The Basic Principles of Feng Shui: A Plain-English Introduction
The handful of ideas behind almost all feng shui advice, in plain English.
Hub ยท Feng Shui Basics
Feng shui basics: the ideas behind the advice
Most feng shui advice comes from a small set of ideas: qi and how it moves, yin and yang, the five elements, the command position and the bagua map. Once those make sense, the tips you read elsewhere stop sounding random.
Start with the principles, then try the bagua on your own floor plan. Feng shui is a traditional practice rather than a science, and we say so where it matters.
Start with these
How to Use the Feng Shui Bagua Map, Step by Step
How to lay the nine-square map over your floor plan and read each area.
Yin and Yang in Feng Shui: How to Balance Each Room
Balancing calm and active qualities so each room suits what you do there.
The Five Elements in Feng Shui: Colours, Cycles and How to Balance a Room
Wood, fire, earth, metal and water: what each looks like at home and how they interact.
What Is the Command Position in Feng Shui?
Why feng shui wants you to see the door from your bed, desk and sofa.
Misconceptions and Common Mistakes in Practicing Feng Shui
The mistakes beginners make most often, and what tradition actually says.
Free tool
Bagua Corner Finder
Pick door-based or compass mode and see which corner of your home matches each area of life.
Quick reference
The five elements at a glance
| Element | Colours | Shapes and materials |
|---|---|---|
| Wood | Green, teal | Tall shapes, plants, wood |
| Fire | Red, orange | Triangles, candles, lighting |
| Earth | Yellow, sand, terracotta | Squares, ceramics, stone |
| Metal | White, grey, metallics | Circles, metal objects |
| Water | Black, deep blue | Wavy shapes, glass, mirrors |
Water feeds wood, wood feeds fire, fire makes earth, earth makes metal, metal holds water.
More guides
Reviewed and updated articles on this topic.
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Why Clutter Clearing Comes First in Feng Shui
Why every school of feng shui starts with clearing, and how to make it manageable.
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Feng Shui Colors: Meanings, Elements and How to Use Them
What each colour is linked to in feng shui, and how to use it without repainting everything.
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Where Feng Shui Comes From: A Short History and Its Core Ideas
A short history of feng shui, from landscape and tomb siting to the Form and Compass schools, and the core ideas behind modern advice.
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Feng Shui Principles for the Home: Where to Start
Six feng shui principles for the home, from the front door and the command position to yin and yang and the five elements, in a sensible order.
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A One-Room Feng Shui Reset in an Afternoon
A step-by-step plan to give one room a feng shui reset in about four hours: clear, clean, rearrange, balance the elements and add one or two touches.
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Bringing Feng Shui Into Your Home: A Weekend Plan
A two-day plan to start feng shui at home: the entrance and clutter, the bedroom, the living room and kitchen, then the bagua and finishing touches.
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How to Check a Feng Shui Consultant’s Background Before You Hire
Feng shui titles aren't regulated. How to check a consultant's training, method and reviews, agree scope and price, and spot red flags.
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Taking a Feng Shui Class: What a Beginner Course Should Cover
What a good beginner feng shui course should cover, where to find classes, and how to judge a teacher and a course before you sign up.
Explore related guides
Other hubs that pick up where this one leaves off.
Wealth, Love & BaguaFinding the wealth and relationship corners, and what tradition suggests putting there.
Room by RoomLiving rooms, kitchens, bathrooms, entryways and gardens, one space at a time.
Your Element, Kua & SeasonsYour Kua number, personal element and seasonal adjustments through the year.