What is Feng Shui?

Feng shui is a Chinese system of geomancy and is thought to improve ones life by receiving (because of feng shui) positive qi (chi).

Feng shui has been used for structures, dwellings and tombs. Since being almost silenced in the 1960's (because of the cultural revolution), it has recently once again gained popularity.

The astronomical history of feng shui is seen in the astronomical instruments that were used. In accordance with Zhouli the original feng shui instrument could have been the gnomon. 

Rituals for using a feng shui instrument required a person to examine current sky phenomena and state, to set the device and adjust their position in relation to the device. The magnetic compass was later invented for the purpose of feng shui.

The goal of feng shui is to take advantage of vital qi by appropriate sighting of graves and structures. In pre-modern China, Yin feng shui (for tombs) had as much importance as Yang feng shui (for homes). For both types one had to determine direction by observing the skies.

Here is a building that has had feng shui incorporated into its design:

The Origin of Feng Shui

While Feng shui's origin is not precisely known, there is a good probability that it was during the Hongshan culture and Yangshao period, which provide the earliest evidence for the use of feng shui.

Feng shui used to rely on astronomy before the invention of the compass.

All capital cities in China (beginning with palatial structures at Erlitou) used rules of feng shui for their design and layout. Graves and tombs also followed the rules of Feng shui (including Mawangdui and Puyang).


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