There five elements theory in Feng Shui. The five elements are fire, water, metal, earth and wood. The five elements interact in numerous ways and their movement change constantly. They can interact in a constructive or destructive manner. In the constructive cycle water is a source of moisture for wood (trees) to grow, wood is a source of fuel for fire, the remnants of fire is ash (soil) of the earth, the earth forms metals, and metal allows moisture (water) to condense on it as it cools. In the destructive cycle, water extinguishes the flames of fire, fire melts metal, metal cuts through wood, and wood controls the earth by over growing it. For traditional medicine, the five elements are used to apply and interpret the physiology and pathology of the human body and the natural environment. Each feng shui element is represented by a specific color. Therefore, according to Feng Shui, for those who wishing to harmonize a place, they must properly employ these based to their characteristics and effects.
Here are the characteristics corresponding to the five elements:
No. | Elements | Name in Chinese | Corresponding colours | Corresponding directions | Charaterictics |
1. | Wood | Mu | green | east | innovation, creativity and birth, and it is a sociable element |
2. | Fire | Huo | red | south | brings activity, enthusiasm and energy to the places where it can be found |
3. | Earth | Tu | Yellow and brown | South west, north east | represents stability, patience and honesty |
4. | Metal | Jin | white and gray | west | represents success in businesses and harvesting. It can also represent a knife or cutting metal and be destructive through it |
5. | Water | Shui | Black and blue | north | It signals networking, communication, professional opportunities and wealth. |
SOURCES:
http://healing.about.com/gi/o.htm?zi=1/XJ&zTi=1&sdn=healing&cdn=religion&tm=93&f=10&tt=14&bt=0&bts=0&zu=http%3A//www.tcmbasics.com/basics_5elements.htm
http://fengshui.about.com/od/theoryhistory/qt/fshistory2.htm
http://www.fengshuicrazy.com/feng-shui-basics/the-five-feng-shui-elements.php
http://www.feng-shui-design-consultancy.com/feng-shui-color-schemes.html
http://www.thespiritualfengshui.com/feng-shui-elements.php
