Fish is often associated with abundance. In Feng Shui, water is considered to be nourishing and connected to wealth. Having fish swimming in water is believed to stir up and hasten abundant wealth. That's why having an aquarium in your home or place of business is considered auspicious. However, it's important to follow the correct Feng Shui principles to avoid any negative effects. Here are five factors to consider when setting up your fish aquarium.
Location of Aquarium
In Feng Shui, the location of the aquarium is crucial. It should be placed at the "Ju Qi" or the "Gathered Qi" corner of a room. This corner is usually diagonally across from the entrance, such as the door to the living room or the front door. Additionally, the aquarium should be against a solid wall for support.
During the time cycle of Period 8 (2004 - 2023), the Southwest is the best place to have water. In terms of the Five Elements, North is correlated to Water, whereas West and Northwest are correlated to Metal. These directions are also favorable for placing your aquarium.
Shape of Aquarium
The shape of your aquarium also plays a role in Feng Shui. A circular shape represents the Water Element and is considered auspicious. However, the size of a circular aquarium can be restrictive. A rectangular shape represents the Wood Element and is also auspicious. It can fit better into the furniture of your house.
On the other hand, a square shape represents Earth, which can imprison Water. Unless the square aquarium is located in the West or Northwest direction, where the Element can neutralize its harmfulness, it is not desirable. A triangular shape represents Fire, which fights with Water. It is not an auspicious shape for an aquarium. Multi-sided configurations, like 5-sided, 6-sided, or a Bagua shape (8-sided), should be avoided unless there is a good reason to use them. The best shapes for an aquarium are rectangular and circular, including elliptical or wavy shapes.
Number of Fish in an Aquarium
The number of fish in your aquarium is significant for Feng Shui. There are five different ways to determine an auspicious number of fish:
1. In Accordance with the Yin and Yang of the Numbers
Odd numbers are considered Yang and are considered auspicious, while even numbers are considered Yin and less auspicious. It is better to have a combination of Yin and Yang instead of having only Yin or only Yang numbers.
2. In Accordance with the Phonetic Sounds
If you have a good-sized aquarium, 9 is the most auspicious number of fish to have. It sounds the same as "having more than enough". 3 is also auspicious as it sounds the same as being alive and growing. 6 is considered auspicious as well because it sounds the same as "having a good income".
3. In Accordance with the Luo Shu 9 Stars
In Feng Shui, numbers 1, 6, 8, and 9 are considered auspicious Purple-White Stars. However, having only 1 fish is not recommended unless it is a small-sized bowl.
4. In Accordance with the Hetu Numbers
The combination of numbers 1, 6, 4, and 9 represents Early Heaven Water and Metal, which are associated with wealth. Having 1, 6, 4, or 9 fish is considered auspicious. Combining two different colors of fish, especially 4 and 9, is also recommended.
5. In Accordance with Your Chinese Zodiac Sign
Your Chinese Zodiac sign can be correlated to an Element and an auspicious number. For example, Rat and Pig (Water) are associated with 1 or 6 fish, Snake and Horse (Fire) with 2 or 7 fish, Monkey and Rooster (Metal) with 4 or 9 fish, Tiger and Rabbit (Wood) with 3 or 8 fish, and Ox, Dragon, Sheep, and Dog (Earth) with 5 or 10 fish.
Species of Fish
When choosing fish for your aquarium, there are three main categories to consider. Saltwater fish, like Angelfish and Clownfish, are colorful but require close monitoring of salinity and water maintenance. Tropical fish, like Guppies and Danios, are also colorful but more difficult to breed and maintain than saltwater species. Goldfish, on the other hand, are relatively easy to care for and are recommended from a Feng Shui perspective.
Colors of the Fish
Choosing the right colors for your fish is crucial in Feng Shui. Bright and colorful fish promote a happy and positive feeling. Colors in Feng Shui are correlated to the Five Elements. Colors belonging to Metal, such as gold, white, and silver, are the most auspicious as Metal generates Water. Colors belonging to Water, like blue and black, are also favorable. Fire colors, like red and purple, can be used in moderation as Fire and Water can be mutually generative. Colors belonging to Earth and Wood tend to weaken or fight with Water, so they should not be the main colors in your aquarium.
In conclusion, Feng Shui principles can provide positive energy and enhance the aesthetics of your aquarium. However, it's important to remember that correlations are not causations. They are man-made omens or portents that can make you feel positive and energized. Achieving your goals still requires hard work and determination. Good luck!
