Feng Shui

Five Elements of Feng Shui

Feng Shui is heavily influenced by the theory of the Elements. In the Chinese scheme of the Universe, there are Five of these Elements, i.e. Wood, Fire, Metal, Earth and Water. All Chinese astrological sciences including the times, years, and dates of birth are categorized as one of these elements. The five Elements are also associated with colors, seasons, directions, and planets. Thus for example :

FIRE is red, an auspicious color. Fire is also Summer and is South. WATER is represented by the color black. It is also the North and Winter. WOOD is the East. It is represented by the color Green. METAL is white or sometimes gold. Metal symbolizes the West. EARTH is Yellow. Earth is also the Center.

For Feng Shui purposes, it is necessary to know that these Five Elements have a mutually productive cycle and a mutually destructive cycle.

In the PRODUCTIVE CYCLE: Fire produces Earth, which produces Metal which produces Water which produces Wood which produces Fire.

In the DESTRUCTIVE CYCLE: Wood destroys Earth which destroys Water which destroys Fire which destroys Metal which destroys Wood.

In considering the Feng Shui of locations and home interiors, understanding these two cycles of the Elements enables the practitioner to incorporate his/her astrological element to be in harmony and productive with the surrounding. Thus if one was born in a FIRE year, too much water in the home would not be beneficial (i.e. black colored things, ponds, artificial waterfalls, etc.) as Water destroys Fire. On the other hand, lots of plants or green things (Wood) and indeed a wooden house would be very auspicious because Wood produces Fire. Additionally, it would be beneficial if one slept in the room located on the south side of the house or apartment.

Another example. If one were born in the EARTH year, then having too many plants (Wood) would not be very auspicious. On the other hand, having red things, lights etc. (Fire) would be very conducive since Fire produces Earth. Earth people should sleep near or at the center portion of the house.

From these examples one can begin to see the various combinations that would work or not work from a Feng Shui point of view. Usually when the various members of the family are born under different elements, then the Elements of the Head of the Household should be considered for the main rooms and the entrance. All other individual rooms can be designed to benefit the main occupant of each individual room.

Use the table on this page to check your Element according to your hour of birth. The relevant directions indicated for your Element can be used to orientate your Front Door or to determine the best orientation for your office desk, or your sleeping position. On the next page is a Table which categorizes the Elements according to the year of birth (1900 - 1995). Use this to check the Element that rules your life.