Feng Shui of a site: principles of building a harmonious site from A to Z (video + 110 photos)

Review author: Terrari School of Design

Feng Shui is an eastern teaching aimed at achieving well-being and prosperity through the correct design of living areas.

As a basis for planning a site according to Feng Shui, you can take the Ba Gua octagon or the Lo Shu square.

Should I choose a square or an octagon? If you are taking your first steps in Feng Shui, it is better to choose a square. It's a little easier to work with.

The optimal area for decoration would be a square or rectangle-shaped area. To divide the land into the necessary squares, you should arm yourself with a compass and determine the cardinal directions relative to the site. As soon as this problem is solved and the land is planned, you can proceed directly to its design.

Each zone of the summer cottage will be responsible for a certain aspect of life according to Feng Shui.

General feng shui of the area

The most favorable area is considered to be one that includes a house standing on a slight hill and surrounded on the left and right by small smooth hills. In this case, the left hill (Dragon) should be slightly higher than its right counterpart (Tiger).

The right and left sides are determined by standing with your back to the front of the house.

The hill behind the house symbolizes the Turtle, and the flat area in front of the house represents the Red Phoenix.

Site layout and zoning

Planning a garden in accordance with the principles of Feng Shui has much in common with conventional zoning of the territory. That is, you first need to determine the general purpose of the garden (for relaxation, growing vegetables), choose the style of the garden (romantic, landscape, country style), and then make a list of necessary elements (sports ground, vegetable garden, pond, gazebo, bathhouse, barbecue area, etc.) etc.), then you should highlight the main zones in accordance with the Bagua octagon. But first you need to determine which element your garden is associated with. To do this, stand with your back to the house and look at the garden: the side to which your face is turned determines, according to Feng Shui, the subordination of the garden to a certain element. When oriented to the east and southeast - to a tree; to the south - to fire; to the southwest - to the earth; to the west, northwest - to metal; to the northeast - water. Accordingly, the necessary element for balance should be introduced into the garden. For example, if the garden is subject to the fire element, you need to bring in the water element.

Next, you need to superimpose the octagonal bagua diagram (drawn on tracing paper) onto the garden plan so that the quarry area is on the side of the main entrance to the garden. Proper arrangement of the garden will help enhance the impact on individual areas of the bagua. In the quarry area there is a fountain, a stream, which symbolizes the course of life: in the children's area - a playground, a playhouse, fruit bushes; in the zone of good helpers - a bench, souvenirs from distant countries, a Mediterranean corner; in the partnership zone - a gazebo, an alpine hill, a vegetable garden, a greenhouse; in the glory zone - a garden sculpture; in the wealth zone, clean running water, a place for reading and meditation, and a rose garden are desirable; in the knowledge zone there is a decorative pond, a Japanese garden, a shed for equipment, in the family zone there is a courtyard, a play area, and a swimming pool. The tai chi zone (center) is left free - a lawn and gravel area are arranged. The garden plot should harmoniously complement the house, the lines should be smooth, the paths should be winding, the paving should be made of natural materials (stone, wood, bark, gravel). Paths should not cross the center of the site. Flower beds and ponds should have an irregular, free shape. Most of all, the principles of Feng Shui correspond to a garden in a landscape style. The Chinese consider the side of the house where the front door is located as the face of the house, and the door is like a mouth on this face. Therefore, the entrance area and the front door must be decorated with special care, since this is the business card of the owners. This could be a sign on the door, a wreath, a horseshoe, a lantern, as well as plants in containers, but not symmetrically located. It is important to provide the necessary protection and privacy on the site. It should not be completely cut off from external energy flows (solid fence). On three sides the site can be surrounded by a high fence, including a living one, and on the entrance side the fence should be lower (to the window sills of the first floor) and preferably transparent (forged lattice).

Garden plot plan before applying feng shui principles

Garden plot plan after applying the principles of Feng Shui

The Dragon

The dragon is considered a creature responsible for well-being and prosperity; it protects against evil and protects against negative energy. It is the Dragon that gives birth to Qi energy, which attracts positive changes and brings the fulfillment of desires closer.

