Feng Shui, an ancient Chinese practice, focuses on harmonizing individuals with their surrounding environment through the arrangement of space, furniture, and elements to promote balance, health, and prosperity. There are several schools and types of Feng Shui, each with unique methods and principles. Here is a list of the different types:
Uses a Feng Shui compass (luopan) to determine the auspicious directions and orientations of buildings and rooms. It is divided into several subtypes, including:
These types of Feng Shui may overlap, and many practitioners combine multiple schools to achieve a balanced and harmonious environment tailored to the individual’s needs.
| Type of Feng Shui | Description | Key Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Form School (Xíng Fǎ Pài) | Oldest form, focuses on landscape, shapes, and physical environment. | Landforms, mountains, rivers, natural features |
| Compass School (Luó Pán) | Uses a Feng Shui compass to determine auspicious directions and orientations. | Compass directions, magnetic energy |
| - Eight Mansions (Ba Zhai) | Focuses on favorable areas in a home based on personal Kua number. | Personal directions, birth date |
| - Flying Stars (Xuan Kong Fei Xing) | Considers changing time-based energy patterns and their effects. | Time and energy flow, star chart |
| Black Hat Sect (BTB Feng Shui) | Combines traditional Feng Shui with Tibetan Buddhism and psychology; popular in the West. | Bagua map, intuitive front-door orientation |
| BaZi (Four Pillars of Destiny) | Analyzes destiny and environmental compatibility based on birth date and time. | Personal element chart, favorable directions |
| Flying Star Feng Shui | Time-based system considering shifting star influences over time. | Time, star movement, periodic updates |
| Landscape Feng Shui | A branch of Form School dealing with the influence of external environmental factors like mountains and rivers. | External environment, energy flow |
| Intuitive Feng Shui | Modern approach using personal intuition and energy sensing. | Personal feelings, intuitive energy flow |
| Western Feng Shui | Adapted to Western architecture and lifestyles, often simplifying traditional concepts. | Modern home design, simplified Bagua map |
| Qi Men Dun Jia | A complex system combining astrology, metaphysics, and Feng Shui for auspicious timing and outcomes. | Astrology, timing, mystical predictions |
| Nine Star Ki (Japanese Feng Shui) | A Japanese variation based on astrology and numerology, focusing on birth dates to guide directions and activities. | Numerology, astrology, personal development |
This chart highlights each type of Feng Shui, its main characteristics, and the focus areas of each system.
| Feng Shui School | Key Principle | Focus Area | Tools Used | Time-Sensitive? | Main Strength | Main Limitation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Form School (Xíng Fǎ Pài) | Natural landforms shape Qi | External environment, landscape | Observation of natural forms | No | Balances energy with natural surroundings | Less focus on interior spaces |
| Compass School (Luó Pán) | Directions and magnetic forces influence Qi | Orientation, directions, magnetic energy | Luopan compass, directional chart | Yes | Precise direction-based adjustments | Can be complex with compass usage |
| Eight Mansions (Ba Zhai) | Align personal Kua number with house direction | Personal favorable/unfavorable directions | Kua number, direction charts | No | Personalized based on individual birth date | Limited flexibility, fixed directions |
| Flying Stars (Xuan Kong Fei Xing) | Time affects energy flow and star movements | Time cycles, changing star patterns | Flying Star chart, yearly updates | Yes | Adjusts with time for optimal results | Requires regular updates |
| Black Hat Sect (BTB Feng Shui) | Intuitive and psychological alignment using Bagua map | Personal intention, Bagua areas | Bagua map, symbols, intuitive placements | No | Simple and accessible in modern homes | Lacks traditional precision |
| BaZi (Four Pillars of Destiny) | Birth date/time influences life patterns and energy | Personal destiny, elemental balance | Birth chart, Four Pillars chart | No | Customizes Feng Shui based on destiny | Focused on individuals, less on space |
| Landscape Feng Shui | External factors, such as mountains and rivers, influence Qi | Landforms, external environment | Observation of natural surroundings | No | Ideal for outdoor or large-scale projects | Limited focus on interior arrangements |
| Intuitive Feng Shui | Personal intuition guides energy flow | Intuitive feel, personal energy | No tools, relies on personal experience | No | Highly adaptable and user-driven | May lack structure or measurable methods |
| Western Feng Shui | Simplified principles for modern living spaces | Modern home design, practicality | Simplified Bagua, basic Feng Shui cures | No | Easy to apply for beginners | Simplified to the point of missing nuances |
| Qi Men Dun Jia | Mystical timing and astrology-based decisions | Time, astrology, favorable moments | Qi Men Dun Jia chart, time cycles | Yes | Powerful for decision-making and timing | Extremely complex, hard to master |
| Nine Star Ki (Japanese Feng Shui) | Stars and numerology influence personal and environmental Qi | Astrology, birth date, numerology | Nine Star Ki chart, numerology | Yes | Combines numerology with Feng Shui | Less focus on spatial arrangement |
Instructions: Answer the following 10 questions to discover which Feng Shui school best aligns with your lifestyle, goals, and preferences. Choose the option that resonates most with you for each question. At the end, use the evaluation key to find out which Feng Shui school is your ideal match!
