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Xuan Kong (Flying Stars System)

Xuan Kong (玄空), meaning "Mysterious Void," is a sophisticated feng shui system that incorporates time factors into spatial analysis. Unlike static systems, Xuan Kong recognizes that building energy changes over 20-year periods, years, months, and even days, with Flying Stars as its core methodology.

Last updated · Jan 14, 2026

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Xuan Kong — Flying Stars feng shui system
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Meaning and ContextClassical RootsTime Periods in Xuan KongApplying Xuan KongHow It Shows Up in FateFolioSources and QuotesFAQRelated

Meaning and Context

Xuan Kong (玄空) literally means "mysterious void" or "time-space," reflecting the system's integration of temporal factors with spatial feng shui. It recognizes that a building's energy is not fixed at construction but evolves over time.

The system uses a "natal chart" based on when a building was constructed (or significantly renovated) and its facing direction. This chart is then layered with annual and monthly star influences.

  • Core concept: Building energy changes with time cycles (20-year periods)
  • Method: Flying Stars (飞星) move through the nine palace grid
  • Natal chart: Fixed stars determined by construction period and facing
  • Time factors: Annual and monthly stars overlay the natal chart
Complexity note
Xuan Kong is one of the more complex feng shui systems. Full analysis requires understanding multiple star combinations, time periods, and their interactions.

Classical Roots

Classical texts acknowledge the time-dependent nature of feng shui energy:

Classical principle
「玄空飞星，随运而变。」
Plain translation
"The Flying Stars of Xuan Kong change with the cycles of fortune."

This emphasizes that what is auspicious in one period may not be in another—time sensitivity is fundamental to Xuan Kong practice.

Time Periods in Xuan Kong

Xuan Kong divides time into cycles:

  • Great Cycle: 180 years (Upper, Middle, Lower Yuan)
  • Period (运): 20 years each, numbered 1-9
  • Current Period: Period 9 (2024-2043)
  • Previous Period: Period 8 (2004-2023)
  • Annual stars: Change each Chinese New Year
  • Monthly stars: Change each Chinese month

The ruling period star significantly affects which combinations are auspicious. Period 9 emphasizes star 9 qualities and its combinations.

Applying Xuan Kong

Basic steps in Xuan Kong analysis:

  1. Determine the building's construction/renovation period
  2. Measure the exact facing direction (to the degree)
  3. Generate the natal Flying Star chart for that period and facing
  4. Overlay current annual and monthly stars
  5. Analyze star combinations in each sector
  6. Identify auspicious and problematic areas and timings
Professional guidance
Due to its complexity, Xuan Kong analysis often benefits from professional consultation. The system has many nuances including special star combinations and replacement star rules.

How It Shows Up in FateFolio

In FateFolio's Feng Shui tool, Xuan Kong principles are incorporated through:

  • Time-period awareness in recommendations
  • Flying Stars natal chart generation where applicable
  • Annual star influences in yearly advice
  • Integration with other feng shui systems for comprehensive analysis

Sources and Quotes

References include classical feng shui texts and San Yuan (三元) school traditions. Xuan Kong has multiple lineages with some variations in technique.

Quoted excerpts

「玄空飞星，随运而变。」
Source： 《阳宅三要》· 玄空飞星随着大运变化。
「气随时转，时运相应。」
Source： 《葬书》· 气随时间转变，与时运相应。

FAQ

What happens when a new period begins (like Period 9 in 2024)?

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The change of period shifts which star combinations are most auspicious. In Period 9, star 9 combinations become more timely and powerful, while previously timely combinations may weaken. However, the natal chart of your building does not change—it remains based on when the building was constructed. What changes is how we interpret and activate certain areas.

Can I use Xuan Kong for an old building?

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Yes, but you need to know the construction or major renovation period. Buildings from different periods have different natal charts, even if they face the same direction. For very old buildings with unknown history, some practitioners use the last major renovation date, while others may use the date when current occupants moved in. Methodology varies by school.