Form School (巒頭法) — Dragon, Lair, Sand, Water, Facing
The Form School (巒頭法 Luan Tou Fa) is the foundational layer of all Feng Shui practice. Before any compass method can be applied, the physical landscape must be assessed for its form energy. San He and Hong Fan Water Method both require a sound Form foundation.
The Five Essential Elements
- 龍 (Dragon — Mountain Vein): The mountain range or terrain ridge that carries qi toward the site. A living dragon is curved and winding (生龍), with visible vitality. A dead dragon is straight or broken. The dragon's final descent to the lair is called the Dragon's Neck (龍頸).
- 穴 (Lair / Acupoint): The precise location where qi concentrates and can be harnessed. True lairs are protected by the four guardian formations and show physical signs: a bowl-shaped depression, a slight elevated platform, or a split in the terrain that hugs the point.
- 砂 (Sand / Hills): The surrounding hills, ridges, and elevated features that guard the lair. The ideal arrangement follows the Four Celestial Guardians:
- Left (East): Green Dragon hills — taller, protective
- Right (West): White Tiger hills — slightly lower, supportive
- Front (South): Red Phoenix gentle rise — the bright hall guard
- Back (North): Black Tortoise mountain — solid backing
- 水 (Water): The water courses (rivers, streams, roads that carry qi) surrounding the site. Water should embrace and slow — never cut sharply across the facing direction. Incoming water direction is rated against San He water frames; outgoing water direction determines wealth retention.
- 向 (Facing): The primary facing direction of the building, grave, or lair. Must align with the most auspicious compass configuration for the current period and the site's water frame.
Bright Hall (明堂)
The Bright Hall (明堂 Ming Tang) is the open, flat space immediately in front of the site. It must be open, level, and protected — allowing qi to gather before entering the property. A cramped or sloping Bright Hall dissipates qi before it can be harnessed.
Form Assessment Hierarchy
Form School is always evaluated before compass methods. A poor form with excellent compass readings still yields mediocre results. A excellent form with slightly sub-optimal compass readings can still produce good outcomes. Form is the hardware; compass methods are the software.