Meaning and Uses of the Peacock Symbol in Feng Shui

collage with beautiful background on wall with colored painted peacock and flowers and butterfly for interior decor

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Many people think of feng shui, and they immediately imagine moving their furniture around. They also assume that is has something to do with mirrors. While this is partly true, there are so many other facets to this ancient Chinese practice. At its heart, feng shui is a way to connect our homes with our inner and outer worlds. Civilizations all over the world developed similar ways to create good qi (or life force energy) in their built spaces. 

In feng shui, there is a deep connection to nature, with an aspiration to live more in harmony with the natural world. This includes flowers, plants, and animals. The peacock is a bird that is an emblem of beauty, dignity, and positive qi. Learn all about the meaning of the peacock and how to use this powerful symbol in your home and feng shui.

close up photograph of a peacock

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Peacock Symbolism and Meaning in Feng Shui

The peacock is a handsome bird that is well known for its beautiful and unique tail plumage. Their tails (known as “trains”) are flamboyant and iridescent in color, with many “eyes." They have been reared in China since ancient times. 

In feng shui, the peacock has come to represent beauty and dignity. Its connection to beauty is obvious, as it is undoubtedly a visually stunning bird. The peacock’s relationship to dignity comes from the fact that feathers, including those of peacocks, were granted to civil officials in the Imperial Courts of China. Therefore, they were emblems of success, wealth, and importance. 

The peacock is a symbol that is connected to Quan Yin (the bodhisattva of compassion) and Manjushri (the bodhisattva of wisdom). The elegant peacock is also considered a bird that is similar to the phoenix in feng shui. The mystical phoenix is one of the four celestial animals and connected to the direction of the South. This direction is related to your fame, reputation, and prosperity. 

Embroidery depicting a peacock, Mandalay, Myanmar, (Burma)

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Using the Peacock Symbol in Your Home

There are countless ways in which to incorporate the magnificent peacock into your home’s feng shui. If you are drawn to this particular auspicious symbol, you can find beautiful artwork of any style that depicts the peacock. The peacock motif can be found on textiles, objects, artwork, and more.

You may also use actual peacock feathers around your home. Just be sure to research properly so that you can source ethically and humanely collected feathers.

Activate Fire Element

In feng shui, we use the five elements to inform our practice. One of the five elements is fire. Fire is related to your visibility and your passion, as well as your success. The peacock symbol, like the phoenix, can be used in your home to enhance your fire element. One way to do this is to place the peacock image or feather in the South sector of your home or property. 

Receive More Visibility

Visibility is a pretty good word to describe a peacock. Their stunning luminosity is magnetic, and all eyes go to them. If you need to be seen more in your life, try working with the peacock symbol. This may be helpful if you want to receive more acknowledgement at work or school, or perhaps if you’d like to be more noticed by a potential romantic someone. 

Try adding the peacock emblem in your bedroom with the intention to enhance your visibility. Alternatively, you can also wear peacock feather earrings, or maybe even a peacock feather in your hat.

Enhance Compassion

Quan Yin is the goddess of compassion. If you are working on improving your compassion as well as receiving compassion from others, look to Quan Yin. Then, you can further enhance your Quan Yin statue (or artwork) with the symbol of the peacock. There are even images of Quan Yin that look like a peacock. She is said to have a manifestation with a thousand arms (and eyes) to see and assist with all the suffering in the world. It can be especially helpful to place your Quan Yin and peacock in your meditation area or in your bedroom.

Improve Your Wisdom

The peacock is also connected to Manjushri, who is a Buddhist bodhisattva of wisdom and insight. You may find statues or artwork depicting this deity. You can supercharge your aspirations to improve your wisdom and insight by decorating your home with an image of Manjushri with a peacock. This can be placed in your office or meditation area.