Feng Shui-Yin and Yang-Wood and Earth

Wood is the only living element in the Five Elements of Feng Shui.  Its energy (Qi) radiates growth and expansion and brings new life.  What is it that nurtures that life?  Earth.  It is the sustaining element of life.  Its Qi expands outward to embrace all living things. 

Earth is one of the trinity of Heaven, Earth and Mankind each of which influences one-third of our life on this planet we call home.  Within Earth is the practice of Feng Shui; it is where we live in the world; how we use what is available in the natural environment to allow us to live in harmony.  Earth is a storehouse of riches; it hides crystals, minerals and metals until man finds a way to harvest and use them to improve life in a multitude of ways.

In the Controlling Cycle of the Five Elements Wood is said to control Earth.  How does the Wood element 'control' the Earth element?  How do the Yin and Yang characteristics determine the effectiveness of this control?

Yang Wood are the trees that grow straight and tall; they seek the warmth and light of the sun.  This would not be possible without a base that allows it to send roots deep down and outward.   Do these trees grow on Yang Earth?  Yang Wood sends its roots deep to give it the strength and stability to grow strong and true.  Can it do this in Yang Earth? 

Yang Earth represents mountains and large rocks; it is unyielding, unmoving and protective.  It is not without reason that the Earth is also known as Mother Earth, Gaia, who nurtures and sustains us.  In the Eight Mansions formula of Feng Shui the Southwest is an Earth element location and it is also the location of Kun, the ultimate Yin, the nurturing mother figure of the family.

Like Kun, Yin Earth is the soft and yielding soil and the sand beneath our feet.  It is the Yin Earth that gives life to our trees.  Yang Wood relies on Yin Earth to give it life.  By providing this life Yin Earth becomes weakened when the roots of the trees push their way down and out; it makes the Earth prone to sinking and movement.  Even in an urban setting the roots of trees will find a way to expand and grow.

Yin Wood is flowers, vines and plants grown to feed us.  They are flexible and will bend with the wind; they 'go with the flow.'  Like Yang Wood, does Yin Wood rely on Yin Earth?  Mostly it does, but seeds carried by the wind and by birds and animals are often dropped into the crevices between Yang Earth rocks and boulders and somehow they find the means to root and grow, bringing life and colour to a harsh environment.  This also feeds birds and animals who choose to live in such inaccessible places.  Succulents, both large and small, find a way to thrive in the heat and dryness of the Yin Earth of a desert.  Plants will always find a way of living in apparently harsh and inaccessible situations, whether it is Yang or Yin Earth.

Earth is both a support and a provider.  Without it life as we know it would not exist.  Its Qi spreads sideways  allowing the growing and expanding Qi of the Wood element to thrive, whatever the circumstances.

To the fulfillment of your dreams

LynC

www.abundance-chi.com

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Feng Shui-Yin and Yang-Fire and Water

In the practice of Feng Shui when looking at the Five Elements, Yin and Yang and the Controlling Cycle, we are not necessarily talking about the physical aspects of these elements.  It is their essence, the interpretation of their energetic meaning that we are considering.

So exactly how does the Controlling Cycle (sometimes also called the Destructive Cycle) work in the concept of the Five Elements?  How does it work when Yin and Yang are taken into account?

It has to be remembered that Yin is not the 'poor relation' in the Yin/Yang partnership.  It is not weaker or less effective than its Yang counterpart, it only has different characteristics needed to help understand the duality of all things.

Yang and Yin are both necessary to make sense of this place we call home.  It is the duality of forces required to create balance and allow Qi to grow - they foster life - foster growth - foster balance.

Let us take a look at the opposites of Water and Fire.  They both have Yin and Yang features. 

Yang Water is the sea and the rivers; it is large bodies of moving water.  Yin Water is raindrops, snowflakes and condensation; it is mist and fog all of which has an impermanent and restless nature.  All Water is part of our natural world.  In Feng Shui Water signifies flow; the flow of Qi that influences and shapes our environment, the flow of intellect within each one of us.

Yang Fire is the bright ball of sunshine in the sky.  It is a Fire that warms, sustains and makes us feel good; it is a roaring fire.  Yin Fire is a candle flame and the embers of a fire; it is torchlight and the headlights on our vehicles.  It can also be represented by vivid and colourful fireworks, bright when lit but short-lived.   The Yang Fire of the sun is a natural gift from the Universe.  With the exception of the sun, our constant companion, Fire is an element that has to be created.  In Feng Shui Fire signifies expansion; it signifies being seen and being in the spotlight.  In a corporate or entertainment environment it can bring fame and recognition to the individual, helping them ascend  in their chosen field.   

In the Controlling Cycle of the Five Elements Water controls Fire.  It is Water that is used to extinguish a flame and manage Fire.  But which Water?  Is it Yin or Yang Water?

Imagine the sun.  Yang Water can not influence the power of the sun however looking at Yin Water its effect is more profound.  Rain or snow clouds, mist or fog masks the sun hiding it from view.  Yin Water will extinguish the flame of a candle yet the Yin Fire of a torch or car headlights will penetrate the mist to light the way and provide reassurance in the darkness.

While opposing each other around the compass, with Water being the element of the North and Fire being the element of the South, there are certain circumstances when they can work together in harmony.

Fire and Water can combine for mutual benefit.  In equal proportions they produce steam, a powerful element that is used to power machinery, engines, generators, turbines and smaller items such as household irons.

To the fulfillment of your dreams

LynC

www.abundance-chi.com