The houses we live in rake in good fortune during the favourable phases of our lives. The luck gets further enhanced when these houses are constructed according to Feng Shui guidelines. The Chinese are of the view that it is more prosperous to live in buildings that are square in shape as they attribute this shape to the earth element. The earth has a gravitational force that keeps us well-grounded and brings about stability in our lives. The next best shapes are the rectangular ones as they represent growth and prosperity. Any shape that has more than four sides is not considered balanced and is not approved by Feng Shui.

It is often seen that in circular buildings, the energy moves round and round. This has a direct impact on the decisions made by those living in such places. We should, therefore, also avoid having circular offices or places where major decisions that have a direct impact on a large number of people have to be taken. Arguments and conflicts leading to incorrect judgments can lead to precarious consequences.

At times, people get tempted to buy neighbouring properties or add extensions to their houses, but such impulsive buying should be curtailed if the end result ultimately disfigures the proper shape of your house or office. Property deals, their construction and entering a new house should always be done at an auspicious time and on auspicious days. This eliminates hindrance in the progress of work and brings in prosperity when people start living in these houses.

The movement of chi inside the house is responsible for the good health and future success of the residents. Just as it is important for our bodies to be internally strong to keep hale and hearty, it is equally necessary that the movement of energy is not restricted by the incorrect placement of doors, windows, corridors and columns. This life-giving force must circulate freely around the whole house, as its proper movement helps build cordial family relations.

It is important to leave more space in the front than towards the back of the house. If the construction is too close to the compound gate in front, it tends to have a suffocating effect on its residents. If the open space falls in the eastern or northeastern part, then the morning sun will bring new life and fresh energy to its residents.

The main entrance gate to the plot should never be directly in line with the main door of the house. These two should always be away from each other so that the in-flowing energy slowly meanders and enters the house, which in turn becomes extremely productive. If they are opposite to each other, the energy enters the house with full force and travels in a straight line, in a destructive manner.

For practical reasons, trees should not be planted too close to the house, as those with deep roots may weaken the foundation. Tall trees may block the sunlight from entering. Trees when planted around the house provide protection against harmful forces. They are used to maintain a balance in the environment and healthy plants are signs of prosperous energy in the earth. Trees that outgrow the height of the house become overpowering. Potted plants with flowers or green plants can be effectively used to hide manhole covers. Surrounding drains, if any, should be kept covered to prevent accumulation of negative energy.

The land should be level or gently sloping, as if there are sudden depressions and sunken areas they may bring about misfortune depending on their location. The flooring of the flat should be even. Mezzanine or overhead lofts should never be on the brahmsthan or the centre of the house and over any main door, especially if it falls in the northeast direction. It is better to build a separate storeroom to store things rather than building overhead lofts.

Toilets are indispensable but also considered to be negative, irrespective of their location. It is best to have them at the back of the house and never in the front. Cosmic energy, which enters through the front door after having circulated in different rooms, becomes weak by the time it reaches the toilets in the back. This way we do not lose much of its benefits. Drainage pipes in front of the building should be avoided or kept covered, as they are symbolic of drainage of health and wealth. The commodes and sinks in the toilet are believed to suck and drain the energy.

Tip of the week: Positive chi can be ushered into the house by having lights on both sides of the main gate. They act as guards who keep watch over those who enter the house and protect those who live in the house.