In feng shui, all homes are not created equal. This is especially true in apartments. Because apartments can range from free-standing buildings to a complex of individual buildings, this means their feng shui can be vastly different. It also means applying feng shui is also a bit trickier. But, with a few basic steps, you can apply feng shui to your apartment quickly and easily.
Apartment buildings. When you're living in an apartment building, there are two things to consider: 1) The entrance to the building; and 2) The entrance to the individual apartment. Because these types of apartments are all enclosed in one building, the entrance is very important. In this type of building, the entrance to your apartment building is primary. The entrance to your individual apartment is secondary. Because of this you will want to try to find a building that has an entrance that faces one of your best personal directions according to your kua number. If it doesn't don't fret. Just do your best to enhance your apartment as best you can using the lo shu square (see link at the top of the page).
Raised Buildings. These kinds of apartments are on stilts and often have parking below. This suggests an unstable footing. Because these apartments are not "grounded" they will not have good feng shui. Try to avoid these apartments.
Penthouses. If you are on the absolute top floor, this means you are vulnerable to attack. Penthouses are generally not deemed auspicious because of that vulnerability. Avoid these apartments as much as possible.
Pool. You should choose an apartment whose pool is on the garden grounds rather than on the roof. Pools on the roof of the hotel are deemed inauspicious because they represent water overhead.
**Windows & Balconies.** If your apartment has a large open veranda or balcony or big picture window, then you will use this as your facing direction, instead of the apartment building's entrance or the door to your apartment. So take your compass readings from the window versus the door.
Apartment Complexes. These apartments are made up of a number of buildings on a property. Each building may have two or more apartments. Generally, the buildings have entrances from the outside, or stairs outdoors. In this case, the determination should be made whether the door or other feature is the facing direction. If there is a large picture window, patio, or veranda, then this will be the facing direction. If not, then the door will be the facing direction.
Many of these kind of apartment complexes have stairways with open risers. This is troublesome for anyone on any floor other than the first. That's because it is difficult for chi to rise to the door. If this is the case, try to move to a bottom floor apartment or be sure to keep your light on an place a plant or hanging basket outside the door. This will help raise the chi to your upstairs apartment.
Studio Apartments. If you live in a studio apartment where all the living is done in one room (kitchen, living room, bed, etc.), then this poses an additional problem. If possible, try to demarcate the bedroom by hanging curtains or placing a divider between the bedroom and the rest of the apartment. A bedroom is an important area, and since you have the choice of where to put yours, place the bedroom in the sector that is beneficial for you, and have your head pointed while sleeping in one of your best directions. Again, you choose this by knowing your kua number.
What to look for in Apartments
Kathryn Weber is the publisher of the Red Lotus Letter feng shui e-zine and is dedicated to helping her readers develop successful, prosperous, and supportive environments with feng shui. To subscribe, logon to www.redlotusletter.com and receive this special report Fr*ee "16 Feng Shui Secrets for Greater Prosperity."
kweber@redlotusconsulting.com