There has been so much discussion about feng shui with the Olympic Games in Beijing and in particular the symbolism and meaning of numbers. It was interesting to hear western broadcasters repeatedly refer to the fortunate number “8”. So Let’s talk about the number 8 in feng shui terms. Presently, we are in what is called a period 8 cycle.
Cycles in feng shui are 20 years in length and the period 8 cycle began in 2004. The number 8 is associated with the northeast mountain, the earth element and the life aspiration of knowledge. We are careful not to place a water feature in the northeastern area of the home or property during period 8 because the water element competes with the earth element and in feng shui we are seeking to harmonize the elements. The numbers 1 through 9 are associated with the compass directions and their corresponding elements (fire, wood, earth, metal and water) plus the center of the home.
Because we are in period 8, the numbers 9 and 1 also having increasing energy. One aspect of the feng shui assessment is to analyze the numbers in each area of the home and harmonize the elements associated with them. For example, let’s say the bedroom has a 3/8 combination. 3 = wood and 8 = earth; wood controls earth. In this 3/8 combination, the 8 is in the wealth/ career position and can be interpreted as 3 wood controlling or dominating the 8 earth wealth/career energy in the bedroom. As a consultant I would recommend to my client to place a red accent (perhaps a red candle) in this area of the home. The red candle or red accent serves to burn up the 3 wood and add to the 8 earth alleviating the dominating cycle of the elements and releasing the wealth/career position of the 8 earth.
This is one feng shui factor I always address when I am on a consultation. What is the number combination based on? It is based on the home’s year of construction and the compass direction. On my website there are step by step instructions on how to take a compass reading (see Feng Shui Compass Instructions ). These are considered the “permanent” numbers and are part of the home’s energy matrix. If you are able to supply me with the compass reading according to the instructions given and the year of construction I will send you a Customized 1 Page Report recommending which elements will harmonize the number combinations in the 8 areas plus the center of your home. The cost is $10.00.
To summarize, the fortunate number 8 being highlighted in the mainstream media is associated with the present 20 year cycle, known in feng shui circles as Period 8. The northeast part of the home is where the mountain 8 resides and your feng shui placement should include objects of art and accents that are gold. The idea is that you are unlocking the gold from the mountain! It has been a challenging economic year for so many people, particularly in the housing market, but I have to say by giving attention to the feng shui basics you can add to your own stability and support. Many of the powerful things in life are subtle.
