Q&A Sunday: Buying a New Home

Thanks for your podcast and blog, I love all the things I learn from you. We are deciding whether or not to buy a house that would be great in so many ways, although it is a financial risk. It is a house of many entrances, but the real entrance faces south west, the other two entrances are North East and North West. My daughter and I are 9s and my husband is a 1, so all these are described as ruinous directions. Should I be worried? Or should I go ahead and then fix the influences when we move in? We currently live in a (rather small) house that faces South, which has worked well for us, so we are not desperate to move, we could wait for something that faces a different direction. Thanks for your help,

Stephanie B., Denmark

Hi Stephanie,

Thanks so much for your email and question, and for listening to the podcast and reading the blog. First off, I practice BTB feng shui, so the directions are not something we focus on in this particular school. There are dozens of schools of feng shui, and my teachers have taught to respect and honor all of them. However, everyone agrees also not to mix and match them. This is where reading things here and there can get you into trouble. You also note that you and your daughter are the number nine and your husband is a one, however you don’t indicate what that number is in relationship to…so again, it’s good to know what you’re using and be knowledgeable and clear about it. In the feng shui that I use and teach, again, the directions are not the most important thing. Also the numerology we use is the nine star ki, which has nothing to do with which direction is better for you. It sounds like flying star, maybe. But with that, your negative directions change every year.

My first suggestion is to look at the practical aspects. The first thing you note is that although the new home is great in many ways, it is a financial risk. The fact that it’s a financial risk is the first clue. I think you already know that even if you may or may not be reading the feng shui of the home, the mundane aspects indicate it is not a wise decision. Always, always, always remember that the mundane is as important, if not more, than the invisible, transcendental aspects of a situation. If it does not make sense functionally or practically, please pay attention to that first. From your words, I understand that you are in a good place now, not in a hurry to move out. So I think you have your answer! Wait until you find the right place for you that works for you financially and with whatever school of feng shui you are using. Remember, stick with one school, or one consultant. There is a poverty mentality that arises when one dabbles and goes feng shui “shopping”. Find the one school that you would like to work with and stick with it. There is so much depth and knowledge with each school. It takes a lifetime just to become an expert in one.

In the case that this home was workable from the mundane sense, yes, BTB feng shui offers many ways to adjust with most feng shui shortcomings. Feng shui is often remedial. I work with many clients while they’re searching for a new home. The most recent was looking for a new home in Manhattan. It was difficult because every floor plan has its missing areas, not to mention balancing location, budget, amenities and then getting an accepted offer. And this isn’t just Manhattan, right? It’s really challenging to do the best you can, there’s going to be no “perfect” solution. However pay attention..if the practical aspects are working and you love the place, then the feng shui can be workable. Listen to your intuition.

by Anjie Cho


If you’d like to learn more about feng shui check out the Mindful Design feng shui cerfication program. Laura Morris and I are launching our program in September 2018. We have a free webinar “Five Feng Shui Tools Revealed: Must-do business boosters for soulpreneurs and wellness practitioners”  coming up, too! check us out at www.mindfuldesignschool.com

Mindful Design is a new way to learn feng shui. Our a unique training program takes an holistic approach to learning the art of feng shui design. Mindful design is about becoming aware, and attentive, to the energy around you: both inner and outer qi. It is about promoting a better way of living and creating sacred spaces that support, and nourish.


Thanks for reading our "Q&A Sunday".  We will be answering questions submitted by our readers. Click here to submit any Feng Shui or Green Design questions!


Nine Star Ki for the Earth Dog Year 2018

Happy Chinese New Year!

This Friday, we celebrate the Chinese New Year! I'll be at my local Shambhala Center celebrating our version, called Shambhala Day, which honors the Tibetan New Year (Losar). The traditions are similar and all welcome the year of the Earth Dog.

The energy has already begun to shift for the new year; the official transition was actually on February 4th. That means, it's time for yearly Nine Star Ki forecasts! Be sure to check out the blog post with Beth Grace for individual zodiac horoscopes, as well as what kind of energy to expect from the Year of the Dog. 

In combination with the Chinese zodiac astrology system, I also like to use the numerology of the Nine Star Ki to prepare for the coming year and stay energetically balanced. This practice was developed in ancient China, so it only makes sense that it goes so well with feng shui, and is based on a number system of nine rather than the animal system. It also closely aligns with the five element principles and the I-Ching. 

Holistic Spaces has worked with Andrea Giordano, from AromatheraChi, again this year to create custom aromatherapy blends for each Nine Star Ki number in the Year of the Dog. Each aromastick is created to provide support and enhance the energy for your individual number in the coming lunar year, and they can be used in conjunction with feng shui!

Now let's figure out your number and what's in store!

You can calculate your principle number by using your year of birth. Beware: this requires a little elementary math ;)

As an example, if you were born in 1986:

  • Add: 1+9+8+6 = 24

  • Reduce to a single digit: 2+4 = 6

  • Subtract from 11: 11-6 = 5

*if you were born between January 1 and February 4, subtract from 12:  12-6 = 6

If you were born in 1940:

  • Add: 1+9+4+0 = 14

  • Reduce to a single digit: 1+4 = 5

  • Subtract from 11: 11-5 = 6

*if you were born between January 1 and February 4, subtract from 12:  12-5 = 7

Here's what all that calculating means for the Year of the Earth Dog in 2018:

If your principle number is 1, in 2018 you will be in the year of Prosperity. This year will feel strong and prosperous. You will begin to feel confident and be recognized for your knowledge and skills. There will still be a lot of effort, but you shall finally be harvesting the fruits of your labor. As a 1 Water person, you will feel supported in this 6 Metal year. Make the most of it!

