Ba Gua Feng Shui

Birth of Ba Gua (八卦)

太极生两仪，两仪生四象，四象生八卦 

The Ba Gua, otherwise known as the Eight Trigrams, draw from philosophies surrounding I-Ching, Taiji and the Five Elements (五行). This principle was used to understand the interactions and relationships of the natural world.

The birth of 先天八卦Xian Tian Ba Gua begins with 两仪 - Yin and Yang. Yin and Yang then results in 四象 - Major Yang, Minor Yang, Major Yin, Minor Yin. These will then give rise to Ba Gua and is represented by horizontal lines known as 爻. This concept of 先天八卦 Xian Tian Ba Gua originate from Fu Xi, who was a sage during 2800 b.c.e. It was founded upon 河图, otherwise known as Yellow River map is an apparatus that has deep roots of Chinese Cosmology.

In today’s context, the more commonly adopted form of 八卦 is known as the 后天八卦 Hou Tian Ba Gua, or Later Heaven Sequence. It was founded upon the 洛书 Book of Luo by King Wen who also make amendments to the Xian Tian Ba Gua 先天八卦. This version of Ba Gua is commonly used in modern day Chinese Metaphysics.

Hou Tian Ba Gua (后天八卦)

The eight trigrams are，坎、坤、震、巽、乾、兑、艮、离. Each being represented by different 爻:

坎 Kan Trigram (☵, 1)、坤 Kun Trigram (☷, 2)、震 Zhen Trigram (☳, 3)、巽 Xun Trigram(☴, 4)、乾 Qian Trigram (☰, 6)、 兑 Dui Trigram (☱, 7)、艮 Gen Trigram (☶, 8)、 离 Li Trigram(☲, 9)

Each of these trigrams represent a direction and has it dominant element.

How is Ba Gua being used in Feng Shui?

The concept of bagua is widely used in many areas of Chinese Metaphysics, from representation of macro pictures such as the 三元九运 (180-year cycle) to the usage in floor plan and directional analysis for Classical Feng Shui. (We are currently in the 离运 period 9)

Considering that the Ba Gua is a fundamental principle for Feng Shui principles. it is common to see these trigrams appearing constantly during a Feng Shui consultation. The compass direction for Feng Shui is also denoted by the eight trigrams.

A Bagua map is also commonly applied to floor plan of living spaces such as residential units or in other cases commercial premises. A Feng Shui Bagua map will be able to identify some key details that is essential for an effective analysis. The Feng Shui Bagua Map will reveal flow of energy, both positive energy and negative energy field. When used in conjunction with other methods, it may also reveal the energy level of each sector in the entire floor plan.

Residential Feng Shui

For those who are not familiar with residential Feng Shui; Residential Feng Shui is commonly interpreted as the study of how a living environment affect and interact with the occupants. By applying concepts to achieve a balanced energy flow, Feng Shui seeks to improve different aspect of life. Classical Feng Shui may rectify energy imbalances, improve health segment, stimulate wealth corner or activate a prosperity corner depending on the appropriate application of Feng Shui methods by an experience Feng Shui Master.

As mentioned, a Bagua Map or drawing may be used in the course of analysis. Unfortunately, not all houses are built equal. Some apartments may be weak in certain aspects while good for others. However, it is rare to have a pure bad Feng Shui or a super excellent one. Afterall, based on our experience and the floor plans that we apply Feng Shui to, it seems that Feng Shui also follow the normal distribution (statistics).

In the course of the Feng Shui consultation and recommendation, certain cures or activation may be required. This could be in the form of rearranging some of the furnishings. If renovation is not yet done, a Feng Shui consultation may also provide critical advice that will complement your planning (rectifying key energy imbalances or identifying key wealth corner or health segment).

Feng Shui Bagua

Well, for the majority, Feng Shui Bagua may be referring to an item rather than the concept behind Feng Shui. A Feng Shui Bagua is one of an iconic Feng Shui Item. The Feng Shui Bagua usually has a mirror in the center. This mirror can be a concave or convex mirror and either of each is used in different circumstances.

The Feng Shui Bagua mirror is an extremely strong Feng Shui item that can be used to 挡煞. It sometimes does more than just adverting 煞气 (poison arrows are some examples of Bad Feng Shui that may result in health issues or reduced luck); instead, it may deflect it to others. This may not be the best thing to do for your neighbours and there could be less "damaging" methods available that most Feng Shui Masters will recommend.

To be clear, there are usually 3 types of Bagua Mirrors; Flattened, Concave (凹，curve inwards) and Convex (凸，curve outwards). The flattened mirror is usually more neutral. The Concave one is usually used to attract positive energy while the convex version is used to 挡煞 as mentioned above. Selecting the appropriate one is important. (Imagine selecting a concave one and place it facing a poison arrow!)

Ba Gua and Feng Shui

Whether you are referring to the item or the concept, we hope that this article shed some very fundamental light about Ba Gua and Feng Shui.

The concept of Ba Gua holds an important place in the broad category of Chinese Metaphysics including Feng Shui. Considering its significance, it is of no surprise that the Feng Shui Ba Gua Mirror possess significant strength when used appropriately. However, we advise occupants to seek professional advice considering the possibility that it may be a double-edged sword.

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.