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| The 5 Elements |
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The Five Elements (as they are known) are more a type of moving energy or Qi, than merely a physical element. They are really the Five Energies. The term “element” is used rather frequently even though it is not a true definition.
The five elements are Water, Wood, Fire, Earth and Metal. Everything in the universe is made up of one or a combination of these energies. These five energies are continuously interacting with one another; either in a productive, controlling or weakening cycle. An understanding of how these energies interact enables us to manipulate and use the available energies to their best advantage.
While the elements can be represented in a physical state, the more you delve into Feng Shui you will discover that they can also be a personal characteristic, a body part, a number, a direction or one of a number of other attributes. For these reasons it’s important not to limit your thinking to just the physical. |
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| Water |
| Properties |
Water energy is flowing and fluid. Runs downhill. |
| Cycle |
Water is enhanced by metal, "destroyed*" by earth, dissipated when it is used to nourish wood, and drained when it "destroys*" fire. |
| Colour |
Black or Dark Blue |
| Shape |
Wavy or Sinuous |
| Physical item |
Water, Ponds, Swimming pools, Lakes, Seas, Fountains, Aquariums, Humidifiers |
| Number |
1 |
| Direction |
North |
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| Wood |
| Properties |
Wood energy is growing outwards and enduring. |
| Cycle |
Wood is enchanced by water, "destroyed*" by metal, dissipated when it is used to nourish fire, and drained when it "destroys*" earth. |
| Colour |
Green |
| Shape |
Tall and Rectangular |
| Physical item |
Plants, Trees, Flowers, Grass, Bamboo, Wooden objects but living wood is preferred |
| Number |
3, 4 |
| Direction |
East and South East |
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| Fire |
| Properties |
Fire energy radiates hot in every direction. It is very active and lifts the qi. |
| Cycle |
Fire is enhanced by wood, "destroyed*" by water, dissipated when it is used to nourish earth, and drained when it "destroys*" metal. |
| Colour |
Red, Orange, Purple, Pink |
| Shape |
Triangular, Pointed, Sharp |
| Physical item |
Fire, Sun, Candles, Red lamps, Lightning, Electricity, Red objects, Fire place, Bright lights. |
| Number |
9 |
| Direction |
South |
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| Earth |
| Properties |
Earth energy is Dense, All Encompassing, Attractive, Stable. |
| Cycle |
Earth is enhanced by fire, "destroyed*" by wood, dissipated when it is used to nourish metal, and drained when it "destroys*" water. |
| Colour |
Brown, Beige, Yellow |
| Shape |
Cubic shapes, square, Flat and broad shapes |
| Physical item |
Mountains, Rocks, Bricks, Stones, Crystals, Pottery, Ceramics |
| Number |
8, 5, 2 |
| Direction |
North East, Centre, South West |
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| The Cycles |
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The production cycle strengthens and grows the element it produces.
Example: Wood produces Fire.
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The weakening cycle lessens the negative effect of an element.
Example: Fire weakens Wood. |
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Avoid using the controlling cycle as the effects can be unpredictable and may cause further problems later.
*Note: No element is ever “destroyed”, only transformed.
Example: Fire controls Metal. |
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