Kua Number

The Kua Number (also spelled Gua, or Ming Gua) belongs to Feng Shui rather than character numerology, but it is number-based and derived from the birth date, which makes it a close cousin of the numerology systems. Its job is practical: it tells you which compass directions support you and which drain you, so you can orient a bed, a desk or a front door to your advantage.

Every Kua from 1 to 9 falls into one of two groups. The East Group (Kua 1, 3, 4 and 9) is favoured by the east, south-east, south and north directions. The West Group (Kua 2, 6, 7 and 8) is favoured by the west, north-west, north-east and south-west. Each direction within your group governs a different kind of luck — health, relationships, prosperity and personal growth — and the four directions outside your group are the ones to avoid for important placements.

Because it is so easy to apply, the Kua Number is one of the most widely used number systems in everyday life across East Asia — consulted when buying a home, arranging an office, choosing where to sit in a meeting, or deciding which way to sleep.

How to calculate

Add the last two digits of your birth year and reduce to one digit. Men born before 2000: subtract that digit from 10; born 2000 or later: subtract from 9. Women born before 2000: add 5; born 2000 or later: add 6. Reduce again if needed. A result of 5 becomes 2 for men and 8 for women. Note: if you were born in January or early February before the Chinese solar New Year, use the previous year.

See also

Related terms

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