Loading...
Chapter 1 of 10
阳宅十书
A person's dwelling place should be fundamentally anchored to the earth, mountains, and rivers. 🌄 The momentum and direction of the dragon vein (topographical energy flow) bear the greatest influence on human fortune and misfortune—this is the most critical crux of the matter. If the grand topographical pattern is inauspicious, even a well-designed interior layout cannot ultimately achieve complete auspiciousness. Therefore, "external form of the residence" is discussed as the foremost priority.
The dragon veins for yang residences (dwellings of the living) are inherently no different, but the site selection must prioritize openness and flatness. The mingtang (open space before the residence) should be expansive enough to accommodate ten thousand galloping horses. The positions of the main hall, gate corridor, and wing rooms should be planned in advance. The eastern wing, western school, kitchen, courtyard, towers, and gardens each have their proper places. One may dwell nestled against mountains or choose to reside on plains—having flowing water curving around the front and back is most noble. Roads encircling the left and right are equally auspicious, but encountering water or roads that "rebound" (diverging away from the residence foundation) must be regarded with taboo. Dragon veins manifesting in the four star-peak forms of Water Star, Wood Star, Metal Star, and Earth Star, when used as residential foundations, are ultimately auspicious; only the 🔥 Fire Star form is highly unsuitable—it may only be trimmed and adapted for use as a graveyard (yin residence). Should there be a zhuobi peak (a sharp, brush-like pinnacle) or a yaji-shaped (diagonally spreading banner-like) mountain ridge standing prominently outside the residence, this is of no harm. Furthermore, the water outlet should be drawn in tightly, yet not so constricted as to appear petty and small-scale. When the anshan (facing hill) is close and the mingtang is broad, even a nearer anshan does not appear confining. The above discusses the grand pattern of a residential site; there are additionally various extraordinary configurations ranked by grade.
Wherever a residence has flowing water on its left, it is called Azure Dragon; a long road on its right is called White Tiger; a pond in front is called Vermilion Bird; hills in back are called Dark Warrior. This is the most noble configuration.
Wherever a residence is low in the east and high in the west, it portends wealth, honor, and heroic descendants; high in front and low in back portends the severance of the household line, with no successors; low in front and high in back portends herds of cattle and horses, and abundant family prosperity.
A residence must not be located where it faces the direct thrust of a crossroads; must not be near temples; must not adjoin ancestral shrines, kilns and foundries, or government offices; must not stand on barren land where nothing grows; must not be located on former military camps or battlefields; must not directly face the onrush of flowing water; must not stand on a ridge exposed to direct assault; must not be located at a major city gate; must not face directly toward a prison entrance; must not stand at the confluence of a hundred rivers.
Wherever a residence has flowing water on its east side running directly to rivers or sea—auspicious; a major road to the east—portending poverty; a major road to the north—inauspicious; a major road to the south—portending wealth and honor.
Regarding trees surrounding a residence: treetops leaning toward the residence are auspicious; treetops leaning away from the residence are inauspicious.
Wherever the residence terrain is deficient in the east–west direction (defects in the mao and you positions), dwelling there brings peace and ease; deficiency in the north–south direction (defects in the zi and wu positions), dwelling there brings great misfortune; deficiency in the zi and chou positions, dwelling there brings much gossip and discord. Terrain that is long north–south and narrow east–west—auspicious; terrain that is long east–west and narrow north–south—first inauspicious, then auspicious.
Wherever a residence stands on moist, lustrous ground imbued with yang qi—auspicious; on dry ground lacking luster—inauspicious.
Wherever the residence is low in front and high in back, generation after generation produces heroes; high in front and low in back, elders and juniors alike remain benighted and confused. Low on the left and high on the right (left low, right raised), the eldest son prospers—auspicious for a yang residence, but not flourishing for a yin residence. Low on the right and high on the left—flourishing for a yin residence, inauspicious for a yang residence; its master will surely flee to foreign lands. Two new houses flanking an old one—the master will die and none can dwell there long; two old houses flanking a new one—glory shines upon the clan; half new and half old—grain stores grow stale and coin strings rot (abundance).
Wherever a residence is thrust upon from all four sides by watercourses or bridges, the descendants become timorous and weak—inauspicious.
Before the residence gate, one must not newly dig a pond, for it portends the severance of heirs and childlessness—this is called "the blood basin mirroring light." If set somewhat farther from the gate, a half-moon shaped pond may be dug.
