Feng Shui : The Five Elements

All colours, shapes, textures and decorative items, and a lot more besides, have the qualities of the five elements - fire, earth, metal, water and wood. For a room to be in balance, the five elements should be balanced in their representation within the space, taking into account the energy of the individuals occupying the space.

FIRE is

red, orange and purple

triangles, chevrons and designs based on triangles

fire, heat

warming, initiating, inspiring, igniting.

WOOD is

green and blue

square, rectangles

cardboard, paper, particleboard, objects that are taller than wider

growth, change, hope, happiness.

EARTH is

yellow and brown

particulative, lumpy, natural tumbles, shaped

clay, brick, mud, cement, concrete, stone

stability, protection, peace.

WATER is

black and blue

wave-like shapes and undulating lines 

water, glass

consuming, yielding, connecting, transmitting.

METAL is

white, silver, grey or gold

circles, archic

objects made of, or containing, metal or other dense material, such as wood

discerning, controlling, communicating, cultured.

The five elements are linked through creative and destructive cyclical relationships:

Simple analogies can help to explain these relationships. For example, FIRE generates EARTH - after a fire, an ash (earth) residue remains. FIRE destroys METAL- metal is melted at high temperatures. FIRE is generated by WOOD - wood can be used as fuel for a fire. FIRE is destroyed by WATER - water can put out a small fire.

There are many ways to apply the principle of the five elements and it is a good idea to experiment. Trust your instinct and have fun with the effects that you produce. A stove has fire energy and a refrigerator is governed by the water element. As fire and water have a destructive relationship, placing them next to each other in the kitchen creates an uncomfortable feeling - even if only subconsciously.

Further, when two elements that share a destructive relationship are physically close to each other, the element that is generated by the destructive element should also be present, to balance these opposing energies. In this example, the destructive water energy of the refrigerator is balanced by the introduction of wood (water generates wood), in the form of a wooden cupboard, work surface or chopping board.

In cold climates we may want to increase the fire element in our homes by using colour (red), shape (triangles) and pattern (chevrons). In the heat, we want to reduce fire energy, so we use the element that destroys fire i.e. water, by introducing the colour blue and a picture of water or a water feature. Alternatively, we can introduce the element that fire generates i.e. earth, as this has a draining effect on fire energy, and is a more subtle approach than the destructive use of water.

A fireplace surround is designed to contain the fire. Wood is not a good choice as wood generates fire and thus does not give the sense of containment. The earth energy of brick, stone or tiles provides the required fire containing quality.

Hyperactive Children need very little exciting and stimulating fire energy, so use water energy to calm them down. Water compounds the fears of an insecure Child, so use earth energy for reassurance and stability. If you are unsettled, use water. When you need to relax, use earth and water. To improve thinking ability, add fire, wood and especially metal. For courage and confidence, use wood. To counteract depression add fire energy

Feng Shui & The Five Elements

If you have heard of Feng Shui you must have also heard about the Five Elements - wood, fire, earth, metal and water. These elements are the foundation theory for Feng Shui balance. It is interesting to know as to how these elements really work and what do they represent. Though it is fairly simple and based on common sense as to understand their significance. However, using them properly and in the correct proportion is what separates a master from a student. Given here is a brief description of these five elements, how they work and how they might be applied.

Wood

First under discussion would be wood as it represents the beginning of life. Wood is the originator of the five elemental cycle. Basically, it is essential to use live wood and not dead wood to harness the Feng Shui Chi of wood. A shrub or bushy plant is ideal since it emits live Chi and is also an excellent method of retaining Chi. Plants recycle the air we breathe and can provide a natural filter for the air.

A common Feng Shui problem is the staircase that empties into a doorway. A bushy plant can retain some of that chi, when it is placed either on the landing, or more ideally, at the bottom of the staircase. Remember that you want a live plant, so maintain it well.

Wood can be represented by green colour. We find that the colours are not nearly effective though as the actual element. When it comes to the wood element, there is rarely an occasion when you need to substitute the colour for a living plant.

Wood represents the directions of East and the Chen Trigram and number 3. It also represents the South East and the Sun Trigram and number 4.

Of the five elements, wood is one of the most refreshing and easily adaptable solutions for one's home or office. It is associated with spring, new life, and the directions east and southeast. Wood is used frequently to break the direct flow of Chi into a soft and dispersed flow. We can now explore how to use wood to bring out the best this spring.

Wood is living and breathing plants. It can also be the colour of green. Can you use tables and chairs made of wood? Of course, but not for the Feng Shui remedy of wood. Wood is a unique element in that it purifies Chi. It redirects Chi. It slows down Chi. Living plants are unique in that they take impure air and freshen it with new oxygen. For those who celebrate Christmas, think about how fresh the house is when there is a tree in your living room. Obviously, wood is refreshing.

