The unique energies of the 5 Feng Shui Elements | Feng Shui is an art and a science, but mostly works according to ancient formulas, the relationships between and attributes of the five elements of nature.
In nature, each element is a unique manifestation of chi. Ideally there should be a balance between the elements. Difficulties occur when one of the elements is lacking or conversely, when one or more of the elements are dominant.
Feng Shui is the art of balancing the five elements of nature.
Feng Shui Relationships of the 5 Elements of Nature
It is also important to examine the relationship between the elements and how they either reinforce and strengthen or weaken one another.
Feng Shui elements & their powerful relationships
| Element | Is helped By | Is harmed by | Is weakened by | Weakens |
| Wood | Water | Metal | Fire | Earth |
| Fire | Wood | Water | Earth | Metal |
| Earth | Fire | Wood | Metal | Water |
| Metal | Earth | Fire | Water | Wood |
| Water | Metal | Earth | Wood | Fire |
Wood
Nature’s Element of Wood symbolizes spring, growth and plant life.
In its yin form, it is supple and pliable, and in its yang form, it is as sturdy as an oak.
Positively used, it is a walking stick. Negatively used, it is a spear. Bamboo is cherished in China for its ability to sway in the wind yet to be used as scaffolding. Viewed as a tree, Wood energy is expansive, nurturing and versatile.
Fire
The element of Fire symbolizes the summer, fire and heat. It can bring light, warmth and happiness or it can erupt, explode and destroy with great violence. Positively, it stands for honor and fairness. Negatively, it stands for aggression and war.
Earth
The element of Earth symbolizes the nurturing environment that enables seeds to grow, which all living things emanate from and return to. It nurtures, supports and interact with each of the other elements. Positively, it denotes fairness, wisdom and instinct. Negatively, it can smother or represent the nervous anticipation of non-existent problems.
Metal
The element of Metal symbolizes autumn and strength. Its nature represents solidarity and the ability to contain objects. On the other hand, metal is also a conductor. Positively, metal represents communication, brilliant ideas and justice. Negatively, it can suggest destruction, danger and sadness. Metal can be a beautiful and precious commodity or the blade of a weapon.
Water
The element of Water symbolizes winter and water itself, gentle rain or a storm. It suggest the inner self, art and beauty. It touches everything. Positively, it nurtures and supports with understanding. Negatively, it can wear down and exhaust. Associated with the emotions, it can suggest fear, nervousness and stress.
Associations of the 5 Elements
Each of the five elements in nature has various associations that display its characteristics. These objects can therefore be used in your feng shui solutions to represent that particular element.
Wood is represented by such things as trees and plants, wooden furniture, paper, the color green, columns, decking and landscape pictures.
Fire is represented by all kinds of symbols for the sun, by candles, lamps and other lights, by triangles, the color red, by man-made materials and last but not least, by sun or fire pictures.
Earth is represented by ceramics, terracotta, clay and bricks, but also cement and other stones. It is represented by a square shape, and its colors are brown, orange and yellow.
The element of Metal embraces all metals. It is represented by round shapes, domes, metal objects, door furniture and door steps, kitchenware, white, grey, silver and gold coins, and clocks.
The element of Water is represented by rivers, streams and lakes; by the colors blue and black, by mirrors and glass, be meandering patterns, by fountains and ponds, by fish tanks as well as water pictures.
The 5 Elements in People’s Personality Traits
Wood people are public-spirited and energetic. Ideas people, their outgoing personalities win them support. They visualize rather than committing themselves to plans.
Positively, they are artistic and undertake tasks with enthusiasm. Negatively, they become impatient and angry and often tail to finish the tasks they have begun.
Fire people are leaders and crave action. They inspire others ot follow, often into trouble as they dislike rules and fail to see consequences. Positively, the are innovative, humorous and passionate people. Negatively, they are impatient, exploit others and have lithe thought for their feelings.
Earth people are supportive and loyal. Practical and perceiving, they are a tower of strength in a crisis. They do not rush anything, but their support is enduring. Patient and steady, they possess inner strength. Positively, earth people are loyal, dependable and patient. Negatively, they are obsessional and prone to nit-picking.
Metal people are dogmatic and resolute. They pursue their ambitious aims single-mindedly. Good organizers, they are independent and happy in their own company. Faith in their own abilities inclines them towards inflexibility although they thrive on change. They are serious and do not accept help easily.
Positively, they are strong, intuitive and interesting people. Negatively, they are inflexible, melancholic and serious.
Water people communicate well. They are diplomatic and persuasive. Sensitive to the moods of others, they will lend an ear. They are intuitive and make excellent negotiators. Flexible and adaptable, they view things holistically. Positively, water people are artistic, sociable and sympathetic. Negatively, water people are sensitive, fickle and sintrusive.
Just as the date of birth determines which animal of the Chinese zodiac relates to them, so does their date of birth determine which element of nature they relate to.