Altars require peace and tranquility to show reverence. Placing speakers, televisions, or amplifiers near or on the altar can cause noise and disrupt the solemn atmosphere.
Speakers and televisions create noise and strong vibrations, disturbing the spiritual space. In feng shui, altars are places of positive energy accumulation, but loud noises can disrupt this energy, causing unrest in the family and work-related issues.

Noise from electronic devices placed on the altar can disrupt the tranquility of the altar, affecting the family’s wealth and health.
Solution: Move speakers and televisions away from the altar, preferably to another room. If space is limited, create a separate corner at least 6-9 feet away from the altar, and turn off these devices when offering incense to maintain a quiet atmosphere.
Small Aquarium
While aquariums with flowing water and swimming fish are aesthetically pleasing, placing them on or near the altar is inappropriate. In feng shui, moving water represents “change,” while altars require stability and tranquility.
Aquariums also increase humidity, which can damage the altar’s wooden structure and create a damp, unsanitary environment. Additionally, in feng shui, placing an aquarium near the altar suggests that wealth may “flow away,” leading to business struggles.
Aquariums placed near altars not only disrupt feng shui but also pose a potential risk of financial loss.
Solution: Relocate the aquarium to the living room or another spacious area. If you prefer decorative water features, opt for a small lotus pot placed away from the altar, combining beauty and feng shui harmony.
Incense Burner with Sharp Metal Legs
Many families use circular metal incense burners for convenience, but these are not suitable for ancestor worship altars.
According to feng shui, sharp metals (such as iron and steel) carry negative energy and disrupt the warm and harmonious atmosphere of the spiritual space. Metal incense burners are also prone to rust, staining the altar and detracting from its solemnity.
It is recommended to directly insert incense sticks to avoid introducing negative energy into the spiritual space.
Solution: Replace the metal incense burner with a ceramic or wooden one, using clean sand to hold the incense sticks. If a burner stand is necessary, choose one made of copper or ceramic, with a round shape and no sharp edges.
Mirror
While mirrors are commonplace, placing them on or facing the altar is highly discouraged. Feng shui suggests that mirrors reflect everything, including negative energy, which can disperse the positive energy of the altar.
A mirror facing the altar can also create a sense of unease, as if someone is intruding on the sacred space. This can distract the family during worship, impacting their psychological well-being and, over time, their work performance.
Solution: Relocate the mirror to the bedroom or living area. If the altar is in the living room, ensure no large mirrors face it. Cover the mirror with a curtain when not in use.
Miscellaneous Small Items
It is common for families to place items like wallets, keys, phones, or children’s toys on the altar out of convenience. However, this practice clutters the altar and diminishes its sanctity.
The altar is a sacred space and should not be used as a catch-all for everyday items.
Feng shui emphasizes the importance of a tidy altar to facilitate the flow of positive energy. Clutter not only affects the altar’s aesthetics but also distracts the family during worship, leading to a lack of focus and difficulty in attracting wealth.
Solution: Keep the altar clean and uncluttered, displaying only the incense burner, bronze incense burner, fresh flowers, and offerings. Store small items in a separate box in another corner to maintain a neat and airy altar space.
Feng shui information in this article is for reference only.
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