The Landform Classification branch of feng-shui concerns itself with the outdoors, studying the flow of energy over and around both artificial structures (houses, commercial buildings, dams, bridges, roads) and natural ones (mountains, valleys, rivers).

Mountain Dragons / Dragon Veins

Energy flowing over mountains is called a mountain dragon, and the pathway it flows in is called a dragon vein. Where a mountain ridge dips, the mountain dragon is said to inhale, and where it rises, the mountain dragon is said to exhale.

Not all mountain formations are dragon veins. Some serve as sections of a dragon vein (for example, a branch of the main trunk), while some are unconnected to any vein. To qualify as a dragon vein, a mountain range must have the following features:

• a distinct high peak (the "dragon's head")
• a main trunk (the "dragon's spine")
• branch ranges extending from the main trunk (the "dragon's legs")
• smaller spurs and escarpments extending from the branch range ("dragon claws")

1. Youthful veins are high ranges with jagged peaks and steep rocky slopes;
2. Mature veins are lower ranges with rounded but defined peaks and gentle, forested slopes; and
3. Old veins are low ranges with small peaks and eroded slopes.

The strongest energy is carried in youthful veins, but it is also wild and restless. Energy carried in mature veins is weaker but more stable and nourishing. Energy carried in old veins is the weakest and is usually associated with decay. Dragon veins are the embodiment of yang (expansive and initiating) energy.