Wood, fire, water, earth and metal are the foundations for the balance of Feng Shui and play an important role in creating perfect harmony, allowing the flow of energy or "chi" within our daily lives. In this article I will separate each element to describe what its function is and how they relate to one another.
The Element of Wood and how it Relates to Colour
The function of wood stems from the beginning of time when two sticks were rubbed together to build a fire. Therefore, wood feeds fire and is considered the beginning of new life. Furniture is not a good substitute for wood and contains little or no "chi" within it. The history of some furniture can contain bad energy from previous owners or someone who has handled it before them. When re-selling furniture, it is often cleaned in advance before being presented again. Wood can be replaced by full healthy plants that also filter the air we breathe.
The colour green is not as effective as the element of live wood, but live plants contain "chi" that allows the energy to flow. Wood in its natural state was used for log cabins or fences and blends with the outdoors as well as in modern settings. Colours associated with wood are anything from sage to umber. Decorating with wood can be either dramatic or country depending on your taste. A number of craftspeople design with the natural mixture of hues and textures to form a background for wood.
The Fire Element and Colour
The fire element is the one instance where colour works well and can be introduced by decor or small objects such as a red shade over a lamp or red cushions in a room. It is known that wood feeds fire and is considered to be a productive cycle. Fire encompasses heat and light and embraces the colours of creativity, joy and passion.
In early times, fire was worshipped by ancient civilizations. It illuminates our way, via the sun, the light bulb or a candle. Fire is also hot and dry as it bakes the earth and warms our space. Associated with the hot colours of the sun, it can be used to create very exotic settings.
The Earth Element and Colour
The earth is thought of as soil but is much more. Various rocks, stones and clay when combined with soil in a clay pot represent the perfect earth element. Statues made from clay or earthenware such as terracotta fit the description of this element. Earth represents home and the farmer who tills the soil or the city dweller who plants their garden. Many spas use mineral-rich mud to wash away impurities from the body or in masks for the face.
Colours that make up this element are beige, sienna, umber and straw yellow. The earth's many elements have a timeless beauty that improves with age. Colours of the earth are mixed with a palette of putty to rich cocoa and are impressive with all the metal elements as well wood.
Metal Colour, Gold, Silver, Copper and Bronze
Metal in its many forms of gold, silver, copper and bronze are metals we know and recognize.
This element can also be used in decor and is found in jewellery. It is important to consider the shape when using this element. Sharp points or unattractive shapes should be looked at from various angles. The metal element is often coveted for its value rather than attractiveness. Feng Shui is about creating harmony and balance within a room and combining dramatic white or dark colours that blend seamlessly with metal.
Sources of Water in our Life
Water is vital to all life and we could not exist without this ultimate substance. Our bodies contain 70% water and 2/3 of the earth is made up of water. It has a surprising number of forms from the trickle of a stream, to the rain from the clouds to the mighty ocean. Water should be clear, free flowing and never stagnant. It was used for centuries as a form of protection around castles when kings and emperors ruled the land and used moats.
In real estate, homes near water fetch higher prices and are often regarded as superior. Water is the key element to life. When decorating with this water element, the sky, sea and colour reflect the natural textures found in driftwood or pebbles washed smooth from the sea. In Feng Shui principles, water can be introduced by a tabletop fountain sitting in your home or office to increase the natural flow of "chi."
Source:
Tchi, Rodika. "Feng Shui Five Elements: How to Use the Feng Shui Five Elements With Color." About.com (accessed January 13, 2011).
