Feng Shui: How to Find and Understand Your Home's Bagua Map
Zoey
You can start using the feng shui bagua map in your home by laying it over your floor plan and matching the bottom edge to your front door. The bagua map divides your space into nine areas, each linked to a part of life like health or wealth. Align the map, spot each area, then use feng shui to improve energy flow. Many people notice more comfort, better focus, and less stress when they use the bagua map.
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The bagua map helps you:
Boost energy and harmony in your home
Promote well-being and mental clarity
Support your personal goals through better energy flow
Getting started with feng shui is simple and anyone can try it.
Key Takeaways
The bagua map splits your home into nine parts. Each part connects to things like health, money, and friendships. You can use the bagua map in two ways. Line up its bottom edge with your front door. Or use a compass to match the directions. This depends on your home’s shape. Add colors, shapes, and items that fit each bagua area’s element. This helps energy move better and keeps your space balanced. If your home is not a regular shape or has more than one floor, stretch the bagua map to cover everything. Treat each room by itself if you need to. This keeps the energy strong. Small changes can help a lot. Clean up clutter, add plants, and use the right colors. These things can make your home’s energy better and help you reach your goals.
What Is the Feng Shui Bagua Map?
Bagua Map Basics
The bagua map is an important tool in feng shui. It helps you see how your home connects to your life. "Bagua" means "eight areas" in Chinese, but the map has nine parts. Each part stands for something in life, like family or health. You put the bagua map over your floor plan. This shows which part of your home matches each life area.
The bagua map comes from old Chinese ideas about the universe. People long ago thought the world followed special patterns. The map uses trigrams, which are symbols for things like sky, earth, wind, and water. These ideas are thousands of years old. There are stories about Fuxi, who taught people to read these patterns. Over time, feng shui grew from these beliefs. It helps people make their homes feel balanced and peaceful.
Tip: You can use the bagua map on your whole house, just one room, or even your desk. This makes feng shui easy to try in many ways.
Life Areas and Elements
Each part of the bagua map links to a part of your life. You might want to help your career, health, or creativity. The map shows you where to focus your energy at home. Every area also has a color, shape, and one of five elements: wood, fire, earth, metal, or water. These elements are very important in feng shui.
Here’s a quick look at the nine life areas and what they connect to:
Bagua Section |
Life Area |
Color(s) |
Element |
Example Enhancements |
---|---|---|---|---|
Wealth and Prosperity |
Abundance, finances |
Purple, Green |
Earth |
Coins, plants |
Fame and Reputation |
Success, recognition |
Red |
Fire |
Awards, red decor |
Relationships and Love |
Love, marriage |
Pink |
Earth |
Flowers, photos |
Family and Community |
Family, support |
Green |
Wood |
Plants, family pictures |
Health and Well-being |
Wellness, balance |
Yellow |
Earth |
Health symbols, yellow light |
Creativity and Children |
Creativity, children |
White |
Metal |
Art, toys |
Skills and Knowledge |
Learning, wisdom |
Blue |
Water |
Books, blue decor |
Career and Life Path |
Career, journey |
Black |
Water |
Water features, black items |
Helpful People & Travel |
Support, travel |
Gray |
Metal |
Maps, souvenirs |
When you use the bagua map, you balance the five elements. This helps chi, or life energy, move well in your home. Your space will feel better and help you reach your goals. If you know these basics, you can start using feng shui to make your home happier.
How to Apply the Bagua Map at Home

You might wonder how to actually use the bagua map in your home. This part will walk you through the main methods, show you how to use a compass, and help you overlay the map on any floor plan. Whether you live in a house, an apartment, or just want to feng shui a single room, you can find a way that works for you.
Western vs. Classical Methods
When you start with feng shui design, you will see two main ways to use the bagua map: the Western (Three-door) method and the Classical (Compass) method. Each one has its own style and fits different types of homes. Here’s a quick look at how they compare:
Aspect |
Classical (Compass) Bagua |
Western (Three-door Gate of Chi) Bagua |
---|---|---|
Orientation |
Based strictly on compass directions (e.g., wealth in SE) |
Based on the position of the main door (e.g., wealth is farthest left from door) |
Underlying Philosophy |
Ancient Chinese worldview emphasizing external cosmic forces and fate |
Emphasizes internal energy and empowerment over external fate |
Application |
Requires compass reading of front of house; fixed life aspects assigned to compass sectors |
Door-oriented; life aspects placed relative to main door position; more flexible spatially |
Empowerment Approach |
Deterministic, fate-aligned; external forces shape life |
Promotes active shaping of environment and destiny; inside-out influence |
Flexibility |
Limited by compass directions but consistent across floors |
Less restricted by compass; adaptable to space and intention |
Historical Origin |
Traditional, ancient method |
Developed by Professor Lin Yun in the 1980s, modern approach |
If you live in an apartment, the Western method often works best. You align the bottom of the bagua map with your front door wall. This helps you match the map to your space, even if your home has an odd shape or open layout. For houses, the Classical method is popular. You use a compass to find the bagua direction and line up the map with the real directions outside your home. This method connects your home to the world around it.
