Feng Shui evolved some 2,500 years ago in China and was mainly used for the design of palaces, fortresses and dwellings of the wealthy merchant classes. Its underlying theme of choosing an auspicious site for a building, along with balancing the subtle energies within the walls, is still just as relevant in contemporary times.
Feng Shui basic principles work on maintaining a balance between two fundamental states Yin and Yang and the five essential elements fire, earth, metal, wood and water. If any of these are incorrectly proportioned or misaligned, energy imbalances occur that can result in physical and emotional problems. Feng Shui practitioners recognize this and create counter balances where elements are misrepresented.
The ancient philosophy of Feng Shui utilizes natural elements and the art of placement to bring equilibrium and harmony to your environment.
In ancient China, medicine astrology, Feng Shui and meditation began with the premise of achieving equilibrium between "Yin" and "Yang" This is a balance between opposites, but the actual principle is subtle. (Try to find the best balance between Yin and Yang to promote peace in your home). In relation to your home you should focus on Feng Shui state of Yin in order to create a quieter, more calming personal space relative to the busy world outside.
The symbol for Yin and Yang shows a perfect balance in design, each element complementing the other. Yin - Is black and represents the dark, the still, the quiet and the secluded. Yang - Is white and represents activity, heat, warmth and socializing.
FIVE ELEMENTS OF FENG SHUI
Ancient Chinese philosophy recognized the existence of five fundamental elements; fire, earth, metal, water and wood. These elements both support one another (for example, water allows wood to grow, and Fire melts metal). Each element draws on and can drain the energy of the previous element for its support. (for example; wood is burned by fire, fire is smothered by earth, and so on. To create good Feng Shui, the elements must be finely balanced. As well as the balance between Yin and Yang, Feng Shui also depends on the more subtle relationship of the five essential elements.
EARTH
For stability. Earth provides the foundation for the other elements in Feng Shui.
In balance, the grounding element of earth provides the foundation on which everything else is built. Yet alone, it is inert, static and smothering. The other elements are linked to specific seasons or points on a compass. Earth is happy with all directions and likes to occupy the center. The associations of the earth elements are:
Colors - yellows, creams, browns and wood
Climate - damp, related to the summer
Emotions - stability, caution, worry
WOOD
For life and growth. Wood is associated with growth and vitali
ty of life.
Wood is life, growing and changing and providing shelter. It is associated with vitality and activity, potted plants and flowers will bring wood's quality indoors. If left unchecked, this element will overgrow and create chaos. This is most aptly shown by the way in which wood dominates the earth, which is found beneath its roots. Wood anchors and strengthens the land, but also churns it up. The characteristic traits of wood are:
Colors - greens
Climate - windy, spring, associated with the east
Emotions - practical, ambition, competition and anger
FIRE
Fire for energy. Fire is the most obviously an active and energetic element.
Fire gives energy, light and life. unchecked it is a destroyer, raging out of control. Water is the restraining element because it can dowse fire completely. The associations of fire are vivid and passionate.
Colors - red, pink and purple
Climate - Hot, summer, associated with the south
Emotions - inner fire, determination, joy and fear
WATER
Water for mutability. In Feng Shui, water's changeable aspects allows things to flow away it is associated with transience.
When in balance, water is needed to sustain growth and life. It irrigates the land and allows wood to grow. If left unchecked, water can be destructive. Causing floods and drowning life. The personality of water is tough and resourceful, yet also imaginative. The association of this transient elements are;
Colors - black and blue
Climate - cold, winter, associated with the north
Emotions - flowing, open, transience and fright.
METAL
Metal for practicality. The uniform structure of metal makes this element seem hard and controlled.
Metal provides strength and practicality, but it can be cold and hard without balance. It comes from and it is created by the earth. The qualities of metal are order and control, although it can be disruptive and unpredictable. The association of this element are;
Colors - white, silver and chrome
Climate - dry, autumn, occupies the west
Emotions - detachment, coolness, grief and worry.