Introduction

Feng Shui is heavily influenced by the theory of the Elements. In the Chinese scheme of the Universe, there are Five of these Elements, i.e. Wood, Fire, Metal, Earth and Water.

All Chinese astrological sciences including the times, years, and dates of birth are categorized as one of these elements. The five Elements are also associated with colors, seasons, directions, and planets.

Thus for example :

FIRE is red, an auspicious color. Fire is also Summer and is South. WATER is represented by the color black. It is also the North and Winter. WOOD is the East. It is represented by the color Green. METAL is white or sometimes gold. Metal symbolizes the West. EARTH is Yellow. Earth is also the Center.

For Feng Shui purposes, it is necessary to know that these Five Elements have a mutually productive cycle and a mutually destructive cycle.

In the PRODUCTIVE CYCLE: Fire produces Earth, which produces Metal which produces Water which produces Wood which produces Fire.

In the DESTRUCTIVE CYCLE: Wood destroys Earth which destroys Water which destroys Fire which destroys Metal which destroys Wood.

In considering the Feng Shui of locations and home interiors, understanding these two cycles of the Elements enables the practitioner to incorporate his/her astrological element to be in harmony and productive with the surrounding.