Section 39: Altar-Based Shielding
鎮宅與方位 (Zhèn Zhái Yǔ Fāng Wèi)
🏠 The Home as an Extension of the Altar
In Liuren Fajiao, your environment is secured through the authority of the lineage.
Unlike general architectural Feng Shui, our tradition focuses on Altar-Based Shielding —using the Altar's presence to anchor and protect the entire dwelling. This involves:
- 鎮宅 (Zhèn Zhái) - House Anchoring: Stabilizing the core energy of the home.
- 鎮煞 (Zhèn Shà) - Neutralizing Harm: Actively blocking specific directional threats.
- 土地公 (Tǔdì Gōng) - Earth Deity Support: Maintaining a righteous bond with the local land.
- 方位 (Fāng Wèi) - Directional Alignment: Positioning the Altar to maximize the Lineage Pulse.
1. Introduction to Environmental Shielding
The Three Pillars of Spatial Protection
| Pillar | Method | Metaphysical Result |
|---|---|---|
| The Altar (壇) | Correct positioning and regular maintenance. | The Altar becomes the "Anchor" for the whole property. |
| The Talisman (符) | Strategic placement of Zhen Zhai and Zhen Sha talismans. | Creating an active "Fire-Wall" against spiritual intrusion. |
| The Earth (地) | Offerings and respect to the local Tu Di Gong . | Securing the "Permission" of the land for peaceful dwelling. |
Lineage Wisdom:
"壇穩則家安，心正則地靈" - "When the Altar is stable, the home is at peace; when the heart is upright, the land becomes numinous."
2. Ba Zhai (八宅) - Eight Mansions System
Understanding Personal Directions
Ba Zhai (Eight Mansions) is the foundation of Feng Shui Magic in Liuren Fajiao because it connects personal energy (your Qi) with environmental energy (location Qi). Based on the classics Ba Zhai Ming Jing (八宅明鏡) and Yang Zhai San Yao (陽宅三要), it provides the "Static Plate" logic for long-term spiritual and physical stability.
Calculating Your Gua Number (卦數)
Your personal Gua number determines your auspicious and inauspicious directions. It's based on birth year and gender, derived from the Luo Shu (Magic Square) numerology.
Gua Number Calculation
For Males (born before 2000):
- Take last 2 digits of birth year
- Add them together, repeat until single digit
- Subtract from 10
- If result is 5, use 2 instead
Example: Born 1985 → 8+5=13 → 1+3=4 → 10-4=6 → Gua 6 (Qian)
For Females (born before 2000):
- Take last 2 digits of birth year
- Add them together, repeat until single digit
- Add 5
- If result >9, reduce again to single digit
- If result is 5, use 8 instead
Example: Born 1990 → 9+0=9 → 9+5=14 → 1+4=5 → Use 8 instead → Gua 8 (Gen)
For those born 2000+: Formula changes (Males: subtract from 9; Females: add 6)
Eight Gua Types and Directional Groups
| Gua # | Trigram | Element | Group | Auspicious Directions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 坎 (Kan) | Water | East Group | SE, E, S, N |
| 2 | 坤 (Kun) | Earth | West Group | NE, W, NW, SW |
| 3 | 震 (Zhen) | Wood | East Group | S, N, SE, E |
| 4 | 巽 (Xun) | Wood | East Group | N, S, E, SE |
| 6 | 乾 (Qian) | Metal | West Group | W, NE, SW, NW |
| 7 | 兌 (Dui) | Metal | West Group | NW, SW, NE, W |
| 8 | 艮 (Gen) | Earth | West Group | SW, NW, W, NE |
| 9 | 離 (Li) | Fire | East Group | E, SE, N, S |
Note: There is no Gua 5 - males use 2 (Kun), females use 8 (Gen).
