Feng Shui Origins & Site Selection

The Origins of Feng Shui and Its Relation to Residential Site Selection

Feng Shui primarily refers to the ancient art of evaluating various environmental factors—such as climate, geology, topography, ecology, and scenic beauty—when choosing a place to live, along with the array of construction techniques and prohibitions observed during the building process.

The Essence of Feng Shui

The term “Feng Shui” first appeared in the Book of Burial by Guo Pu of the Eastern Jin dynasty. In it, he explains: “Interment is the harnessing of vital energy. When the yin and yang energies interact, they manifest as wind when exhaled, as clouds when rising, as rain when descending, and as life force when coursing through the earth. Wind disperses the energy, while water confines it; when gathered, the energy remains potent, and when directed, it finds its terminus—hence the name Feng Shui.” Guo Pu was the first to delineate the concept, asserting that a harmonious abode must be situated in a locale where life force abounds—a place that “harbors wind and gathers qi.” For this reason, he is revered as the progenitor of Feng Shui.

In this context, “wind” denotes the movement of air, while “water” signifies the flow of liquid. The principles of Feng Shui, which emphasize the balance of yin and yang energies, have also inspired the creation of yin yang jewelry, which is often designed to bring harmony and balance to the wearer’s life.The term “qi” encompasses both the inherent energy of the earth and the intangible, imperceptible forces in the atmosphere. As a cornerstone of ancient Chinese philosophy, qi is central to Feng Shui, with its theories and practices revolving around the accumulation and flow of this vital energy.

The Ideal of “Harboring Wind and Gathering Qi”

An environment that meets the criteria of “harboring wind and gathering qi” is traditionally described by the four symbols: “the Azure Dragon on the left, the White Tiger on the right, the Vermilion Bird in front, and the Black Tortoise behind.” This ideal dictates that one’s rear should be safeguarded by a supportive mountain, the front should feature a gently undulating hill in the distance, and the sides should be embraced by protective hills. Additionally, the courtyard (or “ming tang”) should be expansive and gracefully encircled by winding watercourses. In practical terms, a site qualifies if the terrain or structures at the back are higher than those in front, the left side is elevated relative to the right, and the front is unobstructed—thus fulfilling the conditions for accumulating qi.

Feng Shui and Site Selection

Also known as Kanyu, Feng Shui has been referred to by various names including divination of sites, residence matching, dwelling mapping, Qing Wu, Qing Nang, form methodology, and geography. The earliest mention of “divination of sites” can be found in the Book of Songs, which records: “The noble Gong Liu, abundant and far-reaching, grand and lofty, evaluated the yin and yang, observed the flowing springs, surveyed the expanse of his lands, measured the fertile fields for grain, and gauged the twilight over his modest dwelling.” This passage vividly illustrates how the ancient forefather Gong Liu discerned the yin-yang orientations of mountains and waters to select a propitious location for building his home—a setting destined to nurture prosperity and well-being.

From ancient times to the present, selecting an optimal site for settlement has been regarded as paramount to a life of comfort and prosperity. Over time, the accumulated wisdom and experience of site selection evolved into a refined discipline, guiding individuals on how to choose the ideal location, orientation, and even the auspicious timing for construction.

In both residential and urban planning, the guiding principle was invariably to “harbor wind and gather qi”—with the optimal site featuring water in the front, mountains at the back, and supportive elevations on both sides.

Optimal Urban Site Selection

1. Ancestral Mountain: The foundational mountain located behind the primary site.
2. Lesser Ancestral Mountain: The mountain preceding the Ancestral Mountain.
3. Principal Mountain: The mountain situated between the Lesser Ancestral Mountain and the primary site, also known as the “incoming dragon.”
4. Azure Dragon: The mountain peak to the left of the primary site.
5. White Tiger: The mountain peak to the right of the primary site.
6. Guardian Mountain: The mountains positioned externally to the Azure Dragon and White Tiger.
7. Facing Mountain: The nearby mountain separated by water in front of the primary site.
8. Morning Mountain: The distant mountain, also divided from the primary site by water.
9. Watermouth Mountain: The pair of mountains flanking the outlet of a water source.
10. Dragon Vein: The mountain range connecting the Ancestral, Lesser Ancestral, and Principal Mountains.
11. Dragon’s Lair: The optimal point within the primary site for construction.

A Brief Anecdote on the Origins of Feng Shui

Certain venerable Feng Shui schools revere Jiutian Xuannü, the celestial goddess, as the supreme master of the Feng Shui art. As one of Daoist mythology’s revered deities, Jiutian Xuannü is said to have aided the Yellow Emperor in defeating the formidable Chi You, thus liberating the people from suffering. In gratitude, she imparted to the Yellow Emperor sacred texts—including the Yin Fu Jing, The Three Palaces’ Secret Briefings, and The Five Tones of Strategy—which encompassed the principles of Feng Shui. Consequently, some Feng Shui traditions honor Jiutian Xuannü as their exalted progenitor.