Feng Shui Taboos and Adjustments for the Southwest Area of Your Home

Adjusting the feng shui of the southwest can be quite challenging. In the post-heaven sequence, it correlates with Kun, while in the pre-heaven sequence, it aligns with Xun, making the area heavily yin. The southwest thus prefers yang and is averse to yin. However, a notable issue is that in many Chinese residential buildings, toilets, which are associated with yin, are often constructed in the southwest, making this location unsuitable for such facilities. I have yet to explore in depth why toilets are generally placed in the southwest.

There is a belief that the southwest is heavily yin, aligning with the direction of the five ghosts, and that toilets, being places of filth, fit the concept of using yin to balance yin and evil to control evil. Personally, I find this reasoning a bit unsubstantiated and not very convincing. In my view, having a toilet in the west or northeast would be more suitable.

So, what negative outcomes might result from having a toilet in the southwest? According to scripture: "Two black waters take the lead, witch and little aunt; water dragon enters the dui position, yin evil sleeps in one place; shaped like a trident, flying blades beside a woman; flowing spirit connects to Bing Wu, a son dies before his father."

This passage suggests that water in the southwest might lead to the emergence of shamans or spiritual mediators in the household (more common in the northeast and Yunnan). The strong yin energy could make the household's women prone to illness. If they don't fall ill, promiscuity might increase. Generally, they could suffer from digestive or mental health issues, becoming more susceptible to evil spirits and experiencing sleep paralysis.

The last line, "flowing spirit connects to Bing Wu, a son dies before his father," raises questions about the connection between the southwest, associated with Kun and Xun, and sons. The counterpart of the southwest is the Gen hexagram, linked to sons. If issues occur in the southwest, then its opposing area, too, will be problematic, potentially affecting sons. When assessing feng shui, it's crucial to consider these oppositions; focusing solely on one point isn't sufficient.

Moreover, besides evaluating the opposing area, it's important to examine both the pre-heaven and post-heaven arrangements. The post-heaven Kun corresponds to the southwest, while the pre-heaven Kun aligns with the north, requiring assessment of the north as well. Why consider the north? Usually, simultaneous issues in the pre-heaven and post-heaven sequences lead to illness. Simply put, if the north's feng shui is problematic and so is the southwest, with corresponding dates in Wei or Shen, issues can be pinpointed with precision. This process is akin to solving a basic arithmetic problem. Therefore, while outsiders might perceive feng shui experts as particularly skilled, they're often employing straightforward methods.

We advise against having water in the southwest, but what does "water" mean? In feng shui, water implies yin, a relative notion. Toilets represent the water element, as do water dispensers, refrigerators (yin when on and yang when off), air conditioners (yin when cooling, yang when heating or off), open windows and doors (considered yin), and mirrors (associated with yin, thus akin to water). Additionally, when it comes to height, one inch lower is yin and one inch higher is yang. Therefore, if the Gen palace (northeast) is taller than the southwest, the southwest is considered to have water.

How do we address issues in the southwest? First, remove objects associated with the water element. If removal is impossible, try mitigating their impact. It's about mitigation, not elimination. A toilet built in the southwest is a hard injury, which cannot be fully adjusted, as is opening windows or doors there. Only slight mitigation is feasible. After removing water elements, introduce yang energy to cultivate balance.

What are yang elements? Cattle belong to the earth element and can be utilized—not actual cattle, but ceramic representations placed in the Kun area. Stones like Tai Shan stone are also applicable. The sun's presence is beneficial; a painting of the sun hung in the southwest can help. An inverted Gen bowl represents the Gen hexagram, symbolizing a mountain; thus, placing ten inverted bowls in the southwest epitomizes "ten bowls of great mountain.” Likewise, hanging mountain images in the southwest is acceptable. Taller items like cabinets, winter heaters, and televisions also embody yang and can be situated in the southwest. My girlfriend's family resides rurally with a southwest toilet. They later engaged a feng shui master to construct a southwest wall—an insightful move, as it hides the bathroom and raises the southwest's height, creating a strong mitigating effect.

A stone millstone is very yang. Lighting, sound equipment, and musical instruments are all yang elements that enhance yang energy in the southwest. Crystal spheres and similar objects can also be effective. Another strategy involves raising the southwest toilet's height or increasing the northeast Gen palace's water.

It's vital to note that some believe powerful deities are yang and can suppress southwest yin energy. This holds some truth. However, a high-caliber deity, such as a Buddha or Bodhisattva, should be invited. Ordinary deities can't suppress the energy effectively. Generally, I discourage placing deity statues; humans have their paths, and spirits have theirs. The southwest is considered the ghost gate; blocking their path isn't advisable. It's best to let natural boundaries remain. Moreover, a toilet in the southwest should not use deity statues for enhancing hexagram energy, as this can be disrespectful and might worsen the situation instead of improving it.

Finally, I must stress that adjusting the feng shui of the Kun palace is among the toughest tasks. Both laypeople and feng shui masters approach southwest adjustments with great caution. Novices lack the skill and could inadvertently cause significant problems. Thus, my advice is: take it easy!

Question: What should we take it easy on?

When making adjustments, consider the date, choosing days that align with Wei and Shen, opting for auspicious days, and preferably making changes in the morning, avoiding modifications at night. If uncertain, avoid major changes; proceed gradually. If substantial changes are necessary, it's advisable to light incense first, request guidance, and notify relevant spirits. In summary, it's quite complex.