The Feng Shui Bagua
Feng shui practitioners use an eight-sided grid called a bagua to determine where to place furniture in a room. The bagua is designed as a compass, with each side relating to a particular direction.
Eight Aspirations
The eight directions of the bagua are known as the "eight aspirations." These include knowledge, health, wealth, fame, marriage, children, helpful peers and career.
Activating an Aspiration
In order to "activate" an aspiration, a feng shui practitioner will align a piece of furniture toward that aspiration's direction. To increase a couple's wealth, she might place her bed so that she sleeps facing the southeast.
Feng Shui and Clutter
In feng shui, the flow of energy in a room is instrumental to the well-being of its inhabitants. If a room is too cluttered, rearranging the furniture might help "unblock" the energy and improve the room.
Recent Revival
In recent years, feng shui has undergone a revival in the East. Chinese businesses regularly consult feng shui experts, hoping to gain an edge in the marketplace.