Feng Shui Ruler: Meaning & Uses
- Vivian Tay
- Mar 6
- 4 min read
Feng Shui Ruler
What is a Feng Shui Ruler?
A Feng Shui Ruler, or more accurately, a Feng Shui Measuring tape, is a tool used to establish auspicious and inauspicious dimensions. Such Feng Shui Measuring tape is usually used in residential or commercial Feng Shui to establish auspicious measurements and dimensions. A Feng Shui ruler is divided into eight specific sector measurements, of which four are auspicious dimensions while the remaining four are likely to carry inauspicious energy.
Specifications of a Feng Shui Ruler
These eight different sectors, otherwise known as the eight quadrants, are known respectively as 财、病、离、义、官、劫、害、本 （Cai, Bing, Li, Yi, Guan, Jie, Hai, Ben). Each section is roughly 5.37cm, and after the eighth quadrant, it will repeat itself again. The total length of one cycle is approximately 43 cm.
Cai, Yi, Guan, and Ben are the four auspicious sections, while Bing, Li, Jie, and Hai are the four inauspicious sections. Each section represents different meanings, and a standard Feng Shui Lu Ban ruler will be the most informative of all.
When do we need to use a Feng Shui Ruler?
A Feng Shui measuring tape can be used in various circumstances. It can be used to establish Feng Shui dimensions of residential Feng Shui architecture (dimensions of entrance doors, bedroom doors, or kitchen doors), determine auspicious measurements for dimensions of specific furniture or decorative objects, or even the construction of houses in some cases. Most of the time, Feng Shui Masters will only use a Feng Shui ruler in very specific situations, such as the construction of the main door (where applicable). In modern Singapore's residential Feng Shui (Yang Feng Shui) setting, the main door construction dimension is pretty much restricted. In some practices, the Feng Shui Ruler is also used in Yin Feng Shui (ancestral tomb or burial site measurement). Therefore, it is intuitive that a typical Feng Shui Ruler consists of Yang and Yin. Please refer to the following picture.
Feng Shui measuring tape in Feng Shui shops is a common sight. Feng Shui amateurs and those seeking novelty could purchase one to compute their lucky dimensions. Some hope to have lucky dimensions for the furniture dimension, while others hope to tap into beneficial energy by having auspicious items that fall within the lucky sector measurement.
How to read a Feng Shui Ruler?
As mentioned, there are 8 sectors, measuring approximately 5.37cm each. However, each sector can be further divided into a smaller category of 4 micro sector measurements. Let's use a table to explain.
Cai 财 (Auspicious) - 0 to 5.37cm
财德 - Receiving wealth and having good virtues & values.
宝库 - A metaphor for retention of wealth and holding on to prosperity.
六合 - Harmony and completeness. Wealth Maximisation
迎福 - Welcoming fortune. Refers to happiness and Prosperity
Bing 病 (Inauspicious) - 5.37 to 10.74cm
退财 - Loss of wealth
公事 - Public matters, often referring to cases like corruption or legal issues.
牢执 - Refers to imprisonment or legal troubles.
孤寡 - Refers to loneliness or living alone. (Death of Spouse)
Li 离 (Inauspicious) - 10.74 to 16.11cm
长库 - Refers to prisons in ancient times, legal conflicts
劫财 - Refers to loss of wealth or damage to assets.
官鬼 - Refers to issues caused by official or bureaucratic interference.
失脱 - Theft, burglarly or loss of wealth
Yi 义 (Auspicious) - 16.11 to 21.48cm
添丁 - Refers to the birth of a male child (traditionally considered a blessing).
益利 - Increase in wealth and benefits.
贵子 - Refers to offspring who will grow up to be influential or wealthy/successor.
大吉 - Great luck, highly auspicious and prevalence of noblemen aid
Guan 官 (Auspicious) - 21.48 to 26.85cm
顺科 - Successfully passing exams and achieving academic or career goals.
横财 - Unexpected wealth or windfall. Lottery or game of chance.
进益 - Occurence of an event that is beneficial to you. Wealth, Happiness or Gains
富贵 - Wealth and status, prosperity.
Jie 劫 (Inauspicious) - 26.85 to 32.22cm
死别 - Refers to permanent separation or death.
退口 - Losing important source of wealth.
离乡 - Leaving one’s home or homeland, unwanted/forced departures.
财失 - Loss or theft of wealth or possessions.
Hai 害 (Inauspicious) - 32.22 to 37.59cm
灾至 - Disasters, misfortunes or obstacles.
死绝 - Loss of loved ones.
病临 - Illness and bad health.
口舌 - Arguments, disputes, or quarrels. May also refer to backstabbing or gossips.
Ben 本 (Auspicious) - 37.59 to 42.96cm
财至 - Arrival of wealth and prosperity, start of wealth luck.
登科 - Luck in academic and examination. Scholarly performance.
进宝 - Attracting wealth and fortune.
兴旺 - Prosperity and thriving. May refer to Business Growth
Most of the section are pretty intuitive. However, do not be overly obsessed with obtaining the specific sectors' measurements. From a macro perspective, such measurement is a complimentary icing for residential Feng Shui. After all, there are more impactful Feng Shui practices to boost one's auspicious energy or wealth luck.
Do we really need one?
As mentioned, there are many ways to activate good wealth luck. Although having an auspicious dimension promotes harmonic energy, it should not be the only method you rely upon.
That being said, it is still essential to establish auspicious dimensions such as having the right frame measurement pieces of furniture associated with Feng Shui. It may also apply in situations deemed fit by Feng Shui Masters according to the various schools of thought that each Master practices. Should you be concerned about the auspiciousness of your house, it is more appropriate to reach out to a Feng Shui Master instead.
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