1. BUILDING CEREMONIES AND CHARMS
The first operation in building is the selection of the site. This is determined by
an elaborate code of rules which make the choice depend—firstly, upon the
nature of the soil with respect to colour, taste, and smell; secondly, upon the
formation of its surface; and, thirdly, upon its aspect:—
“The best soil, whether for a house, village, orchard, or town, is a greenish
yellow, fragrant-scented, tart-tasting loam: such a soil will ensure abundance of
gold and silver unto the third generation.^53
“The best site, whether for a house, village, orchard, or town, is level.^54
“The best aspect (of the surface) is that of land which is low upon the north side
and high upon the south side: such a site will bring absolute peacefulness.”^55
When you have found a site complying with more or less favourable conditions,
in accordance with the code, you must next clear the ground of forest or
undergrowth, lay down four sticks to form a rectangle in the centre thereof, and
call upon the name of the lords of that spot (i.e. the presiding local deities or
spirits). Now dig up the soil (enclosed by the four sticks), and taking a clod in
your hand, call upon the lords of that spot as follows:—
“Ho, children of Mĕntri^56 Guru,
Who dwell in the Four Corners of the World,
I crave this plot as a boon.”