The Compass School is based on the concept that each of the eight cardinal directions holds a different type of energy.  The 5 phases or five physical elements in nature are fire, earth, metal water and wood.  They characterize different types of qi.  Initially the five phases were correlated to the four cardinal directions, and then to the eight directions. 

 

 

South – fire    North – water    West – metal    East – wood
SW – earth     NE – earth          SE – wood        NW – Metal

 

 

The Compass School also uses ancient mathematical formulas that analyze orientation and the time factor.  Compass directions are taken with a loupan and the formulas are applied to the exterior environment and the interior floor plan.    There are numerous readings and formulae within the compass school each analyzing different aspects of the feng shui.