the modern dragon feng shui

INTRODUCTION

Understanding Feng Shui deeply means understanding China's long, complex history, including wars, conflicts, and ancient philosophies that shaped China and deeply ingrained Feng Shui in Chinese culture. Feng Shui has a tumultuous past, and during multiple periods in history, the practice of Feng Shui with the 'common people' was forbidden. Since 2013, just 12 years ago, Feng Shui has been more or less tolerated and practised widely. 

 📜 Estimates Suggest:

• 🇨🇳 10% - 30% of the population in China actively incorporates Feng Shui principles in their daily lives; however, through casual or indirect adherence, it is suggested that the figure may be much higher. 
• 🇭🇰 70% to 90% of people in Hong Kong consult Feng Shui experts for home and business decisions; this is likely to be attributed to the fact that Feng Shui Masters' were forced to flee China during the Cultural Revolution between 1949-1976. 

1.  📜 Taoism gave us the concepts of 'Ying & Yang' and the understanding of 'Chi', both central to the Taoist philosophy and Feng Shui. The purpose of Feng Shui is to bring the  'heavenly chi' and 'earthly chi' worlds together: 'heavenly' being the invisible, unseen vibrational world and 'earthly' being the visible and physical world. Feng Shui is the line between these two worlds. Taoism has no god or deity and believes in spiritual immortality, where a spirit joins the 'Tao' (the universe) after death.  Taoists emphasise living by the natural flow of life. Taoism believes all living things should live 'in balance' with the Tao. 'The Tao' actually translated means 'The Way'. The primary goal of Feng Shui is to balance environments and, therefore, live in harmony. 
2.  📜 Confucianism, on the other hand, has no deity or a mass of churches and is considered more of an ethical doctrine than religion, as it is a civil religion that consists of rules of conduct concerning how people live, which is the backbone of Chinese culture. There are five core principles: 1.) respecting elders, 2.) harmony between individuals, 3.) justice, 4.) loyalty to family and friends, and 5.) respecting and honouring your ancestors, the origin of Burial Feng Shui. 

 📜 First Known Feng Shui Book

The first known book on Feng Shui is The Classic of Burial or Zangshu, attributed to Kuo (Guo) Pu, a Chinese scholar. The book was written between (276-324 AD) approximately 1700-1748 years ago. The Yin and Yang theory developed later and was first used between (770-475 AD) approximately 1254 to 1549 years ago. Kuo (Guo) Pu is considered one of the early masters and is often referred to as the 'Father of Feng Shui' for his pioneering work in this field. The Classic of Burial focused on burial sites and tomb design principles integral to ancient Chinese beliefs in ancestor worship and the afterlife. It laid the foundation for many Feng Shui principles that are still used today. 

Key points covered in the Classic of Burial include:

• 📜 Land Selection: The book emphasised the importance of selecting auspicious burial sites harmonising with the natural landscape. It outlined the criteria for choosing locations to ensure future generations' prosperity and well-being.
• 📜 Topography: Kuo (Guo) Pu discussed the significance of hills, mountains, rivers, and valleys in influencing the flow of chi energy and their role in selecting suitable burial grounds.
• 📜 Direction and Orientation: The book introduced the concept of cardinal directions and how they relate to the positioning of tombs and ancestral graves.
• 📜 Yin and Yang: Guo Pu delved into the balance of yin and yang energies within the environment and how they could affect the deceased and their descendants.
• 📜 The Flow of Chi: The book discussed the flow of vital energy and how it could be harnessed or redirected to benefit the living and the dead.

While the Classic of Burial primarily focused on burial practices, it laid the groundwork for the broader applications of Feng Shui in architecture, city planning, and interior design, which would evolve over the centuries. Feng Shui would later become a complex system of beliefs and practices encompassing various applications beyond burial sites.

