From The Voice of:

Maureen K. Calamia | Luminous Spaces | BBA, CFSP, BBP

The front door is known as the “mouth of chi” in the ancient art of Feng Shui. It is the portal where the majority of subtle life force energy (chi) enters your home from the neighborhood. If the front door is not positioned well or is blocked by some structure, it can affect all life areas of the inhabitants, including prosperity, career, health, relationships, etc.

I think that the most effective way to understand chi is to imagine it as a welcomed guest. Consider these issues below and imagine how a welcomed guest would feel when approaching your home for the first time.

Well-positioned

It is important to be able to see the door from the street. If chi cannot see your front door it causes delay and confusion. If the placement of your front door is not obvious from the street, light the pathway to it or add moving objects such as flags to attract attention to the placement of the door.

 Attractive and well-lit

Be sure that your front entry is well-lit to avoid feelings of lack of safety as well as tripping hazards! In addition, the entry should be attractive. Remember, first impressions are key when you have visiting guests.

 Handling a Blocking Tree

You may have a large tree or shrub blocking the view of the front door. You may consider cutting the shrub or tree back to open and expand the view. If this tree is beautiful and well-loved, you can actually give a blessing to the tree as protector of the home, such as I did with a large oak tree at their entrance.

 Opens Easily

This seems pretty intuitive, but oftentimes I find that my clients doors are difficult to open either due to the door frame or hardware. I had a client install a brand-new door in her renovation and she never checked the door before I visited (they used the side door, as many people do!) Be sure that your door opens easily to allow the positive chi in.

 Use the Front Door!

Now that your front door has wonderful Feng Shui, use it! It is important to open this door daily to provide the maximum chi into your home. If it’s more convenient to use the side door, I suggest my client use the front door to get the mail, walk the dog, and even to check the weather.

About the Author:

Maureen works with commercial and residential clients to create spaces to enhance well-being using environmental psychology and feng shui to inspire balance and joy by re-establishing a connection to the nature. Author, Huffington Post blogger, faculty at Metropolitan Institute of Design, certified Feng Shui and Building Biology Practitioner. Check Out Her Website