Evaluation of land form

From a Feng Shui point of view, an evaluation of landforms concerns four parameters: the mountains from which energy originates; the presence of rivers; the location of meridian points; and the presence of protective barriers across the rivers. We are specifically describing the practice of Chinese geomancy, although it is likely that other branches of geomancy would have similar yet different approaches.

Mountain – Enter the dragon
In Feng Shui term, mountain ranges are often described as dragons. It is not difficult to see how an undulating highland resembles a mythical dragon. Thus, Feng Shui practitioners would look for the ‘dragon’ when they evaluated a piece of property.

Why the ancient eastern society called the mountain ranges the ‘dragon’? There is a difference in between the ancient eastern and western society when we discuss about dragon. The ancient eastern society thought dragon is a powerful, energetic and a creature from heaven; the western thought it is a fearful and abominable to them. The eastern look worship the dragon, but the western always want to kill it.

Ideally, the mountains should branch out to form embracing arms. These arms generally have different lengths, and from high up in space, one will probably observe that it looks more like a thumb and forefinger encircling a flat piece of land.

Embracing arms have the tendency to act like a parabolic dish of some kind and pool energy in the middle. They also shield the area from strong winds that can dissipate this energy pool.

Rivers
Dragon energy flow non-stop until it hits a medium of different rigidity, in this case, water. Thus, in selecting a favourable location for dwelling, there must be a body of water present, be it a river or sea. The location and shape of the waterfront have the ability to deflect, reflect, disperse or gather this energy.

A meandering and winding river that curves inwards as if embracing the land is considered good. Such a river also bears a resemblance to that of a dragon. Hence, a C-shaped curve is sometimes referred to as a dragon looking back longingly, as it moves towards the sea.

Meridian Points
An area embracing by mountains and rivers is considered good. However, there are variations in the strength of good energy within it. These are very precise points, the subject of careful scrutiny when it comes to choosing the living or burial site.

If we consider the grasping thumb and finger as an analogy, it is clear that the strongest point anatomically is the joint at the base of the thumb. It serves as a support point or anchor for the thumb to exert pressure on objects in its grasp. Interestingly enough, the equivalent location in a similarly shaped landform is a also a meridian point.

The ancient sages used different methods to measure and locate this point, and they are in close agreement with one another. This point, in relation to the overall dimension and proportion, conforms to the golden ratio of Fibonacci numbers. Fibonacci numbers form a sequence comprising numbers made up from adding two numbers previous to it. For example, 0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21 and so on.

Although attributed to Leonardo of Pisa (also known as Fibonacci), it was described much earlier in India as “the mountain of cadence” around 450-500 BC. This golden ratio can be seen in many instances of nature, and even the stock market moves very closely according to Fibonacci numbers!

Thus, the use of this in Feng Shui and other geomancy sciences is not surprising. It was not the invention of a mathematical human mind, but rather a natural and common occurrence. The ancient sages merely observed and recorded it, some of whom may not even be aware of such a formula’s existence.

Meridian points vary based on the energy form. The energy itself takes on the shape of the landform that collects it, much like how water takes on the shape of the vessel. Ancient sages used many terms to describe these shapes, because they are easier to describe and remember.

Thus, just because a landform is said to be dragon-like or turtle-like, it does not mean that an actual dragon or turtle was trapped within, or some mythical beast died there and its remains got transformed into a mountain or island!

The nomenclature for these shapes is very deliberate and specific. The chosen object has to have characteristics that match the landform or energy’s shape. So it is not just based on a passing resemblance as one would use when they identify cloud formations.

For example, a tiger is characterised as nurturing and protective when it is feeding its cubs. So, a landform where the energy shape is like a lying tiger nursing its cubs, is called as such. There would be eight meridian points, precisely where the teats of the female tiger would be. There should be little boulders (or small rocky protrusions) in that vicinity, too, representing the cubs. A Feng Shui expert would also look for forms that resemble bushes that camouflage and shield the cubs. Is this just a coincidence, or a conformation to nature?

Dragons are characterised by a long flowing body with claws. Mountain ranges have side branches which are very claw-like. A mythical dragon flies in a zigzag fashion, thus creating convex and concave sides like a meandering river. These offer many sites for meridian points, which are determined by analysing individual segments and sides.

A turtle-like formation is unique, too. At the point where the “head” is located, it should not protrude too far out, as it is prone to get chopped off. Naturally, that is not a favourable location! A “turtle” can be good or bad. Just look at the rear. We’re looking for eggs which signify prosperity.

These could be islands or boulders. Even the “flippers” of this formation bear interest. It could be drawing forward to build up energy (a favourable position) or it could have expended its energy after paddling (not so favourable).

The descriptions are not confined to animals. There are also forms known as “armchairs”, “tables” and so on, each exhibiting the unique characteristics of the object they are named after.

Screen – Protective Barrier

The final element a Feng Shui master looks for is the presence of smaller land formations across the river. These serve as a barrier that keeps the energy in and protects it from harsh elements coming from the other side of the river. They can also trap and retain energy that traverses under the river.

So, the mountains generate energy. The energy is blocked and reflected by a river. Think of this as a tent with the river as its opening. The tent walls protect the occupants and the opening provides access while keeping the heat in. There are certain spots within the tent where the temperature may be cooler or hotter.

To provide further protection from strong winds and rain, we can erect a screen in front of the opening. That is essentially what we look for: protective screens, barriers or shields. These are lesser formations, considerably smaller than mountains. They are considered “forms” and not “forces” which means they can influence energy by their shape and size but are not considerable enough to exert or emanate energy on their own.

These screens could comprise one or many pieces of boulders, small hills or even islands. They can come in many shapes and sizes. Again, they are given names based on the objects they resemble and emulate in character. For example, boulders that form the shape of a simple brush-rest is given the name “scholar” as it somehow tends to nurture the development of scholars in its vicinity.

Some very clear examples of these shields can be found in the case of ports. To date, no ports have ever been successful without the presence of shields or barriers. It also makes geologic sense: these barriers keep the port safe from strong winds and typhoons. Port Klang enjoys the cover of several islands: Pulau Klang, Pulau Indah, Pulau Che Mat Zin, Pulau Ketam, Pulau Tengah, Pulau Selat Kering and Pulau Pintu Gedung.