 📜 Burial Sites: The Shaping of Early Feng Shui 

 In 1988, a Neolithic gravesite was excavated in Hunan province in central China, which revealed that the ancient Chinese were practising some form of primitive Feng Shui (Burial Feng Shui) some 6,000 years ago. The head of the gravesite was rounded and pointed toward the South. The grave was squared at the body’s feet, facing north. This arrangement conformed to the Chinese view of the cosmos (universe). Symbolically, the sky was represented as round or domed, and the earth as square or flat. On each side of the remains, outlined with shells, was a representation of two Chinese constellations: the Azure Dragon and the White Tiger. A representation of 'The Plough' (Big Dipper) lay in the centre. In China, a mythical creature traditionally rules each of the four cardinal directions. The Azure Dragon, a symbol of spring, stands for the East  ‍and consists ‍of ‍stars ‍in ‍the ‍modern ‍constellations Virgo, Libra, Scorpius and Sagittarius. The White Tiger, a symbol of autumn, rules the West and represents stars ‍in ‍the ‍present-day Andromeda, Pisces, Aries, Taurus and Orion. These ‍four ‍divisions ‍were ‍later ‍extended ‍into ‍a ‍system ‍of ‍five celestial palaces used in Feng Shui. These artefacts show that the Neolithic Chinese people were already orienting their graves around the North Star (Polestar) in the northern hemisphere, using the Plough (Big Dipper) as a reference point.

 📜 Neolithic Period: The Shaping of Early Feng Shui Dwellings 

During the Neolithic Period (10,000–2,000 BCE)

During this era, there was a notable shift from a nomadic lifestyle to settled agricultural communities, with people cultivating crops, domesticating animals, and establishing permanent settlements. As communities settled and worked the land, they became more attuned to the natural landscape, recognising its impact on agriculture, fertility, and overall well-being. This heightened awareness of the land's features, such as mountains, rivers, and valleys, laid the groundwork for 'Land Form Feng Shui'. Early Land Form Feng Shui practitioners observed and interacted with the natural environment, noticing patterns, rhythms, and energies influencing the land's productivity and community well-being. They developed techniques to harness and harmonise these energies, initially identifying secure locations for thriving family homes and optimal burial sites for ancestors. They also employed Feng Shui to interpret patterns in the stars, sun, and seasons to predict the quality of upcoming harvests.

📜 Zhou Dynasty: Early Feng Shui Foundations

Zhou Dynasty (1046- 221 BCE)

The Zhou Dynasty was a formative period for Feng Shui, laying foundational principles that continue to influence the practice today. 

• I Ching and Trigrams: The Zhou Dynasty saw the emergence of the I Ching, which introduced the concept of the 'Trigram'. Trigrams consist of three broken or unbroken lines representing various natural phenomena, elements, and energies. The information derived from calculating an individual's Trigram is used in Feng Shui today to ascertain the best location for a person to eat, sleep, and even reproduce.
• Symbolism and Meaning: Each Trigram symbolises a different aspect of nature, such as heaven, earth, thunder, wind, water, fire, mountain, and lake. These Trigrams are symbolic and represent fundamental energies or forces influencing the person's life, like a horoscope in Western astrology. 

📜 Zhou Dynasty: Philosophical Influences and The Warring States Period

(Warring State Period 475 to 221  BCE)

 Both Feng Shui and Confucianism emerged in ancient China during the Zhou Dynasty during the tumultuous Warring States period; this time was marked by intense warfare and social upheaval as various states vied for dominance and sought to expand their territories. During the Warring States Period, China was divided into several powerful states, including Qin, Qi, Chu, Han, Wei, Yan, and Zhao. These states were engaged in frequent warfare, diplomatic manoeuvring, and alliances in their quest for supremacy. During this period of unrest, Confucius, a Chinese philosopher and teacher, focused on ethics and social harmony, while Feng Shui dealt with environmental arrangements for well-being.  Both Feng Shui and Confucianism collectively influenced Chinese society, with shared values like harmony and balance, respect for ancestors and tradition and acknowledged the natural order, cosmic harmony, and the interconnectedness of all things, reflecting a holistic worldview that resonates across different aspects of Chinese culture and society.