If there is no Dragon Hill, then you can install a bright lantern on the left side, which increases the energy of this sector.

Northwest

North-West is masculine. The energy of this area represents travel and self-development. For maximum harmony, it is necessary to install metal objects here: gratings, benches, etc.

You should adhere to rigor and modesty in the design of this site. Flowers would not be appropriate here. It is best to plant shrubs and trees, such as apricot.

Tiger

This brave animal personifies Yin energy.
However, despite her feminine nature, she has a fair amount of strength and courage. The tiger will reliably protect the owners of the plot from misfortunes and failures, fires and robberies, and will protect them from evil people and demons who bring discord into the family.

Turtle

If the location of the site according to Feng Shui is not very favorable and there is no hill behind the house, then you can increase the Turtle zone by erecting a wall behind the house or planting a large garden.

In Chinese teachings, this leisurely animal signifies wisdom, longevity, stability and health. In landscape design, this is a reliable protection from troubles, a reliable foundation and a solid foundation for family relationships.

Qi energy

The most penetrating energy in our world is qi. It is positive and accumulates only in places where the air is clean and fresh. Thanks to this energy, all animal species and plant species live, it controls the state of water, wind movement, and promotes human well-being, health and good luck. Therefore, when choosing a plot of land for housing construction, it is necessary to check the availability and quality of qi energy.

According to the principles of Feng Shui, it is recommended to pay attention to the area where positive energy predominates in the environment. To understand the rules of Chinese teaching, you need to know the translation, that is, Feng Shui, literally translated means wind-water.

It is these components that make up any terrain. Therefore, it is necessary to find out whether there is vital energy in the selected area. If these rules are not followed, human health may suffer.

If you follow the principles of the Chinese direction, you can choose a favorable piece of land. To do this, you need to recognize the energy in a certain place. This can be done by analyzing external signs. In this case, it is recommended to use all senses. It is necessary to check the location of terrain defects, rivers, hills, nearby roads and other parameters.

Shape of the plot

According to Feng Shui, a summer cottage is considered ideal if it has the shape of a rectangle or square.

A trapezoidal plot is considered favorable if its smaller side falls on the facade of the house, providing the Turtle zone with a larger side.

The most unfortunate shape is considered to be a triangle.

However, if the owners got such a “wrong” plot, do not despair. All this can be changed by the harmonious placement of buildings and plantings.

Where harmful sha energy predominates

The area should have slight unevenness. But it is unnecessary to have areas with mountain slopes nearby. It is necessary to study before purchasing whether there are any harmful enterprises, waste collection, or burial grounds for livestock nearby. The land that borders the cemetery, medical institutions, garbage accumulations and nearby high-voltage wires is not distinguished by its prosperity.

Don't even think about wetlands. And do not forget that the dried swamp continues to emit negativity, which is reflected in a person. The land plot should not border an abandoned facility or a site where a dilapidated building is located. Multi-story buildings accumulate energy and put pressure on small buildings around them.

You need to remember that everything that moves quickly - fast rivers, roads with unlimited speed - brings negative energy around them. A fast underground river is also harmful, and if it is limited by pipes, it carries even more negativity.

The site may be affected by noisy neighbors - these are government institutions where crowds of people constantly gather. Particularly unwelcome are places where people are punished, such as prisons, police and courtrooms. It would seem that such simple things as a lone tree and a construction crane, but bad energy spreads nearby.

A direct road from the street to the house can be accompanied by harmful sha energy, which can absorb everything positive in the area. Sha energy can creep up on the road that curves towards the site. If a tall object is located parallel to the entrance to the plot, then it blocks positive energy flows and serves as a hindrance to the owner of the land plot.

It is necessary to explore the area for the presence of monuments with military equipment - tanks, guns and even pedestals with destructive images should be avoided. The places that surround transport junctions - trains and trams - will not carry positive energy.