Tip: If you want to calculate your bagua map, think about your home’s layout and how much it connects to the outdoors. Apartments usually use the front door method, while houses often use the compass method.
Using a Compass
If you choose the Classical method, you will need a compass to find the right bagua direction. Here’s how you can do it step by step:
Clear clutter from your home so energy can flow.
Stand in the center of your home or room.
Hold your compass at waist level and keep it steady.
Wait for the needle to settle and point to magnetic north.
Mark the other bagua direction zones (like Wealth in the southeast and Fame in the south).
Add colors, elements, or objects to each area to boost energy.
Try not to stand near metal or electronics, since these can mess up your compass. Always double-check that you have found true north before you use the bagua map. If you skip this step, you might put the wrong energy in the wrong spot, and your feng shui design will not work as well.
Note: Dividing your floor plan into nine equal parts helps you use the bagua map correctly. This way, each life area gets the right energy.
Overlaying on Floor Plans
Now you are ready to use the bagua map on your home’s floor plan. Here’s how you can do it for any space:
Get a copy of your home’s floor plan. Try to use one that is to scale.
Mark your main entrance (front door) on the plan.
Choose your method. For apartments or open spaces, align the bottom of the bagua map with the front door wall. For houses, use your compass to find north and line up the Career area with it.
Overlay the bagua map so the nine sections match your home’s layout.
Mark each bagua direction and life area on your plan.
For L-shaped or U-shaped homes, stretch the bagua map to cover the whole space. If you have missing corners, use mirrors or plants to “fill in” the energy.
For homes with more than one floor, use the bagua map on each level, starting from the main entrance of that floor.
In apartments or open layouts, you can divide big spaces with rugs or furniture to help energy flow in each bagua direction.
Look for places where energy feels stuck or weak. Add light, color, or special objects to help the chi move.
Tip: The farthest left corner from your front door is the Wealth area. The farthest right corner is the Helpful People area. Use the bagua map to spot these places and boost them with the right feng shui design.
Using a bagua map helps you see how every part of your home connects to your life. When you use the bagua map, you can make small changes that bring big results. Try to update your map if you move furniture or remodel. This keeps your feng shui design fresh and your home’s energy strong.
Interpreting Bagua Map Areas
The Nine Life Areas
The bagua map has nine different areas. Each area connects to a part of your life. These areas show you where to focus for better balance at home. The table below explains what each area means and how it can help you:
Life Area |
Element |
Colors |
Location |
Influenced Aspects of Life |
---|---|---|---|---|
Wealth and Prosperity (Xun) |
Wood |
Purple, blue, red |
Southeast |
Wealth, abundance, financial prosperity, monetary gain, and stability |
Fame and Reputation (Li) |
Fire |
Red, strong yellow, orange, purple, pink |
South |
Reputation, fame, social status, how you are perceived, visibility |
Relationships and Love (Kun) |
Earth |
Pink, red, white |
Southwest |
Personal relationships, love, marriage, partnerships |
Family and Health (Zhen) |
Wood |
Green, teal, blue |
East |
Family relationships, health, growth, new beginnings, community connections |
Children and Creativity (Dui) |
Metal |
White, pastels |
West |
Creativity, children, joy, future generations, new projects or ideas |
Knowledge and Wisdom (Gen) |
Earth |
Dark blue, green, black |
Northeast |
Personal growth, self-cultivation, knowledge, spiritual development |
Career and Path in Life (Kan) |
Water |
Black, dark tones |
North |
Career, life path, journey through life, career growth, finding your path |
Helpful People and Travel (Qian) |
Metal |
Gray, white, black |
Northwest |
Helpful people, blessings, travel, receiving aid and guidance |
Center (Tai Qi) |
Earth |
Yellow, earth tones |
Center |
Overall health, wellbeing, balance, harmony |
You can use this table to find which part of your home matches each life area. If you want more wealth, look at the southeast part of your home. To improve your reputation, check the south area. The east area is for family and health.
Tip: If an area feels messy or empty, energy might not flow well. Try adding the right colors or objects to help chi move better.
