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What Are The 5 Elements of Feng Shui?

In Feng Shui, you use the Ba-Gua to map out the different directions in your home. Based on those eight directions of the Ba-Gua, you then use the Lo-Pan or Feng Shui compass to further dig into which of the five elements corresponds the best with these eight directions. Because each element has color associated with it, you then determine which color would work best in your environment to produce the best Chi.

Employing the different colors is the easiest method for producing the different types of positive energy which translates into the marriage, health, prosperity and other things that are directed by Chi. Light is also an important part of producing Chi. As you get deeper into Feng Shui, you will discover how those elements related to the eight directions outlined by the Ba-Gua map. Just like in nature, colors from the elements may have to be used in several different Ba-Gua mapped directions as a time in order to achieve and maintain a balance of energies, much like the yin and yang theory.

The Five Elements

Each of the five elements is embodied by several colors. Keep in mind that different shades or hues of these colors can also be employed in your Feng Shui decorating plan.

1. Wood element – Green and shades of brown

2. Water element – Black or blue

3. Fire element – Red, orange, deep yellow and even angry, dark purples

4. Earth element – Light yellow and brown along with sandy colors

5. Metal element – White and gray (silver and gold sometimes fall in this category)

These five elements are rules by two cycles – the productive cycle and the destructive cycle. During the productive cycle, you will see the water element nourishing the wood element which could then be used to create the fire element. The fire element burns and eventually produces the earth element which in turn forms the metal element and then feeds back to the water element. Just like the circle of life, this cycle is constantly revolving.

While you may not initially think so, the destructive cycle is important as well in the scheme of Feng Shui things. In the destructive cycle, things deteriorate and die which makes way for new growth. In destruction mode, the wood element breaks apart the earth which in turn soaks up the water. The water element puts out the fire element which is known to melt metal. Metal implements in turn cuts up the wood.

How these element colors should be used

The different colors associated with these elements also represent and boost the likelihood of certain characteristics such as abundance, health and recognition. In addition, certain directions as pointed out by the Ba-Gua deal with the elements directly. For instance, the Southeast and East are represented by the wood element. The Northwest and Southwest areas, these are represented by the earth element. In addition, some areas may have representation of two elements.

Feng Shui is all about creating a flow of energy in the home or living area that is propitious. Therefore, you will want to use certain colors that correspond with the elements of that direction. You will also discover that certain colors are naturally pleasing and may be used outside of their elements given that they are all part of the same cycle. For instance, red is the color of fire and represents an energizing Chi. If you are faced with an unfavorable configuration of your home, the color red may help turn around that negative Chi.

There are more complicated relationships between these elements and colors. The information listed above is just the beginning. This complexity of Feng Shui is the primary reason why some people study for years to understand the core of these ancient Chinese principles.

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SolveYourProblem.com : 2008

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