Feng Shui

Fields and Schools

Feng shui has developed into two main fields: yang-house feng shui applied to cities, villages, palaces, and housing, and yin-house feng shui applied to landscape analysis and graves. The two major schools are the form school and the compass school. The first school focuses on the reaction between Qi (vital energy flow) and landforms, whereas the second pays more attention to nominal factors and positions on the feng shui compass. The two are often combined in practice. Yin-house feng shui, used in landscape planning, is more involved with the form school, whereas yang-house feng shui concerns itself more with the compass school.

Basic Theories

The basic theories of feng shui include Qi (Chi), Yin-Yang theory, the five elements, forms, and arranging Qi and orientations. These theories of feng shui are intertwined. This interconnectivity reflects an understanding of the environment: All things in the universe are related, attached to each other, and integrated into a united whole. Therefore, “relationship” becomes a cornerstone to understanding feng shui in theory and practice.

Qi can be translated as the “breath of nature” or vital energy. The objective of feng shui site selection is to find the place where living Qi is abundant, which means the air is fresh, moisture levels are high, and vegetation flourishes. Living Qi accumulates with meandering lines, while evil energy follows a straight line. To attract living Qi and avoid negative energy is the main goal of feng shui practice.

The Yin-Yang theory pursues balance between the natural and social environment. In feng shui, a mountain is Yin, while water is Yang. A favorable feng shui site should be enfolded by surrounding hills (Yin) with a meandering river (Yang) passing through it. The water (Yang) brings living Qi from the rain—“heaven father” fertilizes the “earth mother” in the area, and Qi also accumulates.

[Page 222]Traditionally, the Chinese believe that everything is aligned with the five elements: metal, wood, water, fire, and soil. The five elements influence each other with respect to a certain order. For example, a house should not be located near a mountain peak with steep slopes, called “fire mountains,” because a fire hazard may occur.

The appearances of landscape forms receive significant attention in feng shui. The favorable mountain, called “true dragon,” should have a wavy, sinuous profile in both its elevation and plan views. A meandering river with peaceful water is considered beautiful. Hills with smooth contours are described as “golden bells,” according to their shapes; their proximity brings prosperity to the residents. Correspondingly, landforms generating unfavorable feng shui have become associated with aesthetically unpleasant imagery.

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