Feng Shui History
The astronomical history of Feng Shui is evident in the ancient instruments that were developed in its practice. The earliest known Feng Shui instrument may have been what is known as the gnomon. This instrument was used along with trying to circumpolar the stars in order to determine the north and south axis. This was basically used in laying down early Chinese settlements.
The ancient Yangshao and Hongshan cultures in China provide the earliest evidences of the practice of feng shui. As early as 4000 BCE, doors from Banpo dwellings were aligned to the star called Yingshi just right after the winter solstice. This allowed the homes to be sited for better solar gain. During the Zhou era, the star Yingshi was known as Ding and had a great influence in trying to determine the appropriate time to build their capital city. This is according to records on the Shijing.
Another example of the practice of ancient feng shui can also be found from the grave at Puyang that dates back to about 3000 BCE. This particular grave contains mosaics of the stars called Dragon and Tiger along with the Beidou, known in the Western world as the Big Dipper constellation. The mosaics seem to be oriented along the north to south axis. The presence of round and square shapes were also found at the Puyang tomb as well as at the Hongshan cultural ceremonial centers and the former Longshan settlement. These evidences suggest that the practice of gaitian astronomy (belief in a round earth and a square earth) was already present in the ancient Chinese society.
One of the oldest instruments used in ancient feng shui were the liuren astrolabes. These ancient instruments consist of a lacquered, two-sided board equipped with astronomical sightlines. The oldest of the liuren astrolabes have been found and discovered from tombs dating from 278 BCE and 209 BCE. These ancient astrolabes show the cord-hook diagram and some those found even include the magic square of three. The markings on these instruments remained unchanged, from the ancient astrolabe down to the first magnetic compasses.
The practice of astronomy that bears a striking resemblance to many modern feng shui devices and theories were also discovered on a jade artifact found in Hanshan that dated at around 3000 BCE. Ancient structures in China which included its palaces in the capital cities are all influenced by feng shui in their design and layout. The rules that were followed were written during the Zhou era on the "Kaogong ji", or the "Manual of Crafts".
The magnetic compass was initially invented for the practice of feng shui and has been in use since its invention. Traditional feng shui instruments include the Luopan or the earlier south-pointing spoon or the zhinan zhen. This shows the extent of feng shui history and its long standing practice in ancient Chinese history.
Comments
Menu
My Articles
Enhancing Your Life With Feng ShuiThe Golden Ratio And Feng Shui
Creating A Harmonious Feng Shui Home With Colors
Earth, Metal And Fire And Feng Shui?
Harmonizing With Feng Shui
Feng Shui For Different Home Areas
Feng Shui Symbols For Prosperity And Abundance
Feng Shui History
Feng Shui Theories
What Is Feng Shui
Feng Shui Basics
The Wonderful Colors Of Feng Shui
Clutter And Feng Shui
Fame From Feng Shui
Profiles Of Feng Shui Enthusiasts
Concepts Behind Feng Shui
Feng Shui Arrows
Simple Feng Shui Tips For The Home
Feng Shui Tips For Business
Love, Relationships And Feng Shui
Feng Shui Home Tips
The History Of Feng Shui
Decorating Your Home With Feng Shui
The Yin And Yang Of Feng Shui
My Articles Profiles Of Feng Shui Enthusiasts Feng Shui enthusiasts have different niches. Different personalities.. Feng Shui Home Tips Feng shui has been an ancient Chinese practice that has.. The Yin And Yang Of Feng Shui Is Feng Shui really friendly for all genders? While there is.. Feng Shui Symbols For Prosperity And Abundance Choosing Feng Shui symbols need not be hard. You don’t really need to stuff.. |
|
|
Related News:
|