Before the residence gate, one must not see another house's corner projecting like an arrow directly aimed—this portends descendants who are defiant and unfilial.
Before the residence gate, one must not see red, white, or crimson stones two or three chi high—inauspicious.
Behind the residence, if a "slapping-foot mountain" is visible (a mountain foot pressing in close as if slapping the house's rear), it produces wanton women who secretly consort with monks and Taoists.
Before the residence gate, if there is a "peeping-head mountain" (a peak jutting forth from the side like one peering in), one must guard against thieves in all four seasons. If it stands behind the house, it produces men who become bandit-soldiers.
Behind the residence, should there be steep ridges, roads, or forward rushing and rear shooting configurations—it produces men who become bandit-soldiers.
Behind the residence, there must not be sharply sheared, stump-tailed terrain, for it severs the human population. When front and back of the gate are round and complete, great auspiciousness prevails.
Before the residence gate, one must not directly face "hanging flying water" (water that flies diagonally outward, i.e., "turning-back water")—it produces licentious women.
Before the residence gate, if the sound of water weeping and moaning low is heard—portending loss of wealth.
Before the residence gate, twin ponds standing side by side are tabooed, resembling the character "哭" (weeping). A pond on the west side is called "White Tiger opening its mouth"—both must be avoided.
Before the gate and behind the house, seeing tear-like water (thin, seeping trickles that never cease) portends eye ailments.
Before the residence gate, facing a smooth, rounded mountain peak—auspicious.
Before the gate and behind the house, ditch water must not split in a figure-eight pattern, nor may water issue forth from front and back simultaneously—this portends severed heirs and ruined wealth.
A residence's well must not directly face the main gate—portending lawsuits and disputes.
When building a house, one must never first construct the enclosing wall and outer gate—portending that construction will be difficult to complete.
The chou direction sunken low—the master joins the army and dies in formation; the gen direction sunken low—produces shamans, physicians, cripples, and the diseased. The yin direction sunken low—meets wolf bites and tiger maulings, dying in a foreign land; a pit at the jia position—likewise. A pool at the mao earth—harms the eyes; water at the yi and chen directions—suffers baldness and wind-stroke ailments. A pit or pond at the xun direction—loses lawsuits; yin mountain short, yang mountain long (mountain forms out of yin–yang harmony)—produces hidden wind ailments. A pit at the wu and bing directions—configrations blaze conspicuously; a pit at the wei and ding directions—produces consumptives and coughers. A pit at the you direction—the household falls into penury; pits at the xu and hai directions—meets snake bites, ghostly hauntings, and thief-bandit calamities. A winding water form at the ren and zi directions—heirs are severed. The fortune and misfortune (of these form-methods) are as manifest as the lines on one's own palm.
How does one know a household is utterly destitute? Mountains dart and slant; waters turn their backs and flee. How does one know a household is wealthy and abundant? Round peaks stand in noble array, facing and embracing with affection. How does one know a household is honored and noble? A literary brush peak rises sharply before the anshan in the court. How does one know a household produces great magnates? One mountain rises higher than the next (peaks layering ever upward). How does one know a household meets its ruin? One mountain sinks lower than the next (momentum in decline). How does one know a household produces the solitary and widowed? Mountain forms tilt like the pipa played on its side; lone peaks slant forth bearing baleful qi. How does one know a household's young die prematurely? There is a pond in front, and a pond behind as well. How does one know a household suffers death by hanging? A road runs across the neck of the Dragon–Tiger mountains (the flanking guardian hills). How does one know a household's descendants are few? The terrain rises high in front and back above the graves. How does one know a household harbors two surnames dwelling together? One side has mountains; the other side has none. How does one know a household's master flees his native land? A single mountain range darts straight through the mingtang. How does one know a household produces soldiers? A spear-shaped peak stretches out directly before. How does one know a household is robbed by thieves? One mountain darts outward, one mountain hooks inward. How does one know a household produces defiant, unfilial children? The Azure Dragon and White Tiger mountains clash, or open their mouths without affection. How does one know a household meets configration? The four-sided mountain feet resemble banana leaves (scattered and uncontained). How does one know a household's women are licentious? The gate faces a hollow, and waters run dashing back. How does one know a household is often in mourning? Before it stands a "ghost-god house" (a gloomy shrine or temple). How does one know a household's wealth does not thrive? It only lacks living source water coming to court it. How does one know a household's lifespans are short? The foundation is deficient and incomplete on one side. How does one know a household is orphaned and without support? Water runs straight away from the mingtang, poured out like a winnowing basket. How does one know a household cultivates virtue? Before it stands an incense-burner mountain. How does one know a household produces ritual masters? Before the talisman-array peak stands an incense-burner form. How does one know a household produces lame people? Metal stars before and behind all bear Fire Star traits (sharp and broken). How does one know a household invites fatal injuries? Corpses-reposing mountains (flat-topped, transverse like laid-out corpses) range before it. How does one know a household has the maimed and disabled? Only because waters carry the Yellow Spring sha (waters arriving from or departing toward inauspicious directions). How does one know the people of a household are few? Behind, the incoming dragon has no qi and pulse. Examine with care the mountain shapes and water forms; judge fortune and misfortune with miraculous accuracy as if seeing it in person. A thousand forms and ten thousand appearances are all contained herein—nothing beyond what this classic records.
