated with Business Luck (If you have been to Japan, you may notice that the drum is often associated with 人气 products)

Hollowed Gourds / Calabash - Protection and ward of negative energy.

How is the fortune cat used in Feng Shui?

In the practice of Feng Shui, the fortune cat can be used to activate auspicious areas. For a residential environment, it can be used to attract wealth. For commercial Feng Shui, a fortune cat is popular in a shop's auspicious sector to increase footfall and sales conversion. However, there are additional considerations before placing your fortune cat.

Knowing your Auspicious Sector

Knowing where your auspicious sector is important, understand what your auspicious sector is about is critical. It is important to place the fortune cat in the right section of one's house or shop to be effective.

Direction

The facing of the fortune cat will affect if it actually attracts wealth. In an ideal situation, it should be placed in the right sector and facing the right direction.

Material, Colour and 5 Element

The material and the color determine the fortune cat's element. On top of that, the cat family is broadly represented by the wood element. So, understanding your auspicious sector is critical in establishing whether a fortune cat suits a certain section of the house. For information on 5 elements, you may refer to this article.

Fortune Cat in Feng Shui

While many homeowners or small business entrepreneurs collect or display the fortune cat, not all are aware of the Feng Shui principles behind it. For business owners looking for a Business Feng Shui consultation, using a 招财猫 is definitely one of the possibilities to activate business luck.

At Moon FengShui, we assist business owners in performing a Feng Shui audit on their premises. From retail shopfronts to manufacturing floors or warehouse premises, we can customize our reading to achieve different business goals. If you would like to find out how Commercial Feng Shui can help improve your business's performance and prosperity, do get in touch with us.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional Feng Shui advice. Feng Shui practices and interpretations can vary, and their effectiveness may differ based on individual circumstances and specific locations. For personalized guidance, it is strongly recommended to consult with a qualified Feng Shui Master or professional consultant who can assess your unique situation. The author and company are not responsible for any outcomes resulting from the application of Feng Shui principles described in this article. Always use caution and discretion when implementing any Feng Shui methods.

招财猫 Fortune Cat Feng Shui