CHINESE GEOMANCY : A GEOGRAPHICAL PERSPECTIVE IN SINGAPORE

Abstract

This study, an exercise in cultural geography, examines the ancient art and 'science' of Chinese geomancy (feng shui) from a geographical viewpoint. Using a geographical conceptual framework, the study provides the local perspective and application of Chinese geomancy based on interviews and fieldwork with local geomancers and a survey of both residential and business clients. Based on library research an analyses of the English literature on geomancy has shown the relationship between Feng shui and the twin concepts of geographical enquiry : man - nature relations and spatial organization. Specifically, this study argues that Chinese geomancy is conceptually anchored in the ideas of 'ecology' (i.e. man - nature 'harmony', 'balance', equilibrium, holistic view, man in nature) and environmental determinism. (i.e. the influence of nature on man physically, socially and culturally). Spatially, feng shui serves as an important culturally determined 'means' of locational analysis from the macro- (e.g. city location) to the micro- (e.g. furniture, doors in houses) scale. The interviews with and survey of Singaporean geomancers and clients (residential and business) has shown that their perceptions of feng shui endorses the ecological, environmental deterministic and locational ideas and concepts. In particular, this study suggests that the belief in environmental and spatial determinism by both the geomancers and clients has served as the major reasons for its popularity. Despite the local ambiguity (amalgam of religion, science, geography) as to the exact nature of feng shui, the general 'faith' in the practice lay partly ~n its employment of quasi-scientific methods (compass bearings quantitative angles) and Chinese cultural traditions, myths and customs.