A single bridge raised high before the house hall, alike upon left, right, and rear. Before three years or five have passed, the family estate is swept clean, fields and gardens all sold off. This method has been tested and verified time and again—therefore it is specially set forth as a key precept.
[Translator's note: The following are the judgments on the favorable and unfavorable configurations of various directions and forms as recorded in the original text, translated in their original order, each paragraph corresponding to one residence-form pattern.]
Residence short on the left, long on the right: This residence is short on the left and long on the right—a noble man dwelling here enjoys great good fortune and prosperity. The household's wealth is abundant and rich, only that in later generations sons and grandsons are few.
Residence short on the right, long on the left: Short on the right and long on the left—one may not dwell here. Wealth does not thrive, and the population becomes hollow and empty. The residence will surely produce dull-witted sons and grandsons; though at first there be profit from fields and silkworms, it all turns to naught in the end.
Residence Deficient at the chou and yin directions: In former days, the Duke of Zhou divined this dwelling—the chou and yin directions open and vacant can amass wealth. The household grows bold and prosperous, riches long preserved. Without meeting an immortal, how could one know such things?
Residence Deficient at the chen and si directions: A deficiency at chen and si, yet it proves excellent—dwelling within, the household thrives in great good fortune. Should one settle and establish a manor, there will ultimately be profit; sons and grandsons flourish and cattle and sheep abound.
Look-upward terrain: Terrain shaped like an upturned gaze (rounded, elevated in the middle, low at both ends) produces worthy persons. Even commoners dwelling here are not poor. Sons and grandsons receive official seals and appointments, bringing glory to the family gates and ranking among the nine ministers.
Central round mound: The center rises high, called the round mound—build a dwelling or place a grave atop it. Population, wealth, and resources all abound in riches; salary of two thousand dan of grain, rising to rank of duke or marquis.
Crossing roads at kan (north) and dui (west): Roads running transverse at the kan and dui directions—it is certain that fortune comes first, then misfortune. Population and wealth prosper at the beginning, but within ten years, all is suddenly emptied.
Residence at the water's head of a cliff: This residence built at the water's head of a cliff has its site judged unfit for construction. Cattle and sheep die out and people flee away; building a dwelling or raising a grave here reveals the source of calamity.
Narrow before, wide behind: Narrow in front and wide in back—dwelling is stable and secure; wealth, honor, and peace flourish, sons and grandsons prosper. Resources and wealth spread widely, the population is fortunate; gold, pearls, and treasures fill the household gates.
Wide before, narrow behind: Wide in front and narrow in back, a form resembling a coffin—the residence suffers no peace through all four seasons. Resources and wealth are destroyed, people die; grief and wailing, sighs and laments without end.
Mounds and graves on the kun (southwest) earth: On the southwest kun direction there are mounds and graves—dwelling here gradually thrives and flourishes. Should one establish a manor and build houses, sons and grandsons will prosper generation after generation.
Mounds and graves on the mao (east) earth: This residence has mounds and graves on the mao direction (due east)—those who dwell here later are surely doomed to annihilation. Should one meet a master who fails to distinguish the principles of fortune and misfortune, in later years only deserted graves lacking descendants remain.