📜 The Han Dynasty: First Feng Shui Text

  (206 BCE – 220 CE)

The Book of Burial is a classic text on Feng Shui and Geomancy, focusing on the principles and practices of burial rites and tomb design. It outlines various aspects of Geomantic principles, such as the selection of burial sites, the arrangement of graves, and the placement of tombstones, all of which were believed to influence the fortune and well-being of descendants. Around this time, Geomancy began to evolve and expand beyond burial practices. It became more integrated into architectural design, city planning, and everyday life. The Han dynasty saw the emergence of Feng Shui as a comprehensive system for harmonising individuals with their environment.

📜 The Han Dynasty: Yellow Bandit’s Rebellion 

(184-205 CE) 

The Yellow Bandit Rebellion, also known as the 'Yellow Turban Rebellion', occurred in China during the late Eastern Han dynasty. The rebellion was led by a religious sect known as the 'Yellow Turbans' due to the yellow scarves they wore as a sign of their affiliation. The rebellion utilised the five-element system by wearing yellow turbans to represent the 'earth', which they believed would succeed the red 'fire', an element that represented Han rule. The Yellow Turbans were followers of Taoism and were discontented with the Han government's corruption, high taxes, and failure to address the hardships faced by the ordinary people. The rebellion initially captured several cities and gained support from the local populace. Still, it was eventually suppressed by the Han dynasty with the help of regional warlords and the establishment of volunteer armies. Despite its ultimate failure, the Yellow Turban Rebellion had a significant impact on the weakening of the Han dynasty and contributed to the period of disunity and chaos that followed, known as the 'Three Kingdoms Period'.

📜 The Tang and Song Dynasties

Tang  Dynasty (618–907 CE)

 Song Dynasty  (960–1279 CE) 

The Tang and Song dynasties were periods of cultural and economic flourishing; at this time, Feng Shui gained widespread popularity and became deeply ingrained in Chinese culture. Emperors sought the guidance of Feng Shui masters to identify the most auspicious locations for their palaces, government buildings, and public monuments. Entire cities were meticulously planned and constructed following Feng Shui principles to ensure harmony and prosperity. At the same time, ordinary people embraced Feng Shui daily, applying its principles to their homes to promote well-being and prosperity.  As the practice of Feng Shui evolved, its principles became increasingly refined and sophisticated, incorporating advanced techniques and calculations to optimise harmony and balance in living spaces.

 📜 Tang Dynasty and the Godfather of Feng Shui 

Tang Dynasty (618–907 CE)

One notable master, Yang Yun Sang, was the principal advisor of the court of Emperor Hi Tsang. However, due to political intrigues and power struggles, Master Yang Yun-Sang eventually fell out of favour and had to flee the imperial court. Master Sang managed to escape the City and sought refuge in the mountain areas of Northwest China. There, he helped the poor by using his skills in Feng Shui. Nicknamed 'Save the Poor,' Yang Yun Sang is still revered today for being among the first to explain and share some of the shrouded secrets of the tradition. Master Yang Yun Sang left a legacy of three major Classical Feng Shui texts, and his books on Feng Shui were the foundation upon which succeeding generations of practitioners based their art. He is considered the founder of the Landscape School of Feng Shui; his texts include Han Lung Ching (The Art of Rousing the Dragon), Ching Hang Ao Chih (Methods of Locating the Dragon's Lair), and "I Lung Ching" (Canons Approximating Dragons). 

📜 Song Dynasties: Introduction of the Magnetic Compass 

Song Dynasty  (960–1279 CE) 

The magnetic compass, or 'magnetic needle,' was introduced to China during the Song Dynasty; before this introduction, the Chinese had developed lodestone compasses using naturally magnetised pieces of iron ore (lodestone) that aligned with the Earth's magnetic field. However, the magnetic needle compass, featuring a magnetised needle that could freely pivot, was a technological advancement originating outside China and was brought to China during the Song Dynasty. With the availability of the magnetic needle compass, Feng Shui practitioners started incorporating geomagnetic principles into their practices in a more systematic manner. This magnetic compass offered a more accurate method for determining directions and aligning buildings and structures according to Feng Shui principles. The magnetic compass enabled Feng Shui practitioners to conduct more precise and sophisticated geomantic analyses. They could now determine the exact orientation of buildings, layout of landscapes, and arrangement of interior spaces with greater accuracy, all aimed at harmonising the environment and enhancing the flow of chi (energy).

