Feng shui can be very confusing. I know from my own experience that there is a strong need for clarity, logic and simplicity in approaching this complex ancient art and science. Calling feng shui superstition does not work, relying on it as religion does not work, only a clear, practical and logical understanding (and application) of feng shui can work.

The biggest area of confusion in applying feng shui is the concept of bagua, or energy map of any space. Not only this is a very complex tool in itself, but to add to it, there are two distinctly different ways to apply the feng shui bagua in one’s home.

What is bagua? Bagua is the main tool that one would use in mapping their home to find out specific areas called bagua areas. There are 8 bagua areas plus the center, called the Yin Yang point or the heart of the home. The center is not considered a bagua area in itself because it gives birth, so to speak, to all 8 areas; it is the origin of them all.

When one has defined the bagua of their home (or office), they know the location of their Love bagua area, Career bagua area, Health, etc. I am sure you have heard about specific areas of your life being connected to specific areas of your home.

Bagua is the tool that allows you to see this connection, as well as apply specific feng shui tips to balance and strengthen the areas that need help. Sounds complicated, and yes, in many ways, it is. We will take it step by step, and you will get more clarity and reassurance as we go along.

Let’s start with this frequently asked question: “Why are there two baguas in feng shui?” The reason there are two different baguas in feng shui is because there are two main groups of schools of this ancient art.

The first group of schools is under the umbrella of Classical, or Traditional feng shui; it has developed the Classical bagua you can see below. This is the bagua that defines the areas of your home based on compass directions and the first step is always the compass reading of your front door.

Here is the Classical feng shui bagua:

The second group of schools was initiated by bringing a Tibetan school into the Western world in the mid-80s. This school is called the BTB school (Black Sect Tibetan Tantric Buddhist School), it was brought into the USA by Grandmaster Lin Yun.

The BTB bagua is easier to apply as it is always based on the location of the front door and does not take into consideration the compass directions. Its simplicity does not take away from its power, though; I know first hand that it really works.

Many people consider this bagua map superficial as compared to the Classical one; this view is erroneous. The origins of the bagua map used in the BTB school are as ancient as the Classical one; it is based on the wisdom of the Lo Shu Square.

To use this bagua map, you simply align its lower row with the wall of your front door, so your front door will be in one of the three areas in the lower row (Spiritual Growth, Career or Helpful People). Often called the Western bagua, this map is used in several modern schools that use an intuitive approach to feng shui. Sometimes this approach comes across as (or actually is) naive, so I understand why there is a widespread pragmatic attitude towards this bagua map, not knowing its origins or its wisdom.

Here is the basic BTB/Western bagua:

Now that you know a bit about the two baguas, the question is: “Which bagua should you use in your home?” This is a question that basically means “Which bagua is better?” 

Even though a complex question, it has an easy answer:

“The best bagua for your home is the one that you want to work with.”

One bagua is not better than the other; powerful and long lasting feng shui work can be done with either one. Working with bagua means working with energy; you are establishing your own rules of engagement, so to speak. There is power in it. It is always recommended to choose one bagua style, and base all your feng shui work on it. Trying to apply both baguas when you start applying feng shui in your home will inevitably bring confusion to your space and to your energy.

Once you go deeper with your feng shui work, you will feel how both are actually different facets of the same coin. However, only after mastering one can you start integrating the other.

Here is an example to help illustrate what I mean.

Let’s consider the location of a facing wall, the one you most prominently see when you enter any space. Feng shui-wise, the wall that you first see – unless it is a blocking wall that is too close to the door – is a very powerful wall. This is the wall that smart business spaces use to display their various achievements, powerful marketing images, etc. In a good feng shui home, this is the wall that needs to carry powerful energy in order to ground and strengthen the incoming energy for the benefit of the whole home.

Now, let’s say that you use the Classical bagua and this specific wall is in the North bagua area (Career & Path in Life). Knowing that this area loves the Water and Metal elements, you decorate accordingly. After you apply good feng shui to all bagua areas of your home, you will inevitably feel the need to strengthen each facing/focal wall of any room (no matter which feng shui bagua area the wall is located in).

This is what the BTB bagua has always emphasized: the facing wall of any space, be it a home or a business, needs the energy of inspiration. You probably guess I am referring to the “Light Within” bagua area, the so-called Fame & Reputation area with its fiery and inspirational energy.

This is the wall that has to feed and support both your energy, as well as the Universal energy/incoming Chi, with a specific energetic quality. So, in our example of a North bagua area wall, sooner or later you will feel the need to bring a very inspiring energy with a fiery feel to it, and you will sense how this changes the feeling of the whole space.

This might sound too complicated for now, and I genuinely do not mean to confuse you. My intent is to show you a wide open door into deeper explorations of this ancient wisdom.

There are many layers to feng shui, another complex one being the annual feng shui updates, which tend to be even more confusing. My best advice in working with feng shui is to stay empowered, go slow and proceed at your own pace. You are establishing a deep connection to your home, which is an inspiring long term journey rather than a quick obligation to fulfill.

As with any relationship, if you rush into it expecting quick results, the energy might backfire and create negativity. Going slow and steady allows you to listen to your home, understand its rhythms, and ask for its cooperation with this work.

When we are working with the bagua, we are using a very ancient, complex and mystical tool. As with any mystery – or mastery –  you can’t rush it. You can only go slowly, step by step, with patience, reflection, and consistent practice. I trust this helps you in making the right decision about the best feng shui bagua for your home.

image: @lasperelli