In Feng Shui, symbols are more than decorations—they are powerful tools used to attract specific energies into your life.
From ancient times, these symbols have been used to promote good fortune, love, protection, prosperity, and spiritual well-being.
Understanding how and where to use them can help you harness their power and improve the energy flow in your home or workspace.
I will walk you through the most important Feng Shui symbols, their meanings, and practical ways to use them.
Why Feng Shui Symbols Matter
Feng Shui is based on the flow of “Chi” (life force energy). Symbols act as magnets or enhancers that attract, guide, or transform this energy. When used intentionally, these symbols can help correct imbalances, attract abundance, protect from negative influences, and support your goals.
Each symbol carries specific meanings rooted in centuries of tradition, culture, and spiritual belief. When placed thoughtfully, they serve as powerful reminders of your intentions and attract matching energies.
1. The Dragon – Power and Strength
In Chinese culture, the dragon is one of the most revered mythical creatures. In Feng Shui, it symbolizes strength, protection, authority, and success. The dragon brings powerful Yang energy and is often used to energize a space, attract success in career or business, and boost personal confidence.
How to Use It:
Place a dragon figurine or image in the east part of your home or office. It’s ideal to have the dragon facing the open space or the main door, symbolizing opportunity and growth. Avoid placing the dragon in the bedroom or bathroom.
2. The Phoenix – Renewal and Opportunities
The Phoenix represents rebirth, transformation, and new beginnings. It’s a great symbol for those undergoing change, such as career shifts, relationship growth, or personal transformation. It’s also associated with fame and recognition.
How to Use It:
Display the Phoenix in the south area of your home (the fame sector in Feng Shui). Pairing the Phoenix with the Dragon creates a strong harmony of masculine and feminine energies, often referred to as the “Dragon-Phoenix” couple—ideal for love and marriage.
3. The Laughing Buddha – Joy and Abundance
The Laughing Buddha is one of the most popular Feng Shui symbols for attracting happiness, wealth, and contentment. His joyful expression and big belly symbolize a carefree life filled with blessings. It is also believed that rubbing his belly brings good luck.
How to Use It:
Place the Laughing Buddha in the living room, entryway, or office—preferably facing the main door. This placement welcomes good fortune and positive vibes as soon as someone enters the space. Avoid placing it on the floor or in the bathroom.
4. Fu Dogs – Protection and Strength
Fu Dogs, also known as Imperial Guardian Lions, are symbolic protectors. They are often placed at entrances to guard against harmful energies and bring safety and security to the household.
How to Use It:
Always use them in pairs—one male and one female. Place them at both sides of the front door, with the male on the right (when looking out) and the female on the left. These symbols are especially effective for homes or businesses seeking protection and stability.
5. The Wealth Vase – Prosperity and Abundance
The Wealth Vase is an ancient Feng Shui cure used by monks and masters for centuries. It is filled with symbols of wealth such as gold ingots, coins, crystals, jewels, and rice. The vase represents the accumulation and preservation of wealth.
How to Use It:
Place the vase in your home’s wealth corner (the far left corner from your front door) or in a hidden, respectful place like a cabinet or altar. It’s not meant to be displayed openly but rather protected to maintain its energy.
6. The Bagua Mirror – Deflecting Negative Energy
The Bagua Mirror is a traditional Feng Shui tool used to reflect and neutralize negative energy (also called Sha Chi). It is octagonal with a mirror at the center and is often used to protect the home from harmful outside influences.
How to Use It:
Hang the Bagua Mirror outside the home, above the main door or on walls facing sharp structures like poles, corners of buildings, or cemeteries. Never use it indoors, as its reflective power is too strong for internal spaces.
7. Chinese Coins – Wealth and Protection
Chinese coins tied with red thread are potent symbols of wealth, prosperity, and protection. The round shape represents heaven, while the square hole in the center symbolizes earth. This combination brings balance and financial luck.
How to Use It:
Place three or six coins in your wallet, cash register, or business ledger. You can also hang them near the entrance, behind doors, or on financial documents. Tied together with a red ribbon, they also serve as amulets.
8. Mandarin Ducks – Love and Relationship Harmony
Mandarin Ducks are well-known Feng Shui love symbols. Since these birds mate for life, they represent loyalty, romantic harmony, and lasting partnerships.
How to Use It:
Place a pair of Mandarin Ducks in the southwest corner of your bedroom—the love and relationship area. They should be kept close together and never alone, broken, or facing away from each other. This setup supports healthy and long-term relationships.
9. Crystal Spheres – Clarity and Healing
Crystals in Feng Shui are used to adjust energy flow, clear negativity, and bring balance. Clear quartz, rose quartz, and amethyst are especially popular for their healing properties and ability to amplify intentions.
How to Use It:
Hang faceted crystal spheres in windows to disperse sunlight and energy throughout the room. They are also effective in long hallways, dark corners, or areas where energy feels stuck. Use specific colors based on your intention—rose quartz for love, citrine for wealth, or amethyst for peace.
10. Tortoise – Longevity and Stability
The tortoise is a symbol of long life, wisdom, and protection. In Feng Shui, it also represents support and strong foundations, especially in career or family matters.
How to Use It:
Place a tortoise figurine at the back of your home, desk, or office to symbolize a solid backing in life or career. A tortoise with a small baby tortoise on its back adds family protection and harmony. You can also place one near the north area (career sector) of your space.
Tips for Using Feng Shui Symbols Effectively
Using Feng Shui symbols works best when done with purpose and mindfulness. Here are a few tips to make the most of their energy:
- Intention matters: Always set a clear intention when placing a symbol. Visualize the result you want to manifest.
- Cleanse regularly: Just like your space, Feng Shui symbols absorb energy and should be cleaned and energetically cleared.
- Don’t overdo it: Using too many symbols in one space can lead to energetic clutter. Choose 3–5 meaningful ones for each area.
- Respect placement: Keep symbols off the floor and avoid placing sacred items in bathrooms or laundry areas.
Feng Shui symbols are timeless and powerful allies in shaping the energy of your environment. Whether you wish to invite more wealth, love, health, protection, or peace, there’s a symbol that can help align your space with those desires.
By understanding each symbol’s purpose and placing it thoughtfully, you bring more than decor into your home—you create a living, breathing sanctuary for positive energy to flow.
Start small, trust your intuition, and let these ancient symbols guide you toward a more harmonious and fulfilling life.