Feng Shui Numerology: What's Wrong with Number 4 (four) in Feng Shui?

May 13, 2021 Laura Cerrano

In the Cantonese language number 4 (four) sounds similar to “death” and due to that, a stigma against 4 evolved. A similar perspective is recognized throughout Japan, Korea, Vietnam, Taiwan, Singapore, and Malaysia. It’s said that building, elevator, and house numbers are purposely missing the number 4. This is also noted among property prices and driver license IDs.

Perhaps because there is such a strong collective belief in the number 4 being so bad, that this is what gives the dreaded number 4 its power. In Ancient Greek, they referred to this as Tetraphobia (τετράς (tetrás) 'four', and φόβος (phóbos) 'fear') which means, the practice of avoiding instances of the digit 4. Let that be four as it stands alone or numbers that add up to the single digit of 4.

What can you do if you come across a property that has the number 4 or an address that adds up to the number 4?

It’s said that you could encase the number four with a red circle, holding the belief that the red color will help to 'burn’ away the negative energy associated with the number 4.
If not that, perhaps you could place the number four on a circular or oval-shaped plaque (if that suits the look of the house or apartment number presentation).
I’ve even heard of others encasing the number four in a singular gold circle, once again helping to contain the energy and to reduce its negative effects.
Or, in general, know that by enclosing the number 4 in a circle, the inauspicious effects of this perceived negative number are contained.

Taking On Other Approaches…

You could display amulets from your culture or personal lineage that blesses the home’s front entrance.
Establishing overall good Feng Shui hygiene for your home in general.
Installing the annual Flying Stars Cures each year (if you follow that method).
Conducting annual space clearings and blessings of your home and land to renew and refresh the energy.
Establishing a strong front door (referred to as the mouth of chi - the breath of energy)
Setting up black tourmaline crystals, smokey quartz, or even selenite crystals, as to name some quick possible protective stones that you could place near the front door.