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Feng Shui History: The Story of Classical Feng Shui in China and the West from 221 BC to 2012 AD — Occult Philosophy

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Feng Shui History: The Story of Classical Feng Shui in China and the West from 221 BC to 2012 AD

Name: Feng Shui History: The Story of Classical Feng Shui in China and the West from 221 BC to 2012 AD
Price: 65.00 USD
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ISBN: 9780738737850

✍️ Skinner, Stephen

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4.6

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📚 WHAT THE BOOK IS ABOUT

This volume documents the physical instruments and astronomical foundations of classical feng shui throughout early imperial China. Through distinct historical chapters, Skinner examines the evolution of early sighting tools, magnetic devices, and traditional directional boards from 221 BC through the T'ang Dynasty. The text traces how practitioners used the gnomon, the Shih P'an, and early magnetic technology to map astronomic north, establishing the foundations of the tradition prior to its international expansion.

Skinner, Stephen

📚 all books by this author (15) →

🕯️

Occult Philosophy

🏛 Llewellyn Publications 📅 2013 📖 208 pages 📔 Hardcover ISBN: 9780738737850

Fun Fact

Stephen Skinner has delivered an unparalleled historical account, meticulously detailing Feng Shui's complex journey. This book excels in scholarly rigor, filling a significant void in English-language literature. While it will deeply satisfy academics and serious students of geomancy, those seeking immediate practical advice will find its focus too historical. It firmly establishes itself as the definitive narrative history of classical Feng Shui, essential for any serious esoteric library.

📝 Description: Feng Shui History: The Story of Classical Feng Shui in China and the West from 221 BC to 2012 AD

Stephen Skinner tracks the evolution of classical feng shui across two millennia of history, examining how the practice developed in China and expanded around the world. Organized chronologically, the text covers early mythology and astronomy before moving into specific historical periods. Early sections examine the Shang Dynasty and Chou Dynasty alongside ancient astronomical origins, the gnomon, magnetism, and magnetic north. Chapters covering the Ch'in and Han Dynasties investigate tools such as the Shih P'an, the South-Pointing Carriage, the Pi Disk, the 'Dipper Dial', and the hypothetical magnetic spinning spoon. The chronology continues through the Three Kingdoms, Chin Dynasty, Southern & Northern dynasties, Sui Dynasty, and T'ang Dynasty, featuring material on the Emperor's Dwelling Classic and Chai Ching boards. The volume incorporates illustrations, half-tone plates, and figures to clarify these technical artifacts. Skinner brings practical experience to this historical study. A former Geography lecturer and magazine publisher, his interest in feng shui and Western magic spans decades. During the 1970s, he led Askin Publishers, producing classic works by Cornelius Agrippa, Paracelsus, Austin Osman Spare, and Aleister Crowley, while co-authoring Nostradamus and Techniques of High Magic with Francis King. His background in geography and early magical publishing informs his study of these physical instruments and historical records. This hardcover volume suits scholars, practicing astrologers, and students seeking a chronological history of classical feng shui, its astronomical tools, and early Chinese Dynasties. It does not suit readers looking for modern interior design tips or quick home decorating advice.

📑 What's inside

List of Half-Tone Plates
List of Figures
Acknowledgements
Introduction
Plates
The Early History and Mythology of Feng Shui
Shang Dynasty (1557-1027 BCE)
Chou (Zhou) Dynasty (1027 - 221 BCE)
Magnetism and Magnetic North
Ancient Astronomical Beginnings
The Gnomon and Astronomic North
Ch'in (Qin) Dynasty (221-206 BCE)
Han Dynasty (206 BCE - 220 CE)
The Shih P'an
The South-Pointing Carriage
The Hypothetical Magnetic Spinning Spoon
The Pi Disk
The 'Dipper Dial'
The Three Kingdoms (220-265 CE)
Chin (Jin) Dynasty (265-420 CE)
Southern & Northern dynasties (420-589 CE)
The Emperor's Dwelling Classic and the Chai Ching boards
Sui Dynasty (589-618 CE)
T'ang Dynasty (618-906 CE)
Yang Yun Sung
Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms Period (906-960 CE)
Sung Dynasty (960-1271 CE)
Wang Chi
Shao Yung and the I Ching
Neo-Confucians
Hsuan K'ung School
Feng Shui meets the I Ching
Magnetising the Needle
Compass Mechanics and Maritime Use
Compass Mounting & Shen Kuo
Lai Pu Yi and the Outer Heaven Plate
The Compass in Europe
Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368 CE)
Chao P'ang
Ming Dynasty (1368 -1644 CE)
Building Beijing
Ch'ing Dynasty (1644 - 1911 CE)
Chiang Ta Hung
The Simplified Chiang P'an
Emperor Ch'ien Lung's Feng Shui Reformation
Chang Ping Lin
Eight Mansion Formula
Moving from 60 to 64 Hexagrams on the Lo p'an
From San He to San Yuan
Development of the San Yuan Plate
Chang Chung Shan and the Wu Ch'ang School
Shen Chu Reng
The End of the Imperial Era
The Famous T'ai Pao Illustration
Manufacturing the Lo p'an late in the Ch'ing dynasty
The New San Yuan Rings
Relating the Lo P'an to the Almanac
Post Imperial China to the 21st century
From Shanghai to Malaysia
Serious Business in Singapore

