A person's life expectancy, wellbeing, success and failure depends greatly on the flow of Qi in his/her residence. One of the main conductors of Qi in a property is the location of Water. That's why when conducting a Feng Shui audit, it is essential to observe the position of Water. In Chinese we call this the Shui Wei.

'Water' is one of the most important elements in Feng Shui.

All existence on Earth is influenced, shaped and governed by Qi. From the peaks of the highest mountains to the bottom of the deepest oceans, Qi flows and meanders. In Feng Shui, the goal is to harness positive Qi and deviate negative Qi. One of the most important bearers of Qi is Water. That is why, it is very important that we observe the location and position of Water when conducting a Feng Shui audit.

Water is a source of Yang Qi. We know that Sheng Qi is produced by the 'Yin' to become a form of 'Yang Qi'. This was explained by Qing Dynasty Master, Jiang Da Hong in his literature “Di Li Bian Zheng” when he was explaining the concept of Xuan Kong's Real Yin and Real Yang.

Thus, Water, with its flexible and quiet self (yin) can become moving and aggressive (yang), this fits the description of 'Sheng Qi'. Water is Yin on the outside (stillness) but Yang on the inside (movement of the particles, water is always moving). Water is considered a 'source' of Yang Qi. That is why Water is widely regarded as a 'conductor' in Feng Shui applications by many Feng Shui masters, past and present.

Every school of Feng Shui has different methods when it comes to applying Water in their practice. San Yuan and San He advocate their own Water methods. When it comes to 'Qi Flow” or (Li Qi) methods, Water must be regarded as the Reference Point.

(Note: For those who are new to this term, 'Reference Point', is a term I personally like to use all the time in my classes whenever I teach. I personally believe that in order to practice Feng Shui effectively, any system of Feng Shui, one must first establish the Reference Point.)
Water Factors

Luan Tou (Environmental Factors)

In the countryside, away from the hustle and bustle of the city, one needs to observe “Dragon, Embrace, Mountain and Water”. The formation and structure of a landscape needs to be identified. Every piece of land has a 'structure type'. This is your reference point. Identify this and then you can 'qualify' it by its water entrance and exit.

Li Qi (Qi Flow Factors)

Using the Xuan Kong Gua in addition to the Stems and Branches and the Yin and Yang of the Five Elements it is possible to decide the outcome and potential of the Incoming and Outgoing Water mouths. You will need to use the Luo Pan and perform some calculations in order to access the Qi factors of the Water mouth. The reference point here would be in reference to the Facing of the property. From that point, the variable factors would the Dragon, Mountain, Embrace and Water locations.

Internal Qi : Internal Water

The saying goes 'Dragon Embraces Water, Water Embraces Dragon'. Water is the blood of the Dragon. This actually refers to a simple Yin and Yang factor. Mountain is YIN and Water is YANG. Mountain is non-moving, Water is moving. Both contain Sheng Qi because according to the classics - “Real Yin and Real Yang – One contains the other”. Mountain on the outlook is Yin, but it's massive size and rigidity 'contains yang'. Water because its constantly moving nature is Yang, but it's flexibility and soft nature 'contains yin'. When these criteria are matched, they are natural conductors of 'Sheng Qi'.

Mountain and Rivers refer to External Factors. What about internal Factors? When conducting an audit, it is essential to first plot out the Xuan Kong chart. On the chart, you will need to identify the location of the important Facing Stars . These would be your Shui Wei (water positions) that may need activation depending on the circumstances and restrictions of the property.

Because we now know that Mountain refers to YIN and Water refers to YANG, all we need to do is identify these factors in our residence. If we can position 'Yang' factors at the proper Facing Stars. Thus doors and active objects (yang), should be positioned where good facing stars reside.