Curious about how to align your life with positive energy? Your Kua number unlocks personalized Feng Shui insights, revealing your lucky directions for prosperity, health, relationships, and personal growth.
This guide from BTA Feng Shui offers a comprehensive look at calculating your Kua number, understanding its significance, and applying it to enhance your life’s harmony.
What Is a Kua Number?
In Feng Shui, the Kua number (also called Gua number) is a unique number derived from your birth year, determining your auspicious and inauspicious directions. Rooted in the Eight Mansions (Ba Zhai) school, this system categorizes individuals into East or West Groups, each with four favorable and four unfavorable directions. These directions influence key life aspects like wealth, health, love, and stability.
Understanding your Kua number empowers you to align your home, workspace, or daily activities with energies that amplify success and well-being while avoiding those that may cause setbacks.
How to Calculate Your Kua Number
Calculating your Kua number is simple and based on your lunar birth year. Follow these steps for accurate results:
- Find Your Lunar Birth Year: The lunar year typically starts in late January or early February. If your birthday falls around this period, consult a Chinese lunar calendar to confirm your lunar year. (See more: Chinese zodiac years chart).
- Add the Last Two Digits: Take the last two digits of your lunar birth year and add them together. If the result is a two-digit number, add those digits to get a single digit.
- Example: For 1985, take 8 + 5 = 13, then 1 + 3 = 4.
- Adjust Based on Gender:
- Males: Subtract the single digit from 10 (or 9 if born after 2000).
- Example: For 1985, single digit is 4. Then, 10 – 4 = 6. Kua number is 6.
- Females: Add 5 to the single digit (or 6 if born after 2000). If the result is two digits, add them again to get a single digit.
- Example: For 1985, single digit is 4. Then, 4 + 5 = 9. Kua number is 9.
- Males: Subtract the single digit from 10 (or 9 if born after 2000).
- Special Case for Kua 5:
- Males with Kua 5 use Kua 2.
- Females with Kua 5 use Kua 8.
Note: Some modern Feng Shui practitioners argue that males and females born in the same year should have the same Kua number, dismissing gender-based calculations. However, the traditional method remains widely used for its historical accuracy.
East and West Groups Explained
Your Kua number places you in either the East or West Group, each with distinct lucky directions:
- East Group (Kua 1, 3, 4, 9): Lucky directions are North, South, East, and Southeast.
- West Group (Kua 2, 6, 7, 8): Lucky directions are West, Northwest, Southwest, and Northeast.
These groups determine which directions enhance your life’s energy and which to avoid. For example, an East Group person thrives facing North for work but should avoid Northwest to prevent obstacles.
=>> Read more: Feng Shui House Direction – How to Find Yours Easily
Kua Number Chart: Auspicious and Inauspicious Directions
Each Kua number corresponds to four auspicious and four inauspicious directions, influencing specific life aspects. Below is a detailed chart:
Kua Number 1 (East Group)
People with Kua Number 1 embody the qualities of water—adaptable, intuitive, and thoughtful. They are good listeners, practical planners, and naturally curious, always seeking exploration and growth. Their introspective nature helps them make wise decisions and express deep thoughts.
On the downside, they may struggle with insecurity, worry, and weak communication skills, sometimes appearing distant or arrogant. Like the ocean, they are flexible and adventurous, but need to cultivate confidence and clarity in expressing themselves.
- Auspicious Directions:
- Southeast: Prosperity (Sheng Chi) – Boosts wealth and career.
- East: Health (Tien Yi) – Enhances vitality and recovery.
- South: Harmony (Yan Nien) – Strengthens relationships.
- North: Stability (Fu Wei) – Promotes peace and growth.
- Inauspicious Directions:
- Southwest: Total Loss (Jue Ming) – Risks health and wealth.
- Northeast: Five Ghosts (Wu Gui) – Causes conflicts and betrayal.
- Northwest: Six Killings (Liu Sha) – Leads to legal issues or accidents.
- West: Obstacles (Huo Hai) – Drains energy and motivation.
Kua Number 2 (West Group)
Kua Number 2 individuals are dependable, nurturing, and deeply supportive—natural caregivers who bring comfort and stability to those around them. Their strong maternal instincts and attention to detail make them trustworthy pillars in relationships.
On the downside, they may become overly dependent, resistant to change, and prone to mood swings or skepticism when insecure. Like the mountain they symbolize, they are steady and grounded, but their temperament can shift unexpectedly.
- Auspicious Directions:
- Northeast: Prosperity (Sheng Chi)
- West: Health (Tien Yi)
- Northwest: Harmony (Yan Nien)
- Southwest: Stability (Fu Wei)
- Inauspicious Directions:
- North: Total Loss (Jue Ming)
- Southeast: Five Ghosts (Wu Gui)
- South: Six Killings (Liu Sha)
- East: Obstacles (Huo Hai)
Kua Number 3 (East Group)
Kua Number 3 individuals are vibrant, creative, and highly sociable—natural optimists who inspire and uplift those around them. Their compassion, flexibility, and problem-solving skills make them trusted friends and adaptable leaders in both personal and professional settings.
