Each year, certain directions are considered inauspicious because some fate stars and annual stars can exert a malevolent influence and are referred to as Sha Qi. The four Feng Shui afflictions to watch out for are: 5 Yellow, 3 Killings, Year Breaker and Grand Duke Jupiter. These afflictions move to a new direction every year so it is best to know where they will be in any given year, especially if you are contemplating home or office renovations. The detrimental effects from these afflictions will only manifest under certain conditions, such as when the earth is disturbed. It is good to be forewarned about these directions as you can then avoid disturbing these areas and stirring up trouble for yourself. Cures can be utilised, but avoidance is best.

Each building has its own set of calendar dates that will help with selecting times for important events. Once you know these dates, you can plan your renovation start dates or implement cure strategies. These dates are selected from the Great Sun Formula and give a certain amount of protection from the Annual afflictions. So, if you must renovate or dig, consult the auspicious dates to find a date when work can commence. 

It is important to remember that the Chinese solar calendar starts a new year on February the 4th

5 Yellow: Is the most serious affliction as it can cause accidents, illness and in some rare circumstances it can even cause death. The “5 Yellow” is activated with loud noise, banging walls and digging the ground in that sector. Therefore, try to keep the “5 Yellow” sector quiet and peaceful. If you do not disturb the “5 Yellow” it will not pose a problem. A cure that is often used as a precaution is metal. Metal in general can be placed in the area of “5 Yellow” to press down on it. One example commonly used is a metal rod wind chime with the rods taped so it will be quiet. This allows the Qi to pass through its hollow metal rods, neutralising as it makes contact. Chinese traditional symbolic cures can include 6 metal coins tied with red ribbon, Lu ban bronze rulers, Wu Lou and Metal Fu Dogs. However, with commercialism and mass production of painted resins and plastic, many items today do not possess the required elements or impact to balance Qi.

For year 2024, year of the Dragon, the “5 Yellow” is found in the West.

3 Killings: also referred to as “San Sha”, can cause loss of wealth, robbery, betrayal, mishaps and minor operations. It will be activated through renovations such as painting, banging the walls, loud noise and digging the ground in the vicinity of “3 Killings”. To cure the effects of “3 Killings” metal can be placed between the disturbance and the building. It is fine to face the “3 Killings” but you must not sit with your back to it. This is especially important if your house is sitting in the 3 killings, the same goes if your main entrance is in the “3 Killings” as the constant opening and closing of the door can also activate it. Be wary of any new construction if the building sits on “3 killings” as such construction will bring detrimental effects. Consult the Tong Shu along with the Great Sun Formula to find the best dates if it is necessary to carry out any renovations in 3 Killings.

For year 2024, year of the Dragon, the “3 killings” is found in the South – SE3, S2, and SW1.

Grand Duke of Jupiter: also referred to as “Tai Sui”, can cause various levels of injury and illness. Minor disturbance can bring minor effects like loss of money. Intermediate disturbance can bring blood related injury and loss of wealth. Extreme disturbance could bring severe injury, calamities and fatalities. If the “Grand Duke of Jupiter” is not disturbed it will not be a problem. Avoid disturbing the earth or engaging in renovations or construction in the “Grand Duke of Jupiter” area. It is acceptable to sit with your back to the “Grand Duke of Jupiter” but it is not advisable to face it. It is not advisable to commence any new construction if your house faces the “Grand Duke of Jupiter” that year. If it is necessary to do renovations, consult the Tong Shu and Great Sun Formula for the best dates to commence. To cure the effects of “Grand Duke of Jupiter”, Metal can be placed between the disturbance and the building. In Chinese culture there is another “spiritual” Grand Duke that is offered prayer in temples, it is important to realise that these two Grand Dukes are not the same. The Grand Duke of Jupiter always corresponds to the year branch and encompasses the whole 15-degree sector of the branch.

For year 2024, year of the Dragon, finds the “Grand Duke of Jupiter” in Chen SE1.

Year Breaker: also referred to as “Sui Po” or Year clash, can cause illness. The “year breaker” as its name suggests, breaks the year and is always opposite and opposes the “Grand Duke of Jupiter”. You cannot sit with and have your back to “Year Breaker”, it is advisable to face it head on. If the “Year Breaker” is not disturbed it will not pose a problem. Do not disturb the earth or engage in renovations and construction in that area. If your house sits on “Year Breaker” do not commence new construction that year. If it is necessary to renovate, consult the Tong Shui and Great Sun Formula to find the best dates for commencement.

For year 2024, year of the Dragon, the Year Breaker is found opposite Grand Duke in, Xu NW1.