INSIDE: The five feng shui elements provide a roadmap that helps us decorate our any area so that it supports our growth and happiness. Learn about each element, the cycle of elements, and how each one affects each other.
According to feng shui, everything in our environment is made of certain elements. They not only make up the physical and material, but they also directly influence the energy around us.
Research published on NBCI has shown that principles of feng shui are very similar to principles of modern architecture.
With that being said, by using these elements, we not only create a space we love to spend our time in but we also create highly beneficial energy.
Here’s what you need to know about the feng shui elements and how you can use them to your advantage…
What is the Feng Shui Cycle of Elements?
The story of the feng shui 5 elements goes way back into history. The ancient Chinese masters were on a mission to uncover and understand Chi (or qi), which is the vital force of life or the energy that surrounds us.
They studied this Universal energy by exploring its manifestations in the physical world, and they came to realize that there are certain elements that are connected to Chi. They are the five elements of life: water, wood, fire, earth, and metal.
Together, the feng shui elements create a perfect balance in nature and space. Each of these elements is entwined, and while some are compatible with and nourish the other element, others do not.
The feng shui cycle of elements creates an equilibrium of five elemental forces. All of them have an impact on the energy flow in the space and can contribute to the creation of unique qi in the environment.
This elemental cycle of life is based on three main types of interaction, or three cycles:
- Productive
- Destructive
- Weakening
In other words, the five elements can feed, block, or drain one another. These cycles are used to strengthen (Productive cycle) the Chi, control (Destructive cycle) the Chi, and reduce (Weakening cycle) the Chi.
Let’s look at each of them in more detail…
Productive Cycle
In a productive cycle, elements support each other and act as complementary forces. They are in friendly relations and can enhance the benefits of one another.
These pairings are used to amplify the good Chi and create greater potency.
The productive cycles are:
- Water feeds Wood
- Wood feeds Fire
- Fire feeds Earth
- Earth feeds Metal
- Metal feeds Water
Destructive Cycle
A destructive cycle is where one element destroys the other. In feng shui terms, this means that although both are materially present in a space, they negate each other, and therefore minimize the positive effects of each.
The destructive cycle includes:
- Water destroys Fire by extinguishing it
- Fire destroys Metal by melting it
- Metal destroys Wood by cutting it
- Wood destroys Earth by penetrating it
- Earth destroys Water by blocking its flow and muddying it
Weakening Cycle
A weakening cycle is a way to provide a cure for a certain feng shui area, where one element, in particular, is too pronounced.
Unlike the destructive cycle, this simply tones down the energy of a certain element and makes it more beneficial by adding the other that can reduce its negative effects.
The weakening cycles are:
- Wood weakens Water
- Water weakens Metal
- Metal Weakens Earth
- Earth weakens Fire
- Fire Weakens Wood
When in balance, the five feng shui elements create perfect harmony and good chi. When at odds, or when an element is missing or being too pronounced, the energy is unbalanced and we are at risk of creating bad Chi.
Symbolism & Energy of The 5 Feng Shui Elements
Each of the five feng shui elements carries a specific symbolism and is associated with specific qualities.
Let’s look at each element in depth now…
Water Element
Water carries the symbolism of serenity and calmness. It is associated with the flow of life and it brings refreshing energy and purity into a space. It is cool, dark, and since it shape-shifts, it is connected to all free forms.
Water circulates, connects, and encourages the easy migration of energy. It helps us cleanse and release anything that doesn’t serve us and is said to support material gains, improving circulation of income.
Water is the element of emotion, but also spirituality, and intuition.
The Water element prevents stagnation and supports the flow of Chi. Too much of it can create sadness, heavy emotions, and inner turmoil.
Conversely, too little of it concrete coldness and an inability to let go and flow through life.
Colors: Black, blue
Direction: North
Season: Winter
Shape: Freeform
Objects: Glass, mirrors, wavy patterns, aquariums, fountains, objects of undefined shape, blue objects, and decor
Wood Element
Wood is associated with growth, abundance, and flexibility. It represents vitality, and just like plants do, the energy associated with it is an energy that grows upwards and in columns.
The Wood element is incredibly nourishing and is…
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