Factor: Topography

There are two factors that influence the Feng Shui of a plot. These are the outside and the inside factors. The outside factors are those we do not have any control or influence over, these consist of the topography, terrain, waterways, surrounding streets, nearby structures or trees.

The inside factors are those which we have an influence over and these are: the shape of the house, the placement of the gate, doors, stairways, bedrooms and beds, kitchens and stoves, ceilings and floors, toilets, pools or ponds and garages.

The study of topography is the crux of the teachings of the Form School of Feng Shui. The way the mountains extends themselves determine whether the Dragon chi is strong or weak, beneficial or not.

In olden days, the analysis of a site depended on the juxtaposition of the mountain range with the site. For it is from the relative position of the plot to the mountain that the chi or element of a plot is determined. Together with the juxtaposition of the waterways, e.g., the rivers, creeks or streams in the area, that freeze the chi emanating from the mountain.

In modern days, the mountain or Dragon chi is being interpreted as high ground, buildings, tall trees or high walls and the streets pertain to waterways.

The topography of a region molds the type of chi that covers the area, hence an area with a mountain range at the rear that extends to embrace both the left and the right side is considered as having good Feng Shui as it has 'backing' or support of the mountain at the rear and is being protected by higher ground on its left and right flanks. The connotation is that people inhabiting the area will receive the support or 'backing' from all sectors in their undertakings and will have helpful friends or colleagues. It also connotes stability likened to an emperor's throne with all the officials and army providing protection and 'backing'.

This condition when coupled with a wide expanse in front, that serves as the 'Ming Tang', is being considered to have most favorable Feng Shui. A wide expanse in front inculcates a wide perspective in one's outlook and foresees no obstacle in one's undertakings. Thus the essential condition of good Feng Shui of a plot is to have higher ground at the rear, if possible also to have high ground to its left and right sides and lower ground or no obstruction in front.

If you have built your house on the highest part of a site, then it does not have good Feng Shui for the following reasons:

• It does not have protection from natural calamities such as typhoons and thunder storms.

• It has no 'backing' which means that in all your undertaking, brinkmanship is the game you will play.

• The place cannot hold or accumulate chi as the wind readily disperses it.

Conversely, if your house is built at the lowest portion of an area especially if it is below street level, then all the chi in the area will be accumulated in front of your house; this could lead to the stagnation of chi. Congested chi is not a favorable feature in Feng Shui, besides your house will be prone to floods during rainy days.