The shape of the land plot is square or rectangle. You can opt for a narrow entrance and subsequent expansion deeper into the territory, this will bring an increase in wealth. However, the option where the area narrows will promise a decrease in positive emotions in life.

Location of objects on the site

All constructed objects are located near the house. Existing corners are smoothed out with the help of flower beds, ponds or bushes. This rule is especially observed in the presence of sharp corners.

The front of the house should be open. This applies to a greater extent to representatives of Flora. Trees or tall bushes should not be placed in front of the house. An exception may be flower beds or small bushes.

Feng Shui garden areas

Site planning according to Feng Shui begins with defining zones. And these are not areas for children to relax or play, a vegetable garden or a garden.

In total, in Chinese teaching there are nine zones that are responsible for a certain value of human life. They should all have equal area.

Plants, flower beds and vegetable garden

In practice, this knowledge is used as follows. By planting plants and flowers in a certain place that correspond to the direction of light, you can resonate with the energy. And as a result, its flow is harmonized, which will immediately have a positive impact on the desired area of life. The shape of the flower bed should be round, without corners or sharp bends.

Plants require close attention because their color and aroma appeal to the senses. This means that they should be chosen carefully, taking into account compatibility and the effect they have. It is better to plant flowers according to color scheme, without mixing them. To balance the greenery of nearby trees, white flowers add freshness to the landscape.

Here are the main colors and shades corresponding to the cardinal directions:

North – blue, blue, violet (pine, meadowsweet, willow, plum, currant, cucumber, eggplant, basil, dill).
Northeast – beige, yellow (sunflower, forsythia, navel).
North-west – pale yellow, white (jasmine, bird cherry, rosemary).
West – golden, white (mock orange, plane tree, garden hydrangea, quince, hazel, beans, peas, chamomile).
South – red, pink (rose, mallow, gladiolus, grapes, juniper, viburnum, strawberry, red currant, melon, bergamot).
Southeast – purple, green (jasmine, lavender, thyme).
Southwest – yellow, pink (iris, lily, marigold, rowan, magnolia, hawthorn, weigela, pear, apricot, tomato, pumpkin).
East – green, brown (any conifers, ivy, peach, cherry, raspberry, cabbage, pepper, watermelon, spinach).

Plum Bird Cherry Lavender Lily

Zone distribution

In order to divide the area into zones, you need to stand near the entrance and mentally divide the entire territory into three equal horizontal stripes. Then the same stripes are drawn vertically.

This can be done much more clearly on a site plan. To do this, a schematic plan of the territory is drawn on paper, which is divided into nine equal squares.

This distribution is ideal for a square plot. For a territory characterized by uneven shapes, first of all it will be necessary to deal with those sectors that contain the least amount of land.

The first strip is designed to provide (from right to left) Wisdom (or Knowledge), Career, Friends (or Good Helpers).

The second line is responsible for Family, Health (or Vitality), Children.

The far section will attract Wealth, Fame, Partnership.

General tips for choosing a plot of land

It is best to stick to standard shapes when choosing, such as square and rectangular land space, rather than choosing an irregularly shaped area. First, you should refer to the site plan to determine whether there are elements of unnecessary relief and special characteristics of the land. The most ideal option for personal land has the following accompanying details:

Strong wind does not blow through the land.
It is equipped with a drainage system.
The surface has small hills.
Passing stream with slow flow of water.
Natural threshold on the water.
Well lit place.
Rich flora.
The topography of the land has a slope that elevates the rear of the acquired land.

Signs of bad feng shui in relation to a plot of land are:

The presence of a body of water with stagnant water.
Passing vehicles close to the acquired territory.
A fast river characterized by seasonal rapid movement of water.
Completely flat and unfenced area.
Entrance adjacent to the street.
Little vegetation.
A plot of land within the boundaries of a government building.

Wisdom

This is the calmest and most balanced part of the site. It must be nice to relax here completely alone. Therefore, this area is closed from prying eyes. To achieve this goal, hedges or trees with a dense crown are perfect. The exit from the Wisdom zone should be directed to the house.

