Ancestral worship has long been a beautiful cultural tradition in Vietnam, a way for descendants to express their gratitude and respect for their ancestors. As such, knowing how to set up an altar that is both aesthetically pleasing and in accordance with Feng Shui principles is of great importance to many Vietnamese families. In this article, we will explore how to choose an altar that brings good fortune to the household, covering topics such as selecting the right size, direction, and placement according to age and birth elements.
1 Choose the Altar Size According to Lu Ban Ruler
There are three types of Lu Ban rulers: 52cm, 43cm, and 39cm. The 39cm Lu Ban ruler, also known as the 39 Lu Ban ruler, is specifically designed for measuring dimensions related to the afterlife, such as graves, coffins, and altars.
The Lu Ban ruler is marked with both regular measurements and special sections indicating favorable and unfavorable dimensions. This helps users identify the most auspicious measurements for their altars.
Choosing altar size according to the Lu Ban ruler
One cycle of the 39cm (38.8cm) Lu Ban ruler consists of ten sections, each representing a different aspect: Dinh, Hai, Vuong, Kho, Nghia, Quan, Tu, Hung, That, and Tai. The cycle repeats every 38.8cm.
To use the Lu Ban ruler, simply measure the desired altar size with a standard ruler and then refer to the corresponding section on the Lu Ban ruler. Alternatively, you can use the online Lu Ban ruler by inputting the measurements and clicking “Tra cung.”
Checking the different sections on the Lu Ban ruler
If the result falls within the red sections, it is considered auspicious and can be used. You can also adjust the altar size to align with the favorable sections. Conversely, if the result falls within the black sections, it is considered inauspicious and should be avoided.
Choosing the Size of a Standing Altar
Standing altars, whether modern or traditional, come in various sizes determined by the Lu Ban ruler. The most commonly used dimensions are as follows:
- Width: 127cm, 157cm, 175cm, 197cm, 217cm, etc.
- Depth: 61cm, 69cm, 81cm, 97cm, 107cm, 117cm, etc.
- Height: 117cm, 127cm, etc.
It is recommended to choose a standing altar size according to the Lu Ban ruler to ensure good fortune and prosperity for the household.
Additionally, when placing the altar, it is crucial to consider the direction and avoid placing it in areas that conflict with Feng Shui principles.
Choosing the size of a standing altar
For further reference:
Choosing the Size of a Wall-Mounted Altar
To attract good fortune and facilitate a smooth life, it is essential to choose the right size for a wall-mounted altar, ensuring it aligns with favorable sections on the Lu Ban ruler. The following are some standard dimensions for wall-mounted altars:
- 48cm (Hỷ Sự) x 81cm (Tài Vượng)
- 48cm (Hỷ Sự) x 88cm (Tiến Bảo)
- 49.5cm (Tài Vượng) x 95cm (Tài Vượng)
- 56cm (Tài Vượng) x 95cm (Tài Vượng)
- 61cm (Tài Lộc) x 107cm (Quý Tử)
In addition to the above dimensions, it is important to consider the height at which the wall-mounted altar should be placed. Typically, the altar should be installed at a height of over 1.5m.
Choosing the size of a wall-mounted altar
For further reference:
2 Choosing the Direction of the Altar According to Age
According to Feng Shui experts, the direction of the altar should be determined based on the age of the household’s head or the main breadwinner. By casting a Feng Shui hexagram related to destiny and using the name of the head of the household, one can determine the most auspicious direction for the altar, bringing wealth and prosperity to the family.
Choosing the direction of the altar according to age
To determine the direction of the altar according to age, follow these steps:
Auspicious Altar Directions
- Sheng Qi (生气/Sinh Khí): This direction is extremely auspicious (Shang kiet) and belongs to the Tham lang star, Yang Wood. Those whose birth elements align with this direction will enjoy good fortune in their careers, wealth, and family life, especially during the years and months of the Hợi, Mão, and Mùi zodiac signs.
