The Fifth Nine Houses of the Bagua: Tai Chi (Health)

The fifth house lies in the centre of the bagua and although it does not have a trigram, it is strongly associated with Earth and soil energy. It represents a unification of all forces and, as the key meeting point for all the energies, the Tai Chi is an important point of stability and balance, hence its more popular name of Health. This area of your home needs to be kept clear so that the flow of energy can pass through it freely. Clutter and stagnation here will have a great impact on all aspects of your life as it contains aspects of all trigrams: whatever is present here will affect the stability of your life, health, relationship, family and plans.

This area is particularly important for your health, so keep it clean, tidy and uncluttered. Because real vitality and well-being can only be achieved if everything is in balance, make this space feel harmonious, using a good blend of all the lements and not just a predominance of one. You could reinforce the connection with Earth to act as a reminder to yourself to stay centred and grounded, which will strengthen your positive attitude to life. Introduce ceramics, empty containers and anything that is soft and receptive to help you to this end.

If this area is missing from your home, it can be a tremendeous benefit. Indeed, traditional peoples would often leave an open courtyard in the centre of their house and use it as a garden, bringing elements of the outside world into the side. At least two thirds of the space would still be clear rather than being entirely garden.

As this is an important gathering point and social centre, try to keep the middle of each room clear, particularly the living room. Do not block the central space by filling it with a coffee table; put that to one side to allow a better flow of energy and people.