On the downside, they may be impulsive, outspoken, or careless at times, occasionally struggling with impatience and emotional intensity. Like the great tree they symbolize, they are resilient and enduring, but their blunt honesty can sometimes shake the harmony around them.
- Auspicious Directions:
- South: Prosperity (Sheng Chi)
- North: Health (Tien Yi)
- Southeast: Harmony (Yan Nien)
- East: Stability (Fu Wei)
- Inauspicious Directions:
- West: Total Loss (Jue Ming)
- Northwest: Five Ghosts (Wu Gui)
- Northeast: Six Killings (Liu Sha)
- Southwest: Obstacles (Huo Hai)
Kua Number 4 (East Group)
Kua Number 4 people carry the charm of a soft breeze—gentle, kind, and effortlessly adaptable. They’re natural harmonizers who bring comfort and ease wherever they go, often becoming the quiet strength behind lasting friendships.
Yet beneath this calm lies a sensitivity that can spark stubbornness or moodiness when challenged. Like tender young wood, they flourish with care and balance, but risk losing direction if scattered or self-absorbed.
- Auspicious Directions:
- North: Prosperity (Sheng Chi)
- South: Health (Tien Yi)
- East: Harmony (Yan Nien)
- Southeast: Stability (Fu Wei)
- Inauspicious Directions:
- Northeast: Total Loss (Jue Ming)
- Southwest: Five Ghosts (Wu Gui)
- West: Six Killings (Liu Sha)
- Northwest: Obstacles (Huo Hai)
Kua Number 5 (Center)
Individuals with Kua Number 5 embody strength, determination, and influence, often compared to rulers with the power to create or destroy. They are resilient, independent, and assertive, yet may sometimes be misunderstood as egocentric.
Despite challenges in early life, their inner strength allows them to thrive outside their comfort zone and emerge successful. Kua 5 personalities are natural leaders at the center of their families, with the capacity to handle any situation.
Important Note: In Feng Shui, Kua Number 5 does not have its own set of directions. Instead:
- Men with Kua 5 follow the auspicious and inauspicious directions of Kua 2 (West Group).
- Women with Kua 5 follow the auspicious and inauspicious directions of Kua 8 (West Group).
Kua Number 6 (West Group)
Kua Number 6 individuals embody discipline, loyalty, and natural leadership—like solid metal, they are strong, reliable, and precise in everything they do. Their sense of responsibility and pursuit of perfection often make them respected guides and dependable companions.
On the flip side, their need for control and rigid standards can lead to stubbornness, isolation, or melancholy. While they thrive in structure and luxury, they must learn to balance discipline with flexibility to avoid becoming too inflexible or weighed down by self-criticism.
- Auspicious Directions:
- West: Prosperity (Sheng Chi)
- Northeast: Health (Tien Yi)
- Southwest: Harmony (Yan Nien)
- Northwest: Stability (Fu Wei)
- Inauspicious Directions:
- South: Total Loss (Jue Ming)
- East: Five Ghosts (Wu Gui)
- North: Six Killings (Liu Sha)
- Southeast: Obstacles (Huo Hai)
Kua Number 7 (West Group)
Kua Number 7 individuals are stylish, sociable, and full of charm—natural entertainers who thrive in lively environments. With strong organizational skills and a practical mindset, they can lead, persuade, and inspire with ease. Their optimism and adaptability often make them the heart of any gathering.
On the other hand, they can be hypersensitive, stubborn, or overly indulgent, with a tendency toward extravagance. Under stress, impulsive decisions may arise, disrupting their normally composed nature. Like polished metal, they shine brightly but require balance to avoid cracks under pressure.
- Auspicious Directions:
- Northwest: Prosperity (Sheng Chi)
- Southwest: Health (Tien Yi)
- Northeast: Harmony (Yan Nien)
- West: Stability (Fu Wei)
- Inauspicious Directions:
- East: Total Loss (Jue Ming)
- South: Five Ghosts (Wu Gui)
- Southeast: Six Killings (Liu Sha)
- North: Obstacles (Huo Hai)
Kua Number 8 (West Group)
Kua Number 8 individuals are steady, ambitious, and resilient—like a mountain that stands firm through time. Their persistence and reliability make them dependable allies, while their adventurous spirit drives them to seek growth and new challenges.
On the flip side, they may struggle with jealousy, suspicion, and stubbornness, often clinging to old ways and resisting change. At their best, they embody strength and wisdom; at their worst, they risk becoming rigid and possessive.
