How to Use the Feng Shui Elements

The 5 Feng Shui elements are instrumental to producing a home with a positive balance and the best Chi. Generally you begin by using the Ba-Gua map to layout the different directions in your home, and then use the Lo-Pan compass to dig deeper into the 5 elements. You can then determine which color associated with the elements would work best for you and your home.

Using color in your home to produce different types of energy is a primary principle of Feng Shui, and relates to the things that are directed by Chi such as prosperity, health, and marriage. The colors from the elements can be used to change the balance of energies in the home, ultimately producing the desired states.

Several colors are part of each of the 5 elements. Not only are there primary colors, but there are also different shades of colors that can be used in Feng Shui decorating

1. Wood element - Shades of brown and green

2. Water element - Blue or black

3. Fire element - Dark purples, red, deep yellow, and orange

4. Earth element - Sandy colors, brown, and light yellow

5. Metal element - White and gray (silver and gold sometimes fall in this category)

The productive cycle and the destructive cycle are foundational to the 5 elements. Both of these are important. The productive cycle is characterized by life and growth, for example, the water nourishes the wood element which is then be used to create the fire element. The fire element burns and eventually produces the earth element which in turn forms the metal element and then feeds back to the water element.

The destructive cycle is equally important and represents the other side of the balance between life and death. In contrast to the productive cycle, in the destructive cycle things deteriorate and die which makes way for new growth. For example, the wood element rots into the earth which in turn soaks up the water. The water element puts out the fire element which is known to melt metal. Metal implements in turn cuts up the wood.

The 5 elements have both colors and directions associated with them. As discussed before, each element has a primary color and also subtle shades of color available to the user. Similarly, the directions associated with each element may also contain more than one choice or direction that would benefit that element. In this way, following the principles of Feng Shui gives us many choices to finding perfect balance and positive energy.

Creating a positive, favorable flow of energy in the home and living spaces is the purpose of Feng Shui. You do this by using certain colors that correspond with the elements of that direction. Additionally, just as the colors of some clothes work better for some people, you will find that there are certain colors are naturally pleasing and can be incorporated outside of their elements if they are part of the same cycle. For example, red is the color of fire and represents positive Chi. If you find that you are confronted with a situation that is unfavorable, you may use the color red to turn the negative energy into positive energy.

Just as there are many colors of a rainbow, so too are there many combinations of colors and elements that can be employed in Feng Shui. In fact, the complexity that can be added is one reason many are turned away from Feng Shui. However, it need not be complicated. Learn how to use the Feng Shui elements first, and as you gain more knowledge and understanding you can then begin to add the subtleties and combinations to refine your decorating and your Chi.

Autor: Sean Lannin Sean Lannin
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To learn more about Feng Shui elements and how to incorporate these ancient principles into your home decorating visit: http://www.fengshuilight.com

Added: March 21, 2009
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/