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The Five Elements
The Five Elements (Wu Xing) describe five phases of energy — Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water. Each is traditionally associated with particular colors, shapes and materials.
The elements at home
Wood is associated with growth, plants and green tones. Fire with warmth, light and red or orange tones. Earth with stability, ceramics and sandy colors. Metal with clarity, round forms and white or grey. Water with flow, glass and deep blue or black.
Generating and controlling cycles
In the generating cycle, each element supports the next: Wood feeds Fire, Fire creates Earth, Earth bears Metal, Metal carries Water, and Water nourishes Wood. Traditional practitioners use these relationships to bring a room into balance.
Feng Shui is presented here as a traditional cultural practice and a framework for arranging space with intention. It is not a substitute for professional medical, legal, financial or psychological advice. Read the disclaimer.
Free Guide
The Five Elements Guide
Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water — their qualities, colors, materials and relationships at home.
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