First, you can use wood to enhance your environment. The most common question in Feng Shui is what if I have a front door opposite a rear door? The answer would be to place a large bushy plant in the pathway between the doors to break up the direct flow of Chi. An example of the effective utilization of wood is to use a large shrub or small tree to break up the effect of a sharp angle from a corner that points directly at you. Use plants to soften the harsh projection of Chi.

Plants are also a great remedy for foul smell in an area. Air purifiers are good, yet we prefer the traditional method of using plants and flowers to cleanse and provide a fragrant environment.

Alternatively, green colour can be used where a plant cannot be placed. The colour green is warm and is a popular colour. Homes that have their sitting side (T-junction falling at the back of the house) to the east or southeast can utilize the colour green as an accent on their house trim. These homes are associated with the wood element and adding the colour as the trim can assist the Feng Shui of the home. Using green pillows or drapes with green tones within a room that is in the east or southeast can also be beneficial.

When using the wood element in your home, try and create beauty, not a jungle environment. Do not decorate a room entirely in green. If over used, people who are associated with the earth element can have problems. There is beneficial earth Chi in certain areas that can provide prosperity, but if overpowered by the wood, they might not provide this prosperity. Ensure balance, even when wood is always beneficial for providing good Chi in your home or office.

Fire

Wood is nourished by water and wood is the source for strength to fire. The Fire Element is the most "Yang" of the elements. It is the hot summer or a blast of heat. We usually can use a candle or the colour of red. We recommend red colour more than a candle as a candle is a fire hazard. Fire being so yang, this is the one example where colour does work well and the best alternative. If it is hot, it is even better. A red night light or a table lamp with a red shade make excellent Fire remedies.

Fire represents the South and the Li Trigram and number 9, and of course, red colour.

The fire element is the actual application of fire. A candle or even a red bed spread can be used for the fire element. There are many times though, that the element is too dangerous to use, so we recommend something red. A good substitute for the actual element would be a red light bulb, or a red lampshade. These provide a vibrant colour with more energetic heat. These are more effective than a red carpet, although as an alternative a red rug or bed spread works as well.

Fire has great uses. Fire is what keeps us warm. Fire cooks our food. Fire in right proportion can be highly useful, and devastating when out of control. The Chinese looked at fire as being one of the primary elements. It is the most Yang of the elements. It holds mystery in its flame. When it comes to Feng Shui, fire is a very potent and strong elemental remedy. It is not to be used haphazardly not only because of the potential risk inherent in fire, but because fire strengthens the Earth element, which happens to be an adverse element in this time period. Energetically speaking, the Earth elements can be a very harmful form of Chi. Using too much fire can strengthen the negative aspects of the earth creating accidents or sickness. Used correctly though, it can strengthen your wealth Chi.

           

As the fire element provides strength to the earth element. This can be negative or positive. In the eight trigrams, there are two trigrams of earth added to which is the center, which is also earth. When calculating the Chi of a building or house, we look for either the number 2 (the Kun trigram) or the number 5 (the center). These two trigrams, during this time period, are less favorable and can create sickness or accidents. The Ken trigram (8) on the other hand, can bring prosperity and wealth.

It is also good for children. This is the one case where fire can be used beneficially to strengthen earth.

Fire can also be used to reduce negative wood Chi. In some cases wood Chi can bring gossip arguments, and lawsuits. This is unlike using the element of wood as mentioned in an earlier article, but rather here we are referring to the Chi within a building. Chi is a form of energy and can take on aspects of any of the elements. When it is a wood Chi, it can have the effects mentioned above, or it can bring the flowering of a new relationship.

The fire element can be used in a variety of ways. You can use a candle. The colour of the candle does not really matter so much as long as you are burning it. If you are not burning the candle, then try to use red or purple candles. Here it is the color, not the candle itself that is providing the remedy. Hurricane lamps are also effective because they are safer than exposed candles. Lastly, anything that is vibrant red can be used. The actual element of fire is preferable though.

Fire, as a Feng Shui remedy is very potent. It does take some understanding though on how to properly use it. Used incorrectly and it can bring sickness and separation. Use this element safely, as it can be dangerous in a practical sense as well. Kids, dogs, and candles usually do not mix. When used correctly though, it can bring money and help with relationships.

Wood when burnt turns into ash or earth, hence fire is the source of strength of earth. Next time, we will focus on the Feng Shui element of earth, which is used for larger environmental solutions.

Earth

Earth is an interesting element recommended for a larger environmental solution. Large granite boulders or even small tumble stones or a beautiful clay statue as required can be used to energize earth element. Terracotta pots filled with potting soil make a great Earth remedy. As earth also represents the mountain a painting or picture of mountain can be used. Earth tone colours, yellows or tans can be used, but they are not nearly as effective as the actual element.

