
Taoists believed that the universe consisted of five transformative phases or elements. The Five Elements are Water, Wood, Fire, Earth and Metal. All materials in the universe were made up of these elements. The concept of Five Elements originated from, and cannot be separated from, Yin/Yang Theory. The Five Elements are symbolic representations of fundamental forces. The most important aspect of these forces is their interactions. Each force has a generative and destructive effect on one another.
The generative cycle is:
Wood burns to make Fire
Fire makes ashes, which makes Earth
Earth makes Metal, which is from under the ground
Metal becomes molten when heated, like Water
Water leads to the growth of plants, making Wood
The Five Feng Shui Elements
Feng Shui elements, Water, Wood, Fire, Earth and Metal, play a strong role in balancing the Chi, or energy flow, of a space. In order to implement the techniques of getting a positive flow of Chi in your home, the concepts of yin and yang, the five elements, and the overall concept of Feng Shui will be explained. All the objects in our environments are made of the Feng Shui elements and have either yin or yang energies contained in them.
1 :: The Water Element
When we think of water we associate it with feelings of moisture and coolness. As an element, water is considered yang, or female. Feng Shui associates this element with emotion as well as the wisdom of our souls.We see water every day whether in a glass we are drinking from, or in oceans, rivers, and even the falling rain. Water's color is black and its direction north. 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. In the home, examples include metal sinks and fountains, clear vases filled with blue flowers, sea glass and furniture and accessories in blacks or water colors.
2 :: The Wood Element
Wood Energy represents growth, development, and planning; Wood as an element is considered important because it is both strong and bendable. It symbolizes anger as well as depression. It is said to come from the eastern direction. Wood regenerates each spring when the trees and plants send out new growth. It's associated with blue-green color spectrum and the columnar shape. In the home, examples include wooden columns, rounded plant stands with plants atop and earth-toned accessories.
3 :: The Fire Element
The fire element is a symbol of energy and passion. It is associated with the southern direction and reminds us of summer and vivid red colors. Fire is also considered masculine (yang), and brings up images of volcanoes, all types of lights, wood burning stoves, and even cooking ovens. The dragon, which is important in Chinese mythology, is also a symbol of fire. As with any other element, the fire element can affect your mood. Wear a red shirt to feel energized. In the home, examples include red accessories, candles, fireplaces, wood stoves and cooking stoves.
4 :: The Earth Element
Although Earth is hot and molten at the center, as an element it is considered dry and cool. Its main color is yellow and its nature is feminine (yin), and is considered receptive and quiet. At the same time, the earth element represents strength, resourcefulness, abundance, stability, reliability and the ability to be centered by virtue of being solid.
Earth represents relationships by being nurturing. Shapes such as squares, rectangles, and long, flat surfaces as well as the center direction are also associated with the earth element.The earth element can be an extremely powerful Feng Shui tool when used correctly. In the home, examples include pottery, ceramics, terra cotta, stone-work, granite or marble counters, stone hearths, stone pavers, bricks.
5 :: The Metal Element
Metal is associated with both wealth and protection. Metal cures are often used to ward off evil influences. In Feng Shui, metal is a symbol of organization and holds its form well. Although gold is the premium metal, all types of metal have value. Try to avoid sharp edges, but instead use rounded edges on metal enhancements. In the home, examples include metal sinks, furniture and bowls as well as copper, pewter and silver items.
The ancient Chinese term "bagua" means "eight areas’Äù¬Ý ("ba" eight, "gua"= area) and Feng Shui bagua is a map or chart that relates the various areas of your life to the eight sections of your living space.
North Zone: Career
The Northern part of the house ("North" in interior Feng Shui, is the middle front zone of the house.) is characterized by the element of WATER. Water is represented by BLUES and BLACKS, so using these colors in the North will energize this zone.
Water colors improve career prospects, and are helpful to people changing jobs.
The North can be energized with blues, blacks and metalics. Good types of energizers for greater income are rolling-ball water features, which represent increased turnover for businesses.
Northeast Zone: Knowledge
The Northeast part of the house is characterized by the element of EARTH. To energize this part of your home, make use of earth colors such as YELLOWS and BROWNS. You can also use REDS, which nourish earth energies.
The energies of the Northeast are useful in instilling a sense of motivation and purpose. It is a good sector for those who need to establish a more precise direction in life.
Energizing the Northeast part of the house in earth tones will increase a sense of well being, and help chart a successful path for those in need of guidance.
East Zone: Family, Contentment
The Eastern zone is characterized by the element of WOOD. To energize the East, use GREENS and BLUES as much as possible.
Eastern energies are superb for inspiring optimism, contentment and material and spiritual growth. The whole ambience of the East encourages an individual to plan the future with an affirmative and positive mindset. This zone is well suited for use as a study and home office.
Plants and water features in this zone will enhance the good energies of this part of the house.
Southeast Zone: Wealth, Fulfillment
The Southeast part of your living space is dominated by the WOOD element and GREEN colors, and is associated with wealth and creativity in every form.
Individuals with their bedrooms or studies in this part of the home will enjoy a steady build up of wealth and achievement in whatever they are currently pursuing.
Good energizers for the Southeast are greens and water features.
South Zone: Fame, Success
The Southern zone is characterized by the element of FIRE. Fire is represented by REDS and ORANGES. Using these colors will enhance the positive qualities of this zone.
Southern energies are conducive to fame and success. It brings wonderful recognition luck from your colleagues, friends and contemporaries. It will also impress your business associates and bring success to ventures you undertake. Energizing the South correctly is thus vitally important to your status in life.
Horses are especially good to display in the South, as they represent abundant Yang energy. They symbolize courage, perseverance, fame and success.
Southwest Zone: Love, Romance, Relationships
The Southwestern zone is characterized by the EARTH element. To energize this part of your living space, use YELLOWS, BROWNS and REDS.
The energies of the Southwest are those of tranquillity and romance and are helpful in building and maintaining strong relationships. This zone provides a very comfortable and restful atmosphere on an emotional level. Problems are easily solved in this area and communication is enhanced. A bedroom in this sector is an ideal way to exploit its intrinsic energies.
Good energizers for the Southwest are lights, lamps and crystals. For those looking for love and romance, pairs of birds (live or in art) are beneficial.
West Zone: Creativity, Children
In the West part of the home, the ruling element is METAL. Thus it is good to use metal colors such as WHITE, SILVER, GOLD or earth colors such as YELLOW, BROWNS and other earth tones.
Western energy is related to creativity and children. The energies of youth and joyfulness in this sector are very uplifting and especially helpful to those who are bored or dissatisfied with what they are doing.
Use metallic ornaments like bells and chimes to increase the yang energy in this sector. Earth element enhancers such as crystals are also beneficial.
Northwest Zone: Helpful People
The Northwest sector of your home is governed by the METAL element. To enhance this zone, use furnishings that are WHITE, GOLD, SILVER and other metallic colors
Strengthening the metal energy of this sector will increase the support of people that can help you in life. Business people will find this especially helpful in getting the backing of influential associates. For those wanting to increase their social status, this will give a networking advantage.
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