Feng Shui and Five Elements Harmony

At first glance two of the three cycles of the Five Elements, the Exhaustive and the Controlling Cycles, seem to fly in the face of living in harmony with the Chi Energy permeating our existence.

And the Controlling Cycle gives the impression we use placement in Feng Shui to destroy the Energy in our environment.

A more accurate way of interpreting the Controlling Cycle is as a ‘blocking energy’ or a ‘controlling power’ rather than a ‘destructive’ force.  After all our ultimate aim is to live in harmony with everyone and everything so it is neither our purpose nor our right to ‘destroy.’

How and why is the Controlling Cycle necessary? How and why do all the elements interact the way they do?

To reiterate, the Controlling Cycle is as follows:

Water extinguishes Fire

Fire melts Metal

Metal destroys Wood

Wood weakens Earth

Earth controls Water

In our modern world the solid structures that are our homes and offices, together with the infrastructure that allows us to move quickly and easily from one place to another are built for practical purposes with less thought given to the impact on Qi flow. This often results in fast moving or blocked Energy in certain areas. 

In addition colours, shapes, lights, microwave towers and so on, as well as buildings Yin in nature such as hospitals or police stations, all have a bearing on the quality of Energy we experience in our immediate environment.

Therefore, to create a harmonious and auspicious flow of Chi it is sometimes necessary for remedies to be put in place to counteract the negativity identified in and around our homes and offices.  This is where the Controlling Cycle of the Five Elements comes into play.  By introducing the element that ‘destroys’ it is possible to deflect , block or re-route negative Energy helping transform it into positive Energy by creating a flow rather than a ‘poison arrow.’

Water extinguishes Fire

Fire is sunshine; it is the light created by lightning; electricity; and it is the flames we see when we burn wood, paper and coal.

Fire is an element that has to be created.  It does not have a life of its own.

When Fire on Earth gets out of control it has to be extinguished and this is achieved by dousing it with Water.  Therefore Water destroys Fire.

However, there is a way to harmonise these two opposing elements. 

Harnessing equal quantities of Fire and Water; using Fire to heat Water or other liquids; creates a new Energy source; steam.  This important element is then used to power machinery such as turbines, engines and the humble iron.

Another form of steam comes from a natural source. Water from hot springs is heated by geothermal heat deep inside the Earth. This is the heat from the mantle of the Earth. These hot springs often have a high mineral content and are a magnet for tourists. The springs are said to provide health-giving properties because of the minerals they contain.

Fire melts Metal

Metal is a cold and unyielding element hidden deep within the Earth.  It has no life of its own.  It is mined from the Earth and harnessed in large quantities.  To change its structure it is first necessary to heat the Metal to a liquid state allowing it to be manipulated.  Therefore Fire destroys Metal. 

To transform Metal from its rough state into something useful and valuable we create Fire to melt the Metal. Once heated to a sufficiently high temperature the Metal changes structure from a solid to a liquid.   From this new liquid form it is fashioned into tools, girders and machinery; communication devices and computers; all necessary for life in our 21^st Century world.

Metal has the potential to destroy when it is fashioned into weapons. This is one element that should always be treated with respect.  So that’s the useful and the destructive side of Metal taken care of. 

However, Metal also symbolises the wealth of our world in the form of gold, silver and platinum. 

These are precious Metals representative of the wealth we exchange personally, nationally and internationally.  Jewellery is fashioned from Metal and it is used as a symbol of adornment, beauty and love. 

This is all done thanks to the power of Fire.

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