Introduction: Memory and Harmony
Navigating grief involves finding ways to keep the memory of our loved ones alive. Displaying their photographs is a natural and beautiful way to do this.
Yet, this desire often comes with a question: How does this fit with creating a positive, harmonious home environment?
Let us be clear from the start. You can absolutely display feng shui photos of deceased loved ones. This is a common and heartfelt practice.
The core of Feng Shui is not about strict rules but about balance and intention. The key is not if you display these photos, but how and where you place them.
This guide is built on a foundation of compassion. We will explore the principles of Yin and Yang energy, identify the most supportive locations for these cherished images, and detail the areas to avoid.
Our goal is to help you create a home that both honors the past and supports your present and future.
The Core Principle: Yin & Yang
What is Yin and Yang?
At its heart, Feng Shui is the art of balancing Qi, or life force energy. This energy is made up of two forces: Yin and Yang.
Think of them like night and day, rest and activity. Neither is better than the other; both are needed for balance.
Yang energy is the active, bright, vibrant force. It is the energy of sunlight, talking, growth, and movement. We need strong Yang energy in the main living areas of our home.
Yin energy is the quiet and reflective force. It is the energy of stillness, darkness, and thought. Photos of the deceased carry a very strong Yin energy.
Why Balance is Crucial
The goal of using feng shui for pictures of deceased family is to honor this Yin energy without letting it take over the home's Yang energy.
When Yin energy becomes too strong in an active space, it can create a feeling of being stuck or sad. It can weigh down the energy of the living.
This is why Feng Shui gives specific guidelines for placement. It is about creating a healthy balance that allows for both remembrance and moving forward in life.
To make this clearer, think about these different energies.
| Yin Energy (Past, Rest) | Yang Energy (Present, Active) |
|---|---|
| Quiet, Stillness | Movement, Sound |
| Darkness, Cool Tones | Light, Brightness |
| Introspection, Memory | Growth, Activity |
| Bedrooms, Altars, Storage | Living Room, Kitchen, Entrance |
Understanding this balance is the first step to placing your loved one's photo in a way that feels both loving and healthy.
The Best Places for Photos
The most fitting locations for photos of the deceased are areas that are naturally more Yin or serve as in-between spaces.
Dedicated or Private Areas
Placing these photos in quieter parts of the home creates harmony rather than conflict.
Consider these ideal locations:
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A personal study or home library. These are spaces made for quiet thought, making them a perfect fit.
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A hallway or passageway. These are in-between zones, not main "living" areas. A photo here is seen as one moves through the home, but it doesn't take over a space of activity.
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It is best to place photos in a hallway that does not directly face the front door, a bedroom door, or a bathroom.
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On a special shelf, perhaps on a table in a formal living area that is not used daily. Creating a set-aside, respected space is a powerful act of intention.
An Album or Memory Box
For those with limited space, or for whom a constant display feels too heavy, a memory box or a beautiful photo album is a wonderful choice.
This practice contains the strong Yin energy in a respectful and loving way.
It makes remembering into a special ritual. You can choose when to look at these memories, taking out the album or box with love, rather than having the energy present all the time.
This is a deeply personal and honorable way to keep memories close.
As practitioners, we see beautiful uses of these principles. A client once created a "memory lane" along a hallway wall. She mixed cherished photos of her late parents with pictures of her children as they grew. This created a beautiful flow of family history, a story of going on rather than a static shrine. It brought a sense of peace and connection to the space, honoring the past while being rooted in the flow of life.
The "No-Go" Zones
Just as there are ideal places, there are areas where placing photos of the deceased is not advised in Feng Shui. This is not due to old beliefs, but a practical understanding of energy.
Placing strong Yin energy in a highly Yang space can create imbalance and negatively affect the well-being of the home's people.
The Bedroom
Your bedroom is a place for rest, healing, and closeness. It needs a peaceful, renewing energy to support your health and relationships.
The constant presence of a loved one's photo can create an atmosphere of sadness or longing. This can disrupt sleep, impact your energy, and create a barrier to present-moment connection with a partner.
Facing the Front Door
The main entrance is called the "Mouth of Qi." This is where all new energy, opportunity, and life force enters your home.
Placing a photo of someone who has passed directly in line with the front door can block this fresh, incoming Yang energy. The goal is to welcome new life force, not to be greeted by an energy of the past.
The Kitchen or Dining Room
These areas are the lively hubs of the home. They are linked with food, health, family gatherings, and activity—all very strong Yang qualities.
