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Nine Palaces (Jiu Gong)

The Nine Palaces (九宫, Jiu Gong) is the fundamental grid system in feng shui, dividing any space into nine sectors arranged in a 3x3 pattern. Based on the ancient Lo Shu magic square, it provides the framework for mapping Flying Stars, Bagua directions, and analyzing spatial energy.

Last updated · Jan 14, 2026

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Nine Palaces — the feng shui grid
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Meaning and ContextClassical RootsApplying the Nine PalacesNine Palaces in Different SystemsHow It Shows Up in FateFolioSources and QuotesFAQRelated

Meaning and Context

Jiu Gong (九宫) literally means "nine palaces." The system originates from the Lo Shu (洛书), a 3x3 magic square where the numbers 1-9 are arranged so that any row, column, or diagonal sums to 15.

In feng shui, the Nine Palaces grid is superimposed on floor plans to divide spaces into sectors, each associated with specific directions, elements, trigrams, and life aspects.

  • Center (5): The heart of the space, earth element
  • South (9): Fame, reputation, fire element
  • North (1): Career, life path, water element
  • East (3): Family, health, wood element
  • West (7): Children, creativity, metal element
  • Southeast (4): Wealth, prosperity, wood element
  • Northwest (6): Helpful people, travel, metal element
  • Northeast (8): Knowledge, education, earth element
  • Southwest (2): Relationships, love, earth element
Lo Shu origin
The Lo Shu magic square is ancient—legend says it appeared on the back of a turtle from the Lo River. Its mathematical properties underlie much of Chinese metaphysics.

Classical Roots

Classical texts recognize the Nine Palaces as fundamental:

From Yangzhai Sanyo
「九宫八卦，宅之根本。」
Plain translation
"The Nine Palaces and Eight Trigrams are the foundation of dwelling feng shui."

This establishes the grid system as essential to spatial analysis in feng shui.

Applying the Nine Palaces

How to use the Nine Palaces grid:

  1. Draw or obtain a floor plan of your space
  2. Determine the facing direction of your building
  3. Overlay the Nine Palaces grid, aligning directions properly
  4. Each sector represents approximately one-ninth of your space
  5. Analyze each sector based on what falls within it
  6. Apply Flying Stars, Bagua, or other systems to the grid
Irregular shapes
For irregularly shaped spaces, the grid is stretched to fit the overall footprint. Missing corners indicate "missing" sectors that may need symbolic compensation.

Nine Palaces in Different Systems

The Nine Palaces grid is used differently by various feng shui schools:

  • Flying Stars: Places natal and annual stars in each palace
  • BTB/Western Bagua: Aligns grid to main entrance rather than compass
  • Classical Bagua: Aligns South at top based on compass direction
  • Eight Mansions: Overlays the eight energy types on the palaces
  • Life Aspirations: Associates each palace with life areas (wealth, health, etc.)

The basic grid structure is consistent, but how it is oriented and interpreted varies.

How It Shows Up in FateFolio

In FateFolio's Feng Shui tool, Nine Palaces analysis includes:

  • Grid overlay guidance for your floor plan
  • Sector-by-sector analysis of energies
  • Integration with Flying Stars and Bagua interpretations
  • Recommendations for each palace based on its characteristics

Sources and Quotes

References include classical feng shui texts. The Nine Palaces grid is universal across feng shui systems, though application methods vary.

Quoted excerpts

「九宫八卦，宅之根本。」
Source： 《阳宅三要》· 九宫八卦是住宅风水的根本。
「八方九宫，各有所属。」
Source： 《葬书》· 八方九宫各有其所属。

FAQ

Should the grid align with the main entrance or compass direction?

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This depends on which feng shui system you are using. Classical/traditional feng shui aligns the grid with compass directions (South at top). BTB (Black Tantric Buddhist) or Western feng shui aligns the grid with the main entrance. Both systems have their practitioners and applications. For Flying Stars and traditional Xuan Kong, compass alignment is essential.

What if my home has a missing corner?

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Missing corners represent "missing" sectors in the Nine Palaces grid. The life area associated with that sector may need extra attention. Remedies include: mirrors to symbolically "extend" the space, placing items associated with that sector's element nearby, or activating that sector's qualities elsewhere in the home.