Earth represents the North East or the Ken Trigram, number 8. It also represents the South West or the Kun Trigram, number 2. It also represents the "Center" of the Master Trigram, number 5. Since it governs three areas out of total nine areas, it assumes greater importance. Energetically speaking, Kun Trigram Earth and the center (also called the star of 5) can have negative influences, whereas the Ken Trigram (north-east and number 8) can have a very prosperous influence.

In Feng Shui, the Earth element can result in both good and bad influences. It is at the center of the eight trigrams and is in the opposing directions of Southwest and Northeast. Looking at the Post-Heaven Trigram, it is also in the Center. This elemental Chi is responsible for wealth and money. On the other hand it can also be responsible for delays, illnesses or accidents.

The earth element is unique in that it requires correction more often. This Chi can be favorable or unfavorable, depending on the corresponding trigram. If there is Chi present from either Kun (the Southwest Trigram represented by the number 2) or the center trigram (which has no trigram but is represented by the number 5) then it can be considered unfavorable. This earth energy can create delays or even sickness. This is usually remedied by metal.

Speaking about the trigrams, we mention the directions such as Southwest, but this is not always where it is found. Feng Shui is based on the I-Ching, or "book of change" which states that all things cycle and change. So do not consider that you will always find Kun Chi in only the Southwest. That is its home, but it is not always where it is found. The same is true of Ken. Northeast is its home, but it too can be found in different places in different houses.

While carrying an audit if the Chi results in the Ken trigram (Northeast and represented by the number 8) then it is very favorable for money. In China 8 is related to money and is a sought after number. This is folklore and not necessarily Feng Shui, but they still prefer to have an 8 in their address or license plate. Because earth is strengthened by fire, and so, there are times when the fire element is used to enhance the potential for strong income.

If the earth element is needed itself as a remedy, then possible ways of utilizing this earth element are through the use of terracotta pots, adobe sculptures, ceramics, or even actual rocks. To give you some examples, should you need earth in your entry, then perhaps a nice ceramic statue would work. You might also use some large adobe pots with beautiful flowers growing in them. There are a lot of creative ideas on how to use the earth element.

Earth can also be used to "ground" the fire element. Electricity can be considered fire in the cycle of elements. If you should have an electrical transformer box in your yard, consider putting some decorative stones between the house and the electrical box. Place them naturally and do not put too many either. Anything you do should look natural and beautiful. Do not create a "sha" or unsightly influence.

The earth element is the heart of the trigrams. It is both desired and unfavorable. Many people do not think of the earth element as being attractive, but choosing carefully, you can find very attractive earth solutions. Even jade is an earth remedy. If you are working a lot at the computer, consider putting a small jade statue on the desk between the power supply and yourself. Feng Shui solutions need to be carefully analyzed to ensure that you are placing them in the correct area, keeping in mind a balanced and harmonious environment.

Metal

Fourth under study comes metal which can be found in all forms and offer easiest solutions. Copper, Silver, Gold, and Bronze are a few variations of the Metal Element. Using the Metal element can take on all sorts of creative ideas. It is important to remember that Feng Shui is about creating a beautiful environment. When utilizing the Metal Element, ensure that it is rounded and pleasing, not sharp and pointed.

Metal is the most commonly used remedy for the negative Earth energies as mentioned above. Ideally, the goal is to introduce Feng Shui elemental solutions that are not identifiable as Feng Shui remedies. Feng Shui objects that are unsightly or easily identified as a "Feng Shui Cure" are not recommended. It should blend into the environment and be beautiful.

To energize metal colours like white, silver and gold can be used effectively. Metal represents the Tui Trigram, number 7 in the West. It is also the Chien Trigram, number 6 in the North West. Whereas Tui represent soft metal such as gold, Chien represents hard metal like steel.

Metal is a strong remedy and can be used to prevent illnesses, money delays, and even loneliness. It needs to be properly applied in the correct area to be effective. Since it is one of the key elements and is very commonly available, the metal element has a lot of ways in which it can be applied in Feng Shui. A metal solution can be gold, silver, brass, bronze, or even steel. The main consideration is that it fits nicely into the environment. For example, a nice brass wall hanging looks nice in a living room. A set of weight lifter plates in the living room does not.

However, if you need metal and you have workout weights that you do not use, then the weights can be placed at the bottom of a brass pot, then covered with a small plant, then it makes an effective metal solution because the pot with a plant looks attractive. The idea here is to create a beautiful solution while getting substantial metal effect. The effect needs to be proportional though. Having a lot of metal in a small room or having too little metal in a large room does not fit proportionally. Try to get a solution that works for the area you are working with.

