The Feng Shui of Oaxaca, Oaxaca City, Mexico: An Exploration of Energy, Chi, and Spiritual Harmony
Oaxaca, a region in southern Mexico, is renowned for its rich cultural heritage, vibrant indigenous traditions, and spiritual significance. From its stunning natural landscapes to sacred spaces, the city and its surroundings are a fertile ground for exploring the principles of feng shui. This ancient Chinese practice focuses on achieving harmony between humans, heaven and their environments through the flow of energy, or chi, the balance of yin-yang forces, and the integration of the five elements (water, wood, fire, earth, and metal).
Oaxaca City
Oaxaca de Juárez, commonly known as Oaxaca City, is the largest city and capital of the state of Oaxaca, Mexico, with a population of around 258,913 as of 2020, and a metropolitan area population exceeding 700,000. Located in the Central Valleys region at an elevation of about 1,550 meters (5,085 feet) above sea level, the city nestles in the foothills of the Sierra Madre mountains, offering a natural alignment with feng shui’s principles of protection and stability, much like the “armchair configuration,” where the surrounding mountains provide support. Oaxaca City, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987 along with the nearby Monte Albán archaeological site, is renowned for its colonial architecture, indigenous cultures, and vibrant artistic traditions. The city’s Zócalo (main square) acts as a focal point of social and cultural energy flow, where daily life converges, reinforcing feng shui’s emphasis on the harmony of chi in public spaces. Historical landmarks like the Santo Domingo Church and former monastery, along with various museums, showcase the region’s deep-rooted history and artistic diversity. Oaxaca de Juárez serves as the economic, cultural, and tourist centre of the state, and its rich cultural festivals such as the Guelaguetza and the Day of the Dead further highlight the city’s spiritual and community-focused energy, perfectly balancing life, tradition, and prosperity in accordance with feng shui principles.