Numerology — the symbolism of numbers — helps in assessing the chi in your house or apartment.
It is believed that the best numbers to make sure good energy can enter your home without obstruction are 1, 2, 3, 6, 8 and 9.
According to Feng Shui practitioners, 1 signifies a new beginning, freshness or birth and hence is always associated with an auspicious event. The number 2 represents cooperation or balance, as in the yin and yang.
The number 3 is also a good number as it possesses mystical powers. The numbers 6 and 9, as multiples of 3, carry good fortune. It is said 9 represents the culmination of a cycle with events reaching a pinnacle. Those who own houses with number 9 can expect to live there for a long time.
If your house has the number 8, it will carry fortunate energy just like the number 3 with blessings as well. In Cantonese, the words “eight” and “prosperity” sound alike. Additionally, the ba gua possesses eight trigrams.
How about 4, 5 and 7?
In Feng Shui, 4 is considered an unfortunate number. It sounds very similar to the Chinese word for death. In China and in some other Asian countries, apartments and condominiums go without the fourth floor. Similarly in the United States, the 13th floor is eliminated from the floor plan. Projects with 4th and 13th floor will add an A to it to resemble like 4A or 13A.
The number 5 could mean radical transformation or changes taking place while the number 7 is considered unlucky in Feng Shui. Chinese memorial services for the dead traditionally take place every seven days for seven weeks.
So, are 4, 5 and 7 considered bad numbers?
According to Rodika Tchi (www.spruce.com) the number 4 is a “sacred” number.
“We have the 4 corners of the earth, 4 main directions and 4 seasons. A structure is not rooted long term unless it has at least 4 points of touch with the ground. How then the bad Feng Shui reputation of number 4?”
She said in Cantonese, the pronunciation for number 4 is the same as the pronunciation for death, and unless one speaks the language, the bad Feng Shui of number 4 is just not true.
Rodika said a typical Feng Shui cure to deal with the number 4 in a house address is to enclose the number in a red circle. However, make sure it looks appropriate in the context of your house and neighbourhood.
The number 5 may translate to adventure while 7 could also mean personal growth.
Part II next week — numerology for your home!