At a glance
- Core distinction
- Separate bearings from auspicious interpretation
Definition and scope
Compass approaches relate orientation to symbolic and temporal classifications. Eight Mansions, Three Harmonies and Three Cycles do not share every rule. Identify the directional ring, trigram arrangement and time boundary used by a source before comparing interpretations. A familiar system name alone does not establish methodological agreement.
Structure and details
A luopan combines a magnetic reading with inscribed symbolic rings. A building axis has a backing and a facing direction; a doorway’s location is different from the direction it faces. Record measurement conditions and distinguish magnetic from geographic north. The measured bearing and its auspicious interpretation are separate kinds of claim.
Example and history
The House Classic organizes orientation through twenty-four routes and trigram categories, while another historical manual records eastern and western mansion groups. Both use direction without being interchangeable. On a plan, first mark north and entrances, then build one stated classification. Changing systems requires a new explanation rather than combined verdicts.
Contexts and limits
These classifications illuminate historical spatial order, compass inscriptions and calendrical thinking. They do not establish predictions about health, relationships or financial returns. A digital compass reading does not turn symbolism into scientific forecasting. Renovation decisions still require evidence about structure, escape routes, access and the needs of everyone sharing the space.
References & further reading
Historical sources document ideas and rules of their time, not empirical proof of predictive accuracy. Source notes identify the nature and scope of each reference.
- 宅經／卷上Primary / tradition source
Primary evidence for residential orientation and construction beliefs, not proof of predicted outcomes.
- British Museum: geomantic compassesInstitutional / reference source
Museum documentation of circular geomantic compasses in rectangular wooden frames, supporting material history.
- 入地眼全書Primary / tradition source
Historical source describing Eight Mansions and eastern/western groupings; verdicts are traditional beliefs.
- 字字金：九宮挨星Primary / tradition source
Documents nine-palace star arrangement and period terminology; it should not be equated with every modern Flying Stars school.