What is the importance and effects of surrounding features such as mountains, rivers, buildings, roadways etc?
Mountain ranges are a strong source of life supporting qi. Water like lakes or rivers on the other hand is a good accumulator. Thus in Feng Shui, the preferred location of a home should be near the mountains and/or water. The ideal location in Feng Shui is one that is supported by mountains at the back, lower protective mountain ranges on the left (known as the Dragon Side) and right (Tiger Side). There should be water or an open area known as Virtual Water in front and smaller hills (known as Table Mountain) in the distance. It would be even better if the Dragon and Tiger extend and protect the site like the pincers of a crab! In this configuration, the mountains will not only bring qi but also serve to protect it from being blown away by the wind. In a flatter terrain, one should look for unusual protrusion as this indicates the presence of strong qi. In the absence of such form, find a site that faces water. In the urban environment, buildings take over the roles of mountains. While
