Feng Shui
and the five elements
Feng Shui is the ancient Chinese art of placement that stretches back thousands of years. Comprised of a series of integrative practices for intentionally placing objects in the home, Feng Shui creates an environment that actively encourages an intrinsic sense of inspiration and harmony.
In Feng Shui, there are five primary elements: wood, fire, earth, metal, and water. These elements are arranged in conjunction with directional, astronomical, astrological, and numerological wisdom traditions to create the ultimate sense of balance.
Wood
creativity
growth
new life
Fire
passion
joy
action
Earth
stability
strength
nurture
Metal
focus
clarity
communication
Water
release
renewal
prosperity
Wood
creativity, growth & new life
“
Colors: Green & brown
Nature: Trees, plants, wood, bamboo
Decor: Wood statues and figurines, wood buddhas, furniture in browns, greens, or made of wood, rugs and textiles in browns and greens
Imagery: Art & photography of the natural elements above
Shapes: Rectangular and column shapes, vertical and horizontal patterns
Crystals: Crystal wands, tourmaline, green jade, emerald, petrified wood, and peridot
Fire
passion, joy, & action
“
Nature: Sunlight, lamps, light fixtures, candles, fireplaces
Decor: Fire-colored candle holders, lamp shades, vases, furniture, curtains, textiles or other decorative pieces
Imagery: Art & photography of fire, sunrises, sunsets, or abstracts with fire colors
Shapes: Triangular, pyramidal, and star shapes
Crystals: Pointed crystals or crystals in the shape of pyramids and stars, citrine, fire agate, fire opal, garnet, red calcite, red jasper, ruby, sunstone
Earth
stability, strength, & nurture
“
Nature: Sand, clay, ceramics, marble, granite, river rocks, adobe brick, stucco, or rock crystals
Decor: Pottery, statues or figurines made of stone, ceramic, or clay, furniture, rugs and textiles in neutral and earth colors, chandelier with crystals and a neutral, earth color shade
Imagery: Images of mountains and deserts, woven art in natural neutral colors
Shapes: Square shapes
Crystals: Crystal cubes, pyrite, tiger’s eye, agate, halite, jasper, malachite (All Rock crystals are generally good for earth elements since they come from the earth)
Metal
focus, clarity, & communicatins
“
Nature: Anything made out of metal materials
Decor: Furniture in metal (chrome, iron, brass, etc.) or metal colors, rugs and textiles in metal colors, metal vases, dishes, bowls, moving metal pendulum clocks, metal wind chimes, metal mobiles, metal lamps, metal sculptures or statues
Imagery: Images of items made of metal, abstract art in metallic colors, metal wall art
Shapes: Oval and circular, wavy, and curved shapes
Crystals: Orbs or circular stones, milky quartz, calcite, moonstone, pearl, selenite
Water
release, renewal, & prosperity
“
Nature: Fountains and water features, fish bowls and tanks, pools
Decor: Furniture in water colors, rugs and textiles in water colors, glass (especially sea glass) or water-colored objects like vases, black picture frames, black statues and sculptures
Imagery: Art with Images of water (ocean, sea, underwater) or water colors
Shapes: Curvy shapes
Crystals: Smooth, polished stones that have been tumbled, aquamarine, black obsidian, blue calcite, blue topaz, celestite, chrysocolla, lapis, sapphire, sodalite
