Eastern and Western Groups
In the Compass School of Feng Shui, the Qua numbers are divided into two groups: the East group (numbers 1, 3, 4, 9) and the West group (numbers 2, 6, 7, 8). Each group has four favorable and four unfavorable compass directions that do not overlap. Neither group is better or worse—they are simply different.
What are the East and West groups?
Once you know your personal Gua number (Ming Gua), the next chapter of the Compass School opens up: the division into East and West groups. This classification groups the nine Gua numbers into two clusters, each with four favorable compass directions—making your personal Feng Shui practice manageable in everyday life.
The East Group
The East Group includes the Gua numbers 1, 3, 4, and 9. Their favorable compass directions are:
- North
- East
- Southeast
- South
The West Group
The West Group includes the Qua numbers 2, 6, 7, and 8. Their favorable compass directions are:
- West
- Northwest
- Southwest
- Northeast
No group is better than the other
A common misconception: The East group may sound more dynamic, the West group more stable—but neither is superior to the other. It’s simply a matter of knowing your own group and positioning your sleeping, working, or relaxing areas in the favorable directions as much as possible. Things get interesting when two people from different groups share a household—then it takes compromise and creativity to make it as comfortable as possible for both.
The group alone doesn’t tell you anything about how strong or weak the individual directions are—for that, you need to take a closer look at the four favorable and four unfavorable directions that are individually assigned to each Qua number.
Calculate Your Qua Number
Your birth year and gender determine your personal Qua number—and with it, the four cardinal directions that are traditionally considered favorable for you. You can determine them directly using the calculator. The calculation runs in your browser; your date of birth is neither transmitted nor stored.
What should I do if my partner belongs to the other group?
This is the reality in many households, and it’s not a problem that can’t be solved. Some rooms—such as the home office—can be arranged to suit individual needs. In a shared bedroom, you can figure out which orientation offers a good compromise or consciously choose which side of the bed to sleep on. Feng shui isn’t an all-or-nothing system, but rather a tool for gradual optimization.
Is the knowledge gained in the group sufficient for practicing feng shui?
The East/West group is a good starting point and provides an initial orientation. For a more in-depth analysis—such as which of the four favorable directions are particularly associated with health, relationships, or success—you should take a closer look at the individual Qua numbers and their specific directional assignments. The group is, so to speak, the first step, not the last.