Mounds and graves due north: This house has mounds and graves due north—an enlightened master establishing a manor will assuredly gain renown. A noble man dwelling here attains office and emolument; a common man dwelling here sees his household prosper.
Mounds before and behind: Having mounds before and behind is not pleasing—establishing a manor or undertaking construction for many years brings troubles. This residence constantly attracts both fortune and misfortune; at its time of fortune it brings wealth and honor, at its time of misfortune it becomes detested.
Hills on the qian (northwest) earth: This dwelling has hills on the qian (northwest) direction—building a dwelling and establishing a manor gradually thrives. Women enter the palace as consorts and empresses; sons and grandsons after them become nobility and ministers.
High sand before and behind: This residence has high sand (dunes) before and behind—following an enlightened master's directions to dwell is no error. Fields and wealth spread widely, the population rejoices, and everywhere people sing praises of this prosperous house.
High west, low east: High in the west and low in the east, facing north toward the yang side—perfect for commencing construction and raising manors. The wealth of later descendants will rival that of Shi Chong; the whole residence is filled with family members and the six livestock thrive.
Square on all four sides: This residence is square and level on all four sides—the earth's form upon inspection is excellent for commencing construction. Regardless of the musical tone of the surname (regardless of family lineage), the household is prosperous and wealthy, its population flourishing.
Ponds at the chen and si directions: This residence upon inspection is excellent and strong because ponds exist at the chen and si directions. Sons and grandsons prosper and the family assets flourish; small gains persist, but guard against legal disputes in the long run.
High mountains before and behind: High mountains before and behind are equally fitting; sand and pools flank the left and right. The household is rich and noble for many generations; lifespans extend to rival that of Peng Zu.
Long channels left and right: This residence has long water channels to left and right—in later years, sons and grandsons attain fortune and emolument in full. Grain, wheat, wealth, and money always abundant and noble; sons and grandsons clever and handsome, surpassing the blessings of their ancestral foundations.
Left water shooting to the wu palace (due south): Water from the left comes shooting toward the wu direction—at first noble and wealthy, then afterwards poor and destitute. An enlightened master discerns the full matter of fortune and misfortune: wealth on the left, poverty on the right.
Pond west of the house: To the west of this house there is a pond—one dwelling here finds it most unsuitable. Cattle and sheep do not prosper, the people are not fortunate; first rich, then poor—few come to know the truth of it.
Water pond in the qian palace (northwest): In the northwest qian palace there is a water pond—to establish one's abode here is most inauspicious. If not encountering joyful events, much weeping and lamentation; though wealthy at first, in the end crippled and disabled.
Supporting mountain behind: A mountain behind serves as support for the manor—family wealth grows lush and its people are strongest. Dwelling here, the population flourishes; sons and grandsons have surplus grain by the ten-thousand dan.
Great mountain before: A great mountain in front is not worth considering—one may neither establish a manor nor set a grave here. Ask the enlightened master whether it is auspicious or inauspicious: dwelling here assures the annihilation of the household.
High ridge behind: This residence has a high ridge behind—sitting north and facing south, dwelling here is foremost in strength. Sons and grandsons flourish, fields and silkworms advance, year after year there is aged grain in store.
Forests of mulberry at four corners: This residence has forests and mulberry groves at its four corners—when disaster arises, none can withstand it. Should one meet an enlightened master and undertake renovation, one may yet spare later generations from misery and distress.
Groves of graves before and behind: Before and behind this residence there are groves of graves—nothing goes smoothly or to one's satisfaction. Family wealth is ruined and lost, never ultimately auspicious; calamities not of one's making constantly arrive, and invasion by demons and thieves follows.
Lone grave on the left: Before a lone grave on the left, do not commence construction—establishing a manor on this ground is thoroughly inauspicious. Disease and affliction cling without end and never portend good; the household is constantly harried by ghosts and bandits.
Short right, long left (even in back): This residence is short on the right and long on the left; even were the left short, what harm would there be? In back it is even and complete, square and round, auspicious—a common person dwelling here produces wise and virtuous offspring.
Mounds and graves on the gen (northeast) direction: Mounds and graves to the northeast at the gen direction—what harm is there in founding a family and planning one's livelihood? Building a manor and establishing a dwelling ultimately brings good fortune; wealth, honor, and glory flourish generation after generation.
