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the five elements
intro . wood . fire . earth . metal . water . support & control cycles
The Taoist theory of the five elements, Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water is a further refinement or mood of Chi energy.
Like Yin and Yang, they have a cyclical harmony and balance, which permeates through and forms all things. Understanding the interaction and relationship between the elements forms the fundamentals of many Feng Shui practices and formulas.
Each of the elements relates to and is at their most potent at certain times of the day and year. They have associations with different colours and shapes. Their essence can be found in every physical object and also through the symbolism of artwork and photography.
WOOD is spring time and the upward movement of sunrise: greens, vertical stripes, tall plants and wooden objects. Wood supports Fire as fuel yet breaks up the Earth. |
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FIRE is midsummer and the height of the midday sun: reds, angular shapes, lights, candles or fireplaces and stoves. Fire creates Earth, yet it can melt down Metal. |
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EARTH is the downward movement of the sun and the onset of autumn: browns, flat, low objects and rocks. Earth in turn produces Metal, yet it absorbs and soaks up Water. |
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METAL is the inward motion of dusk and late autumn: metallic colours, materials and circular shapes. Metal produces or ‘holds’ Water, yet as an axe, can be used to destroy Wood. |
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WATER is the dark, quiet of midnight and midwinter: black and dark blues, irregular shapes and flowing water. Water supplies nutrients to produce Wood, yet extinguishes Fire. |
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