With the acceptance of numerology and the strong devotion to numerical symbols by some over millennia it isn’t any wonder that there is so much concern raised over the influence that a particular number can evoke. Telephone numbers and car number plates are the two that generate most attempts at control and to a lesser extent house numbers.

One of the reasons some numbers are considered lucky and others unlucky is because the way the number sounds when spoken amongst the Cantonese. However, in real Feng Shui terms they may have the reverse implication.

Feng Shui and Numbers tip #1.) The most commonly questioned number is Four. The dislike for this number is derived from its pronunciation. When spoken in Cantonese it sounds similar to the word for death. And…….this would be like an English speaking person giving their address to a friend as living at number death. So, it is understandable that it is not a favoured numeral. However, in classical Feng Shui terms it is associated with ‘sex and romance’.

Feng Shui and Numbers tip #2.) The number most commonly considered to be auspicious is the number Eight. One of the reasons it is so favoured is because in Chinese it sounds similar to the word describing prosperity and abundance – ‘faat’. As well as this, for the past forty years, in classical Feng Shui terms it has been the number associated with prosperity and…..until 2024 it is considered to be the influence of constant and‘current prosperity’.

Feng Shui and Numbers tip #3.) The number Nine is also considered to be a prosperous number in classical Feng Shui. This is considered to generate the influence of unexpected money.

Feng Shui and Numbers tip #4.) Lastly, the number Five is considered to be an unfortunate number in classical Feng Shui. This is considered to generate the influence of difficulties and obstacles. If I were to avoid any particular number – this one would be it. If you know where this is located then minimise its influence by placing an all metal Wind Chime or 5 element Pagoda in that area.

Feng Shui and Numbers tip #5.) What about a string of numbers? In Feng Shui and unlike numerology we do not add them together. We consider that the last number holds the strength and main influence. For example; 48 – some people suggest that this is highly inauspicious in that it includes a Four and when added together through the system of numerology it reduces to a single digit of Four. However, in Feng Shui terms it is considered to be an okay number. The eight is in the last position.

Feng Shui and Numbers tip #6.) Finally - one of the strings of numbers considered to be most auspicious is 168. This is because it sounds like the words of ‘everyday prosperity’.