Feng Shui Elements

Feng Shui utilizes the five elements. These elements are fire, earth, wood, water, and metal. Each of these elements has a distinct effect on the surrounding environment, but also that you can utilize an appropriate element in order to get your desired results. Some elements are considered more "Chi-conducive" than others.

• Fire is utilized when you want to have more passion and energy. You aren't supposed to overuse this element because it can overtake everything around it if used too much. In Chinese, fire is referred to as Huo.
• Earth is utilized when you want to be more relaxed and have more patience. In Chinese, earth is referred to as Tu.
• Wood is utilized when you want to be more creative and allow your mind to work innovatively. It is also used when you want to become more popular and make more friends. In Chinese, wood is referred to as Mu.
• Water is utilized when you want to be clearer in your efforts to get your points across, either through written communications or verbal communications. In Chinese, water is referred to as Shui.
• Metal is utilized when you want to be more successful in your career, such as when the time comes to ask for a raise or promotion. In Chinese, metal is referred to as Jin.

Each element has a corresponding color or colors and also represents various stages within a human life. You may find that, depending on the Feng Shui school of thought that you follow, each element can mean something completely different and may have different corresponding colors and life stages.  Remember that there are many different forms of Feng Shui, so you should not be confused if you run across more than one explanation for the same thing. The best thing to do is to find the type of Feng Shui that works best for you and then stick with its principles.