There is an astounding statistic that says the average adult checks the time from devices like smart phones and watches approximately 80 times a day.
And that is without counting the kids who who spend more time on mobile and desktop computers than sleeping.
If we leave out mobile devices, the average home has about 10 clocks made up of both digital and analog clocks.
These can be in the form of hanging wall clocks, counter clocks, alarm clocks by the bedside, TV console set top box, etc.
So… what does feng shui has to say about clock placement?
Before we delve into this topic, it should be noted that while time is timeless, civilization only started to track it approximately 4,000 years ago.
The oldest working astronomical clock is only about 600 years old. And the first vintage grandfather clock was created in 1680.
This means that the analog clock didn’t exist when feng shui was first conceptualized. This also implies that a feng shui master who claims to only practice classical feng shui and duly advises a homeowner where to place a clock is a liar.
This is because these clocks didn’t exist when classical feng shui was conceived and it is therefore impossible to suggest a clock placement with classical feng shui. 😀
It’s a good thing that feng shui is constantly progressing with the times. It’s just a shame that some practitioner refuse to accept change.
Because by applying feng shui concept to how clocks work, a progressive feng shui practitioner would be able to identify the material characteristics of clocks to determine factors to consider for clock placement.
Culture with time and clocks
In ancient times, sundials (日晷) are used to keep track of time.
During those days, incense clocks are able to keep track of short time periods even though they are unable to tell the time of the day.
They work by having a coin fastened to an incense stick. And as the incense burns out, the coin would drop into a bowl with a cling. Telling a person that the timer has run it’s course.
Time was also tracked in a 2-hourly manner instead of hourly.
This is reinforced when we observe that the 12 animal zodiac signs make up 2 hours each in the 24 hour clock.
So closely tied are the zodiac hours to metaphysics that it was believe that certain things that occur during particular 2-hour blocks can mean different things.
The best examples are what it means when our ears itch, our ears get warm, or when our eyelids twitch.
Then there are cultural beliefs and superstition such as hearing ravens croak between 8pm to 10pm being a good omen while hearing it from 10pm to 12 midnight is like a death call.
There are countless other mythological beliefs that we have to leave as a topic for another day.
When clocks appear in our dreams, it is a sub-conscious reminder that time is of the essence for an important event.
The numbers that appear in clocks in our dreams also have their own meaning.
As mentioned earlier, if I was to list down everything, we would never reach the end of it until 2019… at least.
So let’s move on.
Feng shui factors with clock placement
When we discuss clock placements in feng shui. Only big clocks and those that are hung on walls are taken into consideration.
So those small miniature clocks or antique winders do not count as they have too weak a presence. They also don’t call for much attention visually as they are often placed on tables hidden with other items.
Firstly, if you are pondering whether to get a digital clock or an analog one, go with the latter rather than the former.
They are classy and the movement of their minute and hour needles help to add a little yang movement into the living space.
Saying that, it also implies that clocks are best placed on the left side of facing orientations where the green dragon is.
This is because the dragon on the left represents activeness to call on wealth luck while the tiger on the right signifies passiveness to guard and keep wealth.
The left should be identified by considering the space where the placement of the clock is.
For example, if you intend to place the clock in the hallway which the main door into the house enters from, then look out from the door and the left side is the side where the clock should be placed.
The next thing to keep in mind is that a clock should be clearly observable upon a person’s entry into the space.
For example, if the clock is meant to be hung from a nail in the living room, then it should be on an unobstructed wall that allows residents to see it the moment they enter the space which belongs to the living room.
Don’t feel that they should be hung behind and above the sofa by default.
Defective clocks or those that have stopped should have it’s batteries replaced or have itself replaced immediately without delay.
A broken clock, or basically one that no longer functions, represents running out of time… A situation you don’t want family members and yourself to be in.
This also applies when the clock has mechanical functions with physical movement for alerts like a cuckoo clock. If the clock is still moving but the cuckoo mechanism no longer works, it must also be repaired as soon as possible because it’s also a sign of running out of time.
While there is no obvious relation between clocks and a particular element, in feng shui circles, a clock is generally regarded as a certain element based on it’s shape of material.
See shapes and elemental associations here.
When it’s elemental representation cannot be clearly identified, then assume that it’s metal.
So if a clock is round and made with stainless steel, such metal elemental association means that clocks cannot be placed in the east which can bring bad health to men in the household. When placed in the west, the overwhelming metal energy can bring grave illnesses to men in the house too.
The best directional sector to set up a metal clock would be the north. So if this configuration is possible, it is the ideal area to install it.
Some other areas that should be avoided include behind the sofa, above the door, in front of mirrors being a big mistake and on slanted walls that can exist in odd-shaped houses.
Something interesting to note is that some practitioners recommend installing large clocks outside the house as a counter to sha chi originating from external structures. The moving hands of the clock would dissipate negative energy flowing towards the house like a fan to water.
Finally, remember not to offer clocks as a present to someone as that is a very bad omen.
This is because of wordplay as gifting a clock is pronounced as Song Zhong (送钟) which eerily sounds the same as 送終 which means the processions of a funeral.
