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Luopan (Feng Shui Compass)

The Luopan (罗盘) is the traditional feng shui compass, a sophisticated instrument consisting of a magnetic compass surrounded by concentric rings containing feng shui formulas and information. It is the essential tool for professional feng shui practitioners to determine directions and analyze spaces.

Last updated · Jan 14, 2026

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Luopan — the feng shui compass
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Meaning and ContextClassical RootsLuopan StructureUsing the LuopanHow It Shows Up in FateFolioSources and QuotesFAQRelated

Meaning and Context

Luopan (罗盘) combines "luo" (罗, meaning a net or to arrange) and "pan" (盘, meaning a plate or disc). The name reflects the comprehensive nature of the instrument—it "nets" or captures all the directional information needed for feng shui analysis.

Unlike a simple compass that only shows magnetic north, the Luopan contains multiple rings with detailed feng shui information, allowing practitioners to read various formulas and correspondences directly.

  • Center: Magnetic needle (typically in "heaven pool" 天池)
  • Rings: Various formulas including 24 mountains, trigrams, elements, stars
  • Types: San He (Form School), San Yuan (Flying Stars), and comprehensive versions
  • Use: Determining facing direction, analyzing sectors, applying formulas
Professional tool
The Luopan is primarily a professional instrument. For most homeowners, a standard compass (or smartphone compass) for determining facing direction is sufficient for basic feng shui applications.

Classical Roots

Classical texts emphasize the importance of precise directional measurement:

From Yangzhai Sanyo
「定向必用罗盘，分金度数。」
Plain translation
"To determine direction, one must use the Luopan, precise to the degree of fengjin."

This reflects the traditional emphasis on precision in feng shui—the exact degree of facing can affect which feng shui chart applies.

Luopan Structure

Key components of a traditional Luopan:

  • Heaven Pool (天池): The center containing the magnetic needle
  • 24 Mountains (二十四山): The fundamental directional ring dividing the compass into 24 sectors
  • Trigram Ring: Eight trigrams corresponding to directions
  • Element Rings: Five Element correspondences for sectors
  • Star Rings: Flying Star or other system-specific information
  • Degree Markings: 360-degree precision for exact measurements

Different Luopan types (San He, San Yuan) have different ring configurations emphasizing their respective feng shui systems.

Using the Luopan

Basic steps for Luopan use:

  1. Stand at the center of the building or door with the Luopan level
  2. Allow the needle to settle and align with magnetic north
  3. Align the Luopan's north marking with the needle
  4. Read the facing direction from the ring opposite your facing position
  5. Note the specific "mountain" (15-degree sector) for precise analysis
Modern alternative
Modern practitioners often use smartphone compasses for initial readings, then convert to traditional 24-mountain sectors. The key is consistent and accurate measurement.

How It Shows Up in FateFolio

In FateFolio's Feng Shui tool, directional analysis includes:

  • Guidance on taking compass readings for your space
  • Conversion of compass degrees to 24-mountain sectors
  • Application of relevant feng shui formulas based on facing
  • Recommendations that account for your specific direction

Sources and Quotes

References include classical feng shui texts. The Luopan has been the cornerstone of feng shui practice for centuries.

Quoted excerpts

「定向必用罗盘，分金度数。」
Source： 《阳宅三要》· 确定方向必须使用罗盘，精确到分金度数。
「方位既定，吉凶自现。」
Source： 《葬书》· 方位确定后，吉凶就自然显现。

FAQ

Do I need to buy a Luopan for home feng shui?

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For most homeowners, a traditional Luopan is not necessary. A standard compass or smartphone compass app is sufficient to determine your home's facing direction. The Luopan is primarily a professional tool for practitioners who need to read multiple formula rings and make precise measurements. For personal use, knowing your facing direction to within 15 degrees (one "mountain" sector) is usually adequate.

Why do Luopan readings sometimes differ from smartphone compass?

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Several factors can cause differences: magnetic interference from metal or electronics, different calibration methods, and whether you are measuring "magnetic north" vs. "true north." For feng shui purposes, consistency matters most. Take multiple readings in the same location and average them. Also note that feng shui traditionally uses magnetic north, not true north.