Today there exist many different types of Feng Shui compass. According to Chinese legends, the history of them all started in around 2600-2500 B.C., when the first Chinese compass was invented. The oldest compasses known today were created around 206 B.C. – 220 A.D., during the rule of Han Dynasty.
The compass originated as a device for determining geographic directions, and was later enhanced and upgraded to serve the Feng Shui science, and create what is now known as Luo Pan.
History of the Feng Shui Compass
Before the Lou Pan was invented, the Chinese used a Sun Dial to determine the direction of the sun, and the time of the day. The North Star served as a mean for determining the North. On the basis of this information were determined the directions of the 4 cardinals and diagonals of the 8 Trigram directions.
The modern Lou Pan, as it is known nowadays, is a modified and improved version of ancient Chinese compasses that were first mentioned in the times of Huang-Di, the Yellow Emperor of China (around 2600-2500 B.C.). The documented proof of the compass’ being used in Feng Shui dates back to 475-221 B.C. In that time the compass consisted of a magnetized spoon that was sitting in the center of a square divination plate.
Around 206 BC- 220 AD the compass already consisted of 2 plates: a square base symbolized earth (Di Pan), and a round plate, which rotated on the square one, symbolized heaven (Tian Pan). These plates were used for determining directions and time on the basis of the constellation pattern in the center.
Origin of the Chinese Compass
When Huang-Di became an emperor, his field marshal, Ch'ih Yu (who was actually a friend of the Yellow Emperor), started preparing a rebellion to dethrone the new ruler. Huang-Di found out about the treason. Ch'ih Yu escaped to the southern lands, and a great war started.
Persecuting the traitor, Huang-Di and his army were moving down from the north to swampy south-eastern plains. The marshlands were misty and foggy, and the plains had no landmarks to be used for determining directions. So, the compass became a useful tool for finding the way.
The legend says that Huang-Di received a south pointing compass chariot from the Goddess of the Nine Heavens, who wanted to help the Emperor to defeat the enemy. Another version of the story says that the Emperor lost his way in the magic mist, fell asleep, and saw a dream from which he gained the knowledge about the magic compass to help his army.
Yet another variant states that an aide of Huang-Di used his knowledge about a magnetic needle that points south. As a result, the Emperor’s army found its way, and defeated the rebelled warlord.
Though information about the origins of Chinese compass comes mostly from legends, the scientific evidence shows that Feng Shui compass created many centuries ago gave birth to the modern compasses known today. Improved and enhanced, Lou Pan still serves as a major tool of a Feng Shui practitioner.
Sources:
- Aczel, Amir D. The riddle of the compass: the invention that changed the world. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2002.
- Astro Numero Geomancy. “Luo Pan”. Astronumerogeomancy.com, 2004.
- Hean-Tatt, Ong. “Origins of Feng Shui: Huang Di Feng Shui Battles”. Guiculture.com, 2000.
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