The first nine houses of the bagua: water (the journey)

The first house of the bagua is Water, which represents our movement through life and reminds us from where we have come, so it is more commonly called the Journey area. It is concerned not only with our career and the profession we have now, but the bigger issue of why we are here in the world. Are we doing what we really want or are we just earning a living? The way that chi moves through the world is like flowing water, so that when life is going well for us, we can think of ourselves as "going with the flow".

• Where are you now?
• Do you enjoy what you do?
• What is preventing you from moving forward to new things?
• Is your role in life fulfilling? If not, do you know what you want?

The house of Water is associated with willpower and drive. Because it is connected with the direction of north, it is cold and dark. It represents communication, emotions and discovery.

If this area is physically missing from your home then you will find it more difficult to get onto your path. Occupants of such houses will have problems with drive and ambition; possibly there will be confusion with communication issues. You can correct thus by introducing the water element - either in the shape of a fish tank or mere images of water. Choose pictures that show some movement, which help to reconnect you with your right path; pictures of still water will, in time, lead to stagnation. Choose pictures that represent what you want to do or, if you have no idea yet what that might be, something depicting roads, routes or historical maps will act as a symbol to help you find your way. The colour blue can be used to nourish. A projection on your home in this part of the bagua will mean extra energy and focus to help you find what you really want to do in life.

• Take a look at this area in your home. Is it cluttered and consequently blocked? Is this where the front door is? Does it provide easy access in and out of the house? Does your door bell work properly? Are you available when opportunity calls?

Having a staircase here is not ideal because the energy is moving up and down too much; the energy of water needs to be more floating. If the entrance hall falls in this house, do you have more than one door that you can go through? Is this a mirror for where you are in life? Are you unable to choose the path? Keep the doors closed and open them only as you need to go through. If your hallway is outside your property but falls in the Journey - in an apartment building, for instance - decorate the external area with your own art and plants so it feels like your own space.