Four Auspicious Positions (四吉方)
Each person has four beneficial directions, ranked by strength:
| Position | Chinese | Best For | Altar/Magic Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sheng Qi 生氣 (Vitality) | Most auspicious direction | Wealth, success, growth, health | PRIMARY ALTAR LOCATION - Face this direction during rituals |
| Tian Yi 天醫 (Heavenly Doctor) | 2nd best | Health, healing, longevity | Healing altar, meditation space, rest |
| Yan Nian 延年 (Longevity) | 3rd best | Relationships, romance, harmony | Partnership talismans, love magic work |
| Fu Wei 伏位 (Stable Position) | 4th best | Stability, peace, contemplation | Daily meditation, study, quiet cultivation |
Four Inauspicious Positions (四凶方)
Avoid placing altars, beds, or spending extended time facing these directions:
| Position | Chinese | Harmful Effects | Magical Correction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Huo Hai 禍害 (Mishaps) | Least harmful | Arguments, annoyances, minor setbacks | Protective talisman placement |
| Wu Gui 五鬼 (Five Ghosts) | Moderately harmful | Theft, backstabbing, spirit interference | Five Thunder talisman, spirit clearing |
| Liu Sha 六煞 (Six Killings) | Seriously harmful | Legal troubles, scandals, relationship breakdown | Major purification ritual + talisman suppression |
| Jue Ming 絕命 (Total Loss) | Most harmful | Severe illness, total failure, life-threatening danger | AVOID - If unavoidable, master-level intervention required |
✓ Immediate Ba Zhai Application
- Calculate your Gua number using formula above
- Identify your Sheng Qi (生氣) direction - this is your most auspicious direction
- Reorient your altar (if possible) to face your Sheng Qi direction, or position yourself to face that direction during major rituals
- Move bed/desk so you face auspicious directions during sleep/work
- Place protective talismans in your Jue Ming (絕命) direction to suppress its harm
This simple alignment can dramatically increase ritual effectiveness and daily life quality.
3. Flying Stars (飛星) - Time-Based Feng Shui
Understanding Time Cycles
While Ba Zhai is based on fixed personal energy, Flying Stars (飛星, Fēixīng) tracks how environmental energies change over time :
- 20-Year Periods (運, Yùn): Major generational shifts (currently in Period 9, 2024-2043)
- Annual Stars (年飛星): Change each Lunar New Year
- Monthly Stars (月飛星): Shift with each lunar month
Practical Focus for Dajiao: We'll focus on Annual Flying Stars - the most practical for personal magic work.
The Nine Stars and Their Energies
| Star # | Element | Nature | Effects When Activated |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 White 一白 | Water | ✓ Auspicious | Career success, academic achievement, wisdom |
| 2 Black 二黑 | Earth | ✗ Inauspicious | Illness, especially chronic/digestive issues |
| 3 Jade 三碧 | Wood | ✗ Inauspicious | Arguments, legal troubles, theft |
| 4 Green 四綠 | Wood | ✓ Auspicious | Romance, creativity, academic success |
| 5 Yellow 五黃 | Earth | ✗✗ MOST Harmful | Disaster, severe illness, death, total loss |
| 6 White 六白 | Metal | ✓ Auspicious | Authority, leadership, windfall wealth, benefactors |
| 7 Red 七赤 | Metal | ~ Mixed | Violence, fire, theft (in Period 9; was beneficial in Period 7) |
| 8 White 八白 | Earth | ✓✓ VERY Auspicious | Major wealth, property, prosperity, success |
| 9 Purple 九紫 | Fire | ✓ Auspicious (CURRENT Period Star) | Celebration, fame, joy, recognition (strongest 2024-2043) |
Annual Star Positions (2026 Example)
Each year, the nine stars "fly" to different positions in the Lo Shu square arrangement. For 2026 (Year of the Horse):
| 9 Purple SE (Prosperity) | 5 Yellow S ⚠️⚠️ DANGER | 7 Red SW (Robbery) |
| 8 White E (Wealth) | 1 White CENTER (Victory) | 3 Jade W ⚠️ Conflict |
| 4 Green NE (Academic) | 6 White N (Authority) | 2 Black NW ⚠️ Illness |
Color Key: 🟢 Green = Very Auspicious | 🔵 Blue = Auspicious | 🟡 Yellow/🔴 Red = Inauspicious/Dangerous
⚠️ Critical: 5 Yellow and 2 Black Suppression
In 2026:
- 5 Yellow (五黃) is in the SOUTH - Most dangerous star. MUST suppress.
