Join our Affiliate Program

Feng Shui Affliction - 3 Killings San Sha (三煞)

The Three Killings (San Sha in Mandarin or Sarm Saat in Cantonese) is one of the major afflictions that need to be updated before the start of each New Year based on the Chinese Solar calendar. That day is referred to as Li Chun or Lap Chun meaning “beginning of spring” and usually falls on 4th February. Hence, it is good Feng Shui practice to update yourself on the incoming year's energies (especially the hostile ones) and have all your cures and enhancers in place by the 3rd February every year.

Whilst information on the annual location of San Sha is easily available, it is good to have some basic understanding on how these locations are derived. Although the concept of the Three Killings is associated with 3 Earthly Branches (that's the Zodiac animals to you and me), its annual position is defined according to one of the four cardinal compass directions, namely North (Water), East (Wood), South (Fire) and West (Metal). The 12 animals are grouped into 4 teams of harmonious alliances. Each team of 3 animals, also known collectively as horoscope allies or trinity of allies, belongs to a specific element or phase – Water, Wood, Fire or Metal, which then determines the primary direction of the trinity.

In any given year, the facing position of the San Sha corresponds to the direction of the trinity of allies. For instance, in the year of Monkey, Rat or Dragon, North is considered to be facing San Sha which is thus located directly opposite – South. In short, the San Sha always occupies the direction diametrically opposite to the current year's Trinity direction and its centre is always located in the North, South, East, or West. See table below for the trinity groupings and corresponding San Sha direction:

The San Sha, also known as 3 Killings, 3 Sha or 3 Evils is probably so named because of the three Earthly Branch Mountains involved. Hence in the year of the Dragon, the San Sha is allocated to the SE3 (Snake), S2 (Horse) and SW1 (Sheep) mountains which are of 15° each. However, the San Sha's influence spans a total of 90°, from 136° to 225° as the 3 afflicted Mountains are not adjacent to each other but are separated by two secondary Mountains, in this case S1 and S3. Hence, technically speaking, the San Sha covers 6 mountains including half each on either side. Some prefer to think of it as 3 double Mountains.

Span Chart of San Sha Three Killings in 2012

Regardless of the ambiguity of the actual number of Mountains occupied by San Sha, it is generally agreed that it comprises 3 types of Sha, namely Jie Sha (Robbery Sha), Zai Sha (Calamity/Disaster Sha) and Sui Sha (Year/Annual Sha). As its name impels, Jie Sha brings robbery, injury and money loss, Zai Sha causes accidents, mishaps and illness whilst the Sui Sha creates obstacles and setbacks. Some has poetically categorised the misfortunes into 3 types of losses, namely loss of wealth, loss of a loved one and loss of one's reputation.

It is believed that the type of misfortune or Sha you are likely to invite will depend on which of the afflicted Mountains is disturbed. But seriously though, none of the 3 Sha sounds like a good option, so the best bet is to leave the whole afflicted sector alone. This means no digging, hammering, banging and noisy activities. If renovation work really has to be carried out, select an auspicious day for commencement of work. This will help to reduce somewhat the negative effects brought on by the disturbance.

Besides the “Do Not Disturb” golden rule, it is also believed that one should also never sit on the San Sha or have its direction behind one's back but instead should confront it boldly – the opposite of what you should do with Tai Sui. In 2012 for example, the San Sha direction is in the North, so one should not sit facing South (even if it is your best direction) as this would mean sitting on the afflicted North or having the North behind you. Conversely, sitting with the Three Killings direction in front of you, i.e. facing North, can help to overcome its harmful effects.

If an important sector of your home such as the main entrance, bedrooms or living room is afflicted, make sure you use Feng Shui cures to dissolve or deflect the hostile chi. The classical remedy for the 3 Killings is to use statues of protective animals, the most effect being the Three Divine Celestial Guardians. A power-packed combination of a Pi Yao, a Fu Dog and a Chi Lin. The Pi Yao protects against loss of wealth, the Fu Dog protects against accidents and the Chi Lin protects against loss of relationships. Place the Three Celestial Guardians on the afflicted sector facing the 3 Killings, to protect your home and family members from the destruction of 3 deadly energies.

3 Celestial Guardian Plaque	Three Heavenly Guardians with Implements	Colorful 3 Celestial Guardians	Golden Three Divine Guardian
Three Celestial Guardians for 3 Killings Protection	Three Killings Cure Golden 3 Qi Lin	Three Celestial Guardians with Implements	Three Chi Lin Feng Shui Cure For Three Killings

Some Feng Shui masters also recommend using the 5 Element Theory to suppress the 3 Killings which is deemed to take on the element characteristics of its annual home. As such, the 2012 San Sha, being in the South, is treated as a Fire affliction. Its power can thus be reduced with Earth energy items such as crystals or pottery and controlled by yin water in the form of a bowl of water of blue décor.

For those whose animal signs are afflicted with the 3 Killings or who spend a lot of time in the afflicted sector, it is important to always stay protected against the harmful energies by keeping protective amulets such as the 3 Guardian pendants and key chains close to you at all times.

Three Celestial Guardians to Repress 3 Killing Misfortunes

3 Celestial Guardians Amulet Plaque

Dragon Horse Chi Lin Amulet

Golden Chi Lin Feng Shui Key Chain

Do take the 3 Killings affliction seriously. If disturbed, the results can be disastrous. Calm and tranquillity together with appropriate cures in the afflicted can keep its negative influences at bay. You will be thankful for taking the trouble to protect yourself and your loved ones from the calamities and misfortune which this deadly Sha Qi is capable of unleashing. Below we provide the 3 Killings sitting position and afflicted sector in the past and future for your reference.

* All Contents Copyrighted © Buy-FengShui.com

Go to top