Feng Shui Elements

The 5 Feng Shui elements are the core of this ancient practice and are an integral part of Feng Shui design. The elements are wood, earth, fire, water and metal and each has certain characteristics and colors associated with it.

Wood is the element associated with spring and the east and southeast.  It’s colors are blues, browns  and greens and it’s shape is the column.  Wood works to diffuse energy so if you have a spot where too much energy is directory focused put a plant there for a cure. In Feng Shui wood enhances the element of fire and diminishes the element of earth.  Use wood for more creativity, imaginations and determination.

Fire is the most passionate of the Feng Shui elements and is associated with summer and the south.  The colors of this element are red, purple and pink and it’s shape is the triangle.   Fire enhances earth and diminishes metal.  This element can spark a lot of energy but if there is too much of it, it can be destructive so if you have a room that is abundant in the color red, you might want to include a water feature in the room (a fountain or aquarium) since water diminished fire.  Fire can cause inspiration, passion and awareness.

Earth is associate with stability and the center of “things”  it is associated with the southwest and northeast.  The colors of the earth element are yellow and brown and the shape is square.  Earth enhances the element metal and diminishes the element water.  It can be patient or if used in excess overbearing.  Earth represents stability, thoughtfulness, generosity and practicality.

Metal indicates a harvest of sorts - sometimes this means financial success or in the negative it can mean destructive violence.  It’s season is fall and it’s shape is the circle.  Metal is associated with the West and Northwest and the colors are white, gray and silver but also sometimes gold.  Metal enhances water and diminishes wood.  Metals energies are discipline and solidity.

Water can be refreshing and renewing or bring a sense of loss and depression.  It is associated with winter and a free form shape.  It is an element of learning, communication and travel.  Water is associated with the North and it’s colors are black and purple-blue.  Water enhances wood and diminishes fire.  Waters energies are sensitivity, wisdom and will power.

Feng Shui elements can be used for many purposes either alone or together.  Many times they are employed as a cure for a certain type or flow of energy.  Other times, they can be used to soften or strengthen another element of the elements.  If you have too much of one element in a room, you can add some of the element that diminishes it to offset that abundance.  Learning the aspects of each element is critical to proper Feng Shui placement.