Traditional Feng Shui : How to calculate your Gua number

In traditional Feng Shui, several methods exist to calculate a person’s Ming Gua. Indeed, there are two calculation methods in Feng Shui, and they also differ depending on whether you are a woman or a man.

To calculate a person’s Ming Gua, we use the solar calendar. The solar year generally begins on February 4th. A person born between January 1st and February 4th is therefore considered to have been born in the previous solar year.

For example, a woman born on January 4th, 1996. Since we use the solar calendar, she is considered to have been born in the previous solar year. Consequently, the calculation will be done using the year 1995.

Example for a woman born in 1969
1+9+6+9 = 25 → 2 + 5 = 7
7 + 4 = 11 → 1 + 1 = 2
The ming Gua is Kun, number 2.

Example for a man born in 1969
1+9+6+9 = 25 → 2 + 5 = 7
11 – 7 = 4
The ming Gua is Xun, number 4.

First Method to Calculate the Ming Gua, the Simplest

We add all the digits of the person’s birth year, reducing the sum to a single digit less than 10. Remember, we use the solar calendar: if the person was born before February 4th, we consider them as born in the previous solar year.

For a woman: Add 4 to the resulting number, and reduce again to a single digit if necessary.
If the result is 5, change it to 8.

For a man: Subtract the resulting number from 11.
If the result is 5, change it to 2.

Second method to calculate the Ming Gua, which is a bit more complicated

This method is for a person born before February 4, 2000.

Remember, we use the solar calendar: if the person was born before February 4th, they are considered to have been born in the previous solar year.

Add the last two digits of the birth year and reduce the sum to a single digit less than 10.

For a woman: Add 5 to the resulting number, and reduce again to a single digit if necessary.
If the result is 5, change it to 8.

For a man: Subtract the resulting number from 10.
If the result is 5, change it to 2.

Example for a woman born in 1969
6 + 9 = 15 → 1 + 5 = 6
6 + 5 = 11 → 1 + 1 = 2
The ming Gua is Kun, number 2.

Example for a man born in 1969
6 + 9 = 15 → 1 + 5 = 6
10 – 6 = 4
The ming Gua is Xun, number 4

In traditional Feng Shui, with your Ming Gua, you can identify your beneficial and unfavorable sectors.