What Are the Implications of a West-Facing House?
In the past, when building a house, people often favored the south-facing direction and avoided the west. This is because the west faces the harsh afternoon sun, which can cause discomfort and health issues for the occupants. The intense sunlight can make the house unbearably hot, leading to fatigue and irritability, and even affect the well-being of the residents.
The afternoon sun can also disrupt the balance of yin and yang, as the strong western sun represents excessive fire energy. This can impact not only the living space but also the spiritual and religious aspects of the home, such as the family altar.
In Feng Shui, a west-facing house is also considered unfavorable as the setting sun symbolizes decline and defeat. Additionally, the west direction is associated with servants and subordinates, while the south is the direction of royalty. In the past, with a monarchical mindset, people naturally aspired towards the direction associated with wealth and power.
What about Today?
Even today, the traditional beliefs about west-facing houses persist. Given a choice, most people would prefer a south-facing home to benefit from cool breezes, ample sunlight, and avoided direct sunlight.
The south direction is associated with royalty and wealth, and it is also environmentally favorable.
However, modern perspectives and advancements have shifted priorities. Nowadays, people often prioritize having their houses face the main road or street. The size and prominence of the road take precedence over the direction, whether it be east, west, south, or north. This is because facing the main road symbolizes progress and success.
So, while people still consider the direction of their homes, the criteria have expanded to include a focus on the house facing the main road or street.
How Can We Mitigate the Effects of a West-Facing House?
If your house faces a main road in the west, you can mitigate the intense sunlight by using curtains or partitions to block the sun and protect the positive energy within the house.
Additionally, consider using heat-resistant plants on balconies and trellises to reduce the heat. Modern heat insulation systems can also be employed to keep the house cool.
This information is based on traditional beliefs and practices.