The Form School

The Form School

One of the ways to determine the elemental composition of an area is its shape. This is the most obvious way of determining the local milieu's Feng Shuicontent. In the previous case (see Five Elements) of the unbalanced Wood site we need to find a source of the element of Metal. The shape associated with Metal is a rounded configuration. The mountain pictured to the left would be an excellent example of this. Its rounded top is an excellent indication of the Metal element. This peak is located near Mount Shasta in Northern California and is most likely the remains of an old volcano. Volcanic activity in the region is responsible for many of the dramatic shapes that form the mountain range. Part of Feng Shui's strength lies in its geologic nature. The mountain shapes of most volcanic activity tend to form Metal or Fire shapes in geomantic terms. Modern geology proves this ancient science to be accurate as often we find sources of precious metals within a zone of volcanic activity. The presence of warm springs is also common. Other metal possibilities could be nearby rounded dome of a temple or government building visible from the location. There are a variety of shapes found in architecture or nature that fulfill these elemental needs.

Other shape to element associations from Derek Walters follow:

Wood. Trees are tall and upright. The Wood element is suggested by columnar structures such as tall soaring hills (such as those found in parts of southern China), or in man-made structures such as pillars, minarets, factory chimneys, or tall narrow skyscraper buildings.

Fire. Points suggest flames. The Fire element is represented by the sharp peaks of mountains, and by the steeply-pointed roofs of certain eastern temples, the spires of churches, and similar sharply-roofed buildings.

Earth. The ground is generally flat; the Earth element is shown by long flat hills, plateau, table mountains, and flat-roofed buildings.

Metal. Bronze mirrors and coins are round; the Metal element is shown in gently rounded summits of hills, and buildings that have domed roofs.

Water. Water has no shape and every shape. The Water element is revealed in undulating and irregular hills' and by buildings that have bizarre or complex structures although rounded rather than angular. (48)

While working within the Form School it may happen that you come across a building with a very different or very similar form to the form of the plot it is on. The home, business, or burial plot that you come across is strong in one element and the structure in another. Here are a quick examples of a few:

Earth (site) and Wood (structure) are in the destructive sequence, but Wood benefits from the mating. This would be very fortunate for those working or living in the proposed building.

Earth (site) and Earth (structure) are very stable. In this case the building should have the same function as the area surrounding it. If it were in a business section, it should be a business structure. If it is for a residence, it should be in the suburbs. It would be a bad spot for a corner store in a small residential community.

Earth (site) and Water (structure) are destructors. This would be a bad combination because Water would be destroyed by Earth. The structure would be frail and weakened by this site. It would be best to choose another. (50-1)

There are some basic guidelines to follow in the Form School. The first is common sense. So much of Feng Shuiis based upon observations that in America would be considered "horse sense." The guidelines are fairly universal and may be used at varying levels according to need.

Buildings of all sorts should be built on sloping land of a reasonable height. This will prevent flooding. Fairly common sense really, but many people who first look for new homes can get clouded by the lure of home ownership and buy in bad locations. Many new homes are being built in the Silicon Valley on land fill areas that are flat and in old flood plains. While many are forced to buy because it is all that they can afford, you must be careful as when the rainy season comes many areas are in danger of flooding. Many homes are purchased in the dry summer season when the rivers nearby are bone dry. Owners are taken by surprise when they see the water rising in February. Careful attention to the surrounding rivers is a must. I suggest checking local river water levels from a recent wet winter before you decide on a summer purchase in California.

The northern side of a town or home should have a protective barrier. It can be a grove of trees, a large hill, or even a mountain. This will protect the town or domicile from the cold winds of winter. In ancient China's case, most invasions came from the north so it would be a strategic barrier in addition to a weather shield.

The dead should be buried on the southern exposure of this barrier to face the town or home of the living. This serves several agendas. First, the Chinese believe that their dead ancestors may view their loved ones still alive, and protect them from evil spirits. Second, it serves as a reminder of the survivors to honor their dead. And third, frequently in the ancient times the dead were buried with valued personal belongings. Robbers might want to steal from the graves, but with the whole town in view it would be more difficult.

The entrance to a home or town should as a general rule face the south. The south is where beneficial Ch'iwill come.

As Stephen Skinner points out in his book, The Living Earth Manual of Feng Shui, a site with the forms of the azure dragon and white tiger in the hills or mountain ranges is especially advantageous. The dragon represents the presence of yang and the tiger the presence of yin The very best case would be that of the azure dragon form appearing to the east and the white tiger to the west cradling the town or home in the center as it faces a river flowing horseshoe like on its southern end. (40-3)

Example

On a recent trip to Scotland my wife and I visited many interesting spots. Some of which I was looking at from a Feng Shuicentric view point. One such place was Glenfinnan monument. Glenfinnan is the site where 'Bonnie Prince Charlie' first raised his standard on the 19th day of August in 1745. Prince Charles Edward Stuart had come home to Scotland trying to win it back from the English. He had chosen the head of Loch Shiel to raise his flag and launch his war against the far superior numbers of the English army.

I found this spot very majestic. The camera view is essentially South, which is quite good. While at my back was a very large hill and beyond that mountains. Clearly in front is the spectacular Loch Shiel, some 15+ miles long eventually allowing a water route to the sea. On our left as seen in the photo we can see the mountain range that acts as the Azure Dragon (also known as the Green Dragon) stretching down along the Loch. Across from the Azure Dragon is clearly the White Tiger on the right of the photo similarly poised faced heading down Loch Shiel. Photo left is east the direction of spring hence the color connection with green and new growth like wood its element. Photo right is west the direction of fall and represents the element of metal and the color white. I will speak more about colors and feng shui later.

When the Bonnie Prince first landed in his homeland he had only a small number of followers (~1200) and not much of a chance against the well armed English. Still he chose a wonderful spot to raise his flag, assemble his army and launch his campaign. His supporters were known as the Jacobites. They fought well for him and for a time they seemed unbeatable, pushing the English back to Derby.

Eventually, the Bonnie Prince made a disasterous military stand at what is now the Culloden Battle Field. Unlike Glenfinnan, Culloden is a peat bog infested moor. Flat and difficult to maneuver in. The Jacobites fought the well armed and rested British uphill and through the bogs. Needless to say the battle didn't last long and the Jacobite uprising ended. This site is open to the elements. Only a low hill way off in the distance to shield against the wind. Very bad Ch'i in a bog. It is no wonder the Jacobites lost here. This is where the Scots lost their right to wear their tartans for many years to come. The prince escaped the battle field with his life and spent many months avoidng the English to eventually make it back to France.

Walters, Derek. Feng Shui Handbook.

Skinner, Stephen. The Living Earth Manual of Feng Shui