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💎 Expert review

“

💎

Esoterica Books editorial team

Occult literature desk

While Skinner’s chronicle is thorough, it may not suit readers seeking practical application guides or quick tips for home decor. The text focuses heavily on historical trajectory rather than instructional methodology, which might frustrate those looking for immediate spatial adjustments. Additionally, the dense academic tone could alienate casual enthusiasts preferring lighter, more accessible introductions to Feng Shui. It is best suited for historians and serious students of esoteric traditions who value comprehensive contextualization over actionable advice. Those expecting a simple 'how-to' manual will likely find the extensive historical analysis too slow-paced and theoretically oriented for their needs.

✓ EDITOR'S REVIEW

📖 Why choose it

📖

Why this book is worth reading

Scholars and practitioners seeking a rigorous chronological framework for Feng Shui will find this text indispensable. It offers a unique perspective by tracing the lineage from its Qin Dynasty origins through imperial patronage to its current global status. Readers interested in the cultural adaptation of esoteric arts will appreciate the detailed account of its westward migration. This book provides essential context for understanding how ancient principles evolved into modern practice, making it vital for those who wish to grasp the discipline's enduring legacy and philosophical depth beyond superficial applications.

⭐ Reader reviews

The starting rating comes from the team Esoterica Books —

⭐ Esoterica editorial review Editorial rating 4.6/5

★★★★★

If you seek to understand the deep historical currents and philosophical underpinnings of Feng Shui, beyond superficial applications, this book is for you. An essential read for anyone interested in Chinese cultural history, the transmission of esoteric knowledge, or a serious student of geomancy's…

Reader rating

4.6

Based on 1 reviews

Esoterica Books editorial team

While Skinner’s chronicle is thorough, it may not suit readers seeking practical application guides or quick tips for home decor. The text focuses heavily on historical trajectory rather than instructional methodology, which might frustrate those looking for immediate spatial adjustments. Additionally, the dense academic tone could alienate casual enthusiasts preferring lighter, more accessible introductions to Feng Shui. It is best suited for historians and serious students of esoteric traditions who value comprehensive contextualization over actionable advice. Those expecting a simple 'how-to' manual will likely find the extensive historical analysis too slow-paced and theoretically oriented for their needs.

❓ Frequently asked questions

No, this is primarily a historical survey, not a practical manual for applying Feng Shui. While it explains principles, its focus is on their development over time, offering context rather than instruction.

The book traces the historical thread up to 2012 AD, so it encompasses its popularization in the modern era. However, it does so through a historical lens, examining evolution rather than focusing on contemporary trends or specific schools of thought.

📖 Who should read this

🎯 Key themes and symbolism

Ancient Origins & Evolution

Explores Feng Shui's genesis in ancient China, detailing its development from pragmatic agrarian wisdom and geomancy into a sophisticated system. It covers its transformation through various dynasties and philosophical schools, illustrating how its core tenets were shaped over millennia, laying the groundwork for its enduring principles.

East-West Propagation

Chronicles the fascinating journey of Feng Shui beyond its Chinese homeland. The book examines the forces and individuals responsible for its spread to Western cultures, highlighting how this ancient art was interpreted, adapted, and sometimes transformed as it crossed geographical and cultural boundaries, shaping its modern identity.

Classical Practice Foundations

While historical, the book implicitly grounds its narrative in "classical" Feng Shui, distinguishing it from modern interpretations. It delves into the foundational concepts and methodologies that defined its practice for centuries, offering insight into the authentic, traditional applications before its global popularization, emphasizing its core, timeless wisdom.

📜 Historical context

Feng Shui, an ancient Chinese art of placement, belongs to a venerable tradition of geomancy and environmental harmony. This work meticulously traces its unbroken lineage within a broader context of Daoist cosmology and Confucian thought. It stands out as the first comprehensive English-language account to chart this specific historical evolution, offering a critical anchor for its enduring principles.

📚 Glossary

Feng Shui
Geomancy
Qin Dynasty

📔 Questions to reflect on

How might a deeper understanding of Feng Shui's historical evolution influence your perception or practice of its principles today?
Consider the challenges and adaptations involved when an ancient Eastern art like Feng Shui is introduced and popularized in Western cultures. What might be gained or lost in translation?
Reflect on the interplay between practical environmental observation and esoteric philosophy in the development of Feng Shui throughout history. Which aspect seems more dominant at different periods?