Marie Diamond, a Feng Shui master and bestselling author, has stated that she would never choose to live in a cul-de-sac, citing concerns about trapped energy flow. Speaking on the podcast "Hot Water" with etiquette expert Sara Jane Ho, Diamond explained that homes located at the very end of a circular, dead-end street can impede the free movement of "chi," or life force energy, a core principle in Feng Shui.
Diamond elaborated that while the beginning and middle sections of a cul-de-sac might be acceptable, the final house at the dead end is where the energy becomes trapped, unable to move freely. This concept aligns with traditional Feng Shui beliefs, which posit that stagnant or blocked energy can negatively affect a person's health, happiness, and prosperity, while balanced and flowing energy promotes harmony.
Ho shared a personal anecdote during the discussion, noting that her mother was diagnosed with breast cancer after living in a cul-de-sac, which led her to believe these street layouts have poor Feng Shui.
For those already residing in such locations, Diamond suggested remedies. She recommended placing the front door on the side of the house if possible. If that is not an option, she advised placing a red carpet in front of the home and a convex pakua mirror above the door. Pakua mirrors are traditional Feng Shui tools designed to deflect negative energy, and the color red is associated with protection and vitality.
However, Diamond's views have sparked debate, with many residents defending their cul-de-sac homes in online comments. Many find cul-de-sacs desirable for their quiet streets, sense of community, and child-friendly environment, with some stating their families have thrived there for years without experiencing negative health effects.
Some commenters questioned the logic, asking if energy only flows on roads and not through open spaces between houses. Others shared positive experiences of growing up in cul-de-sacs, describing them as safe places with great energy and happy childhoods. The strong sense of community often found in these neighborhoods was also highlighted as a significant benefit.
While Feng Shui is a practice rooted in thousands of years of Chinese tradition, its principles are largely based on traditional beliefs rather than empirical scientific evidence. Nevertheless, for adherents like Diamond, incorporating subtle changes to a home's environment is believed to help foster a positive energy flow, even in traditionally sought-after suburban street designs.