The Five Elements of Feng Shui -

As well as the balance between Yin and Yang, Feng Shui also depends on the more subtle relationships of the five essential elements.

Complementary Elements

Ancient Chinese philosophy recognised the existence of five fundamental elements: fire, earth, metal, water and wood. These elements both support one another, for example; water allows the wood to grow. There is also an understanding of how each element controls another again, for example; fire melts metal.

Within the cycle of the five elements of Feng Shui, each element draws on and can drain the energy of the previous element for its support; for example, wood is drained by fire, fire is smothered by earth, and so on. To create good Feng Shui, the elements must be finely balanced.

Stable Earth

In balance, the grounding element of earth provides the foundation on which everything else is built. Yet alone it is inert, static and smothering. The other elements are linked to specific seasons or points on a compass. Earth is happy with all directions and likes to occupy the centre. The earth associations are:

Colours – yellow, creams, browns and wood

Climate – damp, related to late summer

Emotions – stability, caution, worry

Wood for Life and Growth

Wood is life, growing and changing and providing shelter. It is associated with vitality – potted plants and flowers will bring wood\’s qualities indoors. If left unchecked, this element will overgrow and create chaos. This is most aptly shown by the way in which wood dominates the earth, which is found beneath its roots. Wood anchors and strengthens the land, but also churn it up. The characteristic traits of wood are: $\"\"$

Colours – green

Climate – windy, spring, associated with the east

Emotions – practical, ambition, competition and anger

Metal for Practicality

Metal provides strength and practically, but it can be cold and hard without balance. It comes from and is created by the earth. The qualities of metal are order and control although it can be disruptive and unpredictable. The associations of this element are:

Colours – white, silver and chrome

Climate – dry, autumn, occupies the west

Emotions – detachment, coolness, grief and worry

Fire for Energy

Fire gives energy, light and life. Unchecked, it is a destroyer, raging out of control. Water is its restraining element because it can dowse fire completely. The associations of fire are vivid and passionate. The energy associations are:

Colours – red, pink and purple

Climate – hot, summer, associated with the south

Emotions – inner fire, determination, joy and fear

Water for Mutability

When in balance, water is needed to sustain growth and life. It irrigates the land and allows the wood to grow. If left unchecked, however, water can be destructive causing floods and drowning life. The personality of water is tough and resourceful, yet also imaginative. The associations of this transient element are:

Colours – blue and black

Climate – cold, winter, associated with the moon

Emotions – flowing, open, transience and fright

The Five Elements of Feng Shui