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5 Feng Shui Elements

Have you ever walked into a room and felt at peace? On the other hand, have you walked into a room and instantly felt uncomfortable? Those instant, subconscious feelings can be explained by the ancient practice of Feng Shui. Feng shui is all about balance…more specifically, balancing 5 elements — Earth, Metal, Fire, Water, and Wood. These elements, as you can see, are rooted in nature and believed to work best when acting in harmony. For example, using wood in a way that fuels fire or water in a way that allows the earth to grow and flourish. It’s important to keep in mind, though, that elements can be used against each other, too. And, when that happens, it causes an uncomfortable and uneasy feeling in your space. 

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The five elements exist in relation to each other. So we have “creative cycle”  where one element nourishes the next:

  • Water nourishes Wood,
  • Wood feeds Fire, 
  • Fire creates Earth, 
  • Earth produces Metal, 
  • Metal condenses Water

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and "destructive cycle" where one element can overpower another:

  • Water extinguishes Fire, 
  • Fire melts Metal, 
  • Metal cuts Wood, 
  • Wood roots into Earth, 
  • Earth absorbs Water

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Balanced elements in a productive cycle can create a pleasant and welcoming atmosphere…but remember to start small. Feng Shui is all about making minor adjustments rather than trying everything at once. Begin with one intentional adjustment, observe any changes or energy shifts, and then consider adding more.

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1. Wood

Wood element represents growth, adaptability, optimism, expansion and new beginnings. 

Consider inviting Wood energy when starting a project or seeking to improve your finances or you need that extra boost to propel you ahead in your relationship or in your career. We can always  use the positive qualities of wood to help us in areas where we feel stagnant or stale. Incorporating the Wood element into your space can help you be more open to new ideas and opportunities.

Qualities: Growth, vitality, renewal

  • Shape: Columnar, rectangular and tall
  • Colors: Green, blues and teal
  • BaGua Areas: Family, Wealth

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To add Wood element:

  • Use the colors of vegetation, green and wooden tones;
  • Go for columnar, rectangular shapes;
  • Add live plants and wooden furnishings;
  • Hang art with trees, floral patterns or just green hues;
  • Fresh flowers in vases bring that live force to the space;
  • Stripes also symbolize the wood element, so you can use them to add patterns to fabric and wallpaper;
  • Trees - a very powerful symbol since they have an they have an upward growth;
  • Bamboo -  symbolizes rapid growth and flexibility;

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The Wood Element on the Bagua Map:

Feng shui practitioners can use the Bagua map/Energy map, where every section corresponds to one of the five elements and a particular aspect of your life. The Wealth and Prosperity area on the Bagua map are connected to the Wood element. So it's very essential to have the presence of this element in those particular areas.

Creative Cycle:  

Water supports Wood. You can use symbols that represent water to strengthen wood energy in your space.

Destructive Cycle: 

Wood is weakened by the Metal Element. Symbols that represent metal, white and silver objects, or sharp shapes can dilute Wood energy.

An Excess of Wood Energy:

It is very important  to find the right balance of energy in your space, or you can create negative effects. Here are the negative repercussions of too much wood energy:

  • Impatience
  • Impulsiveness
  • Overstimulation
  • Tension
  • Hostile environment

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2. Fire

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Fire represents our passion, forward-moving energy, productivity, and inspiration. Fire element has an excellent energy for the office spaces as it allows creative energy to manifest itself in the physical world. Fire symbolizes how others perceive you, your reputation, and your goals and ambitions. It can help you get out of your boring routine or draw attention when needed. This element represents the energy required to burn away the old and make room for the new. Use this energy to help you take charge and make things happen. Fire can create warmth in our relationships by adding that extra fuel. 

  • Qualities: Passion, dynamism, excitement, transformation
  • Shape: Triangle, pointy, diamond 
  • Colors: Red, orange
  • Area: Fame

To add Fire element:

  • Use the colors red and orange;
  • Introduce spiky or triangular shapes;
  • Include candles 
  • Upward-pointing light fixtures, its preferably that  light faces upward similar to the way flames reach toward the sky;
  • Fireplace is a natural focal point for any room and a great way to add warmth and intimacy to any setting;
  • Find wall art that represents fire energy with images of sunsets, flames, and abstract art with vibrant colors.
  • Animals symbols like Dragons and Phoenixes represent the fire element and its yang energy

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The Fire Element on the Bagua Map:

Feng shui practitioners can use the Bagua map/Energy map, where every section corresponds to one of the five elements and a particular aspect of your life. The Fame area is connected to the Fire element. So it's very essential to have the presence of this element in this particular area.

Creative Cycle:
In the Creative Cycle Wood supports Fire. Wood helps to nourish the flames of a fire. In practice, this means that Wood element can help to strengthen fire energy in your space. So don't be shy and add some live plants, flowers and green shades.

Destructive cycle:

Water extinguishes Fire..It is easy to understand how Water and Fire represent two different aspects of the creative process, and they are better off kept separate.

