Here we discuss the five elements of feng shui; fire, earth, metal, water, and wood, and how they influence us energetically. As you begin decorating using feng shui basics, you’ll want to utilize the power of these elements. In Chinese feng shui, chi (life force) can manifest in these five elements. The energetic properties of the five elements are meant to be in balance. Each element is associated with an area of life, a direction, color, and shape. The appropriate placement of the characteristics of each element can assist in the creation of balance and harmony in your life and space. This is why their full expression is important in feng shui for a healthy home.
Fire Element
In the five elements of feng shui, fire represents the powers of transformation, expansion, activity, enthusiasm and energy. Fire colors are dynamic and energetic. They are reds, purples, oranges, magenta, and bright yellows. It is a warm element that evokes energy and must be used carefully as it can be domineering in a space. Fire is also represented by pointy shapes such as triangles, pyramids, diamonds, stars, and sunbursts. The use of lamps, lanterns, candles or a fireplace also contribute to fire energy in a space. Certainly include fire elements if you are lacking in energy, enthusiasm, change or activity.
Earth Element
This paragraph is about the element of earth. The earth element represents grounding, safety, stability, patience, honesty and support. Earth energy helps to slow the movement of chi in the space to allow for grounding. Therefore, colors like terra-cotta, yellows, browns, sand, and tan, and colors that tend to be more muted are good to use. Also, shapes such as square, horizontal, rectangle, and boxy all carry earth energy. For example, the use of clay or terra-cotta tiles and pots, crystals, geodes, or rocks, and images of a desert like landscape are good ways to include earth energy. Additionally, dense, heavy, comforting, or nurturing objects in your space you can increase that centering earth energy in your home. In short, adding earth elements can be a way to increase feelings of stability and support.
Metal Element
Here we share the energy of metal which is considered cerebral. It represents mental power, success in business, and both hemispheres of the brain (intellect and creativity). The metal vibrations of intellect include the colors of white, silver, and gray. Though the color white is often used as a neutral, too much of the color can increase feelings of sarcasm and sharpness which may be harmful for relationships. Metal is represented by round shapes such as circles and arcs. The shape of a circle holds the energy of community so consider arranging furniture in a circular shape to encourage relationships. Incorporating furniture with metal, metal wind chimes or bells can also increase the sharp intellect of metal energy. To balance this left hemisphere with the right hemisphere of the brain, incorporate rainbow rays into your space to boost creativity.
Water Element
Next, the water element is one of release and renewal energy. It represents two aspects of water….movement and stillness. Still water is represented by the color black and holds energy that is calm, slow, and quiet. It also vibrates with universal consciousness, inner wisdom, and self-reflection. Moving water is represented by the color dark blue and has an influence on career and the flow of finances. The water element in general symbolizes communications, traveling, arts, learning, and media. For example, to increase the water energy in your home, use fountains, mirrors, wavy and curvy shapes, or images of water. Therefore, use water energy to induce feelings of relaxation and release.
Wood Element
Lastly, this paragraph shares how to use the element of wood. Wood represents personal growth as it is an energy that moves upward encouraging you to reach new heights. It’s influence extends into health, vitality, creativity, innovation, and re-birth. It is the connection of the earth (roots and trunk) with the sky (branches and leaves). Symbolic shapes include trees, pillars or vertical stripes. Wood colors include greens, browns, and purples. For example, use plants, pictures of woodlands, wall paper or painting with vertical stripes, tall furniture pieces, furniture made of wood, or floor to ceiling curtains to bring wood energy. As a result, adding the vibrations of wood into your space will enhance health, well-being, and growth.
