Four images. Application of four images

Geomantic omen later applied the four images to the terrain to predict the good and bad of the terrain, in order to make good and bad luck. With the development of history, the four images of geomantic omen have been handed down and influenced the folk culture of China. Most ancient buildings in China conform to the principle of four images of geomantic omen. For example, the social altar in Zhongshan Park in Beijing was built in the Ming and Qing Dynasties, and the top floor was covered with five-color soil: blue soil in the east (Qinglong color), white soil in the west (white tiger color), red soil in the south (Suzaku color), black soil in the north (Xuanwu color) and loess in the middle (symbolizing yellow race). In addition, these soils are selected from four prefectures and counties, which means that the four directions pay tribute, * * * is the main country, and the world is at peace.

Nowadays, the four geomantic images are widely used in the site selection, construction and layout of houses, such as "Zuo Qinglong, Right White Tiger, Former Suzaku and Back Xuanwu", and adhere to the principle of "moving left, connecting right, gathering before and leaning behind", that is, there should be streams and rivers on the left, long roads on the right, ponds and lakes in front, mountains and hills behind and vibrant ancient scenery around. At the same time, the four elephants are required to sit facing south with their backs facing south, because the south is sunny, warm and comfortable, suitable for living, and the front water source is rich, so that the back mountain can block the cold wind at the back and echo the mountain. However, with the development of urbanization, people flock from beautiful rural areas to high-rise cities. There is no mountain behind, and there is no water in front. Then feng shui experts put forward the principle that "an inch high is a mountain and an inch low is water", that is, the tall building behind a person's house can be regarded as a mountain and the path in front of the house can be regarded as water. Also, Qinglong can also be regarded as roads, bridges and so on. In short, the four images of Feng Shui should be used flexibly, not mechanically.