Debunking Common Feng Shui Myths About The Front Door

I’m getting straight to the point. The Internet is full of garbage articles on Feng Shui. Over the years, clients and students alike have brought many such articles to my attention and wondered if any had merit.

Truth be told, most of these common tips have nothing to do with the traditional approach. So I got my hands on one particular so-called Feng Shui tips article and I’ll reference and debunk them here.

1.) Make the space outside the doors as appealing as possible.

I agree. Most people probably wouldn’t want to have an ugly and messy house exterior. While this is probably a great real estate tip, Feng Shui it isn’t.

Feng Shui emphasizes on the physical and abstract energies that the environment produces, not necessarily the aesthetics. Of course, having a beautiful curb appeal would definitely make anyone feel great, but this tip isn’t going to enhance the Feng Shui of your home.

2.) Infuse the front path or porch with color and fragrance.

See #1 above.

3.) Hang a wind chime outside the front door.

This is a dangerous and irresponsible universal recommendation.

In Flying Star Feng Shui, a 6-metal rod wind chime that is made of metal will cure misfortune energy, and it is indeed a very common Feng Shui cure.

But wind chimes are considered “active.” It moves and it makes sounds. Because it is an active object, similar to a water feature (like a water fountain), we are very careful how to recommend it for enhancing good Qi.

For instance, if the Flying Star chart (or natal chart) of your house inherently has a weaker or faded star at the front door, you wouldn’t want to place an active object like a wind chime because it will only disturb an unfavorable star, only enhancing its negative qualities. That’s why wind chimes and water fountains are not always a good idea for the front. And while these recommendations are plastered all over the Internet, in practice, they cannot be applied universally for all homes.

4.) Maintain a visible address.

This has to be my most favorite Feng Shui myth. The title should explain itself.

In practice, I’ve actually worked on spaces where there were no visible numberings or markings in the external façade of the property, yet the space prospered and thrived. In my opinion, maintaining a visible address is a great recommendation for motivating someone to clean up his or her curb appeal and a lazy way of adding a recommendation to a Feng Shui report, but this has nothing to do with Feng Shui.

Think about this: If the postman can deliver your mail just fine, I’m pretty sure Qi can find its way to you.

5.) Use the front door daily.

This is my second most favorite Feng Shui myth. Do I need to explain this one?

6.) Keep the front door clutter-free.

My teacher, Grand Master Raymond Lo, once said, “It is not the Feng Shui Master’s job to keep up with the daily routines of life, like telling you to pick up your shoes, clean your house, or do the dishes.”

If you are compensating a Feng Shui expert to tell you to clean, scrub, or sweep, I think it is best to invest that money towards something else for your house. A Feng Shui consultant’s job is to assess the physical and abstract energies of your space using the fundamental concepts of time and space and the principles of the Five Elements. It is not in their job description to create a honey-do list.

Bottom line is: None of these so-called tips are genuine Feng Shui knowledge that is supported by any credible, classic texts. So Feng Shui or not, just keep your house clean at all times, that’s what mom has always taught you do!

Debunking Common Feng Shui Myths About The Front Door