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.
Look closely at the area or room in the centre of your home. Is it a hub of activity with a free, uninterrupted flow of energy, or does it simply feel blocked and stagnant? Is it difficult to find any open space in your living room? Do you have clear and open areas for family and friends to gather in?
Take a careful look to see if you can remove or rearrange obstructing furniture in this specific area in order to allow the passageways to "breathe" again. You are likely to feel that the room, and as a consequence your life, opens up once again.
- How is your health? Do you feel off-centre? Are you suffering ongoing problems or simply a general lack of energy and vitality?
- Do you feel generally unwell and in need of a tonic?
- Does you life feel crowded and overwhelming?
- Are you stressed? And do you feel burdened by the complexities of life? Does everything seem to be coming at you all the time?
- Do you feel the need to empty out unburden yourself?
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.
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