“Traditional Feng Shui” is governed by the last Imperial almanac produced as the definitive authority titled “The Treatise on Harmonising Times and Distinguishing Directions”. The Emperor Qianlong (r. 1736 – 1796) commissioned this work in 1740 putting to rest a two thousand year debate and fractionalisation of the practice known as ‘Feng Shui’.
Whilst this work was being undertaken Emperor Qianlong also mandated the collection, assessment and cataloguing for the preservation of every important book ever written in China. One of these books which was heavily consulted in producing the Treatise was the Yijing (or I Ching). Yi meaning ‘change’ and jing meaning ‘canon’, literally translated to Book of Changes. The Yijing is an ancient compilation of text and commentaries (circa 1200 bce) used as a source of wisdom and a book of divination.
The practice of "Traditional Feng Shui" in accordance with the authorities a practitioner must consider:
- Geography (location)
- Time (heaven and earth)
- Orientation (direction)
- Placement (specific to direction and time)
Much of the dialogue between tradition and ‘new age’ Feng Shui is related back to the lack of observation to one or more of these important factors.
It is important to understand that “Feng Shui” is not about colour scheme, architecture, interior design or landscaping alone. The above mentioned texts contain a philosophy, theology and practical living guide that is considered in daily life in China and Chinese tradition today. It determines what actions are auspicious in any given time of day, month or year to maximise “man-luck” or fortune. Inauspicious activities are also advised and used to avoid misfortune.
Today a “Traditional” Feng Shui practitioner when evaluating a home, office, school or public building will use two ‘schools’ to construct a complete picture of the energy (Qi), time, location, orientation and placement for the site under inspection.
- Form School (Xingfa)
The Form School is concerned with identifying auspicious and inauspicious aspects to a location. Geography and orientation are considered in identifying a good location to live or do business.
- Compass School (Liqi Pai)
The Compass School is concerned with orientation (using a compass), time and placement. This is used with the knowledge of the occupants energy (Qi) to determine a harmony for the occupants with their environment to maximise the benefits of positive Qi, whilst minimising the effects of negative Qi.
For more detailed information on the subjects introduced above, click on the specific link below or for a logical course on ‘Traditional’ Feng Shui subscribe to our six part course from the Home page.