- Tian Yi (天医/Thiên Y): This direction is also highly auspicious (Shang kiet) and belongs to the Ju men star, Yang Earth. Couples whose birth elements match this direction and whose homes face this direction will enjoy wealth, honor, and a harmonious family life, especially during the years and months of the Thìn, Tuất, Sửu, and Mùi zodiac signs.
- Yan Nian (延年/Diên Niên): This direction belongs to the Wu qu star, Yang Metal, and is considered auspicious (Second kiet). It is suitable for couples whose birth elements match this direction, bringing longevity, wealth, and family harmony during the years and months of the Tỵ, Dậu, and Sửu zodiac signs.
- Fu Wei (福威/Phục Vì): This direction belongs to the Bo zhu star, Yin Water, and is considered auspicious (Second kiet). Couples whose birth elements match this direction and build their homes or kitchens facing this direction are believed to have healthy and precious children.
Inauspicious Altar Directions
- Jue Ming (绝命/Tuyệt Mạng): This direction is considered extremely inauspicious (Da hung) and belongs to the Po jun star, Yin Metal. Those whose birth elements align with this direction may experience harm to their children, health issues, financial losses, and a shortened lifespan, especially during the years and months of the Tỵ, Dậu, and Sửu zodiac signs.
- Wu Gui (五鬼/Ngũ Quỷ): This direction belongs to the Lian Zhen star, Yin Fire, and is considered highly inauspicious (Da hung). It may bring illness, financial losses, and fire hazards during the years and months of the Dần, Ngọ, and Tuất zodiac signs.
- Liu Sha (六煞/Lục Sát): This direction belongs to the Wen qu star, Yang Water, and is considered inauspicious (Second hung). It may lead to financial losses, conflicts, and health issues during the years and months of the Thìn, Tuất, Sửu, and Mùi zodiac signs.
- Huo Hai (祸害/Họa Hại): This direction belongs to the Lu cun star, Yin Earth, and is considered inauspicious (Second hung). It may bring bad luck, conflicts, health issues, and financial losses during the years of the Thìn, Tuất, Sửu, and Mùi zodiac signs.
Auspicious and inauspicious altar directions
3 Choosing the Direction of the Altar According to Birth Elements
To choose the direction of the altar according to birth elements, one must first determine their birth element among the five elements: Gold, Wood, Water, Fire, and Earth.
The following table shows the birth years associated with each birth element:
| Birth Element | Birth Years |
|---|---|
| Earth | 1938, 1998, 1961, 2021, 1990, 1930, 1939, 1999, 1968, 2028, 1991, 1931, 1946, 2006, 1969, 2029, 1947, 2007, 1976, 2036, 1960, 2020, 1977, 2037. |
| Metal | 1932, 1992, 1955, 2015, 1984, 1924, 1933, 1993, 1962, 2022, 1985, 1925, 1940, 2000, 1963, 2023, 1941, 2001, 1970, 2030, 1954, 2014, 1971, 2031. |
| Water | 1936, 1996, 1953, 2013, 1982, 1922, 1937, 1997, 1966, 2026, 1983, 1923, 1944, 2004, 1967, 2027, 1945, 2005, 1974, 2034, 1952, 2012, 1975, 2035 |
| Fire | 1934, 1994, 1957, 2017, 1986, 1926, 1935, 1995, 1964, 2024, 1987, 1927, 1948, 2008, 1965, 2025, 1949, 2009, 1978, 2038, 1956, 2016, 1979, 2039. |
| Wood | 1928, 1929, 1942, 1943, 1950, 1951, 1958, 1959, 1972, 1973, 1980, 1981, 1988, 1989, 2002, 2003, 2010, 2011, 2018, 2019, 2032, 2033, 2040 , 2041. |
Choosing the Direction for Earth and Metal Birth Elements
According to the five elements theory, Earth gives birth to Metal. Therefore, the directions for altars for those with Earth and Metal birth elements are the same. To attract good fortune and wealth, individuals with these birth elements should place their altars in the West, Northwest, Northeast, or Southwest directions. It is best to avoid placing altars in the North, East, Southeast, or South directions.
Choosing the direction for Earth and Metal birth elements
Choosing the Direction for Water, Wood, and Fire Birth Elements
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