Red, the Luckiest Feng Shui Color
Image: Unsplash - Grant McCurdy
Why is Red So Important in Feng Shui?
Red is considered a very auspicious and powerful color in feng shui. The color red is protective, activating, and transformative, and it can also remove negative qi. As feng shui practitioners, we use the color red for all of these different functions and more. Since red is so powerful, a little goes a long way! We certainly wouldn’t recommend painting all of your walls red, but when it’s used strategically and intentionally, this color can help to create powerful shifts in your space and in your life.
Red is also the color of our blood, and it’s a significant color in many cultures. In China, where feng shui originated, red is a traditional color for wedding dresses. In North America, red often means stop. Red was one of the first colors to be used in prehistoric art, and it was also worn for celebratory occasions in ancient Rome and ancient Asian culture. While the meanings across different cultures may vary, the common thread is that red is used to signify big things.
Uses of Red in Feng Shui
In feng shui, we use ground cinnabar in many transcendental adjustments. This vibrant mineral has the ability to remove negative qi, and it’s especially powerful because of its pure red color. In many Asian cultures, monetary gifts are traditionally offered in red envelopes on important occasions including Lunar New Year. In BTB feng shui, financial offerings in red envelopes are a way to honor the energy exchange between a client and consultant, or between a teacher and student. The color of the envelopes protects and transmutes any challenging energy, and it also blesses the giver and the receiver.
The Color Red and the Fire Element
Each of the five elements that we work with in feng shui has a color associated with it. Red is connected to the fire element, which has the ability to transform, bring to light, destroy, and create warmth. Like fire, red is an energy source. You can learn more about this connection between red and the fire element on our podcast episode about the summer solstice.
Adding red to your home is a great way to introduce fire element qualities to your space without having to bring in actual fire. Even a small amount of red can really shift the energy of your home. Try adding a piece of art with some red in it, a red throw pillow, or a red flower in a vase.
While you may be most familiar with feng shui principles being used in the home, they can also be applied to your personal qi. This is something we work on a lot with our students. If you want to work with the energy of red, you can also wear this color on your body. Even a touch of red in your lipstick or jewelry can really shift your qi. It doesn’t even have to be visible — you could also wear red underwear!
The Color Red and the Bagua
In addition to the fire element, red is also connected with a specific area of the feng shui bagua called Li, also known as Fame or Reputation. This is the area we often look to when someone wants to be seen and recognized. If you would like to become more visible out in the world, you may want to activate Li in your home by adding something red to this area. To find Li in your space, download our free bagua guide.
If you’re specifically looking for recognition in your career, you may want to activate the Li area of your desk. Different parts of your home have connections to different areas of your life, and your home office or desk is related to your work and career. To find Li, sit at your desk and locate the center of the back edge of your desk, opposite from where you are sitting. Try adding something red here if you want to be recognized at work, or when you’re ready for that next promotion!
We hope this gives you some ideas for how you can work with the color red in your life to harness its powerful energy. If you want to learn more about feng shui and color, we would also recommend listening to this episode of the Holistic Spaces Podcast.