The Five Elements - Basic Feng Shui Introduction

The Five Element theory is the foundation of Chinese disciplines such as in Feng Shui, martial arts, and the I Ching (The Book of Changes). Studying the Five Elements provides a blueprint that illustrates how nature interacts with the body and how the different dimensions of our being impact each other. Each of the five groups—Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water—include categories such as a season, a direction, stage of growth and development, emotion, aspect of the soul, color, sound . . . the categories are seemingly limitless. The Five Elements reflect a deep understanding of natural law, the Universal order underlying all things in our world.

For now, let's introduce ourselves to the Five Elements Theory through archetypes, characteristics, colors, the season, shape, Kau number, and where to find them on the Western Bagua map. Using these foundational tools can then help you implement simple changes into your living environment through small doses, while at the same time shine some light into your inner nature. 

Quick Insider Tip: When implementing these changes into your environment, pay attention to the function of each room. This opens your awareness and consciousness to each part of your home and how the objects, colors, and over all furnishings within that space could compliment the element suggested within a specific area of your home or not. 

Another Insider Tip: In modern day times, we tend to use objects, colors, and imagery as a means to represent the elements. So, before making any new purchases, I strongly recommend you FIRST SHOP AROUND YOUR HOME . Learn how to repurpose what you already have through clear intention of use and choose items that provide a positive emotional connection and psychological influence. 

Fire Element: The Wizard

Characteristics When Balanced: Dynamic, charismatic, loving, glowing, magnetic, warm, attentive, and open. Natural salesman or women. Smiles with their eyes. 

Not Balanced: Burned out, raging, abusive of self and others, easily agitated, unable to finishes what they started. If not mindful, they could merge with other people and lose themselves.

• Color- Red (or any grouping of warm, inviting colors)

• Season - Summer

• Bagua Life Section- Fame/Reputation

• Kau Number: 9

• Direction: South

• Shape: Diamonds, triangles, pyramids

• Objects: Candles, artwork with accents of red or warm colors in general, images that convey a warm emotions, or choose artwork that is bold and expresses the dynamics traits of you.

• Organs: heart and small intestines

Wood Element: The Pioneer

Characteristics When Balanced:  Youthful, flexible, assertive, adaptive and independent. Seeks challenges. Likes pressure and likes to be the first, the best, and only.  This persons needs to keep growing. 

Not Balanced: Impatient, vindictive, smothered, slow, sluggish and inflexible. 

• Color: Greens

• Season: Spring time

• Bagua Life Section: Family and Wealth 

• Kau Number: 3, 4

• Direction: East & South-East

• Shape: Vertical lines or rectangles

• Objects: Family photos, images of budding flowers or fully bloomed flowers, and strong rooted trees. When possible, using real plants inside your home or office is always best.

• Organs: liver and gallbladder

Water Element: The Philosopher

Characteristics When Balanced: Quest for truth, is strong in his or her beliefs, offers insight, easily gathers information, cleaver, articulate, and very connected to their emotions. 

Not Balanced: Passive, fearful, angry, drowns self and/or others, very emotional or very tough (icy personality), suspicious, unforgiving, blunt and detached. 

• Color - Black or Blues

• Season - Winter

• Bagua Life Section - Career

• Kau Number: 1

• Direction: North

• Shape: Wavy patterns and lines and translucent layers

• Objects: An actual water fountain, fish tank with fish (at least 3 fish), images that represent water (beach with water view, ocean, river, steam), mirrors, glass vase that vase flowers in them or glass coffee table. You could also use artwork that incorporates accents of blue or cool colors in general.

• Body organs: kidneys, ear, and bladder

Earth Element: The Nurture

Characteristics When Balanced: The Peacemaker, mediates conflict, can alter perspectives and put people at ease. They are caring, sympathetic, peaceful, dependable, behind the scenes leader, poised, and values the unification of relationships. 

Not Balanced: This person becomes shut down, uncoordinated, insecure, obsessive, nervous, resistant to change. Overextending of oneself,  unrealistic expectations of other people and over protective. 

• Color - Yellow, beiges, creme or earth tones

• Season - Indian Summer

• Bagua Life Section- Wisdom/Knowledge, Health and Partnership

• Kau Number: 8, 5, 2

• Direction: North-East, Center & South-West

• Shape: Squares, cubes, and horizontal lines

• Objects: Photograph of mountain ranges or an abstract painting, pomes that speak to the healing energies of Mother Earth, earth based textile patterns and tapestries, or the use of crystals.

• Organs: stomach and spleen (and pancreas).

Metal Element: The Alchemist

Characteristics When Balanced: They focus on morals, values, justice, honesty, are reasonable, refined, organized, and efficient. They bring out the best in self and demand the best in you. They know what they are and what they believe in. 

Not Balanced: They become fussy, cheap, rigid, overbearing, strict, distanced, and cold. 

• Color- White and/or Gray

• Season- Autumn

•Bagua Life Section - Children/Creativity and Helpful People/Travel

• Kau Number: 7, 6

• Direction: West & North-West

• Shape: Circles and ovals

• Objects: Furniture that has metal parts in them, picture frames, mirrors, sculpture, sound healing and music (listening and playing), or even seeing musical instruments out on display.

• Organs: Lungs and large intestines (and colon)

Suggested Read: Dragon Turtle Feng Shui Cure for The Home and Office

Suggested Read: Learning Feng Shui By Watching the 2018 South Korea Winter Olympics

Suggested Read: Feng Shui Bagua Map Basics for Your Home in 4 Easy Steps

Suggested Read: Why Does the Octagon Shape Play Such an Important Role In Feng Shui?

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Feng Shui expert with 21+ years of experience. She provides bicoastal consultations and workshops for residential, real estate developments, Fortune 500 companies, and healing facilities. She is currently conducting research for her upcoming book that focuses on bridging the gap between the ancient wisdom of Feng Shui and modern day science to establish the practice of Feng Shui as a credible form of assited healing within the health care system.