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White Tiger (Bai Hu)

The White Tiger (白虎, Bai Hu) represents the protective energy on the right side of a building when facing outward. As one of the Four Celestial Guardians in feng shui, it symbolizes yin energy, protection, and must be kept in proper balance with the Azure Dragon.

Last updated · Jan 14, 2026

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White Tiger — the right guardian in feng shui
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Meaning and ContextClassical RootsIdeal White Tiger QualitiesTiger Problems and SolutionsHow It Shows Up in FateFolioSources and QuotesFAQRelated

Meaning and Context

The White Tiger (白虎) is one of the Four Celestial Animals in feng shui, representing the west direction and the right side of a building when facing outward. While powerful and protective, the Tiger must be managed carefully as it can become aggressive if too dominant.

In Chinese cosmology, the white tiger represents autumn, metal element, and yin energy. Unlike the ascending energy of the Azure Dragon, the Tiger's energy is more volatile and requires careful balancing.

  • Position: Right side when standing at the building facing outward
  • Direction: Corresponds to the West in directional feng shui
  • Element: Associated with Metal element
  • Symbolism: Yin energy, protection, authority, but also potential conflict
Key principle
Traditional feng shui advises keeping the White Tiger lower than the Azure Dragon. A tiger that is too high or dominant can indicate conflicts, accidents, or problems with authority.

Classical Roots

Classical texts emphasize the importance of a subdued White Tiger:

Classical principle
「白虎宜低，不可昂头。」
Plain translation
"The White Tiger should be low; it must not raise its head."

This principle reflects the understanding that while the Tiger provides necessary protection, its energy must remain controlled and subordinate to the Dragon for harmonious results.

Ideal White Tiger Qualities

A well-formed White Tiger position has specific characteristics:

  • Height: Lower than the Azure Dragon (left) side
  • Posture: "Crouching" or subdued, not threatening
  • Presence: Solid enough to provide protection
  • Length: Extending to shelter the building but not encircling
  • Energy: Calm and controlled, not aggressive or sharp

Natural features like gentle hills work best. Avoid sharp, pointed, or aggressive features on the Tiger side.

Tiger Problems and Solutions

When the White Tiger becomes problematic:

  • Tiger too high: Right side higher than left—indicates potential conflicts, legal issues
  • Tiger raising head: Sharp or pointed features on right—aggressive energy
  • Tiger missing: No protection on right side—vulnerability, lack of support
  • Tiger too close: Structures crowding from the right—pressure, constraints
Remedies
If the Tiger side is too high or dominant: reduce structures on that side, add height to the Dragon side, use lighting on the left, or place dragon imagery on the left side.

How It Shows Up in FateFolio

In FateFolio's Feng Shui tool, White Tiger analysis includes:

  • Assessment of right-side support and protection
  • Dragon-Tiger balance evaluation
  • Identification of excessive Tiger energy
  • Recommendations for balancing Tiger-Dragon relationship

Sources and Quotes

References include classical feng shui texts. The Four Guardians model is fundamental to Form School feng shui practice.

Quoted excerpts

「右白虎驯伏，主家宅安宁。」
Source： 《葬书》· 右边白虎温顺伏卧，主家宅安宁。
「白虎宜低，不可昂头。」
Source： 《阳宅三要》· 白虎方宜低，不可高昂抬头。

FAQ

Why should the White Tiger be lower than the Azure Dragon?

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In traditional feng shui, the Azure Dragon represents supportive, ascending yang energy (associated with helpful people, career advancement), while the White Tiger represents more volatile yin energy (associated with authority, protection, but also potential conflict). When the Tiger dominates the Dragon, it suggests an environment where challenges and conflicts may overshadow support and opportunity. This is a traditional symbolic interpretation, not a guarantee of specific outcomes.

Is the White Tiger always negative?

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No. The White Tiger is an essential part of the Four Guardians model—a building needs protection on all sides. A properly positioned, subdued Tiger provides valuable protection and grounding. The issue arises only when the Tiger becomes dominant, aggressive, or out of balance with the Dragon. A missing or weak Tiger is also problematic, leaving the building unprotected on that side.