When you move into a new place, you'd be forgiven if Feng Shui house numbers aren't what sells a property to you. But, as our experts in the ancient Chinese practice explain, where your house or apartment sits on a street can have more of a bearing than you may believe.
Here, they explain how your house number can affect your entryway Feng Shui, and how to fix any bad luck.
The Meaning of Different Feng Shui House Numbers
Want to know what your front door numbers mean? Nataliia Myronova, Feng Shui and spiritual advisor at Nebula, shares, 'In classical Feng Shui, the location of the house, the layout of the room, and the direction of the entrance play a key role.
'However, many people pay attention to whether an address number is considered "lucky" due to cultural tradition. In Feng Shui and Chinese numerology, each number is believed to have its own symbolism and "vibration."'
Nataliia explains what each mean:
- Zero: Wholeness. 'A symbol of both the beginning and the end – like a reset and a clean slate. In Chinese, the word for “zero” can sound similar to words associated with “good,” so having a zero in your address is often seen as supportive and full of possibility.'
- One: New beginnings. One is a neutral number, so its meaning often depends on the numbers around it. 'A one in an address can be associated with independence and forward-moving energy,' adds Nataliia.
- Two: Love and balance. The word for 'two' in Chinese can sound similar to words linked with 'ease.' Nataliia explains, 'A two in the address is often associated with harmony and supportive partnership energy.'
- Three: Positivity. Three is generally a positive number, and can be connected with growth and new beginnings, though its influence in an address is often seen as mild.
- Four: Stability. In Feng Shui, the number four is associated with stability and a strong foundation, but, Nataliia adds, '"Four" sounds similar to the word for "death," so it's often avoided.
- Five: Change. 'Often considered inauspicious because its pronunciation can be associated with negation and, in some interpretations, sadness,' advises Nataliia. 'So, having a five in an address may feel less "lucky" to some people.'
- Six: Financial wealth. Six is a strong number in Feng Shui and is often associated with success and smooth progress. Nataliia explains, 'A six in an address can be seen as supportive for luck, and even wealth. Multiple sixes, like 66, are often thought to amplify that energy.'
- Seven: Spirituality. Seven is a more ambiguous number. 'In some interpretations, its pronunciation can be associated with deception or betrayal, so it may be seen as a number that needs balancing,' says Nataliia.
- Eight: Prosperity. Eight is one of the most auspicious numbers, as, in Chinese, it can sound similar to words linked to wealth or prosperity. 'So, an eight in an address is usually considered a great sign,' shares Nataliia.
- Nine: Longevity: Nine is often associated with longevity and completion, so is generally considered a positive number.
As Nataliia touched on, putting numbers together can mean they impart different meanings. Cathy Orr, Feng Shui expert, professional organizer, and cofounder of The Uncluttered Life, shares these additions:
- 11: Strong leadership
- 22: Soulmate energy
- 33: Family luck
- 44: Strong protection
- 88: Extreme luck and wealth
- 99: Long-lasting success
- 168: Road to wealth and a very good number in an address
- 666: Smooth wealth flow
- 520: I love you
What Are the Unluckiest Numbers
'The unluckiest number is four,' advises Nataliia. 'But it's not only a "pure four" that's considered problematic.' In fact, she adds, there's a common catch that could be negatively affecting your front door ideas. 'If the digits of an address reduce to four, it may also be seen as unlucky.'
This sounds more confusing than it is in reality. For example, 31 reduces to four, as three plus one equals four. 'Along with four, the numbers five and seven are also often considered unfavorable,' Nataliia continues.
'Interestingly, 13 (even though one plus three equals four) is often seen as positive. That's because its pronunciation in Chinese can sound similar to words associated with "growth."
'By contrast, 14 is considered especially unfavorable because its pronunciation can resemble a phrase meaning “you will definitely die.” In other words, in Feng Shui, pronunciation can matter more than numerology.
'Addresses like 14, 114, 44, or 444 are often viewed as extremely negative. Still, it’s not worth dramatizing: No number automatically makes a home happy or unhappy. It also matters what energy you bring into your space.'
How to Fix Unlucky Numbers
So, how can you 'fix' unlucky Feng Shui house numbers if you're affected by this Feng Shui house feature to avoid?
'There are a few ways to do this,' assures Nataliia. 'One simple but effective option is to draw a circle around the number as a protective symbol.' You can use chalk, available at Amazon, for this. 'A slightly more involved option is to place live plants near your front door.'
Pay attention, in particular, to Feng Shui plants and lucky houseplants, like money trees, jade plants, and lucky bamboo, and avoid anything prickly, like cacti.
'Another easy trick is to hang a small mirror facing the house number or on the front door,' continues Nataliia, keeping in mind the all-important Feng Shui mirror rules. 'In Feng Shui, mirrors are believed to reflect negative energy. You can also hang a good-luck symbol near the door, like a red ribbon or a bell.'
This could also be, adds Cathy, a red doormat, available at Wayfair, or a wind chime. Alternatively, you can use rounded fonts on your house numbers for added luck, as these shapes are considered to neutralize negative energy, or switch to a Feng Shui front door color.
What to Shop
All prices were correct at the time of publication.
This charming decorative mirror is under seven inches wide, so it's perfect for hanging on your door for good Feng Shui and a touch of unique personality.
I love the look and sound of a wind chime, and this one is available in green and silver, too. It will also make a perfect gift.
This live lucky bamboo plant is low-maintenance and easy to care for, and effectively attracts positive energy and prosperity.
Once you know how to water a jade plant and care for a jade plant, you can turn your attention to where to place a jade plant for positive Feng Shui.
Using a Maneki neko, or beckoning cat, in Feng Shui, is believed to bring good fortune, and should be placed facing your front door in your entryway.
This double-sided ribbon is ideal for tying on your door knocker for extra good luck, and is washable, non-shrink, and color-fast.
Meet the Expert
Looking for ways to use Year of the Horse Feng Shui at home? Our experts reveal everything you need to know.
