Feng Shui

One way of manipulating the ch’i in the home, office or garden is to use the Five Elements: Earth, Fire, Water, Wood and Metal. The five elements relate to each other in a number of different ways, with the two most common being the Production and Destruction Cycles. These cycles are a guide to the various changes that the elements can have on the feng shui of an office, home or {{post id=”the-feng-shui-garden” text=”garden”}} and have a special relationship with the eight sectors of the {{post id=”advanced-pa-kua” text=”Pa Kua”}}.

The Cycles

In the productive cycle Wood feeds Fire, Fire feeds Earth, Earth feeds Metal, Metal feeds Water and Water feeds Wood. This is cycle is also known as the Sheng Cycle and is continuous with each element mutually benefiting and generating the next in continuous harmony. If you were making a feng shui makeover of a room and you wanted to increase the amount of wood element, using this cycle you could for example, build in water features such as aquariums or fountains in the appropriate part of the room as water feeds wood.

In the destruction cycle Water destroys Fire, Fire melts Metal, Metal cuts down Wood, Wood draws energy from Earth and Earth clogs up Water. This cycle reflects the continuous process of decay, so if for example a room is painted in Red (Fire Element) then you could destroy some of the fire energy by adding a Water feature.

Understanding the relationship between these two cycles help Feng Shui Practitioners to introduce individual elements in the home and office and therefore make changes in the emphasis of one element or another which in turn changes the balances of the energies that exist.

Fire Element

The Fire Element is the most “Yang” of the elements. Because fire is so Yang, this is the one instance where colour does work well. The colour is symbolised by lights, candles and the colour red. A tea-light or table lamp with a red shade make excellent fire remedies and if placed in the southern sector of your home can enhance your personal fame and recognition. Fire would be useful for those born in an Earth year because of the Productive Cycle of the Elements, however fire would not be beneficial for someone born in a fire year to have much Water Element in the home as in the Destructive Cycle of water destroys Fire. Fire represents the South and Li Trigram.

Earth Element

The Earth Element can be used in the home to restore harmony and balance in your life. This can be reflected in the colour of your furniture for example of the use and combination of soil, rock, clay, gems and stone etc., The colour is symbolised by earthy materials and the colours yellow, brown and beige. Earth is associated with relationships and marriage/education and knowledge. To enhance these sectors you can introduce ceramics, terracotta or crystals in the Southwest/Northeast areas of the rooms. Earth represents the North East or the Ken Trigram. It also represents the South West or the {{post id=”kun-and-the-emperor” text=”Kun Trigram”}}. In addition, it represents the “Centre” of the Master Trigram.

Metal Element

The Metal Element is “Yang” also at it’s smooth shiny surfaces encourage ch’i to flow faster. The element is symbolised by metal objects and the colours silver, gold, copper and bronze. Metal is connected to {{post id=”feng-shui-for-children” text=”Children”}} and Networking, so by placing metal items in the West/Northwest you can for example improve your chances of getting pregnant/improve your networking connections. Metal is the Tui Trigram in the West and is also the Chien Trigram in the North West.

Water Element

The flow of ch’i is particularly influenced by the Water Element and is one of the most powerful elements to use. The sight and sound of water is relaxing but can be used to energise specific areas of your home or life. The element is symbolised by fountains, aquariums or a {{post id=”fish” text=”fishpond”}} in the garden and the colours blue or black. It should always be clear and free flowing, never let it go stagnant, as this will create many problems. Water is connected to Career and Wealth, so by placing water features in the Southeast area of your home can improve your finances.

Wood Element

The first element is wood because it is the beginning of new life and is the creator of the five-element cycle. The element is symbolised by wood items such as furniture or plants and the colour green. It’s worthwhile to note that as furniture is dead wood it’s lifeless and contains none or little Ch’i, although it can contain positive energy. Some hardwood items are yang whilst softwood is yin, so the key is to balance them careful to gain harmony. Wood represents the directions of East and the Chen Trigrams. It also represents the South East and the Sun Trigrams.

Using Colours

Each Element is also represented by a colour, so by using these colours in conjunction with the directions represented on the Pa Kua is a part of practising good feng shui. It’s worthwhile to note that Chinese believe the colour red is auspicious and purple and silver combined are a {{post id=”luck” text=”lucky combination”}}.

You should be careful when using the elements in certain areas and we’d recommend you obtain a consultation for best advice. When choosing an item for an element try to look at the shape, don’t use sharp points or unattractive objects just because they have the element you need, Feng Shui is about creating a harmony and balance and it should look attractive in the environment. Also, at times it may be appropriate to place “Yang” items in “Yin” areas to improve the harmony balance of yin and yang energies.