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.
In Oaxaca, the interwoven relationships between its geography, culture, and festivals like the Day of the Dead offer intriguing intersections with feng shui concepts. The energy of the land, sacred spaces, and cultural practices resonate with the deeper aspects of feng shui, providing insights into how this philosophy can be applied to enhance personal well-being and spiritual growth.
The Flow of Chi in Oaxaca
Chi, the vital life force, flows through all aspects of nature and the built environment, and its smooth and balanced flow is key to a harmonious existence. Oaxaca’s landscape, with its rolling mountains, fertile valleys, and powerful rivers, offers a natural conduit for positive energy. This geographical layout can be viewed through the lens of feng shui, where mountains provide shelter and support (reminiscent of the “armchair configuration”), while rivers represent the flow of prosperity and opportunities.
The city itself, built with colonial architecture and traditional indigenous influences, reflects an alignment of energy that promotes balance and creativity. The streets, often bustling with markets, artisans, and cultural events, facilitate the vibrant flow of chi, particularly in the Zócalo, the central plaza of Oaxaca, which can be likened to a focal point for communal energy.
Yin and Yang in Oaxaca’s Cultural Landscape
The balance of yin and yang—the opposing forces of passivity and activity—is critical in feng shui. Oaxaca’s energy is a blend of these complementary forces. The bustling markets, colourful festivals, and dynamic street life are yang, reflecting vibrancy and activity. Conversely, Oaxaca’s quieter elements—its serene mountains, sacred caves, and tranquil gardens—embody yin, offering places of reflection and rest.
One of the most prominent representations of this balance is the interplay between life and death, as celebrated during the Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos). This festival, central to Oaxaca’s spiritual and cultural identity, represents a harmonious relationship between the living and the dead, echoing the balance of yin and yang energies. The rituals of honouring ancestors during this time create a powerful energetic connection, symbolising the fluid transition between the two states of existence.
Sacred Spaces and Feng Shui
Oaxaca is home to many sacred spaces that naturally align with feng shui principles. Monte Albán, an ancient Zapotec city, is one such example. Perched high in the mountains, the city is strategically positioned with commanding views of the surrounding valleys, creating an ideal balance of protection and prospect, much like feng shui’s “command position.”
The spiritual significance of the area, coupled with the natural alignment of its structures, reflects a deeper understanding of energy flow and harmony. The temples and pyramids of Monte Albán are positioned to harness the earth’s energy, drawing parallels with feng shui’s use of topography to promote good fortune and spiritual growth.
The Five Elements and Oaxaca’s Environment
The five elements—water, wood, fire, earth, and metal—play a crucial role in feng shui, and they are abundantly represented in Oaxaca’s natural and built environments.
- Water: Represented by the many rivers and waterfalls of Oaxaca, such as Hierve el Agua, a series of natural springs and calcified waterfalls. In feng shui, water is linked to wealth and abundance, and these natural water sources can be seen as sources of prosperity for the region.
- Wood/tree: Oaxaca’s lush forests and the extensive use of wood in its handicrafts symbolise growth, creativity, and expansion. The city’s markets are filled with wooden crafts, furniture, and sculptures, all of which bring the element of wood into homes and spaces, promoting health and vitality. Read below about the ‘tree of life’, The Tree of Tule.
- Fire: Fire is symbolic of transformation, passion, and illumination. This element is powerfully present in the many festivals of Oaxaca, especially during the Guelaguetza and the Day of the Dead (read below), where candles, bonfires, and fireworks are integral parts of the celebrations. Fire is also represented in the region’s volcanic activity, particularly near the Sierra Madre mountains.
- Earth: Oaxaca’s strong connection to the earth is evident in its rich agricultural practices and pottery traditions. The element of earth brings stability, nourishment, and grounding, and it is present in the region’s extensive use of clay for making traditional crafts and in the fertile soil that supports its diverse agriculture.
- Metal: Metal, representing clarity and precision, can be found in the region’s tradition of metalworking. Oaxacan artisans create intricate jewellery and metal crafts, which can be seen as conduits for focusing energy and bringing clarity into the home.
Energy Flow and the Day of the Dead
The Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos) is perhaps the most spiritual expression of energy flow in Oaxaca. During this festival, the boundaries between the physical and spiritual worlds are believed to dissolve, allowing the spirits of the dead to return and commune with the living. This annual event provides a unique lens through which to view the cyclical nature of energy in feng shui.
The altars, or ofrendas, created during the Day of the Dead, are carefully designed to welcome the spirits of ancestors back into the home. These altars are an example of how sacred space can be constructed to promote the flow of spiritual energy, aligning with feng shui principles. The use of marigolds, incense, candles, and photographs creates a balanced and harmonious space, inviting positive chi into the home while honouring the connection between life and death.
Oaxaca’s Day of the Dead is celebrated every year on November 1st and 2nd. The events will start on October 31st, with some communities continuing the celebrations until November 6th. The Day of the Dead is a joyful holiday in Mexico to honour deceased loved ones.
The Tree of Tule – “tree of life”
The Tree of Tule, a symbol of enduring life, and Oaxaca’s Day of the Dead, a celebration of the eternal cycle of life and death, come together in one place to represent the harmonious balance between the living and the deceased, highlighting the interconnectedness of all existence.
