The Five Elements In Feng Shui

The Chinese recognise 5 elements which arise out of the interplay of yin and yang. These are WOOD, FIRE, EARTH, METAL, and WATER. Ideally there should be a balance of all these elements. Difficulties occur where one dominates or is lacking. Interpreting and balancing these elements plays a major part in the practise of Feng shui.

THE PRODUCTIVE CYCLE

The Productive or Generative cycle explains how one type of element can help another to enhance its quality and ability. It’s like working as a team to produce a positive result. The sequence is as follows:

WATER nourishes plants/trees to produce WOOD, WOOD in turn helps to make FIRE, FIRE when burnt produces ashes or EARTH, EARTH is the source of METAL, METAL can be melted to form liquid or symbolically WATER.

THE DESTRUCTIVE CYCLE

 In the Destructive Cycle the elements work in a reverse order. This weakens and depletes the energies causing major as well as minor setbacks. The sequence is as follows:

WATER extinguishes FIRE.FIRE melts METAL.METAL cuts WOOD. WOOD destroys EARTH.EARTH destroys WATER.

INTER RELATIONSHIP

The Five elements theory is one of the most important theories in Fengshui. Since every element is necessary an intelligent use of this cycle can balance the energies and benefit the inmates.

EXAMPLES:

• If Fire and Water are in conflict, the logical step would be to strengthen fire by adding wood or by weakening water by using earth.
• The West Sector represents the Children, Mentor or Networking. The element which represents the West sector is Metal. In the Productive cycle Water strengthens Metal. So addition of some attractive Metal objects can help harmonize the flow. Introduction of metal wind chimes in the West sector are therefore a good remedy.
• When decorating your home or office the following points can be useful. In the East or Southeast (Wood), in addition to the colours suitable for East/Southeast, water colours of Blue and Black can also be a good alternative. This is because Water produces Wood. In the Southwest all shades of red will be excellent as Fire produces Earth. In the West and Northwest (Metal) in addition to white, all shades of yellow, beige and brown will be excellent as Earth produces Metal.
   

A good consultant can advise or suggest ways to improve the environment and harmony of your surroundings by using the elements cycle.