9 Common Feng Shui Myths Filipinos Should Stop Believing

In the Philippines, feng shui is more than just an interior design trend. It is a cultural practice that many households follow, especially during important life events like moving into a new home, starting a business, or celebrating the Lunar New Year. However, despite its popularity, many Filipinos still believe in misconceptions that are not part of authentic feng shui teachings.

These myths often come from a mix of hearsay, superstition, and marketing tactics. While feng shui can indeed help create a harmonious and balanced environment, it is important to separate fact from fiction to make it work effectively in your home. In this article, we will break down 10 common feng shui myths Filipinos should stop believing, and explain the real principles behind them.

The Reality: Feng shui is not a religion. It is a centuries-old Chinese practice that focuses on arranging spaces to promote a healthy flow of chi, or energy. Filipinos from different faiths. Whether Catholic, Muslim, Christian, or others, they can apply feng shui without conflicting with their spiritual beliefs.

Many people confuse feng shui with religious rituals because it often uses symbolic items like the Money Frog or Wu Lou. However, these are tools for enhancing certain aspects of life, not objects of worship.

The Reality: Feng shui is not just about money. It also addresses health, relationships, career growth, and overall happiness. In fact, some feng shui adjustments are made specifically to improve family harmony, reduce stress, or support better sleep.

For example, rearranging your bedroom to follow the “command position” principle can improve rest and reduce anxiety, which are benefits that go far beyond financial gain.

The Reality: Feng shui is meant to guide, not scare. Applying even a few key adjustments can make a noticeable difference. It is not a strict all-or-nothing practice where failing to follow one tip will doom your fortune.

Many Filipinos feel pressured to make drastic changes all at once, but authentic feng shui masters recommend starting with the most impactful areas such as the main entrance, bedroom, and kitchen.

The Reality: The actual guideline is that mirrors should not directly face the bed because it can cause restlessness or make you feel watched while sleeping. However, mirrors in other areas of the bedroom, such as on a side wall or inside a closet door, are perfectly fine.

In small Filipino homes or condos, mirrors can even help reflect light and create a sense of space when placed correctly.

The Reality: Feng shui principles are flexible and can be adapted to any living space, whether it is a traditional bahay kubo, a townhouse, or a high-rise condominium.

For example, if your condo’s main door faces the kitchen, placing a divider or decorative screen can prevent chi from rushing out. Even in small spaces, furniture placement and lighting choices can follow feng shui guidelines.

The Reality: In feng shui, broken items are believed to hold stagnant chi and may reflect unresolved problems in your life. A cracked mirror, a chipped cup, or a broken chair is not just unsightly. It symbolizes something that needs fixing or letting go.

Replacing or repairing these items can help restore balance and create a more positive environment in your home.

The Reality: While red is a strong feng shui color associated with protection and vitality, it is not universally lucky for every person or situation. The best colors for your home depend on the area of the bagua map and the elements you need to balance.

For example, blue or green might be more beneficial in certain areas to enhance growth and harmony. Using too much red without balance can even create overstimulation.

The Reality: While there are overlaps with interior design, feng shui is more than aesthetics. It involves symbolic meanings, directional energy flow, and balancing the five elements: wood, fire, earth, metal, and water.

For example, placing a water feature in the north sector of your home is believed to enhance career opportunities, a principle that is unique to feng shui.

The Reality: Feng shui is not magic. It is a supportive tool that works alongside your own actions and mindset. Positive results often take time and are influenced by other factors such as your habits, health, and relationships.

Think of feng shui as setting the stage. It creates an environment where good opportunities can grow, but you still need to take action to achieve your goals.