Feng Shui Boston

Creating Beauty, Harmony & Tranquility

The Fundamentals of Feng Shui

5 Elements Theory: The Building Blocks of Feng Shui

Everything in the universe is made up of 5 elements: Fire, Wood, Earth, Metal and Water. How they relate to each other causes energy near them to become either auspicious or inauspicious. Element harmony or disharmony creates either "Good" or "Bad" feng shui.

The Productive Cycle:

When the elements are combined in the environment to work together in HARMONY (Productive Cycle), success, prosperity, abundance, happiness, satisfaction, robust health and harmonious relationships are the result. This is when "everything in life is working very smoothly".

Water Produces Wood

Wood Produces Fire

Fire Produces Earth

Earth Produces Metal

Metal Produces Water

The Destructive Cycle

When the elements CLASH when combined together in the environment (Destructive Cycle), accidents, illness, job loss, missed opportunities, failed relationships and financial problems may result. This is when "everything seems to go wrong" at the same time.

Water Destroys Fire

Fire Destroys Metal

Metal Destroys Wood

Wood Destroys Earth

Earth Destroys Water

The Exhaustive Cycle

There is also a subtler, yet potent "Exhaustive Cycle" to be aware of that may drain energy from your goals. This cycle is sometimes utilized by Feng Shui practitioners to purposely reduce the negative energies or unfavorable "flying stars" in a certain location. The Exhaustive Cycle is the opposite of the Productive Cycle.

Wood Exhausts Water

Water Exhausts Metal

Metal Exhausts Earth

Earth Exhausts Fire

Fire Exhaust Wood

Application of the 5 Elements Theory

Element/Shape	Element Number	Colors	Energy	Example
Fire	9	Red, Ruby, Pink, Coral, Fuchsia, Orange, Bright Yellow	Illumination, Recognition, Fame, Reputation, Passion, Appreciation, Opportunities	Candles, Incense, Stars, Sun, Lamp, Fireplace, Phoenix, Pyramid
Earth	2, 5, 8	Cream, Soft Yellow, Beige, Tan, Sand, Terracotta, Pumpkin, Salmon, Peach	Strength, Support, Receptivity, Love, Endurance, Protection, Mother Earth, Wisdom, Education, Balance	Stones, Crystals, Prisms, Glass, Rock Salt, Clay, Ceramic, Tile, Brick, Turtle, Mountain
Metal	6, 7	White, Grey, Gold, Silver, Bronze, Metallic, Pearlescent, Pastels, Lavender	"Help from Heaven", Travel, Wealth, Angelic Realm, Networking, Mentors	Metal Chime, Coins, Gold Leaf, Electronics, Iron, Singing Bowl, Bronze, Brass, Silver, Gold
Water	1	Blue, Black, Deep Purple, Plum, Violet, Aquamarine, Turquoise	"Source of all Life", Abundance Blessing, Purification, Flow, Life Journey, Mission	Fountain, Aquarium, Pool, Ocean, Lake, River, Pond, Stream, Waterfall, Sea Salt, Shells, Fish, Dolphin, Holy Water, Bird Bath
Wood	3, 4	Green, Teal, Brown	Growth, New Beginnings, Spring, Expansion, Health, Wealth	Plants, Flowers, Fruit, Grains, Herbs, Bamboo, Wicker, Hard Wood, Books, Wooden Furniture & Sculptures