In Feng Shui, there are five elements namely: Fire, Metal, Earth, Wood, and Water. Each of these elements is considered a universal energetic essence that carries varying flavors of ‘chi’. You may be wondering why it is important to learn the five element’s different shapes and colors. Let me tell you why.
Have you ever felt that something is off-balanced with your life? If yes, then I would assume you have felt the intensity of uneasiness and annoyance that something is wrong but you just do not have the idea—which and why? The probable cause of this is that the five elements of feng shui in your environment are out of balance. All the things around you could represent the elements that do not go well together. Thus, it is only right for you to learn about Feng Shui’s five elements so that you will be able to control them.
In this article, we are going to list down each of the element’s shapes, colors, forms, and archetypes. After reading this whole list, I am confident that you will now know how to choose the right representation of each element and how to use each representation to balance your life!
The Fire Element
The fire element is bright and lovely. This element represents your fame and reputation. Your ability to connect meaningfully with the important people in your life has something to do with fire. Accordingly, keeping this element in your surrounding is necessary to have a healthy social life. Though you have to become aware that overabundance of the fire element can aggravate irritability and impulsive behavior while scarcity can lead to a lack of vision and self-esteem.
Shape
The symbolic shape of the fire element is the triangle. You probably noticed that the fire indeed looks triangular so this makes it easier to recall. When you want to add a fire element to your environment, you may try triangular ornaments like stars.
Color
Red is the color that represents fire. That is why red accessories are encouraged when you want to boost the intimacy between you and your significant other.
Other Representations
In attempting to bring fire elements to your atmosphere, you may use anything that provides good lighting. Light evokes the vitality of fire. If you are trying to increase the warmth and intimacy between you and your partner then using light as a representation of this element is the best. On the other hand, if you want to boost the fame sector of your life, you may keep things that are made of leather, has animal prints, or art featuring animals or people. Your pet dog or cat is also a good depiction of fire. That adorable cuteness you cannot resist arouses warmth and cuddles!
Archetype
Since the fire element inspires faith that dreams come true and desires will be fulfilled, it is best regarded as the Wizard.
The Metal Element
In the Feng Shui Bagua Map, metal represents two segments: Children & Productivity (located at the center right) and Travel & Helpful People (at the lower right). This element is what affects your sense of justice and righteousness. Elevating the metal elements in your surroundings will help you get more organized, focused, productive and articulate.
Shape
Anything that has a circular shape well-represents this element. If you think you are lacking in this sector, then try to accessorize with rounded things, especially in your office space.
Color
Metal is not represented only by a single color. Any color that fits between the range of pure white to light grey and soft pastels is a good symbol of metal. According to The Spruce, one effective way of introducing the metal element to your home is by having white or gray walls.
Other Representations
Metal also is best represented by autumn in the cycle of seasons. Gleaming materials such as gemstones, shiny metal, and subtle reflective surfaces are also metal elements.
Archetype
Metal is known to be the Alchemist who has the power to create great things from small materials.
The Earth Element
As an element that represents three sectors of the Feng Shui Bagua, you must be very careful in balancing it. The three different areas it represents are Relationship, Knowledge and Cultivation, and Health. When there is a surplus of this element in your life, you will probably feel bored, tardy, and tedious. On the contrary, having too few can lead to chaos and disorganization.
Shape
Since this element also represents grounding and stability, its symbolic shape is also grounded and stable—square.
Color
Earth is represented by the colors yellow, orange, and brown. Bring earth elements to your home by playing around with this color combination!
Other Representations
Ceramics, pottery, and bricks are materials that symbolize this element. It is also a wonderful choice of decorative to have at home.
Archetype
The personality of the earth element fits to be ‘The Peacemaker’ that seeks harmony in the world.
The Wood Element
Wood connects creativity and expansion. It boosts traits such as development, strength, birth, flexibility, and intuition. The greatest misconception about this element is that it is represented by inert furniture made of wood, when in fact it is not.
Shape
Columns, verticals, and tall-shaped objects are wood elements. You may incorporate room dividers into your house to bring this element.
Color
The color of this element is green or greenish blue.
Other Representations
All botanical things are good wood elements may they be live plants, artworks, or ornaments. The wood element is also illustrated as the springtime season because it reminds us of growth and abundance.
Archetype
The wood elements break through barriers to move forward hence it is commonly viewed as the Pioneer.
The Water Element
When we think of water, we probably think of its refreshing appeal and flow. Just like how water flows, it depicts our life journey; unstructured and unpredictable. Bringing the water element into your surrounding will help you have a continuous flow in your career and will bless you with a sense of wisdom, motivation, and depth.
Shape
Just like how water doesn’t have a concrete shape, it is symbolized by anything that is wavy, free-formed, and asymmetrical.
Color
As opposed to the crystal-clear color of water, its symbolic color is black.
Other Representations
Any reflective materials like mirrors and televisions are water elements. Having aquariums and water fountains in your home is also a great way to add a water element.
Archetype
The calm and gentle nature of water makes it the Philosopher that helps us to have the clarities of mysteries in this world.
Takeaway
Now that you know the five element’s shapes, colors, and forms, you will have an easier time to balance the different aspects of your life. Find out which sector of your life feels imbalanced and check out your surroundings. You will surely be satisfied by finding the culprit and finally have a chance to fix it!