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Bagua (Feng Shui)

The Bagua (八卦) in feng shui refers to the application of the Eight Trigrams to spatial analysis. Each trigram corresponds to a direction, element, family member, body part, and life aspect. The Bagua map is used to analyze and enhance different areas of a home or space.

Last updated · Jan 14, 2026

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Bagua in Feng Shui — the eight trigrams
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Meaning and ContextClassical RootsBagua Life AspectsApplying the Bagua MapHow It Shows Up in FateFolioSources and QuotesFAQRelated

Meaning and Context

Bagua (八卦) means "Eight Trigrams"—the eight three-line symbols from the I Ching that represent fundamental natural phenomena and principles. In feng shui, these trigrams are mapped onto space to understand and optimize different sectors.

Two arrangements are used: Later Heaven (后天八卦) for yang dwellings (homes, offices) and Earlier Heaven (先天八卦) for yin dwellings (graves). Most residential feng shui uses the Later Heaven arrangement.

  • Qian (乾): Northwest, Metal, Father, Head, Heaven
  • Kun (坤): Southwest, Earth, Mother, Abdomen, Earth
  • Zhen (震): East, Wood, Eldest Son, Feet, Thunder
  • Xun (巽): Southeast, Wood, Eldest Daughter, Thighs, Wind
  • Kan (坎): North, Water, Middle Son, Ears, Water
  • Li (离): South, Fire, Middle Daughter, Eyes, Fire
  • Gen (艮): Northeast, Earth, Youngest Son, Hands, Mountain
  • Dui (兑): West, Metal, Youngest Daughter, Mouth, Lake
Later Heaven arrangement
In the Later Heaven Bagua used for feng shui, Li (Fire) is at the top (South), Kan (Water) at the bottom (North). This differs from the Earlier Heaven arrangement.

Classical Roots

Classical texts establish the directional correspondences:

From Yangzhai Sanyo
「八卦定方位，各主一方。」
Plain translation
"The Eight Trigrams determine directions, each governing one sector."

This establishes the Bagua as the framework for directional feng shui analysis.

Bagua Life Aspects

Modern feng shui often associates sectors with life areas:

  • South (Li): Fame, reputation, recognition
  • Southwest (Kun): Love, marriage, relationships
  • West (Dui): Children, creativity, projects
  • Northwest (Qian): Helpful people, travel, mentors
  • North (Kan): Career, life path, opportunities
  • Northeast (Gen): Knowledge, education, self-cultivation
  • East (Zhen): Family, elders, health
  • Southeast (Xun): Wealth, prosperity, abundance

These associations help practitioners advise on enhancing specific life areas by treating the corresponding spatial sectors.

Applying the Bagua Map

How to use the Bagua for space analysis:

  1. Determine the compass directions of your space (or use entrance alignment for BTB method)
  2. Overlay the Bagua map on your floor plan
  3. Identify which trigram governs each area of your home
  4. Assess the condition and usage of each sector
  5. Enhance areas using appropriate elements, colors, and objects
  6. Address missing corners or problematic sectors
Two methods
Traditional feng shui aligns Bagua with compass directions. BTB (Western) feng shui aligns it with the main entrance. Both are valid systems with different applications.

How It Shows Up in FateFolio

In FateFolio's Feng Shui tool, Bagua analysis includes:

  • Mapping of trigrams to your space's sectors
  • Life aspect associations for each direction
  • Element recommendations for enhancing sectors
  • Integration with Flying Stars and other systems

Sources and Quotes

References include classical feng shui texts and I Ching foundations. The Bagua is fundamental to Chinese metaphysics and feng shui.

Quoted excerpts

「八卦定方位，各主一方。」
Source： 《阳宅三要》· 八卦确定方位，各主管一方。
「卦象应乎天地，方位合乎阴阳。」
Source： 《葬书》· 卦象对应天地，方位符合阴阳。

FAQ

What is the difference between compass and BTB Bagua methods?

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Compass (traditional) method aligns the Bagua according to actual compass directions—South is always South regardless of where the entrance is. This is the classical Chinese approach. BTB (Black Tantric Buddhist/Western) method aligns the Bagua to the main entrance, with the entrance wall always being the Kan (career) sector. This simplified approach is popular in Western feng shui. Both can provide insights, but they are different systems that may give different sector assignments.

How do I enhance a specific life area using Bagua?

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First, locate the corresponding sector in your home (e.g., Southeast for wealth). Then: 1. Keep the area clean and clutter-free 2. Add the supporting element (Wood for Southeast, which is enhanced by Water) 3. Use appropriate colors (greens, purples for wealth sector) 4. Place symbolic items related to your goal 5. Use the space actively for activities related to that life area Avoid conflicting elements (Fire weakens Metal sectors) and negative imagery.