Short left, long right (wide behind): Short left and long right yet brings peace; in back somewhat squeezed, in front wide open. Building on this ground brings good fortune to the population; sons and grandsons flourish, surpassing fields and silkworms.
Great mountain on the east: This residence has a great mountain on the east—it is lonely, widowed, and impoverished. Repeatedly meets quarrels and disputes, frequently suffers disasters; a hundred undertakings may succeed at first but fail in the end.
Mountain before, mountain behind: What is there to see upon inspecting this ground? With a mountain before and a mountain behind, one cannot dwell here. The family is poor, lonely and widowed, and produces bandit sons; the six livestock die to the last, and calamity is yet in surplus.
High all four sides, low center: The center grounds, with all four sides high—building a mid-sized house brings fortune in surplus. Cattle, sheep, and the six livestock flourish abundantly; the family prospers and produces heroes.
Roads meeting on four sides: Roads meeting on four sides portend calamity and disaster—when misfortune arises, no one in the household can withstand it. If not losing wealth by disaster and death, they shall drown themselves or hang from beams, perishing in wells.
Road on the left side: This ground only because a road lies upon its left—long dwelling there will bring wealth at first, poverty and cold afterwards. Noble and precious persons arrive in unbroken auspiciousness, but should one meet the base and lowly, they shall leave home and family behind.
White Tiger on both sides: White Tiger on both sides breeds disaster and calamity; a hundred undertakings come to naught, with death and injury. Bandits steal and rob and wealth is broken; moreover, much litigation and restraint by officials occurs.
Diagonal road to the northeast: This residence has a diagonal road to its northeast, with a great road west of the residence portending smooth passage to success. Though property and assets are acquired, wealth is broken in a single moment and topples in ruin.
Azure Dragon and White Tiger: Water flows easterly of the residence without end; a great road westerly of the residence portends great flourishing. Why is it that wealth and honor arrive together? Because upon the right stands White Tiger and upon the left, Azure Dragon.
All four spirits present: With Vermilion Bird, Dark Warrior, Azure Dragon, and White Tiger all present, men gain wealth and honor and women become virtuous:Official emolument arrives unsought, and later generations of sons and grandsons enjoy good fortune for years on end.
Water before, mound behind: Water before the residence and a mound behind—out of ten who meet this, nine are fraught with worry. Family wealth is present at first but ultimately scattered and spent; cattle and sheep fall dead, calamity without rest.
Forests on both flanking sides: Forests and groves stand before the residence on its two flanks; the qian direction holds mounds and plateaus, the gen direction ridges. If one dwells here the household is rich and mighty, and later sons and grandsons make their renown resound abroad.
Western waters flowing east: A hundred waters come from the west, flowing eastward, showing to the east forever a long river with nine bendings and curves. High in back and stretching far and wide, sons and grandsons triumph; grain and fields and silkworms yield harvest every year.
Hills before, level path behind: Before, on left and right, there are hills; behind, the eastern road stretches level and even. Opening the gate at the xun direction brings wealth and honor to the household—yet an unsuitable dui (west) road harms descendants with thrusting force.
Pond to the southwest: To the southwest of the residence there is a pond; the hill-mass to the northwest suits it even more fittingly. A ridge at the gen direction brings much wealth and honor; sons and grandsons, by Heaven's gift, attire themselves in robes of brocade.
Long river, north to south: A long river runs north to south, full zhang wide across level ground; ridgelines east and west rise in two to three tiers. Left and right they come before the residence, gazing back in mutual regard—sons and grandsons will surely produce military officers.
Wide east–west, pointed at both ends: Wide to the east and west, pointed at both ends—placing a grave on the ridge is unworthy of consideration. Should this ground lack front and rear momentum, the household's men and women alike become objects of public contempt.
Dwelling in a forest: One must not go and dwell in a forest, nor may fields and house-sites be made into grave mounds. Fields and silkworms year after year suffer depletion and loss; within the residence, fright and alarm as demons assume their forms.
Low on both sides, high behind: With both sides low and the rear high, the woman of the home becomes a widow, enduring toil and hardship. Many step-in husbands (remarried spouses) and adopted sons are attracted, and deep into the years they still witness poverty melt away but not attain real wealth in the end.
Forests on the qian direction: Forests on the qian direction make women licentious; when streams and ponds re-appear, a fair woman dies. Water on the kun direction harms the aged mother; sons and grandsons after her suffer solitude and poverty.
