Often described simply as the "5 ELEMENTS", the correct interpretation of Wu Xing would be more accurately called the "5 Universal Energy Qualities". Early translators of Chinese philosophy such as Richard Wilhelm (The I-Ching) compared Chinese principles with our own Western tradition and with the 4 elements of Greek philosophy : Earth, Water, Fire and Air. He therefore kept the term "elements".
Chinese concepts are about Chi, about its change and movement. In Feng Shui we don't really deal with single "elements", but with types of energy which interact constantly with other types of energy, as well as effecting all living beings around.
The principle of the 5 Elements has a long history. Through many observations of nature and much research, the Chinese found that everything on earth and in the universe can be assigned to one of these 5 qualities.
These 5 qualities are WATER, WOOD, FIRE, EARTH and METAL.
The Chinese system of 5 Elements is reflected in Chinese medicine, in Chinese philosophy, in time calculations (calendar cycles and horoscopes), and even in character descriptions of people.
A METAL person, for example, appears a bit dry like the fall season, when the trees slowly start to pull in their sap and prepare for winter. Their body is likely to be lean with a narrow face. A metal person is supposed to be a sharp thinker, somewhat controlled and perhaps less enthusiastic than a WOOD person. Wood's quality is outgoing and expansive like fast growing plants in the spring. The metal person does not like heat. When we test a person with methods of unconscious reactivity like AK (Applied Kinesiology), they react weak on exposure to fire-energies, but strong with earth and metal energies.
There are 5 different relationships possible among these 5 elemental energies. Some are of a supportive nature, some controling and some weakening to the others.
The 5 Qualities and the Supportive Cycle.
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The most important cycle for our daily Feng Shui work is the SUPPORTIVE CYCLE, where one quality supports the next in the order shown in the diagram above.
- WATER feeds WOOD and lets plants flourish.
- WOOD burns in FIRE.
- FIRE burns down to ashes, which are EARTH.
- EARTH condenses into METAL.
- METAL melts and then turns into a watery form; also it condenses into WATER.
We use these "elements", their objects, aspects, forms and colors to balance the Chi in our home, to bring in missing qualities in specific Bagua Areas or to soften excessive imbalances.
Here is another example:
"Wealth and Prosperity" in the BAGUA (the map with eight segments) is oriented towards the SW compass direction and therefore stands for Yin-Wood energy. If we look up WOOD in the above diagram we find WATER and WOOD to be used to enhance this part of our home.
Feng Shui books usually recommend using plants (my favorite is bamboo, a fast growing wood), water fountains, aquariums and other water/plant combinations. Please be aware that all these objects have a very specific sized energy aura field, depending on their height, strength, color and form.
A tiny Chinese lucky bamboo might be a tool in the right direction, but it is not able to move the stagnant energy of a whole house. A huge water fountain in the entrance hall might be a bit of overdone for the WATER element of the house. It might create more problems than it resolves.
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Here is an overview of a few of the numerous aspects representing these 5 qualities:
WATER
Water is the energy of resting and stillness: the concentration of forces before spring and a new life cycle. It represents winter or midnight in the shorter day cycle. Its movement is downwards; its form irregular; its colors are black and blue - ultramarine rather than turquoise (which relates to wood).
Water is a very important energy in Feng Shui because it is closely connected to wealth and prosperity. Water was always the basis for rice farming and from that became a synonym for abundance.
Water is strengthened by metal, weakened by wood and controlled by earth. Sand is used to dam floods or overflowing water.
WOOD
Wood is good to use when you want to add the energy of growth and vitality to your life. Wood is the expanding element of spring or early morning. The typical form is the column, colors are green and turquois. Bamboo is a fast-growing plant that represents the beauty of wood energy. In terms of Chinese medicine, anger is the eruptive emotion represented by wood. Its corresponding organs are the liver and gallbladder. Wood is strengthened by water, weakened by fire and controlled by metal. An axe cuts wood.
FIRE
Fire energy is strongest in summer - early June, and at noon. At this time flowers show their bright beauty to the utmost. The movement is directed upwards; its color is red and similiar tints; the geometrical form is a triangle. A triangular red candle is a tool which adds fire quality to a room. Fire is the only element which should be used with discretion. It can be overdone easily which draws in a nervous unstable aspect. Be careful with wall paint, too. Paint only one wall this strong color. Be especially careful in bedrooms if you want to get some rest...
EARTH
Earth energy is grounding, stabilizing and balancing. Rocks, bricks and earthen ware represent earth energy and can be brought easily into a space. Be aware that objects often carry not just one of these qualities but can have combinations of two or more elements in them. A yellow clay brick includes quite a lot of fire energy, in addition to earth.
METAL
Metal Chi condenses and contracts earth energy. Metal objects, e.g. big clocks with moving metallic parts, are strong metal cures. Metal shapes include round forms: circles and spheres. Metal, in the form of 6 coins on a red string, is used in Traditional Feng Shui to neutralize negative earth imbalances due to Flying Star Calculations.
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