The Tree of Tule, also known as El Árbol del Tule, is a remarkable natural wonder located near Oaxaca, Mexico, in the town of Santa María del Tule, approximately 9 km (6 miles) east of Oaxaca City. It is a Montezuma cypress (Taxodium mucronatum), known in Náhuatl as “ahuehuete,” meaning “old man of the water.” This ancient tree is estimated to be between 1,400 and 2,000 years old, and it holds several impressive records, including being the widest tree in the world with a circumference of 190 feet (58 meters), a diameter of 46 feet (14 meters), and a height of 116 feet (35.4 meters). Its estimated weight is a staggering 636,107 tons.
The Tree of Tule holds deep cultural significance for the local Zapotec people, who believe it was planted by an Aztec priest named Pechocha around 1,400 years ago. Known as a “tree of life,” it represents timeless and universal sacred traditions, connecting the past with the present. Children in the area participate in a tradition of finding animal shapes in the tree’s intricate trunk and roots, further embedding it into the cultural fabric of the community.
Visitors can easily access the Tree of Tule, located in the church grounds at the centre of Santa María del Tule. Open daily from 8 AM to 8 PM, the tree can be visited with a small entrance fee, which includes an informational leaflet. Weekday visits are recommended to avoid crowds. This magnificent tree is not only a natural marvel but also a living link to ancient history, making it a must-see destination for travellers exploring Oaxaca.
The flag of Mexico
The flag of Mexico is a rich symbol of the nation’s history, culture, and identity, but it can also be interpreted through the lens of feng shui’s five elements theory: water, wood, fire, earth, and metal. Each of these elements can be associated with aspects of the flag’s design and symbolism, offering a deeper understanding of its energy and significance.
Water (Blue-Green Hue)
While the Mexican flag doesn’t prominently feature the colour blue, which traditionally represents water, the green in the flag can be connected to this element. In feng shui, water is symbolic of flow, adaptability, and wealth, and the green stripe on the flag symbolises hope and fertility, qualities associated with growth and the natural cycle of life, much like water sustains all living things. It can be said that water supports Mexico’s agricultural richness and natural resources, which are crucial for the country’s prosperity.
Wood (Green)
The green stripe on the flag is directly linked to the wood element in feng shui. Wood represents growth, vitality, and new beginnings, and in the context of the flag, this green colour symbolises hope and the fertile land of Mexico. The wood element fosters creativity, expansion, and development, qualities essential to Mexico’s evolving identity and strength as a nation.
Fire (Red)
The red stripe on the flag of Mexico represents the fire element, which is associated with passion, transformation, and strength. Red in feng shui is also a symbol of protection and vitality. On the flag, the red honours the blood of those who fought for Mexico’s independence and freedom, embodying the transformative energy of the fire element. Fire’s association with passion and courage reflects the revolutionary spirit of the nation’s history.
Earth (The Eagle and Cactus)
The central emblem of the Mexican flag—the eagle perched on a cactus—strongly represents the earth element. Earth in feng shui signifies stability, nourishment, and grounding. The cactus symbolises the land of Mexico itself, deeply rooted and resilient, while the eagle signifies protection and authority. This imagery conveys the strength and endurance of Mexico’s people and land, grounded in the country’s ancient history and connection to nature.
Metal (White, The Eagle’s Talon and the Snake)
Metal is present in the symbolism of the eagle’s talon grasping the snake. In feng shui, metal (white colourrepresents precision, clarity, and strength. The eagle’s talon, with its sharpness and power, reflects the qualities of metal—clear and decisive action, authority, and protection. The snake, a symbol of wisdom and transformation, also aligns with metal’s qualities of focus and resilience. Together, the eagle and snake depict a balance of power and wisdom, essential attributes in shaping the identity of the Mexican nation.
A Harmonious Balance: Through the lens of the five elements theory, the flag of Mexico can be seen as a symbol of harmony and balance, where each element—water, wood, fire, earth, and metal—plays a vital role in representing the nation’s spirit. The green (wood) for growth and hope, red (fire) for passion and sacrifice, and the central emblem (earth and metal) for resilience and strength, all come together to create a powerful and dynamic symbol that reflects the core values of Mexico’s history, culture, and people.
Watch a video about Oaxaca and the region below
Conclusion
The ancient wisdom of feng shui, with its emphasis on energy flow, the balance of yin and yang, and the harmony of the five elements, finds a natural home in the rich cultural and spiritual landscape of Oaxaca, Mexico. Whether through the sacred spaces of Monte Albán, the vibrant energy of the city’s markets, or the deep spiritual resonance of the Day of the Dead, Oaxaca offers a profound example of how the principles of feng shui can be observed and applied in diverse cultural settings.
For those seeking to explore feng shui in Oaxaca, Oaxaca City and the region provides not only an opportunity to witness the natural flow of energy but also a chance to engage deeply with the spiritual practices that resonate with the core tenets of feng shui. Through its sacred sites, vibrant cultural traditions, and stunning natural beauty, Oaxaca remains a living example of harmony between the environment, human activity, and the spiritual world.