- Auspicious Directions:
- Southwest: Prosperity (Sheng Chi)
- Northwest: Health (Tien Yi)
- West: Harmony (Yan Nien)
- Northeast: Stability (Fu Wei)
- Inauspicious Directions:
- Southeast: Total Loss (Jue Ming)
- North: Five Ghosts (Wu Gui)
- East: Six Killings (Liu Sha)
- South: Obstacles (Huo Hai)
Kua Number 9 (East Group)
Those with Kua Number 9 embody the brilliance of Fire—magnetic, stylish, and full of vitality. They light up any room with their confidence and social grace, inspiring others through their resilience and enthusiasm for life.
Yet their flames can burn too hot. A quick temper, impulsive choices, and an insistence on being in control often create friction in relationships. While appearances and recognition matter deeply to them, their true strength lies in channeling this fiery energy into creativity, leadership, or the arts.
- Auspicious Directions:
- East: Prosperity (Sheng Chi)
- Southeast: Health (Tien Yi)
- North: Harmony (Yan Nien)
- South: Stability (Fu Wei)
- Inauspicious Directions:
- Northwest: Total Loss (Jue Ming)
- West: Five Ghosts (Wu Gui)
- Southwest: Six Killings (Liu Sha)
- Northeast: Obstacles (Huo Hai)
=>> See also: Master the Feng Shui Bagua Map for Harmony in Your Home
Applying Your Kua Number in Daily Life
To harness the power of your Kua number, align key activities with your auspicious directions:
- Work and Career: Face your Prosperity (Sheng Chi) direction when working or positioning your desk to boost success and creativity.
- Health: Sleep with your head pointing toward your Health (Tien Yi) direction to promote vitality and recovery.
- Relationships: Face your Harmony (Yan Nien) direction during meals or social interactions to strengthen bonds.
- Personal Growth: Meditate or study facing your Stability (Fu Wei) direction for clarity and peace.
Avoid facing inauspicious directions, especially for prolonged periods. If unavoidable, place these directions in less-used areas like storage or bathrooms to minimize negative impacts.
Kua Number and Personality Traits
Your Kua number also reflects unique personality traits, shaped by its associated element:
- Kua 1 (Water): Intuitive, adaptable, but sometimes insecure. Great listeners who thrive in exploration.
- Kua 2 (Earth): Reliable, nurturing, but can be overly dependent or resistant to change.
- Kua 3 (Wood): Creative, compassionate, but may be impulsive or inflexible.
- Kua 4 (Wood): Kind, adaptable, but can be obstinate or overly sensitive.
- Kua 5 (Center): Independent, determined, but stubborn with a strong leadership drive.
- Kua 6 (Metal): Organized, loyal, but may struggle with solitude or rigidity.
- Kua 7 (Metal): Stylish, social, but prone to hypersensitivity or extravagance.
- Kua 8 (Earth): Reliable, ambitious, but suspicious or resistant to change.
- Kua 9 (Fire): Charismatic, confident, but can be selfish or temperamental.
Enhancing Kua Directions with Elements
Each auspicious direction is tied to an element, which can be enhanced to amplify its energy:
- Sheng Chi (Prosperity, Wood): Add water elements (e.g., fountains, blue decor) to boost growth.
- Tien Yi (Health, Earth): Incorporate fire elements (e.g., candles, red accents) for vitality.
- Yan Nien (Harmony, Metal): Use earth elements (e.g., ceramics, yellow tones) to strengthen relationships.
- Fu Wei (Stability, Wood): Support with water elements for peace and clarity.
Conversely, neutralize inauspicious directions with their controlling elements:
- Jue Ming (Metal): Use water to calm destructive energy.
- Liu Sha (Water): Add wood to absorb negative influences.
- Wu Gui (Fire): Introduce earth to stabilize chaotic energy.
- Huo Hai (Earth): Use metal to reduce obstacles.
Common Myths and Misconceptions
- Gender-Based Kua Numbers: While traditional calculations differ for males and females, some modern practitioners advocate a universal method. Both approaches are valid, but consistency is key.
- Kua 5 Substitution: Kua 5 is unique, representing the center, but is often substituted with Kua 2 (males) or Kua 8 (females) for directional purposes.
- Over-Reliance on Kua Numbers: Kua numbers are just one aspect of Feng Shui. Flying Star and Form School principles may take precedence in certain contexts.
Practical Tips for Kua Number Success
- Home Layout: Position key rooms (bedroom, office, dining) in your auspicious directions. For example, place your bed’s headboard in your Tien Yi direction for health benefits.
- Furniture Arrangement: Angle furniture to face your lucky directions, especially for desks and dining tables.
- Conflict Resolution: If household members have different Kua numbers, prioritize the primary breadwinner’s directions or find a neutral compromise, like Fu Wei, for shared spaces.
- Regular Updates: Recalculate your Kua number if you’re unsure of your lunar birth year, as it significantly impacts accuracy.
Your Kua number is a powerful tool to align your life with positive energy, enhancing prosperity, health, relationships, and personal growth. By understanding your lucky and unlucky directions, you can make informed choices about your home, workspace, and daily habits. Start today by calculating your Kua number and applying these principles to create a balanced, harmonious life.
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