Introduction: Have you ever been confused about which direction your property faces? It's a common question that often leads to conflicting answers. In this article, we will explore the different views on how to determine the front direction of your home or office. We'll delve into the concept of facing and sitting directions in Feng Shui, providing you with a better understanding of this fascinating practice. So let's get started and discover the true orientation of your property!
Forget your front door direction
Most people assume that the front direction of a property is determined by the direction their front door faces. However, this is not always the case. For example, imagine you are standing in the center of a home with the living room, hallway, and kitchen surrounding you. While the front door faces east, the actual facing direction of the property may be north. This discrepancy occurs because the front door doesn't always align with the true orientation of the property. To accurately determine which way your property faces, we need to consider various factors.
So what is facing and sitting directions?
In Feng Shui, the facing direction refers to the front of the property that interacts with active or "yang" energy. On the other hand, the sitting direction represents the area with quiet or "yin" energy. The sitting direction is essential as it determines the property's Trigram, which provides valuable insights for enhancing harmony and balance. Understanding the distinction between facing and sitting directions is crucial for effective Feng Shui analysis.
How do I know which is Yin (sitting) and which is Yang (facing)?
To determine the facing and sitting directions of your property, consider the following factors:
Yang (facing):
- A busy road or public footpath
- A flowing river or a side with the most windows
- Street signs or a children's playground
- Bright or south-facing side of the property
- The architect's intention
Yin (sitting direction):
- Backyard or alleyway
- Tall dark trees at the back of the property
- Smaller, darker rooms or north-facing side
- Quiet or less attractive side of the property
Keep in mind that the facing direction may not always align with the most visually appealing side of the property. Consider all the factors discussed to determine the true orientation.
Examples of sitting and facing directions
Let's explore a few examples to illustrate how facing and sitting directions work.
Example 1: In this picture, the front door faces east, but the actual facing direction is north. The living room window faces a busy road, while the kitchen/dining room overlooks a quieter backyard. Despite the front door's orientation, the property's true direction is determined by the overall energy flow.
Example 2: In this clear-cut example, the front door is on the main wall along with several windows. The architect intentionally designed the house this way. The front door's location makes it easier to determine the facing direction, but keep in mind that modern homes can have main doors in different locations.
Example 3: In this picture, the main door faces west, but the north side of the house with four windows is the actual facing direction. If you had to take a photo of this house, you would capture the most visually appealing side, which is the north wall. This example emphasizes the importance of considering all factors when determining the facing direction.
Now that you understand the concept of facing and sitting directions, you can begin implementing Feng Shui principles to enhance the energy flow in your property. If you would like a comprehensive analysis of your home or office and personalized recommendations, consider our online consultation services.
Remember, the key to a harmonious living or working space lies in understanding the true orientation of your property. By aligning your living environment with the natural energy flow, you can create a balanced and harmonious atmosphere conducive to your well-being.
Author: Daniel Hanna, Feng Shui Store (2017)