In Feng Shui Theory, we have many examples of how life force energy (Qi) can move on its own, as well as being manipulated by environmental and structural features.  The very term “feng shui” alludes to “energy dissipated by wind (feng), collects at the boundary of water (shui).”

A mountain range can direct the Qi (air currents) on a large scale and your furnishings in the home can also direct the Qi on a small scale.  Roads and passageways can funnel or direct the Qi, for good or for bad outcomes.

One very popular notion about Qi flow in regards to roads is the T-junction, where a road ends with another road, forming a perpendicular configuration or a “T” shape.  The house which sits at the end of that T-juncture (or the end of a cul-de-sac), is perceived to be a vulnerable spot.  The energy is too direct, if the road can carry too much Qi directly toward the house.

A lesser known or discussed concept is called a “crack in the sky.”  This situation is created when there are two buildings very close together and they form their own kind of wind tunnel. The narrow path between two buildings, whether it is a walkway or an alley, will become like a “poison arrow” in relation to the building directly across from that narrow space.

The building which is positioned right in line with the narrow opening (like a crack) is in harm’s way, undermining the building as a whole.  However, it is the space (like an office or residential unit) that is absolutely directly aligned with the “crack” which is the area mostly in the line of fire.

This is a difficult position and it is best avoided.  If a crack in the sky configuration is aligned with another crack in the sky (like a continuous alley), then the buildings across the street  on either side of the opening are not in harm’s way.  But the narrow opening will allow the Qi to continue to flow and gain momentum. If there is finally a building aligned with the long, successive cracks in the sky, that can be a problem too.

What can one do after-the-fact, if you find your apartment or office room in alignment with the crack (like looking down the barrel of a gun)?  Certainly, if you have some balcony space or a front lawn, you can place bushy plants outside to help deflect the too-direct line of Qi.    And inside your unit, you can try to position your furnishings so that you are not sitting directly in alignment with the crack.  This is easier said than done because the space between two buildings may be fairly wide, and only viewed as “narrow” in comparison to the dimensions of the two adjacent buildings.

We can chalk this one up as a feature that is best avoided.  Notice in the aerial photo to the right. The red line goes from between the buildings to end with the building across the street. Some practitioners will instruct their client to do a type of transcendental “cure,” such as hanging a convex Ba’gua mirror towards it or a crystal in alignment with the crack.    Do whatever inspires you and see if it makes a difference.  Other defensive measures could include placing a free-standing screen between your body and the crack between the buildings.  It is also likely worse to have your back turned to the crack in the sky than to face it.

Author: Kartar Diamond

Company Name: Feng Shui Solutions ®

From the Architecture & Design Blog Series