History and Development
The luopan is an image of the cosmos (a world model) based on tortoise plastrons used in divination. At its most basic level it serves as a means to assign proper positions in time and space, like the Ming Tang (Hall of Light). The markings are similar to those on a liubo board.
The oldest precursors of the luopan are the 式shi or 式盤shipan (Chinese for astrolabe or diviner's board) also called liuren astrolabes unearthed from tombs that date between 278 BCE and 209 BCE. These astrolabes consist of a lacquered, two-sided board with astronomical sightlines. Along with divination for Da Liu Ren the boards were commonly used to chart the motion of Taiyi through the nine palaces. The markings are virtually unchanged from the shi to the first magnetic compasses.
The zhinan zhen or south-pointing needle, is the original magnetic compass, and was developed for Feng Shui. It featured the two cords and four hooks diagram, direction markers, and a magnetized spoon in the center.
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