- 2 Black (二黑) is in the NORTHWEST - Illness star. Should suppress.
Magical Suppression Method:
- Place Metal Element items in South and Northwest sectors:
- Six-rod metal wind chime (六帝錢 coins work too)
- Metal bowl or bell
- White/gray colors (Metal element colors)
- Place suppression talisman (鎮煞符) facing the afflicted direction
- AVOID disturbing these sectors - no renovations, loud noises, or major activity
- Don't activate with Fire - No red colors, candles, or heat sources (Fire strengthens Earth stars 2 & 5)
Failing to suppress 5 Yellow can result in serious illness, accidents, or financial disaster for the year.
Activating Auspicious Stars with Magic
Beyond suppressing harmful stars, you can ACTIVATE beneficial stars with targeted rituals:
| Goal | Star to Activate | 2026 Location | Activation Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wealth (Current) | 9 Purple | Southeast | Bright lights, red/purple colors, Fire element (candles), plants (Wood feeds Fire) |
| Wealth (Legacy) | 8 White | East | Water feature (fountain), Caishen altar, prosperity talisman, Earth element (crystals, ceramic) |
| Victory/New Beginnings | 1 White | Center | Water element (bowl of water, blue colors), Metal element (enhances Water) |
| Authority/Leadership | 6 White | North | Metal items (bells, coins), white/gold colors, Earth element (supports Metal) |
| Academic/Romance | 4 Green | Northeast | Fresh flowers, plants, Wood element, pink/green colors, Hehe talisman (合和符) |
Note: Annual star positions change every Lunar New Year. Consult current year Flying Star charts before performing activations.
4. Location Magic & Earth Spirit Work
土地公 (Tǔdì Gōng) - Earth Deity Relationship
As introduced in Section 38, the Earth deity (土地公) is essential for all location-based magic. Every location has a presiding Earth spirit who:
- Controls local environmental energies
- Mediates between human activity and land spirits
- Must grant permission for major Feng Shui changes
- Can suppress or enhance prosperity/protection work
Establishing Earth Deity Relationship for New Locations
When moving to new home/office or starting major Feng Shui work:
- Locate nearest Tu Di Gong temple (if exists) or create home altar space for Earth deity
- First offering ritual (入宅拜土地):
- Time: Moving day or within first week
- Offerings: Incense, tea, fruit, gold paper
- Petition: "弟子[Magic Name]，今日遷入[Address]，恭請土地公護佑此宅平安興旺" (Disciple [Name], today moving to [Address], respectfully request Tu Di Gong protection for peace and prosperity)
- Monthly maintenance: Simple offerings on 1st and 15th of lunar month
- Before major Feng Shui changes: Inform Tu Di Gong and request permission
Signs of Earth Deity Approval:
- Smooth moving process with minimal complications
- Quick sense of "settling in" and comfort in new space
- Dreams of the local area or elderly figures (often how Tu Di Gong appears)
- Unexpected help from neighbors or local community
Magical Space Clearing (淨宅, Jìng Zhái)
Before implementing Feng Shui enhancements, the space must be energetically cleared:
Complete Space Clearing Ritual
Timing: Moving day, New Moon, or when space feels heavy/stagnant
Materials:
- Purification incense (sandalwood, aloeswood, or sage)
- Bowl of salt water
- Bell or singing bowl
- Purification talisman (淨符) - optional but recommended
- Red thread (for grid work)
Procedure:
- Open all windows/doors to create flow
- Begin at front entrance facing inward
- Ring bell three times at threshold to announce purification
- Walk clockwise through entire space, carrying incense:
- Waft incense into every corner, closet, room
- Pay special attention to bathrooms, storage areas, dark corners
- Recite mantra: "天清地靈，陰陽和合，萬煞退散" (Heaven clear, Earth spirit, Yin-Yang harmonize, all harm disperse) - repeat as you walk
- Sprinkle salt water at all thresholds and corners (second clockwise pass)
- Place purification talisman at central point or above main door
- Close ritual with gratitude to Tu Di Gong and protective deities
Frequency: Major clearing at move-in; lighter cleansing quarterly or after negative events.
