In Feng Shui, the compass is called Luo Pan (literally: the universe on a plate). Far from being identical to the compass we know, it gives precious additional indications, allowing to "reflect the vault of heaven on earth". Thus, in Feng Shui, the compass is essential to understand the circulation of energies and to arrange one's interior in the best way. Here is everything you need to know about the Feng Shui compass.
The Luo Pan: description of the precious Feng Shui tool
How is the compass represented in Feng Shui? It has a square base, usually red lacquered, on which is fixed a round metallic plate. The latter is engraved with various circles decorated with symbols related to Chinese art and traditional medicine. Its center is materialized by a compass.
The central compass is equipped with fine sensitive needles indicating the magnetic north. The tray of the Luo Pan is mobile and engraved with Chinese characters. It symbolizes rings. The astronomy section is the oldest one, allowing to have positioning data with the stars. The external sky is useful to analyze the high elements (mountains, hills, buildings, trees...), contrary to the internal sky which allows to analyze the low and fast elements (water, lakes, roads...). Finally, the earth section indicates the elements directly related to the building itself as well as to its close environment.
In a figurative way, the center of the Luo Pan (the compass) represents the universe. All the concentric circles represent the sky and the various elements present in the universe. Finally, the red square forming the base represents the Earth.
What is the purpose of the compass in Feng Shui?
The Feng Shui compass is used to measure space and time. In fact, it is still used in the military as a method of indication! Indeed, it is not uncommon to indicate the presence of an enemy group at 3 o'clock for example! This indicates both the direction and the time!
Thanks to all the other elements present on the Luo Pan (seasons, months, days, hours, natural elements, etc.), the precision of the calculations and information is sharp
However, there is a wide variety of Feng Shui compasses. Some are large, others smaller. Some of these objects are also less complete than others with fewer rings. Four main families are represented: San He (appreciates the near and far environment), San Yuan (including Yin Feng Shui), Zong He (very complete, as it includes the elements of the other two models) and the Xuan Kong (also including the stars).
How is the compass used in Feng Shui?
The Luo Pan Feng Shui indicates the orientation of your elements. For example, if you want to know the orientation of your bay window, place the square plate parallel to your opening. The wide base makes it easier to take measurements. To know its location, you must be above the compass to avoid errors of appreciation.
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