📜 Ming Dynasties: The Forbidden City 

Ming Dynasty (1406 and 1420 CE) 

The Forbidden City, also known as the Imperial Palace, was commissioned by Emperor Yongle, the third emperor of the Ming Dynasty, as the imperial residence and political centre of the Chinese government. When the Forbidden City was built, eight Feng Shui masters were hired to design the building. Construction of the Forbidden City took about 14 years and involved over a million workers, including skilled craftsmen, artisans, and labourers. The Forbidden City was designed to be the centre of Chinese governance and symbolised the power and authority of the emperor.

📜  Qing Dynasties: Rise of Communism

Qing Dynasty (1644–1912 CE)

 During the Qing Dynasty, which was the last imperial dynasty of China, Feng Shui came under scrutiny and was often criticised by the ruling Manchu elite. The Qing Dynasty rulers considered Feng Shui to be superstitious and incompatible with their Confucian-based governance. The Qing emperors, like rulers before them, often sought to monopolise knowledge and information to consolidate their authority. By controlling access to Feng Shui knowledge and practice, they could maintain their privileged position and prevent potential rivals or uprisings. As a result, there were official bans and restrictions on the practice of Feng Shui during this period. Temples, shrines, and geomantic sites associated with Feng Shui were sometimes closed down, destroyed, or repurposed. Practitioners of Feng Shui faced legal penalties and social stigma, and the practice went underground or was practised discreetly during this period.  Despite the official suppression, Feng Shui did not disappear entirely. It continued to be practised in rural areas, among the common people, and in secret by those who were passionate about preserving traditional Chinese culture and wisdom. Over time, Feng Shui also adapted and evolved, incorporating new ideas and techniques to survive and remain relevant in changing times.

📜 Chinese Communist Party Rule

CPP (was founded in 1921)

The Chinese Communist Party aimed to overthrow the nationalist government and establish a communist state in China. The CCP, led by Mao Zedong and other communist leaders, gained support among peasants, workers, and intellectuals by promising land reform, social equality, and an end to foreign domination. After years of civil war between the nationalist Kuomintang (KMT) and the CCP, the communists emerged victorious in 1949. On October 1, 1949, Mao Zedong proclaimed the establishment of the People's Republic of China (PRC), marking the official beginning of communist rule in China. The KMT retreated to Taiwan, where they established the Republic of China (ROC).

📜 Chinese Communist Party Rule: The Cultural Revolution

Communist Revolution (1949-1976 ) 

During the mid-20th century, China underwent a period of profound political and cultural upheaval known as the Cultural Revolution (1966-1976), with plenty of bloodshed. During this time, many traditional practices, including Feng Shui, were suppressed. The Communist government, under the leadership of Mao Zedong, viewed Feng Shui as superstitious and counter to the principles of Marxist-Leninist ideology.  One reason for this restriction was that Emperor Mao Zedong (Tse Tung), a former student of Feng Shui, denounced the philosophy due to the propensity for fraud among practitioners. However, Feng Shui was relegated to 'exclusive' use for emperors and government buildings; knowing the immense power that Feng Shui had, he didn’t want the commoners to have any advantages over the ruling government at the time. During the Cultural Revolution, the government burned many Feng Shui books and persecuted and jailed Feng Shui practitioners.

📜  Feng Shui Today

Republic of China (2013- today)

Since the 7th President of the Republic of China came into power in 2013, Feng Shui has been more or less tolerated and has become more mainstream, no longer driven underground. Although China is still a communist country from a political standpoint, it is a capitalist country from an economic one, and many companies now use Feng Shui in their businesses to gain a competitive edge.

