1. Position the Deity Facing the Main Entrance
According to traditional Feng Shui, household deity statues are generally placed facing the main entrance.
Supporters of this tradition often point out that many temples and shrines position their main deity toward the entrance.
Among common household deities, Guan Gong (Guan Yu) and the Earth God (Tudi Gong / Earth God of Wealth) are traditionally placed facing the main door. Other deities may follow different placement traditions.
2. Placement of Guanyin
Guanyin (Avalokiteśvara) is a Buddhist bodhisattva who symbolizes compassion and mercy.
Guan Gong, by contrast, is traditionally honored as a historical hero and a protective deity in Chinese folk belief.
Because they belong to different traditions, traditional practice generally recommends not placing Guanyin and Guan Gong on the same altar for worship.
Traditional Feng Shui also recommends placing Guanyin facing east while seated in the west ("Sit West, Face East").
In addition, traditional guidelines suggest that Guanyin should not face:
- A bathroom
- A bedroom door
- A dining table
Following these traditional placement rules is generally considered appropriate.
3. Ancestor Tablets Should Not Be Placed Beside Deity Statues
Some households place ancestor tablets on the same altar together with Guanyin, Guan Gong, or other deities.
Traditional practice generally considers this inappropriate because ancestor tablets represent one's family lineage, while deity statues represent religious or spiritual figures.
Traditional altar arrangements usually recommend placing the ancestor altar below the deity altar rather than side by side.
For Guanyin offerings, fresh flowers and fruit are traditionally considered appropriate.
Traditional practice also teaches that Guanyin should not be worshipped together with other deities using meat offerings, as this does not follow the customary offering tradition associated with Guanyin.
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