The Geometry of the 24 Mountains
The traditional Luo Pan compass divides the 360-degree circle into 24 distinct 15-degree sub-sectors known as Mountains, composed of the Four Cardinal Trigrams, Eight Heavenly Stems, and Twelve Earthly Branches. Each sector interacts dynamically with elemental water flows.
General Guidelines for Auspicious Water Discharge
Classical texts such as 'Yang Zhai Kai Men Fang Shui Fa' warn against discharging water across Earthly Branch positions associated with personal animal signs, favoring clean discharge through Heavenly Stem coordinates (Jia, Yi, Bing, Ding, Geng, Xin, Ren, Gui) which possess purer vibrational frequencies.
Identifying and Avoiding the Sha Sectors
For instance, a house sitting on the Mao mountain facing You must avoid releasing concentrated runoff through the Kun or Shen quadrants, which are considered conflicting directions for that axis. Violating these directional limits often manifests as unexpected administrative penalties or recurring household disputes.
Practical Guidance for Modern Homeowners
When installing downspouts, French drains, or patio sump pumps, consult a compass to verify where the water exits the parcel perimeter. Subterranean pipes that curve gently underground are far superior to visible surface gutters cutting through the yard.