Grave groves in geng, xin, ren, gui directions: Grave groves in these directions may serve—select a thousand lofty trunks in lush forest. Directly facing sixty bu from the estate, sons and grandsons will change and renovate the old family gates.
Temples and earth mounds: Temples and grave mounds must be clearly known, regardless of south or north, east or west.Separated from the residence by fewer than one hundred bu, they shall in later days harm people and slay sons and grandsons.
One: Left short and right long is auspicious; right short and left long is inauspicious. Two: Gaps at Chou and Yin are auspicious; deficiencies at Chen and Si are favorable. Three: Narrow in front and wide in back is auspicious; wide in front and narrow in back is inauspicious. Four: A mound in the Qian direction is auspicious; graves in front and behind are inauspicious. Five: Surrounded by square and round forms is auspicious; leaning left and right is inauspicious. Six: Long rivers on left and right are auspicious; a pond on the west side is inauspicious. Seven: A mountain in the back is auspicious; a pond in the Qian palace is inauspicious. Eight: High mounds on all sides are auspicious; roads crossing on four sides are inauspicious. Nine: The Four Spirits all present is auspicious; mountains in front and behind are inauspicious. Ten: Wide and level north-south is auspicious; pointed on east and west is inauspicious. Eleven: Do not build a house under Qian-direction trees; do not dwell peacefully in a forest, and so on.
When the bright hall shows such a form, widows arise; youths suffer eye ailments and miscarriages. Consumption and qi ailments afflict the household, and descendants flowing away with water bring true sorrow.
If two mountains accompany the Azure Dragon on the left, the family's daughters will be bewitched by others. Taking in a son-in-law or adopted son breaks the family; if not soldiers, then craftsmen turned thieves. If two mountains are seen accompanying the White Tiger, how can women not be led astray? Two surnames joining in one household, and rebellious daughters-in-law scold their mothers-in-law.
If before the gate there is a jade-belt water (a stream curving like a girdle), high office will surely come easily. Generation after generation produce the sound of study; honor and wealth glorify the household.
A lone tree facing the gate, unknown to people, brings widowed mothers weeping in sorrow. Two surnames dwelling together take in sons-in-law; wealth in blood is drained and plague confusion follows.
If before the gate there are twin trees (trees growing from a double trunk), it is certain that two surnames live together. A wealthy family takes two wives; the lone widower and widowed mother wet their clothes with tears.
Three ponds before the gate, or two ponds, will surely bring cries from orphaned sons and widowed mothers. Determining the family's true fortune or disaster, children fall into water with tears streaming.
If one sees goose-neck or duck-neck forms before the gate (terrain winding like the necks of geese and ducks), lewd and wanton rumors spread everywhere. Orphans and widows, youths stay indoors; men lame and women crippled beyond description.
Three-pointed or four-pointed bright halls, it is determined that death and disaster drown all. Qi tears and eye ailments are certain, and leg ailments besides that are hard to cure.
If one sees a bright hall with three corners, blind sons and grandsons weep because of this. In single-line succession many perish; qi pain never leaves that family.
If before the house a mountain is like a person dancing, the household is certain to produce a madman. Often monsters enter the home, and calamities of hands and feet are by no means false.
If one sees the bright hall shaped like a yoke (curved as an ox yoke), it is definitely determined that the family will be thieves. Plague and fever never leave the door; few live and many die, with weeping unceasing.
If one sees the bright hall shaped like a worm (long, slender, winding), jaundice and swelling follow, and one travels as a wanderer. Lazy sons and grandsons suffer foot ailments, and daughters-in-law and sons encounter all manner of mishaps.
A single tree with two branches shooting to the sky drags one into legal entanglements and bitter worries. Judge it without date changes, and carefully deduce by sitting direction and facing.
A large tree before the gate with vines entwined, it is determined that legal disputes will arrive. Dragged into arguments contending before the execution ground, it is only for adultery and theft.
Small lonely peaks meeting in twos and threes, piled layer upon layer, bring widows home. Miscarriages and blindness issue from this, so tell the geomancer to examine carefully.
A ruined house awaiting a funeral stands before the eyes; lawsuits arise one after another in that family. Often it invites demons to enter the gate; blood wealth is exhausted and plague entangles.
