The 5 Element Cycle in Feng Shui
The five elements cycle in Feng Shui refers to the cycle of nature that can be perceived in all processes of life.
This chart shows how the energy of the elements are in constant fluctuation.
Water feeds a tree, while a tree, Wood can fuel fire. Fire in turn falls as ashes to the ground where they harden into t Earth. Earth hardens over time and produces Metal. When Metal liquefies it produces the element of Water.
- Water generates wood. Rain nourishes a tree
- Wood generates fire. Burning wood generates fire
- Fire generates earth. Ash is created from the fire
- Earth generates metal. Metal is mined from the earth
- Metal generates water. Water condenses on metal
Fire controls Metal which controls Wood which controls Earth which controls Water which controls Fire. Think of the process as if one element is influencing another in a controlling manner, rather than as one element destroying another.
- Think of a metal axe. You use it to chop down a tree, so Metal destroy Wood
- Imagine a tree (Wood) that extracts water and minerals from the earth to grow, so Wood destroys Earth
- When a river overflows (water) you use bags of sand (earth) to stop the water, so Earth controls Water
- You can extinguish fire with water, so Water destroys Fire
A foundry uses fire to melt metal, so Fire destroys Metal
Wood is represents the color green, springtime and east. Wood also represents birth and early childhood. Wood can be pliant and bending (willow) or strong and unyielding (oak). Wood is creative and innovative. Those with a large amount of this element in our charts, we will express ourselves creatively in some way. Wood is socially and communally oriented. Part of the East Life Group.
Fire is the element of leadership. It is represented by the color red, summer and south. Fire represents the growing years preceding puberty. Fire is energetic and vibrant. It can indicate intensity or danger. Fire is warming and cheerful, but destructive and powerful. Part of the East Life Group.
Earth is represented by the color yellow, the center of the circle and teenage years.
Earth is an element of stability and relates to real estate and legacies. Earth is patient, honest and methodical. It belongs to the West Life Group.
Metal is white, but can also be gold, silver or pink. It represents autumn and west. Metal means harvest, business and prosperity. This is usually financial prosperity. Metal can be powerful like a sword or a knife. Metal represents the adult years. It belongs to the West Life Group.
Water represents the color black, winter, and north. Water represents the final years, old age. Water is travel, communication, learning, literature, the arts, and the media. Water can be gentle like rainfall and violent like a hurricane. It nourishes all living things, while having the ability to make it’s way through dense rock. Part of the East Life Group.
How can we apply this to our home using Feng Shui?
The following are some items with strong elemental energy
Fire- candles, a red vase, A bowl of red peppers,
Earth- A clay pot, stone, pottery, crystals, gems,
Metal- wind chime, or objects made of copper, brass or bronze, clocks
Water – waterfall, image of a lake/ ocean, fish tank
Wood- a plant, floor lamp, vertical statue, houseplants
Each color is an expression of one of the Five Feng Shui Elements: Fire, Earth, Metal, Water, and Wood. The elements are used in specific areas according to the feng shui energy map of your space, or Bagua.
FIRE – PASSION AND HIGH ENERGY
A balanced Feng Shui Fire element in your space will bring a supporting energy in all your career efforts and will help you achieve recognition.
- Fire is the Feng Shui element of South. Fire energy is also recommended in the Northeast and Southwest Feng Shui areas of your space.
EARTH – NOURISHMENT AND STABILITY
A strong and harmonious Feng Shui Earth element in your home will help create stability, nourishment and protection for all your relationships.
- Earth is the Feng Shui element of Northeast and Southwest. It is also the element of Center of your home.
METAL – CLARITY AND PRECISENESS
Feng Shui Metal element brings the qualities of sharpness, precision, clarity and efficiency; its balanced presence will help you live with clarity and lightness
- Metal is the Feng Shui element of West and Northwest. Metal element is also good to use in the North area of your home or office.
WATER – EASE, FRESHNESS AND ABUNDANCE
A harmonious Feng Shui Water element will bring a refreshing energy of calm, ease, purity and freshness Water is also the ancient symbol of abundance, and a very effective Feng Shui element
- Water is the Feng Shui element of North. Water element is also good to use in the East and Southeast areas of your space.
WOOD – HEALTH AND VITALITY
Lush and healing, the Feng Shui Wood element will bring the energy of health, vitality and growth. It is also an expression of abundance, thus an ancient Feng Shui cure for wealth and prosperity
- Wood is the Feng Shui element of the East and Southeast areas of your space. Wood element is also good to use in the South.