How does one identify quality of Water in Feng Shui?
In the Feng Shui mantra for Water, "ShuiLongJing- Water Dragon Classic", 《水龙经》论“气机妙运”, it says:"经云:气者,水之母。水者,气之 子。气行则水随,而水止则气止,子母同情,水气相逐也。夫溢于地外而有迹者为水,行于地中而无形者为气。表里同用,此造化之妙用,故察地中之气趋东趋西, 即其水之或去或来而知之矣。行龙必水辅,气止必有水界。辅行龙者水, 故察水之所来而知龙气发源之始;止龙气者亦水,故察水之所交而知龙气融聚之处。“
The birth of life is dependent on Qi.
Qi comes before Water. (Natural) Water is a product of Qi. Therefore, Qi is the source of (natural) Water.
When Qi moves, Water follows. When (one sees) Water stops flowing, it is thus an indication that Qi has gathered.
The turning and twisting of (natural) Waterways is an indication of the direction of Qi and the Water source is the source of Qi 水龙经》亦曰:“自然水法君须记,无非屈曲有情意,来不欲冲去不直,横须绕抱及弯环。