This article was updated in May 2025:
Understanding Feng Shui for Burial Sites
When it comes to choosing a final resting place, many people turn to the timeless principles of Feng Shui for guidance. Let’s explore how Feng Shui applies to cemetery plots and how to select a burial place that brings peace and positive energy to your loved ones and their descendants.

What is Feng Shui?
Feng Shui originated in China over 3,000 years ago. It is an ancient philosophy and practice centered around creating harmony between individuals and their immediate surroundings. It places significant emphasis on the role of architecture and the flow of Qi (pronounced “chee”), often understood as vital life energy.
Feng Shui practitioners believe that by carefully situating ancestral graves and organizing living environments according to these principles, positive energy, optimal health, and good fortune can be fostered not only for the living but also for future generations.
The Significance of Feng Shui Burials
The principles of Feng Shui for burials share many similarities with those we apply in our daily lives. Just as we seek harmony, balance, and positive energy flow in our homes, the same holds true when choosing a final resting place. In fact, Feng Shui masters often say burial Feng Shui significantly influences a family’s prosperity for generations. Honoring loved ones in this way is believed to foster peace, protection, and lasting prosperity. A Feng Shui burial site not only provides beneficial Qi around the loved one’s grave but also brings health, success, and happiness to those who remain.

The Ideal Location for a Feng Shui Burial Plot
When it comes to selecting a Feng Shui burial plot, location is paramount. Similar to applying Feng Shui in our homes, we want good natural light and peaceful surroundings. Ideally, the burial site should be gently elevated.
A strong mountain or hill situated behind the burial plot is considered to offer protection. In front, a clear, open space or a “bright hall” with a beautiful view is ideal.
The presence of a nearby water source is believed to enhance positive Qi, which can bring prosperity, wealth, and health to the family.
Ultimately, a peaceful, natural environment that feels calm and protected not only honors the memory of your loved one but is also thought to release good fortune for generations to come.
Finding the Right Orientation for Feng Shui
In Feng Shui, the direction a burial plot faces is considered to have a significant impact on the flow of Qi, or the energy surrounding it.
- Feng Shui masters often favor North-south facing plots. This orientation is believed to harmonize with the Earth’s natural energy flow.
- Some practitioners prefer east-facing plots, which are associated with renewal and hope, symbolizing the rising sun and new beginnings.
- South-facing plots are also highly regarded. They are seen as aligning with the principle of Yin-Yang balance, welcoming sunlight and symbolizing warmth, energy, and prosperity for future generations.
The Importance of a Peaceful, Well-Maintained Cemetery
The cemetery environment plays a crucial role in Feng Shui. A well-maintained cemetery not only promotes positive Qi; it also ensures peace for loved ones. It’s essential to choose a location that is well cared for, because an overgrown or neglected cemetery can disturb the flow of energy. A clean cemetery full of nature is ideal for Feng Shui burials, as they benefit both the deceased and their family. Reputable cemeteries that cater to Feng Shui practices understand the importance of a well-kept environment. They may even offer special burial plots designed with these principles in mind.
Key Principles for Selecting a Feng Shui Burial Site
Here are some of the most important Feng Shui principles when choosing a burial site:
- The body must be fully intact and buried. This ensures the complete transition and proper flow of energy.
- Avoid burial plots near or directly under trees. It’s believed that the tree roots can interfere with the coffin and disrupt the energy.
- The cemetery gates should not pass over the grave. In Feng Shui, this is considered bad luck and can negatively impact the descendants.
- Plant grass on top of the tomb. If the grave is bare, it’s believed to lead to skin diseases and other illnesses for future generations.
- Place ancestral graves at a higher elevation than those of succeeding generations. This arrangement is thought to ensure an optimal flow of Qi (life energy).
- The soil of the grave should remain convex, not concave. Concave soil can cause water to pool, which is believed to lead to health problems for the living.
- Arrange graves in arcs, not straight rows. This is considered to promote a more harmonious flow of energy within the burial site.
- Consult a Feng Shui master to calculate the proper burial angle and determine the auspicious date for the funeral. These calculations are crucial for aligning with the natural energies and ensuring a positive outcome.
How a Cemetery Broker Can Help You Find a Feng Shui Burial Plot
Finding a suitable Feng Shui burial plot can be challenging, especially during an emotional time of loss.That’s why many families choose to work with a cemetery broker who can locate these specialized plots for you. Additionally, a Feng Shui master can offer personalized guidance. Ultimately, a licensed, knowledgeable cemetery broker serves as a valuable resource in navigating these specific needs. They help families find suitable Feng Shui burial sites, either at the time of a loved one’s passing, or in advance.
Southern California Cemeteries with Feng Shui Principles
Fortunately for families in Southern California seeking burial sites that honor Feng Shui, there are many wonderful cemeteries that understand and incorporate these principles. Here are some notable examples that cater especially to Feng Shui:
Rose Hills Memorial Park, Whittier
Backed by mountains and set amid gently-sloping hills, Rose Hills Memorial Park incorporates Feng Shui through its use of flowing water features, elevated terraces, and open space believed to bring balance and good energy to the resting place. It offers carefully sited and naturally-protected grave plots oriented to promote energy flow, with nearby running water and stunning views. By collaborating with Feng Shui masters for over 30 years, Rose Hills has thoughtfully planned a large portion of its landscape (approximately 800 acres) according to these principles. This cemetery also features Hua Yuan, a specialized complex designed with Feng Shui for Chinese funeral traditions.

Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Hollywood Hills
Forest Lawn Hollywood Hills has a dedicated Feng Shui section called Bright Eternity, which was carefully chosen by Feng Shui masters. Bright Eternity is positioned on a gentle slope with mountains behind and open views ahead, honoring the classic Feng Shui principles outlined above. This peaceful hillside location features finely-crafted premium statuary and offers exceptional views of the park and the San Gabriel Mountains. Designed with Feng Shui principles in mind, these burial plots are well balanced and harmonious, resulting in superior sheng qi, or vitality, bringing good fortune and luck to those memorialized here.

Fairhaven Memorial Park, Santa Ana
Similar to Forest Lawn, Fairhaven Memorial Park in Santa Ana features dedicated Feng Shui gardens, thoughtfully named “Neighborhoods.” A recent addition, Eternal Springs, was specifically designed to incorporate Feng Shui principles. Its layout and orientation, along with the strategic placement of natural elements like mature trees and serene water features, create harmony and peace for both families and the deceased. Notably, the cremation garden within Eternal Springs features curved walls that gently guide energy toward a peaceful meandering stream, and the Bridge of Memory gracefully arches over this water, symbolizing transition and remembrance in accordance with Feng Shui flow.

Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Glendale
Forest Lawn Glendale also features sections guided by Feng Shui principles, designed to optimize the flow of Qi through winding pathways that encourage gentle energy movement, gently sloped terraces that allow for natural energy accumulation, and careful mountain and water alignment within the surrounding landscape. The overall design philosophy emphasizes harmony with the natural environment, which combined with Forest Lawn’s meticulous attention to detail and careful maintenance of the park create auspicious burial sites.

Let Our Decades of Experience Help You Find the Perfect Feng Shui Burial Plot
Finding a burial plot that truly aligns with Feng Shui principles requires a comprehensive understanding of these ancient practices and, crucially, access to an extensive inventory of available burial plots. With over 900 plots available at any one time, we at Bayer Cemetery Brokers, can provide you with just that.
Having facilitated over 9,000 of successful transactions across over 60 cemeteries throughout Southern California, Arizona and Nevada, our team possesses unparalleled insight into the local cemetery landscape. Our family business has proudly served the community for over 26 years. We understand the subtle yet critical elements of Feng Shui that contribute to a harmonious final resting place, ensuring peace for your loved ones and positive energy for future generations.
Let our experienced team guide you through the selection process, saving you time and reducing stress and offering significant cost savings compared to purchasing direct from a cemetery. We can help you navigate the diverse range of options available across our extensive network of Southern California cemeteries to identify those rare and auspicious Feng Shui plots that perfectly match your specific requirements.
Contact us today at 760 247 8518 to leverage our decades of expertise and find the ideal Feng Shui burial site for your loved ones.
We look forward to helping you.