How do you prefer to approach energy balancing in your space?
a) By observing the natural landscape and surroundings
b) Using precise tools like a compass and charts
c) Through intuition and how I feel in the space
d) Based on time cycles and numerology
e) A simplified and practical approach for modern life
When choosing the layout of your home, what is most important?
a) The surrounding environment, like hills and water
b) The direction each room faces
c) The balance of energies that feels right intuitively
d) Astrological signs and favorable times for decision-making
e) Practical and easy-to-apply solutions for everyday living
How comfortable are you using specialized tools in your Feng Shui practice?
a) I don’t need tools—just the natural surroundings
b) I’m comfortable using a compass or charts
c) I prefer to rely on my intuition rather than tools
d) I enjoy working with charts, astrology, and time cycles
e) I like simple tools that are easy to understand and apply
Do you think Feng Shui should be personalized to the individual’s birth date or astrology?
a) No, it should be about the land and space itself
b) Somewhat—it’s useful to match it with personal energy
c) Not necessarily, I just want the space to feel balanced
d) Yes, birth date and astrology should play a key role
e) It could be helpful, but I prefer a straightforward approach
How often are you willing to update or change your Feng Shui arrangements?
a) Not often—the external environment doesn't change
b) Occasionally, to account for new energy shifts
c) Rarely, only if my intuition suggests it
d) Regularly, as time and energy patterns evolve
e) I prefer solutions that don’t require frequent updates
What best describes your primary goal for using Feng Shui?
a) To live in harmony with the natural environment
b) To optimize energy flow in my home based on direction
c) To create a space that feels peaceful and balanced intuitively
d) To align with favorable times and astrological influences
e) To achieve a simple and practical energy balance at home
How do you view the concept of time in Feng Shui?
a) Time isn’t important—space is key
b) It’s important but secondary to direction
c) Time is fluid, but I focus on present energy
d) Time plays a major role and should be considered
e) I prefer timeless principles that don’t rely on timing
How much time are you willing to invest in learning Feng Shui techniques?
a) I prefer to keep it simple and work with nature
b) I’m willing to learn the technical details, like directions and tools
c) I’d rather rely on my intuition and experience
d) I enjoy in-depth knowledge and am ready to invest time in it
e) I prefer an easy-to-understand method that doesn’t take too much time
When designing a space, what’s your preferred method?
a) Assess the landscape and surroundings
b) Use tools to calculate the best direction
c) Go with my instinct on what feels balanced
d) Calculate auspicious dates and energy patterns
e) Use straightforward techniques to maximize comfort
How do you feel about traditional versus modern approaches to Feng Shui?
a) I prefer the traditional focus on nature and surroundings
b) I appreciate traditional tools but am open to modern methods
c) I like blending modern intuition with energy work
d) I’m fascinated by traditional methods, especially time-based systems
e) I prefer a modern, simplified approach for ease of use
Mostly A’s: Form School or Landscape Feng Shui
You are drawn to the natural world and its impact on energy flow. You prefer observing the external environment—like mountains, rivers, and landforms—to create harmony in your space. Feng Shui for you is about living in balance with the world around you.
Mostly B’s: Compass School or Eight Mansions
You enjoy precise and directional-based Feng Shui. You like using tools like the compass and aligning your home with favorable directions. If you appreciate the methodical, calculated approach to energy flow, these schools are your ideal match.
Mostly C’s: Black Hat Sect (BTB Feng Shui) or Intuitive Feng Shui
You prefer an intuitive, intention-based approach to Feng Shui, focused on the personal energy of the space rather than complex tools. Black Hat Sect or Intuitive Feng Shui appeals to you for its simplicity, practicality, and focus on what feels right.
Mostly D’s: Flying Stars, BaZi, or Qi Men Dun Jia
You value the interplay between time, astrology, and energy. These schools focus on the ever-changing patterns of energy and the influence of personal destiny, making them perfect for someone interested in astrology, numerology, and timing for optimal results.
Mostly E’s: Western Feng Shui
You’re looking for practical, modern solutions that are easy to apply in everyday life. Western Feng Shui’s simplified and approachable techniques offer you the convenience and effectiveness you’re looking for without the complexity of traditional schools.
By using this quiz, you can better understand which school of Feng Shui aligns with your personal preferences and goals for creating a balanced and harmonious space!