Feng Shui Talisman Network (風水法網)
For advanced protection and enhancement, create a talisman network:
| Talisman Type | Placement | Function |
|---|---|---|
| 鎮宅符 (Zhènzhái Fú) House Protection | Above main entrance (inside) or center of home | Overall protection, stabilize home energy |
| 鎮煞符 (Zhènshà Fú) Evil Suppression | Facing source of Form Evil (Section 25) or inauspicious directions | Suppress specific harmful energies (5 Yellow, 2 Black, sha chi) |
| 招財符 (Zhāocái Fú) Wealth Attraction | Wealth corner or current 8 White location | Attract prosperity (Section 38) |
| 平安符 (Píng'ān Fú) Peace Talisman | Bedrooms, children's rooms | Health, peaceful sleep, protection for vulnerable |
Network Activation: After placing all talismans, perform a single ritual to "link" them:
- Light incense at central point
- Visualize golden threads connecting all talismans in a protective web
- Recite: "四方八位，符法聯結，守護此宅，百無禁忌" (Four directions eight positions, talisman magic linked, protect this dwelling, hundred no taboos)
- Seal with hand seal (Section 6)
5. Business Location Selection
Site Assessment Checklist
When choosing a business location, evaluate these factors in order:
1. External Environment (外局, Wài Jú)
| Factor | ✓ Auspicious Signs | ✗ Inauspicious Signs |
|---|---|---|
| Surrounding Buildings | Evenly sized, harmonious arrangement, prosperous neighbors | Dominated by much taller buildings (pressure), abandoned buildings nearby, cemetery/funeral home |
| Road/Traffic | Gentle curve bringing energy to entrance, moderate traffic, bright street | T-junction pointing at door (cutting chi), dead-end street, extremely busy highway (too much yang) |
| Water Features | Clean river/lake nearby (wealth), water flowing toward building | Polluted water, water flowing away (wealth leaving), excessive water (flooding risk) |
| Land Shape | Regular shape (square, rectangle), slightly elevated, protected rear (mountain/taller building) | Triangular lot, cliff edge, swampy/unstable ground, exposed to harsh winds |
2. Entrance Quality (門向, Mén Xiàng)
- Clear and visible - Customers can easily find it
- Well-lit - Bright entrance attracts yang energy and customers
- Spacious threshold - Allows energy (and customers) to flow in smoothly
- Avoid: Door facing bathroom, staircase pointing down, mirror reflecting entrance (bounces wealth out)
3. Internal Layout (內局, Nèi Jú)
- Cash register position: In wealth corner AND visible from entrance but not directly facing door
- Owner's desk: Facing personal Sheng Qi direction with solid wall behind (support)
- Customer flow: Clockwise movement through space (natural gathering of qi)
- Bathroom/storage: Hidden from main view, preferably in inauspicious sectors
⚠️ Deal-Breaker Locations (Avoid Even with Magic Correction)
- Former site of tragedy: Murder, suicide, major accident - Negative imprint too strong
- Extreme Form Evil: Sharp building corner pointing directly at entrance, oppressive overhead structure
- Multiple business failures: If 3+ businesses failed in same spot within 2 years, location is fundamentally flawed
- Legal restrictions: If Earth deity or local spirits give clear "NO" signal in divination or dreams
No amount of magic can overcome fundamentally bad location. It's better to keep searching.
Post-Selection: Business Activation Ritual
Once you've chosen a location, perform this comprehensive ritual before opening:
- Tu Di Gong offering (described earlier) - Get local deity support
- Space clearing (淨宅) - Remove previous occupants' energy
- Talisman network - Protection, prosperity, and peace talismans
- Flying Stars activation - Enhance current year's auspicious stars
- Grand Opening ritual (Section 38) - Prosperity magic activation
- First customer blessing - Give small red envelope to first customer (circulate good fortune)
Fuying Hall Business Wisdom:
"地靈人傑，人和業興" - "Where Earth spirits are harmonious, talented people gather; where people are harmonious, business prospers."
A good location provides the foundation, but treating people well (employees, customers, community) is what makes a business thrive long-term.
