Between 1774 and 1778 the study, master suite, and the new dining room were added to the mansion.  Period 4 had ended in early 1764, and Period 5 had begun.

The wings were added one at a time, with some time in between.  The study wing was the first to be built.  This section was less than half the size of the old portion, and the family did not move out for the renovation.  The main entrance to the house was through the central hallway doors, filling the new section with stars determined by the period 4 chart. The period would not have changed to a period 5, even though the additions were made then. 

General Washington left in 1774, soon after beginning renovations on the study side of Mount Vernon.  He would be fighting the Revolutionary War before the study was finished.   

When we look at the 4th period chart, (in the 5th period) after the addition of the study wing but before the addition of the new dining room, we find that the 1 and 6 mountain stars occupy the space where Washington's study is located. 

This unfinished (and for the most part uninhabited) portion would have served as an interior mountain for those stars, busy on many days with workers, but quiet more often than not. This is a 4th period chart in the 5th period, so the 5's are in charge of health and wealth.  The 5 mountain star is in the Potomac, which can be bad for the health of the family, and the 5 water star is in the center, normally not good for wealth, however because of the nature of the house and the location of the Potomac River, in this situation the wealth of the house would have been protected.

We also have to consider the 7 water star.  Coming from the kitchen, (in a separate building to the southwest of the mansion   1-6-7 sector) the servants would bring the 7 as well as the 6 water star when they came through the front door.  These stars would also have access through windows as well.  When the 7 water star meets the 6 mountain star (both metal stars) we have a condition known as "Clashing Swords".  This combination brings on feelings of irritation and an urge to fight. The attitude of combat is a necessary ingredient for a man who would be in charge of leading others to fight for their freedom.  If Washington had not been so willing, we would have had quite a different result from the Revolutionary War.  He held an army together by being faithful to the cause of freedom and by being willing to put his life on the line to fight tyranny.

At the front door the 1 water star meets the 7 mountain star at the stairway.  As mentioned earlier, the conditions for exile were met.  Here the land does indeed slope, and General Washington most certainly would have felt exiled when he was serving in the war between the spring of 1775 and 1783, when the signing of the Paris Treaty ended the Revolutionary War.  

While he was away his farm manager finished the shell of the study and later the large dining Room. Both were completed when Washington returned in 1783.  By 1784 he was happily settled into his new study.

The center of the chart changed due to the addition of the large dining room.  Now, instead of the 1 water star coming in the center front door to the 7 mountain we have the 6 coming in.  Since the 6 is the future ruling star, this was good for Washington's finances, and his military success.

Monica Hess,  Feng Shui Consultant, Instructor and Lecturer, Lexington, KY

www.monicahess.com

member of the Feng Shui Research Center  and  The Feng Shui Network