In our previous discussion, we covered the fundamentals of laying out the Feng Shui Bagua Map over your floor plan. You now know where your Wealth corner sits and where your Relationship sector resides. But knowing where these areas are is only half the battle. The real magic happens when you begin to activate and energize these spaces to align with your intentions.
Today, we are going deeper. We are moving from identification to application. In this guide, we will explore the specific attributes of all nine "Guas" (life areas), the elements associated with them, and practical Feng Shui cures you can implement immediately to shift the energy in your home.
Understanding the Energy Mandals
The Bagua Map divides your space into nine energetic centers. Each center corresponds to a specific area of your life, an element, a color, and a shape. When a specific area of your life feels "stuck"—perhaps your career has plateaued or your relationships are volatile—it is often reflected in the corresponding sector of your home.
By applying the correct adjustments (or "cures"), you can unblock this energy (Qi) and invite flow back into your life.
Here is your step-by-step guide to activating the 9 Life Areas.
1. Wealth & Prosperity (Xun)
Location: Rear Left
Element: Soft Wood
Colors: Purple, Gold, Green
This area isn't just about cash in the bank; it represents abundance in all forms, including blessings, opportunity, and self-worth.
How to Activate:
- Introduce Living Plants: Since the element is Wood, a healthy, upward-growing plant (like a money tree or jade plant) is the ultimate activator here.
- Use the Color Purple: Add accents of royal purple or amethyst crystals.
- Flowing Water: A small fountain here symbolizes the flow of money into your life. Ensure the water flows into the room, not out a window.
- Fix Leaks: Check for any plumbing leaks in this sector; dripping water represents money draining away.
2. Fame & Reputation (Li)
Location: Rear Center
Element: Fire
Colors: Red, Orange, Bright Yellow
This sector governs how you are perceived by the world. It impacts your reputation, recognition, and visibility.
How to Activate:
- Light it Up: This is the place for bright lighting. Ensure there are no dark corners here.
- Fire Element: Candles, a fireplace, or triangular shapes invoke the fire energy.
- Showcase Achievements: Display diplomas, awards, or press clippings here to boost your standing in the world.
- Avoid: Heavy water features here, as water douses fire.
3. Love & Relationships (Kun)
Location: Rear Right
Element: Earth
Colors: Pink, Red, White
Whether you are single and looking, or looking to harmonize a current marriage, this is the sector to nurture.
How to Activate:
- Think in Pairs: Avoid singular imagery. Place items in twos: two rose quartz hearts, two candles, or a painting of a pair of birds.
- Soft Textures: Use plush rugs, soft pillows, and comforting fabrics to invite gentleness.
- Remove Negative Imagery: Take down artwork that depicts solitary figures or aggressive scenes.
- Earth Element: Ceramic vases or terracotta pots help ground your relationships.
4. Family & New Beginnings (Zhen)
Location: Middle Left
Element: Hard Wood
Colors: Green, Teal
This area supports your foundational roots—your ancestors, your immediate family harmony, and the energy required to start new projects.
How to Activate:
- Family Photos: This is the ideal location for a gallery wall of happy family photos.
- Vertical Shapes: Tall bookcases, striped wallpaper, or tall plants mimic the strong wood energy of a tree trunk.
- Botanicals: Lush greenery is essential here to represent growth and vitality.
5. Health & Center (Tai Qi)
Location: Center
Element: Earth
Colors: Earth Tones, Yellow, Brown
The center of the home touches all other areas. If the center is cluttered, it can destabilize every other aspect of your life.
How to Activate:
- Keep it Open: Ideally, the center of the home should be open to allow Qi to circulate. Avoid heavy furniture here if possible.
- Grounding Colors: Use rugs in sandy, beige, or terra cotta tones.
- Square Shapes: Square tables or rugs reinforce the stability of the Earth element.
- Ceramics: Pottery or stone sculptures work well here to anchor the home's energy.
6. Children & Creativity (Dui)
Location: Middle Right
Element: Metal
Colors: White, Metallics, Pastels
This area governs the well-being of your children, but also your own inner child and creative output. If you feel uninspired, look here.
How to Activate:
- Metal Accents: Picture frames, lamps, or sculptures made of gold, silver, brass, or copper.
- Round Shapes: Circular rugs or tables promote the fluid energy of creativity.
- Whimsy: Display artwork that sparks joy, or store your creative supplies (instruments, art tools) in this sector.
7. Knowledge & Self-Cultivation (Gen)
Location: Front Left
Element: Earth
Colors: Dark Blue, Black, Teal
This is the area for skills, academic success, and inner peace. It is the retreat of the home.
How to Activate:
- Books: A small library or a reading nook is perfect here.
- Meditation Space: If you have a meditation cushion or yoga mat, place it in this sector to deepen your practice.
- Mountains: Artwork depicting mountains reinforces the stillness and stability required for deep learning.
8. Career & Life Path (Kan)
Location: Front Center
Element: Water
Colors: Black, Dark Blue, Charcoal
Usually located near the front door, this area dictates your professional journey and how you move through life.
How to Activate:
- Water Features: An aquarium or fountain is powerful here (just ensure the water is clean and moving).
- Mirrors: Mirrors represent the water element. A well-placed mirror here can expand your opportunities.
- Free-Flowing Shapes: Asymmetrical or wavy shapes support the water energy.
- Glass: Glass surfaces reflect light and act like water.
9. Helpful People & Travel (Qian)
Location: Front Right
Element: Metal
Colors: Gray, White, Black
This often-overlooked sector is crucial. It attracts mentors, clients, and helpful friends into your life. It also governs travel.
How to Activate:
- Globe or Maps: If you want to travel, place a map or globe here.
- Silver Boxes: A metal box containing written intentions or business cards of people you want to connect with is a classic cure.
- Simplicity: This area benefits from a minimalist, organized aesthetic (Metal energy cuts through clutter).
Troubleshooting Your Bagua Map
As you apply these cures, you might run into two common problems:
1. The Missing Corner
If your home is L-shaped or T-shaped, a sector might be "missing" outside your walls.
- The Fix: You can energetically complete the shape by placing a mirror on the wall facing the missing area (to pull the energy in) or by placing a heavy object (like a statue or large rock) in the garden at the corner where the wall would be if the room were square.
2. The Bathroom Dilemma
If a bathroom falls in a critical area (like Wealth or Love), don't panic.
- The Fix: Keep the toilet lid down at all times. Keep the door closed. Introduce the Earth element (ceramics, stones) or a rug to "dam" the water and prevent the energy from flushing away.
Final Thoughts
Activating the Bagua map is not about cluttering your home with trinkets. It is about intention. Start with one area that needs the most attention—perhaps you are seeking a promotion (Career) or looking for a partner (Love). Apply the cures, clear the clutter in that zone, and observe the shifts in your life.
Remember, Feng Shui is subtle. Small changes in your environment can lead to massive waves of change in your life.
