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The
Elements of Feng Shui
The Feng Shui energy (or Chi) of an object, person, or place,
relates to whatever is in its space, and the flow of Chi is unique in every
living environment. These forces are always moving and always seeking balance
(Yin and Yang), which rely on the Five Elements of water, wood, metal, earth,
and fire, and they are believed to affect everything we do. Each element has its
own particular energy that radiates to everyone and everything else in its
proximity.
Although the properties of Feng Shui elements are individually important, what
is more important is the positive or destructive effect that each element can
have on the other. If for example, you have a room that lacks the wood element,
you would have to supply a water element as well, because water is what enables
wood to grow. Feng Shui elements can either be harmonious and unified, or they
can be ridden with conflict and cause anxiousness, worry and depression. Each
element has its unique properties, and I've listed them below:
Water
Water is fluid, and can signal networking, communication, professional
opportunities and wealth. It also indicates travel and communication and relates
to literature, the arts, and the media. Water can be both gentle (like soft
rainfall) or violent (like a hurricane). Water nourishes all living things, but
can also wear away the hardest rock.
Wood
Wood promotes creative energies and development. It can be pliant and bending,
like the willow, or strong and unyielding, like the oak. Wood is sociable and
community minded. It also represents birth and early childhood.
Metal
Metal elements are transmitters and they conduct energy. Metal generates
harvest, business and success. On the negative side, metal also indicates the
sword and can be destructive and violent. Various types of metals are considered
very precious for their association with health. For example, many people wear
copper bracelets for this reason. But too much metal in a living space can
attract too much energy and can be destructive.
Earth
Earth gives stability and represents permanence. It's associated with real
estate and legacies. Earth can be patient, just, honest and methodical. However,
it can also be smothering and demanding. It should be used in moderation.
Fire
The element of fire is considered the most powerful of all five elements and
represents energy and passion. It can also be a sign of danger. When there is
too much fire present, it can be destructive. Fire warms and cheers, but it can
also burn and destroy.
To Feng Shui believers, each of these elements has its own unique personality
that either enables it to "get along with" the other elements, or it
will be in discord with them when the balance is not right. To find such
balance, it would indeed require a systematic study of spiritual Feng Shui.
Happy trails to those seeking Feng Shui enlightenment; seek and you just might
find!
Timothy Green is the co-author of SPEAK E-Z CHINESE In Phonetic English. You can
find fun and easy Mandarin lessons, as well as travel and culture tips about
China at http://www/CathayCafe/com
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