While reading articles and books about Feng Shui, Chinese astrology and medicine etc we tend to come across the term "5 elements". This tends to confuse a layman as to how can fire or water be termed as element? The problem lies with the wrong translation from the Chinese language. The Chinese word is "Wu Xing", where Wu means 5. "Xing" can be roughly translated as a type of energy. We are surrounded with an all-encompassing life giving energy called Qi (pronounced as Chee). Qi can be further segregated into Yang Qi (Strong) and Yin Qi (Weak). This energy can be found in various forms and these are identified as Wu Xing or 5 Phases. They are Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water.
These phases cannot actually be seen or felt and hence they have been named after some physical entities that a common man can understand. They tend to behave somewhat like these physical entities. Please do not confuse the 5 elements of Chinese Metaphysics with the "5 elements" of Greek philosophy i.e. Wind, Water, Earth, Ether and Sky
In Feng Shui, we try to understand the presence of different elements in different rooms of a house. If the combination of elements is helpful, they it has to be strengthened with supporting elements. On the other hand if the combination of elements is harmful, they can be dissipated using conflicting elements.
First we will try to understand each of the elements and then understand how they interact with each other.
| WOOD | |
 |  We will consider the WOOD element first as it represents new beginning and growth. This element is used in form of a living plant. Wooden furniture should not be considered as Wood Qi as it is dead. Trees are also used as good remedies to slow down fast flowing Qi. Also external metal sha can be buffered with bushes and hedges.Chinese Name: Mu Physical Representation: Yang-Tree, Yin-Grass, Flower, Twig, Creeper Colour: Green Shape: Rectangle Numbers: 3 & 4 Season: Spring |
| FIRE | |
 | FIRE is one of the most potent elements and should be used very wisely. Wherever it is difficult to use actual fire (Candle or Diya) we can use the colour red. A red coloured Lampshade is the most effective solution. Chinese Name: Huo Physical Representation: Yang-Sun, Yin-Candle Colour: Red Shape: Triangle Numbers: 1 Season: Summer |
| EARTH | |
 | EARTH is the most peculiar element. It is considered wealth when positive but can give illness and bad luck when negative. The objects used to induce this type of Qi are earthen vessels, sand or stone. Chinese Name: Tu Physical Representation: Yang - Mountain, Yin - Paddy field Colour: Brown, Dirty Yellow, Maroon Shape: Flat, Rectangular Numbers: 2, 5, 8 [-----] Season: Transition between seasons |
| METAL | |
 | METAL is a strong remedy and can be used to prevent illnesses, money delays, and even loneliness. Usually metal statues, furniture or decorative plaques are used to incorporate this element in a room. Chinese Name: Jin Physical Representation: Yang - Machinery, Yin - Jewelry Colour: White, Grey, Golden Shape: Circular, Round Numbers: 6,7 Season: Autumn |
| WATER | |
 | WATER is believed to gather Qi and hence is one of the most commonly used elements. A whole branch of Feng Shui (Water Dragon Classics) is completely dedicated to using water for prosperity. Usually clear and flowing water is used for Feng Shui cures and is usually kept in metal containers as metal strengthens water. When you need "activated" water, a fish tank is used. The fish keep the water in continuous motion and hence make it very yang. Chinese Name: Shui |
The above elements interact with each other is different forms. Also the intensity of the interaction depends whether the elements involved are yin or yang. This interaction is classified into 3 different cycles.
- Productive cycle:
This is the nurturing cycle where one element produces the next one. The help of this cycle is taken to enhance the positive areas of your house.
PRODUCTIVE CYCLE
Fire burns and produces ash (Earth).
Earth produces Metal in its bowels.
Metal when heated flows like Water.
Water nourishes Wood.
Wood is the fuel for Fire.
- Controlling cycle:
This cycle is some times wrongly called as destructive cycle. This tends to confuse novices. In this cycle one element controls the next element.
CONTROLLING CYCLE
Fire melts Metal.
Metal (axe) cuts Wood.
Wood controls Earth with its roots.
Earth restricts the flow of Water.
Water extinguishes Fire.
- Weakening cycle:
This cycle is exactly reverse of the productive cycle. If an element produces another element, the former gets weakened in the process.
WEAKENING CYCLE
Fire burns Wood.
Wood soaks up all the Water.
Water takes strength form Metal.
Metal is extracted from the Earth.
Earth (Ash) is produced from Fire.
In Xuan Kong Feng Shui, depending on the year the house was built in and the facing of the house an energy blue print in prepared. This is used to identify the different Qis present in the house. All the Wu Xing cycles are used to balance out these Qis. Suppose we need to diminish a bad earth Qi in a room we can use metal, as the later will weaken the former. Or we can use Water, as Earth Qi will be dissipated in controlling it. Similarly, if you want to enhance good Water Qi you will use metal to enhance it. Only a qualified Feng Shui expert can determine quantity, quality and location of the elemental cures. The cures used are usually masked as a useful item or a decorative item so that they blend into the décor of the home.
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