The Myth About Red Door Feng Shui

A few years ago I recall having an interesting conversation with a man who was genuinely interested in understanding what I do for a living. Those conversations, like many others that follow after that, tend to circle around my need to debunk many Western myths around Feng Shui.

One of the most common myths is related to what I call, “Red Door Feng Shui.”

It is true, the color red is considered auspicious in Chinese culture. (Think weddings and Chinese New Year celebrations). In Feng Shui, the color red is also associated with the Fire Element, which is attached to the emotions of joy and happiness.

While some Feng Shui consultants will vigorously advocate for a red door, this is an incorrect and very careless approach to addressing the Feng Shui of any home.

How so?

The thing is, whether or not your home needs a red door at the front of your house will depend on many things. For example, the Flying Star chart (or natal chart) of the home is an important consideration. Every house is unique.

Just think if you were going to see a medical doctor. You probably wouldn’t want the doctor to prescribe to you a universal medical plan. You would want the doctor to devise a plan that is specifically tailored to your needs and situation. Well, this is the same for Feng Shui. That’s why the Red Door Feng Shui theory is a total bust. You cannot promote a recommendation that all home should have a red door.

Flying Star Feng Shui is a dynamic system that is based on a formula determined by calculating the time factor and the direction of the property. It is a lot more systematic and methodical than just saying to someone, “You need a red door to have good Feng Shui.” Unfortunately, this is a very common Western approach.

Because the natal chart of a home is going to be slightly different than others (just like a person’s birth date), the red door is not always going to be beneficial or positive for every home. In other words, having a red door does not automatically mean you will have GOOD Feng Shui.

This kind of Feng Shui recommendation is not a universal cure or enhancement.

Remember, the backbone of Classical Feng Shui is based on the principles of the Five Elements and the concept of Qi. While aesthetics is an important consideration for most homeowners, Feng Shui professionals are more concerned with the abstract energies that influence your space and will recommend the best solution – elementally – that will support you and your home.