The colors of Wisdom are considered to be sunny shades. Therefore, you can create a flower bed with yellow flowers, make an orange path and place red furniture or a hammock.

Children

In Feng Shui, the west side is given to children. The best place for a children's playground. Laughter and fun will reign here.

If there is eternal movement and excitement on the western side of the site, then the energy of cheerfulness and enthusiasm will never leave this place.
If the children have already grown up, then to activate the energy, the area can be given to pets.
If you are just planning to have children, then on the western side it is worth arranging flower beds with mallow.

Career

Water is considered the main talisman of this sector. Let it be a fountain or a flowing stream. The current should be directed towards the house. But the water must not stagnate, otherwise promotion will have to say goodbye.

Silver-blue and golden-white colors promote careers. These can be winding paths, flower beds of uneven shapes.

Road and entrance to the house

Any road is, first of all, a channel of life-affirming energy. The smoothness of a road bend or the alignment of alleys that follow the landscape line ensures, as a consequence, the smooth flow of positive energy.

For the houses located along them, this energy is food. The specific nature of the highway carries danger due to its dynamics. The end of the road is characterized by energy stagnation. To balance the energy, as well as the formation of connecting threads, it is recommended to make the approach from the main roadway to the house extremely smooth and with maximum latitude.

Friends

This is the noisiest part of the site. There is a gazebo, patio, and tent for meetings and chatting with friends.

It is advisable to place a gate or parking area here. It is recommended to install a round lamp in the corner of the zone; it is designed to attract friends and buddies.

From the color range, only shades of red are unacceptable.

Glory Zone: center of the back lane

Glory is subject to the forces of fire, so it’s a good idea to organize a barbecue in this area, put up a barbecue, or at least make a fire pit.

Fire is an indispensable attribute of the Glory zone, so they create a barbecue on it, set up a barbecue or grill, or simply set up a fire pit

All shades of red should help this zone: noble red roses, barberries, wine grapes, etc. Do not place clay accessories in the Glory zone. They are connected with the energy of the earth and restrain the gusts of fire.

Family

The zone is designed to strengthen family relationships and family ties. This place should become a gathering place for the whole family; a family recreation area and a summer living room, intended for evening tea or a home-cooked meal, are often set up here.

You can also place a pond or swimming pool here, and a hedge will perfectly play the role of a fence from curious neighbors.

Family Zone: left square in the center stripe

Relationships within the family and between relatives will depend on the arrangement of this zone.

Health

The center of the site must accumulate all the incoming energy and transmit it to its owners.

An ideal option for arranging a Health zone would be an open lawn, complemented by a flower bed with a spiral inside. Paths should diverge from the lawn, which will ensure the replenishment of energy from all other zones.

Wealth

All tall objects should be placed here. They can be trees, lanterns on high pedestals, sculptures.

Surprisingly, a compost heap should also be placed here, in which fertilizer matures for future prosperity. Only it should have a pleasant appearance and be beautifully decorated.

It’s a good idea to place streams here or at least place containers with water.

Relationship

This area is most often equipped with pergolas, arches, and other vertical structures. Usually paired items are installed here: flowerpots, chairs, lanterns.

When arranging a garden area, it is important to remember that the Feng Shui of the house and the site should complement each other. And fesh shui photos of the site will help you achieve this.

Lucky moments

The garden should be filled with light, so it is better to save large spreading trees for the distant background.
No sick plants, they bring negative energy and difficulties, what can be cured is treated, what cannot be cured is destroyed.
Butterflies, insects, birds, they personify the eternal movement of life, the cycle of energy. To attract them, feeders are placed throughout the site.
When designing, it is worth considering that each zone has its own basic element; to fully reveal its zone, its presence is required.
We must remember that when designing a site according to Feng Shui, you should not overload it with an abundance of details. There must be a single harmony of space.

Feng Shui photo of the site

Total

Category: Landscape elements