Geomancy

Geomancy : is an ancient form of divination which involves either, the scattering of handfuls of soil, earth or other materials on the ground, or markings made in the earth or sand, in order to make 'a range of dot configurations which can then be "read" by a seer'.

Geomancy, however in the 19th century began to be applied to the Chinese practice of feng shui, which literally means "wind and water". This is an ancient Chinese system of creating harmonious surroundings in order to ensure health, happiness and prosperity. The way in which this was done involved the geomant or the feng shui master employing 'a circular magnetic compass, called a luopan, which was marked off in rings containing data relating to astrology, directions, the elements, landscape forms, times of day, and so on. The aim was to locate a site where the energies or ch'i of the land and sky were brought into perfect balance. The harmony of these energies ensured good fortune'.