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INTRODUCTION

The legend of the Lo Shu Turtle is told in I Ching, also known as The Book of Changes and is one of the five classical texts of ancient China. The practice of Feng Shui was born out of China’s reverence for nature. The Chinese believed that if they could reflect the balance of nature’s forces in their daily lives, they could achieve more harmonious living conditions. 

🐢 The Great Flood Legend

Roughly 3,000 years ago in ancient China, the  'Lo Shu' map was discovered by Master Yu in 2100 BC. There was a great flood, and sensing that the river God Lo was upset, the people offered sacrifices to calm his anger. Each time an offering was made, a turtle would appear from the river and had a curious pattern on its shell; circular dots of numbers were arranged in a three-by-three, nine-grid pattern so that the sum of the numbers in each row, column and diagonal all equalled 15. This number was also equal to the number of days in each of the 24 cycles of the Chinese solar year. When used in a certain way by the people, this pattern was believed to control the river. After studying these markings, the people realised the correct number of sacrifices to make was 15, and consequently, the river god was placated, and here the Lo Shu Magic Square was born. 

🐢 Pattern of the Magic Square

The pattern of the magic squares on the turtle's shell was the first formula to depict the universe's energy. In the time of the ancient Chinese, the simple nine-square grid of the magic square explained the balance and function of everything in the universe. Today, as in ancient times, it symbolises perfect harmony, balance, and connectivity. The magic square is the basic underlying principle of Feng Shui, traditional Chinese Medicine, and the concept of the universal natural order.

🐢  Lo Shu Magic Square

  The Numbers on the Lo Shu magic square are 1-9 and are arranged on the square in a zig-zag path around the square, starting at the centre and moving to the bottom right-hand corner. This ordering gives the rationale for the Flying Star Feng Shui system, part of Classical Feng Shui. In this system, the magic square is used to analyse a space in eight directions. 

• 5 = Centre  ↘️
• 6 = North West (Heavens Gate) ↗️
• 7 = West ↙️
• 8 = North East ↗️
• 9 = South ⬇️
• 1 = North ↗️
• 2 = North West ↙️
• 3 = East ⬆️
• 4 = South East ↘️

The Flying Star school takes its name from the stars of the Plough or Big Dipper (Ursa Major Constellation), where nine stars are identified. (seven known stars and two hidden stars). The calculated arrangement is used to assess the good and bad luck of the layout of buildings and general harmonious orientation.

🐢 Symbolism of the Turtle in Chinese Cultures

In Chinese culture, the turtle has significant symbolic meaning. It is often associated with longevity, wisdom, and stability. 

• 🐢 Longevity: The turtle is considered a symbol of a long and healthy life. Its long lifespan and slow, steady movement are attributes to emulate in one's life.
• 🐢 Wisdom: Turtles are believed to possess great wisdom due to their age and the experience they accumulate over time. They are seen as creatures with profound knowledge and insights.
• 🐢 Stability and Protection: The turtle's strong and protective shell represents stability and protection. In Feng Shui, turtle figurines are sometimes used to bring stability and protection to a home or office. 
• 🐢 Fertility: In some Chinese traditions, turtles are associated with fertility and the continuation of a family lineage.
• 🐢 Heavenly Connection: In ancient Chinese cosmology, the turtle was sometimes associated with the North Star, believed to be the centre of the heavens. This celestial connection added to the turtle's symbolism.
• 🐢 Harmony with Nature: Turtles live both on land and in water, symbolising harmony between the elements of earth and water. This balance is seen as desirable in one's life.