A tree leaning away from home (with treetop inclining outward), one knows people wander abroad or suffer exile. Hunchbacked, bow-legged, blind people, and little ghosts entering homes to cause harm.
A strangling tree with vines twined upward is to be seen at the Lu-cun position. Women's quarrels stir neighbors and kin, bringing plague and fiery calamities, falling into the Yellow Springs.
A hollow, huge tree before the gate makes women wasted by consumption, crying out to heaven. Ten thousand medicines have no effect; with its removal, disaster is uprooted.
If one sees a bare mound of raw earth before the house, miscarriages and eye ailments that will not open. Widows and early deaths stay within the house; blindness, deafness, muteness, and dumbness bring further calamities.
If water before the gate divides in the pattern of the character 八 (figure eight), one sells away fields and gardens to leave one's native place. Lewdness in the family needs no matchmaker; it is certain that young and old alike will abandon their ancestral home.
If the road before the gate runs in rows like the character 川 (chuan) — for years, wealth is broken and lawsuits arise. If it shoots directly, see the bright hall: with three arrows, three sons die their own deaths.
When water in front overflows and flies back (flowing abundantly, then turning away), it certainly rules one will discard a concubine and divorce a wife. Crippled and orphaned sons follow their mothers remarried; following the current, lewdness rules, and one will face forced separation.
The road before the gate forming the character 火 (fire), with two ponds besides, youths die young. It is judged from this that the household weeps continuously, and yearly killers descending bring calamities.
A pond in front and a pond behind, generations of sons and grandsons die young. The back pond must hurriedly be filled with mud, lest thereafter they suffer calamity.
This house with two ponds before its gate — for others, weeping caused by the bright hall. It further indicates illness in constant recurrence, with plagues, fires, and entanglements.
If this house has a great road rushing directly at it, it is certain that the household will lack a father. Crippled and disabled have true existence, and hidden arrows hurt people dangerously.
If before the gate there is a small house, lawsuits arrive hastily at one's door. Then, which year will fierce misfortune arise — when year-killers arrive, disaster is at its most poisonous.
If this house stands beneath a great tree, widows and drunkards are certainly not its inhabitants. A son-in-law, an adopted mongrel lives within; plagues and monstrous things infuse together.
Small rocks before the gate, gathered wildly, and the family constantly speaks of ghosts without end. Little children take fright; no need to say more of their air drying up, deafness, and muteness — people hardly notice.
This household, shaped like the character 品, establishes a village upon the founding of schools of study. Person and wealth grow greatly, fields are added; noble sons are famed through the distant lands.
The core thought of “On Dwelling Exterior Forms” is summed up as "the grand configuration (形势) being the body, the dwelling forms (宅形) being the function" :
Overall significance takes priority: The site selection of a dwelling foundation must be examined within a macro-landscape framework. The arrival dragon, water mouth, bright hall, and tables-on-the-frontal-axis combine to constitute a complete "container of vital qi." The interior arrangement being ingenious can't make up for deformities in the grand external significant. From a modern viewpoint this closely aligns with the idea that "structure dictates function" in general-system-theory.
Four-symbols as cardinal markers: The Northern-(玄武)real-quite-(regard)、(玄武-modern? okay),White--White-secluded-pure-Tru[英],Southern-guernia. In relation—... lets re-read, while considered to be zodiac — practically, clearly classics before allusions instead core **fictions inside this classical-traditional spaces. In modern respects it summarizes effective space-give-an-indication-closed-experience-system. ⛰️🌊
Figurative interpretation for fate based_on_shapes: Original-quotes-characters-high通过-shape&physical-abulation-tively-literary-act both-in-Rich-jecological-taking-like “wide-front&back-hued-hon,”“ -that-is-request,just-aboré”, to clarify -figurative-organic--experience-system-youtube-amable-than-quodities — That should give this respect-a_ret.—then-so.
**Collect-such-generalize-check-up-Lists——: The later-blank general summary-**at-the-of-story as-well-catter-made clear-real-gener-oppended-cured-data-be-cum-quoting-part_must->,ex-hinder-couse-lust-clarity-ed-and-ant’s-not-activeness? But definitely means-forms-init and-trur-list-survey.
(The paragraphs logically reads as:-)
...
(the retained-thinking — in Creeed-evaluation)...not-to-ate” From,-public-privor-o_t_o-Sciences-. o-form/approach...
[Another perspective line-for _