6. Feng Shui Cures & Enhancements
Classical Cures for Common Problems
| Problem | Magical Cure | Placement |
|---|---|---|
| Cutting Chi (Sharp corner pointing at entrance/bed) | 鎮煞符 + Mirror (Bagua mirror outdoors) or crystal ball | Between source and affected area, reflecting harm back or dissolving it |
| Missing Corner (Irregular building shape) | Mirror on wall to "complete" the corner + Element cure based on direction | On the wall of the missing section |
| Wealth Leaking (Money comes but doesn't stay) | Close toilet lid, place plant between bathroom and rest of house, 招財符 in wealth corner | Bathrooms (especially if in wealth corner) |
| Stagnant Energy (Space feels heavy, stuck) | Moving water (fountain), wind chimes, bright light, regular incense | Dark corners, center of home, areas rarely used |
| Excessive Yang (Too bright, too loud, can't rest) | Yin enhancements: curtains, darker colors, still water, quiet areas | Bedrooms, meditation spaces |
| Excessive Yin (Dark, damp, depressing) | Yang enhancements: bright lights, warm colors, movement (pets, plants), red talismans | Basements, storage areas, north-facing rooms |
The Five Elements in Feng Shui Cures
Understanding Element relationships allows you to adjust environmental energy:
| Element | Colors | Materials/Objects | When to Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wood 木 | Green, Brown | Plants, wood furniture, vertical shapes | Enhance growth, creativity, health; Activate 3, 4 Stars |
| Fire 火 | Red, Purple, Orange | Candles, lights, triangular shapes | Enhance fame, passion, energy; Activate 9 Star; Weaken Metal (enemies) |
| Earth 土 | Yellow, Brown, Beige | Crystals, ceramics, square shapes | Enhance stability, grounding; Activate 8 Star; Weaken Water |
| Metal 金 | White, Gold, Silver | Bells, coins, metal objects, round shapes | Enhance clarity, organization; Activate 6, 7 Stars; WEAKEN 2, 5 Stars (critical!) |
| Water 水 | Black, Blue, Dark colors | Fountains, water features, wavy shapes, mirrors | Enhance wisdom, career; Activate 1 Star; Weaken Fire |
Key Relationships:
- Production Cycle (生): Wood→Fire→Earth→Metal→Water→Wood (Use to strengthen)
- Weakening Cycle (克): Wood克Earth, Earth克Water, Water克Fire, Fire克Metal, Metal克Wood (Use to suppress)
Example Application: To suppress 5 Yellow (Earth element) in East sector (2026):
- Use Metal (Metal weakens Earth): Six-rod wind chime, metal bowl, white colors
- Avoid Fire (Fire strengthens Earth): No red colors, candles, or heat sources
7. Integration with Overall Practice
Feng Shui Magic as Foundation
Environmental optimization makes ALL other magic more effective:
| Practice Area | Feng Shui Support | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Altar Practice (Section 1) | Place altar in personal Sheng Qi direction, activate current year auspicious stars | Ritual power increased, deity connection strengthened |
| Prosperity Magic (Section 38) | Activate 8 White location, wealth corner optimization, suppress 5 Yellow | Wealth attraction accelerated, fewer financial obstacles |
| Qi Cultivation (Section 22-23) | Meditate in Tian Yi (健康) direction, balance Yin/Yang in practice space | Deeper meditation, faster Qi development, better health |
| Protection (Section 6-8) | Talisman network, Form Evil suppression, entrance protection | Passive environmental protection reduces need for active shielding |
Yearly Feng Shui Maintenance Cycle
Lunar New Year (Spring Festival):
- Update to new year's Flying Stars chart
- Move or add cures for new 5 Yellow and 2 Black positions
- Activate new auspicious star positions (8 White, 9 Purple, etc.)
- Renew talisman network (refresh or replace faded talismans)
- Perform major space clearing
- Offerings to Tu Di Gong for the new year
Quarterly (每季):
- Light space clearing (incense walk-through)
- Check that cures are still in place and functional
- Adjust for seasonal changes (more Yang in summer, more Yin in winter)
Monthly (5th lunar day):
- Tu Di Gong offerings
- Quick check of prosperity talisman in 8 White location
- Refresh altar setup if needed
✓ Simple Daily Feng Shui Habit
Incorporate environmental awareness into daily life:
- Morning: Open windows to invite fresh qi, light incense, face auspicious direction during morning practice
- During day: Keep entrance clear, maintain organization (clutter blocks qi flow)
- Evening: Close windows at dusk (protect yin energy for rest), ensure sleep position follows Ba Zhai principles
These small habits compound over months and years, creating continuously supportive environments.
