LAEARN FENG SHUI
Feng Shui Bagua, part 2

Bagua is used differently in the real (classical) Feng Shui practice. (read Feng Shui Bagua, part 1)

To get back to the basics, Bagua means “Eight Guas,” referring to the eight Trigrams (a Trigram is also known as a Gua). Therefore, to use Bagua properly, one has to have at least basic knowledge about the Eight Trigrams concept. 

Early Heaven vs. Later Heaven Bagua

The Eight Trigrams, or Bagua, are an essential concept in Feng Shui practice.

The Eight Trigrams can be arranged in two ways, as the Early Heaven Bagua or the Later Heaven Bagua.

Early Heaven Bagua is an arrangement that illustrates the unison of the static forces that keep the universe in order. EHB also describes the processes in nature, where Earth and Heaven work together to keep everything in place, together with Water and Fire (opposing forces across each other). It is a static concept – that precedes all changes.

Later Heaven Bagua, also known as King Wen’s Bagua, represents the dynamic processes of creating and sustaining life. It also shows the destruction cycle of the Five Elements (each life eventually ends).  

Interestingly, BOTH Baguas are attributed with eight compass directions.

The numbers in the Early Heaven Ba Gua differ depending on the purpose (Yi Jing has its own set of numbers, for example). Regarding the arrangement of the numbers in the Later Heaven Bagua, these follow the Five Elements. The central number is 5, and since each column or row shows that all the numbers add up to 15, it is widely known as the “magic square of old China.”

Placing a three-legged toad, Chinese coins, crystals, or a fountain might not be enough to improve the Qi flow in a space. Classical feng shui practitioners view these cures as cosmetic fixes and consider directional energy the most crucial factor for good feng shui. 

To comprehend a location’s energy, practitioners use a compass to measure the influence of mountains, waters, and man-made structures. The compass is also used to establish the best property facing and connect people with the property and environment. 

It is also essential to consider how energy comes into a home. The entrance should be well-defined to allow the Qi to enter the property and accumulate. Defining active and passive areas in the home and its surroundings is crucial to understanding the overall energy distribution. Trusted formulas like Eight Mansions, Flying Stars, Purple White, and Da Gua are used for this purpose and to find the best stove orientation, desk facing, and sleeping direction. 

While keeping spaces clutter-free is a general recommendation, it is of secondary importance in the bigger picture.

For Ba Zi Chinese astrology posts, visit altheachineseastrology.com

FENG SHUI BAGUA, part 2