Colors, Elements, and Shapes
Each bagua map section has special colors, elements, and shapes. These help energy move and keep your home balanced. Here is a simple guide:
Bagua Area |
Colors |
Element(s) |
Shapes / Symbols |
---|---|---|---|
Wealth and Prosperity |
Green, Blue, Purple, Red |
Wood |
Healthy plants, rectangular |
Fame and Reputation |
Red, Orange, Yellow |
Fire |
Triangular shapes, candles |
Love/Relationships |
Pink, Red, White |
Earth, Fire |
Pairs of objects, square |
Creativity/Children |
White, Pastels, Gold |
Metal |
Round shapes, playful décor |
Helpful People/Travel |
Gray, Metallic tones |
Metal |
Round metallic objects, globes |
Career Area |
Black, Dark colors |
Water |
Wavy, asymmetrical shapes |
Wisdom/Knowledge |
Dark Blue, Black, Cream |
Earth, Water |
Calm symbols, square |
Family/Health |
Green, Blue |
Wood |
Columns, tall stripes |
Center (Health) |
Yellow, Earth tones |
Earth |
Low furniture, calming décor |
When you decorate, use these colors and shapes in the right places. Put green plants in the wealth area to help money grow. Add red or orange in the reputation area to help people notice you. For more creativity, use round shapes and white or pastel colors in the west.
You can also fix problems with these tips. If your career area feels stuck, add water features or dark colors. For family and health, use green or blue and tall shapes. Matching the right element and color to each area helps chi move and keeps your home feeling good.
Feng Shui Tips for Every Home
Irregular Layouts
You might notice that your home does not fit a perfect square or rectangle. Many homes have L-shapes, missing corners, or open concepts. This can make it tricky to use the Bagua map. Do not worry. You can still create good energy flow. Start by overlaying the Bagua map on your floor plan. Stretch or shrink the map so it covers the entire space, even if some areas stick out or are missing. If you see a missing corner, try adding a mirror, plant, or light in that spot to “fill in” the energy. For open layouts, use rugs or furniture to mark different zones. This helps energy move smoothly from one area to another.
Tip: Treat each room as its own space if your home feels too complex. Stand at the main entrance to the room and align the Bagua map with that wall. This makes it easier to spot which life area needs a boost.
Multi-Floor Homes
Multi-floor homes can feel overwhelming when you want to use feng shui design. Here’s a simple way to start:
Place the Bagua map over the first floor, using the main entrance as your guide.
For the second floor, stand at the top of the stairs and use that entrance to align the map.
If you have missing areas on any floor, apply the Bagua map to each room. Use the door to each room as the starting point.
Do not stress about making every section perfect. Focus on the rooms you use most.
You can also use the Bagua map to spot clutter or blocked energy on each floor. A clear space helps energy flow better and supports balance in your home.
Common Challenges
Many people run into the same problems when using the Bagua map. You might wonder which door to use if your home has more than one entrance. Choose the door you use most often. If a bathroom or hallway falls into an important Bagua area, add colors or objects that match that area’s element. Sometimes, you cannot fix a missing area. In that case, energize the space next to it or use the Bagua map in a single room.
Here are some quick fixes for better energy flow:
Add plants or water features for a boost.
Use colors and objects that match each Bagua area.
Remember, feng shui is flexible. You can adapt the Bagua map to fit your home and your needs. Every small change helps your energy flow and makes your home feel better.
You can start transforming your space with the bagua map by following these simple steps:
Draw your home’s outline and mark the front door.
Divide the plan into nine equal sections.
Align the bagua map with the entrance.
Identify each life area and spot where energy feels stuck.
Apply feng shui cures as needed.
If you want to learn more, check out these helpful books:
Book Title |
Author |
Focus |
---|---|---|
Cheryl Grace |
Classic and Inner Wisdom Bagua |
|
Feng Shui Your Life |
Jayme Barrett |
Decorating and bagua basics |
The Feng Shui Bible |
Simon Brown |
Comprehensive reference |
Anyone can use the bagua map to improve energy at home. You do not need experience—just a willingness to try.
FAQ
How do I know if I’m using the Bagua map correctly?
You can check your map by matching the main entrance with the bottom of the Bagua. Make sure each area lines up with your floor plan. If you feel more balanced or notice positive changes, you’re on the right track!
Can I use the Bagua map in just one room?
Yes! Stand at the room’s entrance and align the Bagua map with the door wall. This method works well for bedrooms, offices, or even your desk. You can boost energy in small spaces this way.
What if my home has missing corners or odd shapes?
Don’t worry. You can “fill in” missing areas with mirrors, plants, or lights. Try to stretch the Bagua map to cover your whole space. Use furniture or rugs to mark zones in open layouts.
Do I need special items to improve each Bagua area?
No, you don’t need fancy tools. Everyday objects work well. Use colors, photos, or plants that match each area’s element. The most important thing is your intention to create good energy.