8. Next Steps
🎓 Dajiao Degree Complete!
Congratulations! With Section 39, you have completed all 20 sections of the Dajiao (大教) degree.
You have mastered:
- Internal cultivation (Qi, Breath, Meditation, Energy Channels)
- Advanced spiritual practices (Spirit Travel, Immortal Fetus)
- Complex talisman work and directional magic
- Prosperity and environmental magic
You are now qualified to:
- Practice independently for personal cultivation and protection
- Maintain comprehensive altar and ritual practice
- Optimize environments for spiritual and material success
- Progress to Sanshanjiao (三山教) - the degree of ritual service and teaching
Immediate Feng Shui Applications (This Week)
- Calculate your personal Gua number (Ba Zhai system)
- Identify your Sheng Qi direction - Reorient altar or practice position if possible
- Check current year Flying Stars (2026 chart provided in Section 3):
- Suppress 5 Yellow (East) with Metal elements
- Suppress 2 Black (South) with Metal elements
- Activate 8 White (Northwest) for wealth
- Perform space clearing if you haven't recently
- Establish/renew Tu Di Gong relationship with offerings
Long-Term Feng Shui Development
Over the next 3-6 months:
- Observe environmental effects - Track how Feng Shui changes impact your life (journal recommended)
- Refine Ba Zhai application - Experiment with different room/furniture arrangements based on personal directions
- Study Flying Stars deeper - Learn monthly star calculations if interested in advanced timing
- Integrate with prosperity work - Combine Section 38 prosperity rituals with Section 39 environmental optimization
- Prepare for Sanshanjiao - As you approach ritual service work, optimal environment becomes even more important
Progression to Sanshanjiao (三山教)
Next Degree Focus: Ritual Arts for Serving Others
Sanshanjiao sections will cover:
- Advanced rituals: Exorcism, house cleansing, blessing ceremonies
- Serving clients: Ethical practice, setting boundaries, working with diverse needs
- Deity consecration: Awakening power objects and statues
- Lineage transmission: Teaching students, passing on the tradition
Prerequisites for Sanshanjiao:
- Complete all Dajiao sections (✓ Done with Section 39!)
- At least 6 months of consistent daily practice
- Stable personal cultivation (can maintain own protection and energy)
- Ethical maturity (Ba Wu Jin Ji principles internalized)
- Willingness to serve others with compassion
From Fuying Hall:
"自度度人，自覺覺他" - "Having saved oneself, save others; having awakened oneself, awaken others."
Dajiao cultivates the self. Sanshanjiao extends that cultivation to serve the world. You have built the foundation - now you're ready to share it.
Section Summary
Key Takeaways
- Feng Shui Magic actively works with environmental energies through ritual, not just passive arrangement
- Ba Zhai (Eight Mansions): Personal Gua number determines auspicious/inauspicious directions for altar, sleep, work
- Flying Stars: Time-based system tracking annual energy shifts; MUST suppress 5 Yellow and 2 Black with Metal elements
- Tu Di Gong (Earth Deity): Essential relationship for all location magic - always honor Earth deity first
- Space clearing (淨宅): Purification ritual before implementing Feng Shui enhancements
- Talisman network: Protection, suppression, prosperity, and peace talismans placed strategically and ritually linked
- Business location: Evaluate external environment, entrance quality, and internal layout before committing
- Five Elements: Use Production/Weakening cycles to enhance or suppress energies (Metal weakens Earth - critical for 2 Black and 5 Yellow)
- Yearly maintenance: Update Flying Star positions and cures at Lunar New Year, quarterly space clearing
- Integration: Optimal environment amplifies all other magical practices - altar work, prosperity magic, cultivation, protection
Remember: "地靈人傑，人和業興" - Where Earth spirits are harmonious, talented people gather; where people are harmonious, business prospers. Good Feng Shui provides the container, but human virtue and effort fill it.