Date: Oct 13, 2006 4:07 PM
Feng Shui Basics
Feng Shui (pronounced "fung shway") is the traditional Chinese art of Geomancy or placement. Central to its belief is that there is an energy force at play in the world called "Chi", or "Qi" (both are pronounced 'chee', rhyming with 'tea'), which can be both positive and negative (see Yin and Yang below), and it is imperative to arrange one's life in such a way as to maximize the beneficial influences and to minimize the harmful. One key to this in the home is the management of the flow of Chi.
Books on Feng Shui
Yin and Yang
Yin and yang represent the idea of harmony and balance. Often described as positive and negative, Yin and Yang is a little more subtle than this, with the idea being that the world is in a state of balance. For example, there are males and females. Together they create the balanced state of the world. In some situations there will be more males than females, which will have a localized effect. However, at the global scale the balance is maintained. Local imbalances can have detrimental effects in the long term, and so there is a constant thriving to maintain balance. Of course, where man intervenes to such an extent as to destabilize the global balance, then remedies become much more problematic.
the Five Elements
It seems that many people today who have heard about Feng Shui have heard about the Five Elements. These elements—Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water—are the foundation theory for Feng Shui balance.
There also seems to be some confusion about just what these elements really are and how they work. Actually, it is fairly simple and based on common sense. It is easy to understand the elements and their significance. Using them properly and in the correct proportion is what separates a master from a student. The following is a brief description of each of these elements and how they might be applied.
Wood
We start with the wood element since it is the beginning of new life. Just as spring brings new plants and new life, wood is the originator of the five-elemental cycle. Many people mistakenly use wood furniture as a Feng Shui solution. The problem with wood furniture is that it is lifeless. To harness the Chi (Qi) of wood, it is essential you use live wood! A shrub or bushy plant is ideal since it emits live Chi and is also an excellent method of retaining Chi. Plants recycle the air we breath and can provide a natural filter for the air. A common Feng Shui problem is the staircase that empties into a doorway. A bushy plant can retain some of that chi, when it is placed either on the landing, or more ideally, at the bottom of the staircase. Remember that you want a live plant, so maintain it. A dead plant holds no Chi and is actually a "Sha" (unsightly or bad influence).
Wood can be represented by the color green. We find that the colors are not nearly effective though as the actual element. When it comes to the wood element, there is rarely an occasion when you need to substitute the color for a living plant.
Wood represents the directions of East and the Chen Trigram (3). It also represents the South East and the Sun Trigram (4).
Read more about the Wood Element
Fire
The Fire Element is the most "Yang" of the elements. It is the hot summer or a blast of heat. In Feng Shui, we usually use a candle or the color of red. 168 Feng Shui Advisors recommends the color red more than a candle as we do not want our clients to risk the possibility of a house fire. Being that Fire is so yang, this is the one example where color does work well. If it is hot, it is even better. A red night light or a table lamp with a red shade make excellent Fire remedies.
Fire represents the South and the Li Trigram (9).
Read more about the Fire Element
Earth
Earth is an interesting element despite the rather commonplace conception of dirt. Many times Earth is recommended for a larger environmental solution. In this case large granite boulders, or a beautiful clay statue can be used. Terra-cotta pots filled with potting soil make a great Earth remedy. Earth also represents the Mountain.
Earth tone colors can be used, but they are not nearly as effective as the actual element.
Earth represents the North East or the Ken Trigram (8). It also represents the South West or the Kun Trigram (2). Additionally, it represents the "Center" of the Master Trigram (5). Energetically speaking, Kun Earth (2) and the center representation (also called a star) of "5" can have negative influences, whereas the Ken Trigram (North East - 8 - also referred to as the Mountain) can have a very prosperous influence.
Read more about the Earth Element
Metal
The most common solution, Metal can be found in all forms. Copper, Silver, Gold, and Bronze are a few variations of the Metal Element. Using the Metal Element can take on all sorts of creative ideas. A cast silver deer is one idea. A bronze plate hung on the wall is another. Even iron weightlifter plates can be utilized as a metal solution. Weightlifter plates? Yes, when done properly. This can be done by stacking a few, then placing a brass pot upside down on top and creating a pedestal for a small plant or a perhaps a metal statue. The quantity of the element is definitely there! The key thing to remember is that Feng Shui is about creating a beautiful environment. When utilizing the Metal Element, ensure that it is rounded and pleasing, not sharp and pointed. Metal is the most commonly used remedy for the negative Earth energies as mentioned above. Ideally, the goal is to introduce Feng Shui elemental solutions that are not identifiable as Feng Shui remedies. Feng Shui objects that are unsightly or easily identified as a "Feng Shui Cure" are not recommended. It should blend into the environment and be beautiful.
The colors of White, Silver, or Gold can be used.
Metal represents the Tui Trigram (7) in the West. Tui is a soft metal such as gold. It is also the Chien Trigram (6) in the North West. Chien is a hard metal like steel.
Read more about the Metal Element
Water
Water is the what give life on our planet. Without it, we would not exist. Our bodies are mostly water. In Feng Shui, Water is a very useful element. Water, when needed, should be clear and flowing. Stagnant water can create more problems than it solves. A simple aquarium, or even a small "metal" fountain can be used. Do not use ceramic or other earthen fountains. This is a common mistake. The Earth element blocks water and neutralizes the positive effect of the Water. Outside, a metal trough, a fountain, or even a fish pond can act as an environmental solution.
Water has always been synonymous with power. Water has been used as an elemental solution by the emperors in the form of moats and by placing their palaces near bodies of Water. If you look at most capital cities today, they are either located near the water or have large lakes or rivers nearby. Most ocean-side and lakeside homes are sought after and usually more expensive.
Water can be represented by the colors blue or black.
Water represents the Kan Trigram (1) in the North.
Read more about the Water Element
To conclude, it must be said that you should not use any of these elements haphazardly. Ideally, a proper Feng Shui analysis should be performed by a qualified practitioner. Used incorrectly, the elements can cause harm to relationships, health, or money prosperity. When used correctly, they can strengthen relationships, health, and money.
What is Feng Shui? article from 168 Practitioners' Website.
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