There are a lot of other creative metal elements that can be used. Some of our clients use brass statues of deer or even a bronze horse bust. A couple of very strong metal solutions include a metal chiming clock and wind chimes. Both of these need to be used carefully and upon the advice of a trained practitioner. Mainly because they are audible, the sound strengthens the effect of the metal dramatically. Used properly though, they can render assistance to areas that are prone to accidents, money delays, and illnesses.

Just like Yin and Yang, there needs to be a balance, so too much metal can be detrimental and too little can be ineffective. Since time and space are always undergoing change, so is Chi. During the current time period, certain earth Chi is not favorable and the solution is to use metal to correct it. Because of this, more times than not, the recommendation will be something made of metal. This does not mean to replace everything in your house with something metal, but in a lot of cases, metal accents in the home can assist in improved health and a reduction of delays.

Water

Water is most important of all elements to sustain life and promote peace and harmony. Water is necessary for all life forms. In Feng Shui, Water is a very useful element. Water, when needed, should be clear and flowing. Stagnant water can create more problems than it solves. A simple aquarium, or even a small metal fountain can be used. Avoid use of ceramic or other earthen fountains. The Earth element blocks water and neutralizes the positive effect of the Water. Outside, a metal trough, a fountain, or even a fish pond can act as an environmental solution.

Water has always been synonymous with power. Water has been used as an elemental solution by the emperors in the form of moats and by placing their palaces near bodies of Water. If you look at most capital cities today, they are either located near the water or have large lakes or rivers nearby. Most ocean-side and lake-side homes are sought after and usually more expensive. Water is represented by the colours blue or black. Water represents the Kan Trigram, number 1 in the North.

Feng Shui literally means wind and water. The ancient Chinese used Feng Shui to study the effects of Chi (pronounced "chi" and meaning "Life Energy") on people and buildings and to create environments that were supportive and prosperous. "Wind disperses Chi and Water holds qi" is a common axiom in Feng Shui. Water is one of the key elements in the Feng Shui theory of the Five Elements.

Instinctively, people have always had an affinity for water. Most major cities and palaces of the world are located near rivers or bodies of water. Houses or property located near these waters usually fetch higher resale prices. Water, properly applied in Feng Shui can strengthen existing relationships, help to create new relationships, and even assist the overall prosperity of a home or building.

Water plays a key role and properly applied can greatly assist the prosperity of a home or building. Water can be found naturally in the environment such as a river or lake. It can also be applied as a Feng Shui remedy. For the exterior, water can be stored in pools, ponds, fountains, or even cattle troughs! Water inside can take the form of small fountains, fish tanks, water sculptures, or even large bowls.

The key thing in all of these applications is to keep the water clean, fresh and moving. Fish tanks do not necessarily need fish, although Chinese superstition says to put in 6 gold fish and 1 black fish. Fish do help the water circulate though. Video fish tanks do not work as a Feng Shui remedy.

When applying the water element, it is important to understand that metal containers tend to work better than earthen containers. Metal strengthens water in the cycle of the elements. We have also seen people put a metal liner in their fountain to increase the strength of the Water Chi.

Another key understanding is that the water has to be fresh. Water that is stagnant or moldy is considered a "sha" or negative influence. It can create a worse situation than if there were none.

The colors of blue or black can also be used as a substitute for the water element. North represents the Trigram of K’an. A house that "sits" to the North can benefit from a blue trim. While north is the water direction, this does not mean that you should automatically place water in that direction. Although a lot of books suggest water be used in the north, it really depends on the house and the particular Chi it holds.

Water in front of a dwelling brings prosperity into it, and water behind it draws prosperity out of it. Water running too quickly must be cured by windmills or the like to catch the energy. In some cases, water behind the house will help the money prosperity. People frequently ask about swimming pools. Water near the house is good because it keeps the energy flowing and prevents it from being locked. Each house is different and it should be assessed carefully.

Putting up an embankment or by placing large rocks would be the solution to slow down water and block energy waste. Earth dominates the water element and in order to block the water Chi, you would use earth. A softer solution might be to put up a hedge or row of trees, as wood reduces water Chi and is a softer solution than earth dominating water. This is not always needed, but rather, these are the solutions that might be applied if the water Chi was undesirable.

Water can be used in a lot of beautiful and creative ways. Water can be soothing and refreshing, especially during the summer months. Remember to keep it clean and don’t forget it. Water does evaporate, so keep your fountain or fish tank full. Store the Chi. Properly applied, water element can make a world of difference.

Feng Shui is about balance and harmony. Do not overdo it. Any solution applied should fit naturally into your environment and should not appear awkward or out of place. Also, if something doesn’t feel right to you, then it is not good Feng Shui. Always use common sense and proper aesthetics.

Most importantly, avoid haphazard use of any of these elements.  Used incorrectly, the elements may cause harm to relationships, health, or prosperity, whereas when used correctly, they can strengthen all these. A balanced use certainly promotes harmony in any place.