The history of classical feng shui, also known as traditional feng shui, dates back thousands of years. It was used to design the layout of cities, monuments, palaces and other buildings. It was also used to find the best location for gravesites and for agriculture. Based on science and the interaction of heaven and earth, the principles of classical feng shui use the five elements and the balance of yin and yang.
The classical forms of feng shui include:
- The Form School, also known as the Landscape School, is based on the actual landscape of the countryside and the symbolism of the natural shapes found there. It does not use the directions of the compass in any way. The original name of this type of feng shui is the San He School.
- The Compass School uses tools including the lou pan or feng shui compass, the lo shu square and the ba-gua. This type of feng shui further divides into several schools.
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- The Xuan Kong School, also known as Flying Stars, is considered by many in the Eastern World to be the highest form of feng shui.
- Ba Zhai, known as the Eight Mansions, Eight Houses or East-West School is a highly respected type of feng shui.
Although the classical form of feng shui is practiced in the Western part of the world, its popularity is strongest in the Eastern cultures.