would never run out and so that occupants of the house
would prosper.
According to the Chinese art of placement, called feng
shui, situating an altar so that it faces the main door will
permit the chi or energy, to freely enter the house. This
may go back to the centuries-old thought that the
threshold of a house should be protected, and that
sacred objects set near the entrance build a demarcation
between the outer public world and the inner private
one.
Feng shui is thousands of years old and still used, with
remarkable results. The energy forces said to be
promoted by this art are believed to determine or
change the outcome of health, prosperity, and luck. If
you wish to place your altars according to feng shui,
consider these suggestions. The Chinese say that
rectangular and square shapes are very yang, or
masculine, in nature and spin off energy, while circular
shapes are yin, or feminine, and hold energy in balance.
Both yin and yang objects should be used in the art of
placement; wind chimes, mobiles, or small fountains will
increase energy within the home.
The Chinese also carefully consider directions when
placing altars. The south is connected with professional
success, fortune, and fame, also with the color red and
images of birds. The west is for creativity, joy, and
children; the color white and an image of a tiger will
increase energy in these aspects. East is associated with
health and growth; use green and a dragon here. The
north is connected with money, career, and business, as
well as the color black.
For information on the use of colors, the elements,
objects, symbols, and the directions, see this page.