Face facts

Fung shui masters use astrology to identify favourable directions. The Three Harmony, or san hup, formula takes into account the Chinese zodiac animal of your year of birth. Each of the 12 animals is associated with a specific direction: for instance, the rat is associated with the north, the horse with the south. You should avoid the animal that clashes with your zodiac sign. As the rat and the horse clash in the zodiac, those born in the year of the rat should avoid facing the south and those born in the year of the horse the north. Favourable directions come from the animals that are in harmony with, or bring benefit to, your zodiac animal.

A more detailed approach would be to analyse your complete astrological chart - the time, day, month and year of your birth - then identify which of the five elements you lack. Each of the elements is assigned one or more directions: water represents the north, metal the west and northwest, and wood the east and southeast. Those needing more metal should sleep with their head pointing towards the west or northwest. Those with excessive metal in their charts should avoid sleeping or sitting in the metal directions. However, remember that sitting with your back to a door or window will nullify any benefits gained from tapping your favourable directions.