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Excess of Fire Energy:

Too much of a good thing is never good…so watch out for an excess of Fire energy, since it can cause the following problems:

  • Anger
  • Aggression
  • Anxiety
  • Burnout
  • Insomnia
  • Jealousy
  • Restlessness

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3. Earth

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The Earth element signifies stability, health, support and connection with our inner strength. When life feels uncertain, or you have some health issues the Earth element can provide grounding, balance and give you more support.  Adding Earth elements is helpful if your energy and health are depleted. When the Earth element is out of balance, negative qualities may manifest in your home environment. 

  • Qualities: Stability, confidence, self-care, practicality;
  • Shape: Flat, square, rectangles, cubes;
  • Colors: Brown, beige, yellow, rust, ivory, tan
  • Areas: Relationship, Health,  Knowledge, 

To add Earth element:

  • Use colors of soil, like brown, yellow, and beige;
  • Go for flat and square shapes, like area rugs and tiles;
  • Integrate objects or furniture made from stained or natural wood

The Earth Element on the Bagua Map:

Feng shui practitioners can use the Bagua map/Energy map, where every section corresponds to one of the five elements and a particular aspect of your life. The Relationship, Health,  and Knowledge areas are connected to the Earth element. So it's very essential to have the presence of this element in those particular areas.

In Creative Cycle:

Fire Element supports Earth. The Creative cycle of the elements demonstrates how each element helps another. The energy of the Fire element strengthens the Earth element. You can also use symbols that represent fire, like  candles, a fireplace, red colors, and pointy shapes to support Earth Element. 

Destructive Cycle: 

The Wood Element is destructive for Earth, since it burdens Earth and  overwhelms its stability with the rapid growth inherent in the Wood element. Wood is manifested in greens and rectangles, and when mixed with the squares and brown hues of Earth, it can make both seem drab and burdensome.

An Excess of Earth Energy:

It's very important to find the right balance of energy in your space. If you happened to have too much of the Earth element you will face the following consequences: 

  • Stagnation
  • Heaviness
  • Obsessions
  • Isolation

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4. Metal

Metal represents precision, clarity, and perfection. It's also associated with joy and sophistication. When you crave structure or find yourself in a state of confusion, look to the Metal element.  It manifests itself in our lives with attention to detail and acts of thoughtful creation.

  • Qualities: Efficient, precise, focused
  • Shape: Circular, spherical
  • Colors: White, grey, metallic
  • Areas: Helpful people, children

To add Metal element:

  • Use colors like white, grey, or metallic tones;
  • Include circular shapes and rounded edges;
  • Consider adding metal objects like brass or stainless steel;
  • Add Angular Metal Sculptures;
  • Use curtains, throw pillows, and bed comforters made out of metallic fabrics;
  • Wind chimes are helpful for bringing the metal element to an area;

The Metal Element on the Bagua Map:

Feng shui practitioners can use the Bagua map/Energy map, where every section corresponds to one of the five elements and a particular aspect of your life. The Helpful people and Children areas are are connected to the Metal element. So it's very essential to have the presence of this element in those particular areas.

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In the Creative Cycle: 

Earth supports Metal. In the creative cycle, the Metal element is supported and nourished by the Earth element. This means that you can enhance your metal energy with the introduction of Earth symbols like natural stone, crystals, and earthy colors. 

Destructive Cycle:

Fire melts Metal. A room with a strong metallic presence does not need the energy from the Fire element. Mixing these two is a recipe for a room that is very unpleasant to be in.

An Excess of Fire Energy:

Strive for balance in all the feng shui elements. Remember, an overabundance of Metal Energy can cause negative results. Here is some examples of  Metal element overtaken your space:

  • Inflexibility
  • Harshness
  • Coldness
  • Excessive Materialism

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5. Water 

The Water element symbolizes knowledge, wisdom, and intuition. It's also connected to prosperity and abundance. Water is the element of reflection, creativity, and deep inner peace. You may want to bring in the Water element in order to tap into your intuitive side, or when you want to improve the flow of Chi in your space.

  • Qualities: Creativity, flowing, shifting;
  • Shape: Wavy, curvy;
  • Colors: Black, dark blue;
  • Area: Career

To add Water element:

  • Use colors like black and dark blue;
  • Look for wavy or undulating shapes;
  • Consider adding water features or mirrors;
  • Fish tanks
  • Water Fountains

The Water Element on the Bagua Map:

Feng shui practitioners can use the Bagua map/Energy map, where every section corresponds to one of the five elements and a particular aspect of your life. The Career area of the Bagua is connected to the Water element. So it's very essential to have the presence of this element in this particular area.

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  • In Creative Cycle:
  •  Metal supports Water, so adding some metallic whites, and circular shapes will be very beneficial.
  • Destructive Cycle:  
  • Earth absorbs Water. 
  • In water rooms, which are perfect for reflection or meditation, it is inhibiting to add the solidity of earthen tones to the environment. A room full of mystical water energy is severely diminished by the solid and square shapes of the Earth element.

Now that you understand the basics of Feng Shui’s five elements, assess your own rooms to see where you may have productive or destructive combinations, and make some changes! Good luck!

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