The Altar’s Unfortunate Placement: A Tale of Misfortune and Resilience

Ancestral worship is an important tradition in Vietnamese culture, and many people pay close attention to the feng shui of their ancestral altars. One critical factor is the direction in which the altar faces, as placing it in the wrong direction can lead to financial hardship, even for the most hardworking and devout families.

Mistake 1: The entrance to the ancestral hall faces the front door directly

According to feng shui experts, positioning the altar to directly face the front door can cause the family to lose positive energy and encounter bad luck. Additionally, when setting up the ancestral hall, ensure that the door does not align with any other doors in the house, including the main entrance, back door, or doors to other rooms.

If limited space leaves no other option but to place the altar in such a direction, use curtains to cover the front and sides of the altar to maintain privacy and prevent prying eyes.

Mistake 2: Excessive sunlight and wind entering the ancestral hall

Feng shui principles dictate that sunlight and wind carry strong yang energy, which is not suitable for the serene and sacred space of an ancestral hall. Therefore, it is considered inauspicious to place the altar in an area with direct sunlight or strong wind currents. Doing so can cause family members to feel anxious and encounter difficulties in their work and finances.

Additionally, a large window facing the altar can create a draft that blows towards the incense burner, increasing the risk of fire. This positioning can also bring bad luck and turbulence to the family.

Mistake 3: Placing the altar in an unlucky direction according to the owner’s age

Feng shui dictates that the altar should be positioned in the area of the house with the best energy, and its direction should align with the owner’s birth sign. Unlucky directions to be avoided include Tuyet Menh, Hoa Hai, Ngu Quy, and Luc Sat. Furthermore, the right side of the altar, when facing it, should always be more spacious than the left side.

Mistake 4: Toilet or bathroom located directly behind or above the altar

Toilets and bathrooms are considered sources of negative and foul energy. Placing the altar in close proximity to these spaces can lead to “divine withdrawal,” resulting in health issues for the owner, such as back pain, nightmares, and susceptibility to evil winds.

Mistake 5: Altar facing the kitchen, toilet, or bedroom

Positioning the altar to face the kitchen directly can lead to frequent arguments among family members and short tempers. Even slightly angled alignments with these rooms are considered unfavorable. If there is no alternative placement for the altar, use a screen to block the view.

Similarly, placing a bed directly behind the altar can negatively impact the couple’s relationship and married life. The presence of the altar so close to the bedroom can also affect sleep quality, as the scent of incense and the sound of prayers can be distracting and evoke constant reminders of deities and ancestors.

Mistake 6: Placing the altar under a crossbeam

This is considered a severe feng shui mistake, as it can cause family members to suffer from headaches and nervous exhaustion. It can also impact the family’s overall fortune. According to feng shui principles, a crossbeam above the altar creates downward pressure, generating negative energy.