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

Feng Shui: Yin-Yang and Control

Two of the fundamental principles of Feng Shui are the Five Elements and Yin and Yang.

The Controlling Cycle of the Five Elements is sometimes called the Destructive Cycle such that ‘Metal destroys Wood.’  The Five Elements however have both Yin and Yang polarities; each with their own unique attributes.   Therefore the Five Elements become ten.

Yang and Yin Water – Yang and Yin Wood – Yang and Yin Fire – Yang and Yin Earth – 

Yang and Yin Metal

There are significant differences between the Yin and Yang polarities.  Let’s look at some examples of how Yin and Yang influence and affect the Five Elements.

Looking at Yang Water first.  It is directly opposite Yang Fire and is said to be the controlling force for Yang Fire however….the ultimate Yang Fire is the sun and Yang Water cannot control the sun.  The only way Yang Water can control Yang Fire is when Yang Fire is ignited on earth.  Forest fires are one example. 

Then there is Yin Water.  One description of Yin Water is the clouds in the sky which hold the potential for rain; they can also mask the sun from us, so Yin Water has more control over the Yang Fire of the sun than Yang Water.

Yang and Yin growing Wood have roots relying on Earth for their existence.  Wood is said to control Earth, burrowing deep underground loosening the earth around it in the process, to provide stability and support allowing it to grow.  It also extracts nutrients from the earth to feed itself.  Yang Earth is described as large rocks, boulders and mountains and while it is possible to occasionally find plants growing in apparently inaccessible and unfriendly environments, it is the exception.  So the two polarities of Wood use Yin Earth to thrive.  They rely on embedding their roots into the soft and damp soft earth to enable them to grow.

Yang Earth; the rocks, boulders and mountains; control the Yang Water of the sea, fast flowing rivers and waterfalls.  In contrast Yin Earth can easily be overwhelmed by Yang Water yet be nurtured and fed with Yin Water.  The annual flooding of the Nile River, the longest river in the world, is a perfect example of Yang Water controlling and engulfing the flat Yin Earth surrounding it.  Without this annual flood people living close to the banks of the Nile would not be able to grow their crops and sustain their families.

Yin Metal is that forged by Yang Fire into jewellery and precious objects made of gold, silver and platinum. Yin Metal is also designed as a Swiss army knife.  The jewellery will have no impact on Yang or Yin Wood.  The Swiss army knife may be able to cut the Yin Wood of leaves and ivy however it would have no effect on Yang Wood.  Yang Metal is that formed into large cutting tools and machinery both of which will have the size, strength and power to control and destroy Yang Wood.  Yang Metal may bend and flatten Yin Wood but it is unlikely to destroy it.  Over time the Yin Wood will bounce back and continue its growth cycle.

Yin and Yang create ultimate balance and harmony; they are constantly in motion influencing everything in our world.  In Feng Shui we use the Five Elements with their Yin and Yang polarities to help transform our living and working environment into a harmonious blend of positive flowing Chi.

To the fulfillment of your dreams

LynC

www.abundance-chi.com

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