WHAT IS GEOMANCY?

Although “geomancy” literally means “divination of the Earth”, it is a term that is currently perceived as pertaining to an understanding of our energetic landscape, including the Earth Energies flowing through a particular site, and the skills and means to interact with them for our benefit.

Most people who have come across the word geomancy are likely to have done so in reference to the landscape applications of feng shui. Indeed feng shui (meaning wind-water), a practice that originated in China, and its Indian cousin vaastu shastra are undoubtedly two of the best-known systems of geomancy. However, they are far from being the only versions of geomancy practised.

It is probable that almost every culture had, or indeed still has, its own system of analysing landscape patterns and Earth Energies and enhancing their beneficial effects while limiting any possible detrimental effects on the local population, or indeed, on the national or regional power base. Many of the geomancy systems have, or had, much in common, often including references to flowing energies, from the lung mai or dragon lines in the East, to the Songlines journeyed, sung and honoured by the Aboriginal inhabitants of Australia, to the worms and dragons fought by brave knights and saints in the European myth and legend. Many belief systems and traditions have an underlying belief that our actions are in some way connected with activity in the heavens, as well as the need to honour the land and its fertility and, of course, honouring the Divine, however divinity was perceived in the culture. There are generally tales of helpful and unhelpful spirits, guides or guardians, details of special birthing practices, sacred acknowledgement of attaining man or womanhood and marriage-like unions, clearly defined death rituals, as well as traditions regarding clearing and cleaning homes or other sites.

Although there are many similarities between the various systems, the geomantic tradition of each culture, tribe or nation tends to have its own mode of expression that reflects the particular landscape in which it evolved and developed, rather in the same way as language, accent and intonation may vary according to the surrounding landscape.

The modern Western style of geomancy, also known as Modern European geomancy, is a multi-faceted discipline, covering an understanding of time, space, and location. It is based on the three principles of astronomy/astrology, sacred geometry and dowsing.

Put into its simplest terms, geomancy is concerned with providing a paradigm where we may live in harmony with the universe, including the land on which we live, and the unseen energetic world around us, and offers the means to enhance our spiritual connection to the Divine, however we may see it. (Please be aware that you do not need to follow any belief system to have a geomancer “fix” the energies in your home or business. Most geomancers have come across sceptical clients, and providing both parties are comfortable working together, very effective results can still be achieved).

Given the slightly confusing etymological derivation of the word “geomancy”, you may have come across an earlier meaning of the word when searching for a geomancer or some information about geopathic stress. The term was previously perceived as referring to a divinatory system that involved the practioner casting soil or sand on the ground, or interpreting an arrangement of holes and sticks and reading the results, somewhat akin to the I-Ching. (While material explaining this system is available in print, I am not currently aware of any modern-style geomancers who practice it.)

Due in part to the vagueness of the expression, please be aware that not everyone who uses the description “geomancer” works within the Western system, as outlined above. There are many practioners who work with the Eastern systems, notably feng shui, for instance, some of whom will be aware of Earth Energies and how to work with them, while others are primarily experienced in furniture placement and the Bagua. You are the person living in the space, so you are probably in a pretty good position to assess your own needs. If your property already feels great but you want to draw a specific energy into your life, like embarking on a new career or having a baby, that is wonderful! However, if your entire life has fallen apart since moving to the property, you probably need quite a different style of practioner, though there certainly are a number of notable energy practioners who can comfortably accommodate both levels of need.

Always check that any geomancer, dowser, or other energy practioner whom you consult is proficient and experienced in the areas of interest to you, whatever they may be. Most importantly of all, have a good chat with any prospective practioner before booking a consultation; it makes a huge difference to the outcome that you feel comfortable and safe with any energy practioner that you engage, and allow, to work on you or on your property. Frequently, emotional and spiritual concerns or problems crop up during a consultation, often because we have held onto them for too long and we simply need to release them as no longer being useful to us. Therefore, it is crucial that you feel able to talk about sensitive matters with your practioner, as well as feeling that he or she will be able to support you in dealing with any difficulties that may arise, even if this just means being able to refer you on for further assistance and support, such as spiritual counselling or some individual healing.