Putting the quiet, memorial energy of a deceased loved one's photo here creates a clash of energies. It can dampen the lively, social atmosphere that is so important for these spaces.
Under a Beam or Staircase
In Feng Shui, overhead beams and the underside of staircases are known to create heavy, pressing energy. This "cutting" energy is considered bad for anyone sitting or sleeping under it.
Placing a respected photo of a loved one in such a location is disrespectful. We want to place these cherished images in places of honor, not under a source of negative energy.
This guidance comes from both Classical and Modern Feng Shui schools, who all recognize the importance of protecting the energy of the living.
Creating a Memorial Corner
Beyond simply finding a correct spot, you can create a beautiful, intentional space to honor your loved one. This elevates the act of remembrance into a powerful and positive practice.
Why a Dedicated Space Works
Creating a small altar or memorial corner is a strong Feng Shui solution.
It respectfully contains and honors the Yin energy in one specific location, preventing it from spreading throughout the entire home.
This act transforms remembrance from a passive display into an active practice of gratitude and love.
A well-designed memorial corner can also become a beautiful, peaceful focal point in your home, a place for quiet reflection.
Step-by-Step Guide
Creating this space is a simple, heartfelt process.
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Choose the Right Spot. Look back at our "Best Places" section. A quiet corner in a study, a special shelf in a hallway, or a spot on a mantlepiece are all good choices.
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Select the Photo with Care. Choose a photograph that brings happiness, love, and positive memories. The expression on your loved one's face matters; select an image that truly captures their joyful spirit.
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Choose a Good Frame. The frame itself is a sign of respect. Pick materials that feel good to you, such as wood, which adds a natural element. Make sure the frame is clean and in good shape, avoiding anything chipped or broken.
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Clean the Space. Before setting up your display, clean the area. You can do this by physically cleaning the shelf or corner with intention. If you are comfortable with it, you can also burn a little sage or use the sound of a bell to clear the old energy.
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Add Other Elements. You can enhance the space with other meaningful items.
- A single fresh flower or a small, healthy plant represents the continuity of life and brings gentle, living energy.
- A candle can represent light, spirit, and hope. Always be safe and never leave a candle unattended.
- A small, meaningful object that the person loved—a favorite book, a stone from a beach they cherished, a piece of jewelry—can make the space even more personal.
A Note on Intention
Remember that the most important element in this entire process is your intention.
The love, respect, and gratitude you put into creating this space are what truly shape its energy. This is the heart of good Feng Shui.
Navigating Conflicting Advice
When you research this topic, you may find different and sometimes contradictory rules. This can be confusing, but there's a reason.
Why Advice Differs
"Feng Shui" is not a single system. It is a vast field with several different schools of thought, each developed in different cultural and historical contexts.
Classical or Form School Feng Shui can be more strict in its rules. Some traditional practitioners may advise against having any photos of the deceased inside the home at all. This often comes from a time when families had separate ancestral halls for this purpose.
Modern, Western, or BTB Feng Shui is often more flexible and focuses on psychology. It places a strong emphasis on intention and how you feel in your space. This school is generally more accepting of displaying feng shui pictures of deceased loved ones within the home, as long as it is done mindfully.
The Unifying Principle
Despite their differences, all legitimate schools of Feng Shui are built on two unifying principles.
First is to show deep respect for the deceased. The placement should always be honorable.
Second is to maintain a healthy and vibrant energy balance for the living inhabitants of the home. Your well-being is most important.
Choosing Your Path
In the end, you must be the final judge of what feels right in your own home.
After considering the principles of balance and respect, trust your gut. How does a particular placement feel to you? Does it bring you a sense of peace and happy remembrance, or does it feel heavy and sad?
The goal of Feng Shui is to create harmony, not to follow rules that cause you fear or worry. Choose the path that brings you comfort and allows you to honor your loved one in a way that feels real and supportive to you.
Conclusion: Past and Present
Displaying photos of your deceased loved ones is a beautiful way to honor their memory. Feng Shui teaches us that this can be done with grace and balance.
The key is not prohibition, but mindful placement.
Remember the core guidance: place these cherished images in quiet, respectful areas like a study or hallway, or create a dedicated memorial corner. Avoid main living spaces like the bedroom, the kitchen, and the area facing your front door.
Your home can and should be a sanctuary. It can be a space that both holds the treasured memory of those you have lost and fully supports your own vibrant, happy, and forward-looking life. The two are not mutually exclusive; they can exist in beautiful harmony.
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