What are the Feng Shui Elements?

Everything in the world according to the Chinese belongs to one of the five Feng Shui elements or energies, those being fire, earth, wood, water and metal. These elements are believed to affect everything we do and are one of the foundations of the Bagua Map. There are five different ways that Chi or energy can be manifested. The quantity of each element determines our personalities and degree of success in life. We either build on these elements to assist in manifesting what we want in our life, or conversely, if we have too much of one thing in our life we reduce the subject element. The objective being to have balance in our environments and our lives as one affects the other.

Wood

Wood is creative and innovative. Wood can be pliant and bending (willow) or strong and unyielding (oak). Wood is sociable and community minded. Wood also represents the color green and spring, birth and early childhood.

Fire

Fire gives energy and enthusiasm, but can also be a sign of danger. When too much fire is present, it can be destructive. Fire warms and cheers, but it can also burn and destroy. Fire is the element of a natural leader. Fire represents the color red, summer and the growing years before puberty.

Earth

Earth gives stability and also relates to real estate and legacies. Earth is patient, just, honest and methodical. However, it can also be smothering and demanding. Earth represents the color yellow, the center and the teenage years.

Metal

Metal indicates harvest, business and success; usually financial success. On the negative side, metal can also indicate a sword or a knife and be destructive and violent. The color is usually white, but can also be gold. It symbolizes autumn and represents the adult years.

Water

Water indicates travel, communication, and learning. It also relates to literature, the arts, and the media. Water can be both gentle (soft rainfall) and violent (a hurricane). Water nourishes all living things, but can also gradually wear away the hardest rock. It represents the color black, winter, and the elderly.