When studying the ancient art of Feng Shui as a master, the main tool used is the Luo Pan. It's main purpose is to organize the space inside the home and to orient each area. Physically the Luo Pan is 40 concentric metal rings with different actions, numbers and lifestyle choices written on it that effect which represents heaven. There is a compass in the center that points south which is the most desired direction for facing a dwelling. The red square the metal rings can freely rotate on is the earth plate commonly made of wood. This instrument can only be read, used and fully understood by a Feng Shui master who is highly practiced in reading it.
The readings from the Luo Pan are generalized, in simplified form and tell you what directions benefit you at that certain time. Usually when incorporating Feng Shui with architecture the home should face the south because of less harsh winds, have a mountain or forest behind it for stability, and a river in front. Then you address the basic 5 element chart. These 5 elements is a basic principle of Feng Shui.
They are:
WOOD, FIRE, EARTH, METAL and WATER. and are shown in my sketched "bagua" chart. You are to stand in the center of the home and orient the floor plans to match this chart according to South.
Each element is represented by a specific colour and colour is the easiest way to use the five elements principle to bring harmony to the home. Also placing objects in these areas of the home help enhance these specific areas. For example the fame area of the home is South which is represented by Fire, so placing bright lights, wooden and red objects enhance this area. Ornament and decoration is utilized to help specific areas with specific colours and simple objects.
The Luo Pan is also an instrument of geometry, and Feng Shui believes very much in the use of square circle and rectangular shapes in planning space; never odd shapes or triangles. Floor plans will always have a center or heart. And then surrounding rooms are added on and oriented around it. These squares can be manipulated in ways to receive good Qi, which essentially is the main goal of Feng Shui. An example of this is very typical in architecture; the density of populated cities and narrow roads. Narrow roads are understood to have low flow of Qi because of size and because buildings are so close together. The entrance is where Qi flows in so in low Qi flowing areas an open space is needed to collect the Qi before it enters the building, therefore a recess is needed to receive and lock in the energy. In western cities sometimes the entrance is too open and can be extended forward to catch the Qi before it disperses. Feng Shui has many main themes that all work together positively and depend on each other to work.
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