General Principle of Placement

The most important rule is respect. The altar should be placed in a clean, quiet, and respectful area of the home, ideally facing a main room and not a bathroom, bedroom, or directly facing a door. The heights of the statues should be tiered, with the most revered figures (like Guanyin) placed highest.

1. 财神 Cáishén (God of Wealth)

• Role: Attracts prosperity, abundance, and business success.

• Placement:

  • Best location: The living room or office, facing the main entrance from inside, symbolically "welcoming" wealth into the home or business.

  • The Southeast is considered the "Wealth Corner" in Feng Shui.

  • Avoid: Never place him in the bedroom, bathroom, or on the floor.

• Prayer guidance:

  • Offerings: Fresh fruits (especially oranges and apples for good fortune), dry seeds (nuts, melon seeds), sweet cakes, or a cup of tea. Some offer a bowl of water.

  • Prayer: Pray for ethical business opportunities and prosperity for your family. It's common to light a red candle near him.

  • Taboo: Do not offer meat or sour food.

2. 观音 Guānyīn (Avalokiteśvara Bodhisattva)

• Role: Embodies compassion, mercy, peace, and protects from suffering.

• Placement:

  • Best location: A quiet, elevated place for meditation and reflection. She should be placed higher than other secular deities.

  • North, East, or Southeast are all acceptable for a calm energy.

  • Avoid: Never place her in the kitchen, facing a toilet, or directly opposite a door for privacy and respect.

• Prayer guidance:

  • Offerings: Fresh flowers (symbolizing impermanence), fruits, clean water, and incense. A vegetarian diet is maintained for her.

  • Prayer: Chant her mantra ("Om Mani Padme Hum") or simply speak from the heart, asking for peace, healing, and compassion for yourself and all beings.

3. 钟馗 Zhōng Kuí (Demon Queller)

• Role: A protector who wards off evil spirits, negative energy, and misfortune.

• Placement:

  • Best location: Facing the main door or a large window from the inside, acting as a guardian to block evil from entering. He can also face a problematic corner or a source of negative energy ("sha qi").

  • Often placed in the entryway or hallway.

  • Avoid: Do not place him in bedrooms or facing a family altar, as his fierce energy is too strong for quiet spaces.

• Prayer guidance:

  • Offerings: Incense is the primary offering. Some may offer a cup of strong wine or tea to honor his warrior nature.

  • Prayer: Ask for protection for your home and family from harm, gossip, and negative influences.

4. 弥勒佛 Mílè Fó (Maitreya Buddha)

• Role: The Future Buddha who brings joy, contentment, abundance, and good fortune.

• Placement:

  • Best location: The living room or entryway, often at eye level so his smiling face welcomes all guests.

  • The Southeast (wealth) or the center (health and harmony) of a room.

  • Avoid: Like all sacred figures, avoid disrespectful locations like bathrooms.

• Prayer guidance:

  • Offerings: Fruits, sweets, and flowers. His joyful nature welcomes happy offerings.

  • Prayer: Rub his belly gently for good luck and fortune. Pray for happiness, patience, and a joyful outlook on life.

5. 关羽 Guān Yǔ (God of War & Righteousness)

• Role: Protector of businesses, embodies loyalty, integrity, justice, and wealth (as a guardian of rightful income).

• Placement:

  • Best location: Offices, business premises, or a study. He should face the main door to guard the premises.

  • The North is often recommended for career and path in life.

  • Avoid: Do not place him in the bedroom or kitchen. His powerful, masculine energy is for public, not private, spaces.

• Prayer guidance:

  • Offerings: Incense, tea, and wine are traditional. Businesses might offer symbolic fruits like pomegranates (for prosperity) or oranges (for luck).

  • Prayer: Business owners pray for his protection against fraud and for ethical success. Individuals pray for courage, strength, and loyalty in their endeavors.

Final Tip: The most important element in any devotional practice is sincerity. Maintain a clean altar, make offerings with a respectful heart, and your positive intention will be the key to the practice.