geo - earth   mancy - divination   (GK)

is the practice of working with the energies of the earth

This includes:

• Studies of geomantic grids, geomagnetic grids, geopathic stress, places of power, ley lines
• The practices of
  dowsing
  earth acupuncture
  earth healing
  masking of earth energies
  building to harness earth energy
  augury from earth forms
  divination from handfuls of earth

Traditionally geomancy has been used to define beneficial and detrimental places. Types of energy are suited to particular endeavours - for example places of power are not necessarily good for everyday living. Some of the most enduring examples of geomantic practice include sacred sites, meeting places, stone circles, labyrinths, temples, cathedrals, secular administration structures.

However working with earth energies can also be a part of everyday auspicious siting - from town planning to domestic arrangements. An important part of choosing a suitable site is considering the energy that lies beneath it - preferably finding beneficial, and also avoiding and curing harmful. The popularised term geopathic stress describes the negative effect of exposure to harmful earth energies.

Many cultures have geomantic traditions that have been coupled with celestial energies as a method of being custodians and curators of the land or to define harmonious siting.
Some examples:
Australian Aboriginal - Rainbow Serpent, sacred sites, songlines
Chinese Feng Shui - Dragon veins
Hindu system of Vastuvidya (Vastu shastra)
Vintana in Madagascar
Preindustrial European town planning
Ancient Greek and Roman temple siting and town planning
European sacred sites and energy leys

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