If your principle number is 2, in 2018 you will be in the year of Celebration. This year will feel celebratory and playful. It is a great time to relax and pat yourself on the back for all the hard work that you put in the last few years. Enjoy yourself, rejoice and have some fun. As a 2 earth person, you may feel depleted from time to time in this 7 metal year. Be sure to also take care of yourself so you don't get burnt out from too much partying!

If your principle number is 3, in 2018 you will be in the year of Stillness. This year will be much quieter than the last. It will be a time of stillness, like climbing up a mountain to meditate in isolation. This is a great time to focus inward and do some self-cultivation. As a 3 Wood person, you will feel a bit slowed down in this 8 Earth year. But remember, this is a time to ground yourself and go deep.

If your principle number is 4, in 2018 you will be in the year of Recognition. This year you will be in the house of fire, where you have the best opportunities to be seen and recognized by others. It is a great time to receive any promotions or any other projects that you want publicity for. Be careful, as all things, good or bad, may be unveiled to the public. As a 4 Wood person, you may be prone to burn out in this 9 Fire year. Add some water and go with the flow to tone down the flames.

If your principle number is 5, in 2018 you will be in the year of Planning. This year will feel quiet and is a time for planning. In the winter, it may appear that everything is dead on the surface, but underneath there is much life and activity. Similarly, it may feel slow, but take this time to reflect, review and plan for the future. As a 5 Earth person, you will may feel a little muddy in this 1 Water year. Take advantage of the quietness and rest up!

If your principle number is 6, in 2018 you will be in the year of Germination. This year will be the time to plant seeds. When you plant a garden, you germinate many more seeds than you need. Do the same this year. Put all your ideas out there into the universe and share them with others. Plant the seeds and see what comes up! As a 6 Metal person, you will feel supported in this 2 Earth year. Enjoy, and let this year take care of you.

If your principle number is 7, in 2018 you will be in the year of Sprouting. This year will be energetic and full of new beginnings as you catch sight of seeds that you planted last year begin to sprout and grow. Be open to new ideas and cultivate the projects that you start at this time. As a 7 Metal person, you may feel a little overwhelmed in this 3 Wood year. Remember that this is a time to sharpen and expand.

If your principle number is 8, in 2018 you will be in the year of Rapid Growth. This year will be a continuation of last year where you see your sprouts grow into strong, grounded trees. This year will be busy and active, so please take care of yourself and be careful not to get burnt out. As an 8 Earth person, you may sense some upheaval in this 4 Wood year, but remember that it's about creating movement and change for the better!

If your principle number is 9, in 2018 you will be in the year of Fluctuation. This year will feel a little chaotic, as this is a time of renewal and rebirth. You many need to reinvent yourself this year. It’s a great time to let things go that are no longer serving you. As a 9 Fire person, you may feel depleted in this 5 Earth year. Emphasize some self-love and care this year.

How is the coming year looking for you? Are you excited? If you're interested in learning more about Nine Star Ki, check out this Holistic Spaces podcast, and take a peek at the blog, too, for ideas on how to celebrate the Chinese New Year! No matter what your number or animal, don't forget to take care of yourself during the Year of the Earth Dog! One great way is to grab a three-dimensional rabbit charm to carry with you at all times for protection and support. Since the Rabbit is the Dog's best friend, carrying this charm will keep you in their good graces. :)

by Anjie Cho


Q&A Sunday: Nine Star Ki Order

Does the Nine Star Ki process forwards or backwards through the numbers? I have read conflicting things about how to find the elemental year and what year I am in. Any help with this would be appreciated.

Katja D., Holliston, MA

Hi Katja, 

Thank you for your question! And I'm happy that you're diving into the Nine Star Ki. I love it and use it often!

The approach to evaluating Nine Star Ki numerology, as with most things, depends on how you were taught and your interpretation of the knowledge. In the BTB Masters feng shui program that I studied in, my teacher, Rosalie Prinzivalli, taught me the Nine Star Ki numerology as she was taught by her teacher, Edgar Sung. Edgar was also a BTB feng shui master, who studied under Professor Lin Yun. He taught Nine Star numerology such that the process works this way. This is the way I practice as well, since he is part of my teacher's lineage.

There is another numerology from the classical and Flying Star schools. In this system, called the Eight Mansion, your personal Kua number, or your ming gua, is calculated by reading your numbers based on your year of birth and your sex. The calculations are similar to Nine Star Ki, however the applications and use are totally different.

So ultimately, as is often the case in feng shui and all things in life, your interpretation of how to use numerology for feng shui depends on your teacher, their teacher's lineage and your experience and knowledge using the information. As I've shared before, teachers are a very important part of feng shui, and the way you learn each part of the practice will vary depending on who you choose to study with. I'm not sure what your experience is, but I would recommend choosing a teacher you trust, who resonates with you, and learning their methods. Know that there will be conflicting information in feng shui, especially if you aren't learning from a teacher. Just another reason teachers are so important if you really want to learn true feng shui! If you'd like to learn a bit more about Nine Star Ki before you find your mentor, I can recommend Feng Shui Astrology and Nine Star Ki: Michio Kushi's Guidebook on Love and Relationships, Health and Travel and Getting Through the 1990's.

Our 2017 Nine Star Ki podcast episode also has easy directions for calculating this number in the way that I practice. Hopefully we answered your questions and this helps! The Nine Star Ki for 2018 is coming up soon, so keep an eye out!

by Anjie Cho


Thanks for reading our "Q&A Sunday".  We will be answering questions submitted by our readers. Click here to submit any Feng Shui or Green Design questions!