🐢 Symbolism of the Turtle in Taoism

• 🐢 Immortality and Longevity: The turtle is often associated with immortality and long life in Taoism. Taoist sages and immortals were sometimes depicted riding on the back of a turtle, signifying their ability to transcend time and achieve immortality through the practice of Tao.
• 🐢 Cosmic Symbolism: In Taoist cosmology, the turtle is connected to the idea of a cosmic turtle that supports the world. This notion is akin to the concept of a world turtle in some other cultures. The turtle carrying the world on its back symbolises the harmony and balance between heaven and earth, a fundamental Taoist concept.
• 🐢 Wisdom and Patience: Taoism emphasises the virtue of patience and wisdom gained through observing nature. Turtles, known for their slow and patient demeanour, are seen as models of these virtues. They remind Taoists to embrace the natural flow of life, not rushing but moving steadily towards their goals.
• 🐢 Water Element: Turtles are primarily aquatic creatures, representing the water element in Taoist philosophy. Water symbolises adaptability, flexibility, and the ability to flow with the Tao, which is the fundamental principle of the universe.
• 🐢 Protection and Balance: Turtles are also believed to offer protection and balance in Taoist thought. The turtle's shell is seen as a protective shield, symbolising the need to maintain inner balance and protection against external influences.
• 🐢 Yin and Yang: In Taoism, the turtle's shape, with its round body and square shell, represents the union of opposites and the concept of yin and yang. This duality and balance are essential aspects of Taoist philosophy.

🐢 Turtle Totem 

The turtle, either land or sea variety, is seen as a nurturer and mother's energy. The turtle is at home anywhere because it carries its home on its back. It does not become attached to places, for it is free to search for new opportunities wherever they may be found. When they sense danger or are in uncomfortable and insecure settings, they withdraw into their shell and are protected. If you have Turtle medicine, you value both the power of the earth, the waters of the earth, and the magic of the heavens, for Turtle symbolises both the grounding quality of earth energy and the magic of the mystical. Using Turtle energy can help you achieve real balance in your life and your spirit so you don't get "stuck in the mud". Turtle's medicine includes a connection with the centre, navigation skills, patience, self-boundaries associated with the feminine, the power to heal female diseases,

respecting the boundaries of others, developing new ideas, psychically protecting oneself, self-reliance, tenacity, and non-violent defence. 

🐢 Symbolism of the Turtle in Feng Shui 

• 🐢 Protection and Support: In Feng Shui, the turtle is often referred to as the Black Tortoise or Black Warrior. It represents a strong protective energy, guarding against negative influences and harmful intentions. Placing a figurine or image of a turtle in your home can create a sense of security and protection.
• 🐢 Longevity and Health: Turtles are associated with longevity and good health in Feng Shui. Their long life span and slow, steady pace are believed to have a positive influence on the well-being of the occupants of a space. A turtle figurine in your home is thought to promote a long and healthy life.
• 🐢 Stability and Support: Just as a turtle's shell provides stability and protection, the turtle symbol in Feng Shui is believed to bring stability to your life. It can help you maintain a strong foundation and support in your personal and professional endeavours.
• 🐢 Career Advancement: In Feng Shui, the turtle is sometimes associated with career success. Placing a turtle figurine on your desk or in the North area of your home or office is believed to enhance career opportunities and promote steady progress in your professional life.
• 🐢 Family Harmony: Turtles are also seen as symbols of family unity and harmony. Placing a turtle figurine in the family area of your home can help strengthen bonds and create a peaceful and harmonious atmosphere.
• 🐢 Wisdom and Knowledge: Turtles are associated with wisdom and knowledge in Feng Shui due to their long life and patient nature. Having a turtle symbol in your study or knowledge area is thought to enhance your learning and decision-making abilities.
• 🐢 Wealth and Prosperity: In some Feng Shui traditions, turtles are associated with wealth and prosperity, especially when they are depicted carrying a coin on their back. This signifies the accumulation of wealth and financial stability.

🐢 Form Feng Shui: Dark Turtle 

Form School Feng Shui uses the shapes and forms of the surrounding landscapes, structures, waterways and roadways to calculate how they will affect people living or working in a structure. The four cardinal directions of the compass are represented by

four animals, one of which is the  Dark Turtle. The turtle is associated with the rear and the north; if you have a mountain behind you, this is great; if not, you can use the landform to replace it. This can comprise a fence to the rear, a row of trees, or a building. Ideally, the turtle should not be higher than your home (just a little over is OK). However, if it blocks sunlight and overshadows you, this is not good.

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