Feng Shui History and Practice

Feng Shui (風水)

Translates as wind and water. Chinese geomancy, known in ancient times as Kan Yu, is said to be over 5000 years old. Feng Shui comes from the I Ching and is grounded in Five Elements Theory. It is the art and science of harmonizing the person with their environment and heavenly influences. This is done with the knowledge of landforms that gather and retain qi/chi and by the selection of a site in an auspicious location and in accordance with the energies present. A living or work environment is then designed in which the presence of the most beneficial qi/chi connects the energies of Heaven and Earth with the person. This connection is enhanced by the placement of objects within the house to create the best flow of benevolent qi/chi, the best balance of yin and yang, the most auspicious use of space in accordance with energies present, and by mitigating negative energies and enhancing positive energies. See Chi, Five Elements, Geomancy, I Ching, Qi, Yang, Yin

Ashdown, Lynne; Prinzivalli, Rosalie; Jampolsky, Yasha. International Feng Shui Guild's Glossary of Universal Feng Shui Terms (Function). Kindle Edition.

A Short History

Feng Shui, which translates to "wind" (feng) and "water" (shui), dates to the Shang Dynasty (c. 1600-1046 BCE) to position tombs and ceremonial structures and gradually evolved during the Zhou Dynasty (1046-256 BCE) into a set of principles for understanding the relationship between humans and the environment. Basic concepts included qi (life force energy) yin-yang balance, and the five elements (wood, fire, earth, metal, and water).

Taoist philosophy began shaping Feng Shui during the Han Dynasty (206 BCE – 220 CE), when emperors, scholars, and architects used its principles to design palaces, cities, and temples. Focused on the flow of Qi and cosmic balance, Feng Shui guided the placement of structures to align with natural and cosmic forces. By the Ming (1368–1644) and Qing (1644–1912) Dynasties, Feng Shui had become deeply embedded in Chinese culture, practiced not only by the elite but also by everyday people. It evolved into a refined system of environmental design, supported by Taoist metaphysics and widely applied across architecture, agriculture, and everyday life.

Today there are two major schools of practice: Eastern and Western

The Eastern School - represents classical or traditional practices.  Traditional Eastern Feng Shui schools—such as Compass School, Form School, and Flying Stars—are rooted in classical Chinese cosmology and rely heavily on structural analysis. These systems are often complex and calculation-based, using the Lou Pan compass to determine a building’s precise orientation in order to apply the Ba Gua map and interpret energetic influences. For example, the Compass School aligns the Ba Gua with the structure’s facing direction, while Flying Stars analyzes time-based energy patterns based on the building’s construction date and compass direction. Form School, though more intuitive, still prioritizes the physical landscape and architectural features.

The Western School -  represents an updated modern approach adhering to basic principles but includes modern design principles rather than cosmological mathematical calculations.  Western Feng Shui schools—such as BTB (Black Sect Tantric Buddhist Feng Shui) and other contemporary intuitive approaches—emphasize intention, symbolism, and the personal experience of space. Rather than relying on compass directions or construction dates, these schools often apply a fixed Ba Gua map aligned with the entrance of the home or room, making the practice adaptable to modern Western lifestyles. Western approaches are typically client-centric, focusing on the individual’s goals, challenges, and aspirations (the intention). Enhancements are chosen to support desired life changes, often integrating psychology, symbolism, and mindfulness. The practitioner acts as a guide, helping the client align their environment with their inner intentions rather than prescribing changes based solely on the structure’s orientation or age. Prosperity Feng Shui aligns with this Western tradition, emphasizing collaboration, intuition, and purposeful design to support intentional transformation. 

Modern Feng Shui

Prosperity Feng Shui follows the Modern Western approach inspired by Grandmaster Lin Yun and the Black Sect Tantric Buddhist (BTB) tradition. BTB Feng Shui blends traditional principles with insights from psychology, design, and science to create spaces that support well-being and personal growth. Its focus on intention, flexibility, and client-centered solutions makes it especially relevant for today.

Five Elements

The five elements - Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water - are associated with specific personality traits, energies, and characteristics. Each element reflects a unique aspect of personality and behavior, often linked to nature and balance. 

Each person has their own unique element profile. Achieving balance promotes harmony and prosperity. An imbalance can lead to challenges in personality, achieving goals, and relationships.

Feng Shui Compass (Lou Pan)

The Feng Shui compass is a specialized tool used in traditional Feng Shui to determine precise directional orientations and analyze energy flow within a space. It provides guidance for arranging spaces and aligning energy (qi) in harmony with the natural environment. The Lou Ban identifies 24 directions, called the "24 Mountains", associated with a specific element (wood, fire, earth, metal, and water) and with the I Ching (Book of Changes) and Chinese astrology.  

The Lou Pan is used in traditional Feng Shui structure-centric systems like the Compass School, where precise measurements such as orientation and construction date form the analysis and recommendations. In contrast, Prosperity Feng Shui is client-centric—guided by the client’s intentions rather than structural data—focusing on how the environment supports personal goals and well-being.