Saturday, 27 April 2013

Feng Shui, Yin/Yang and the Five Elements


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

The Five Elements are Water, Wood, Fire, Earth and Metal.  These elements are said to encompass all our world has to offer; the ‘ten thousand things.’   Yin and Yang are opposite, yet complementary.  They are inter-dependent and constantly in motion.

Combining these two principles you find that each of the Five Elements has either a Yin or a Yang aspect.
 
Knowing the differences and applying them to the Feng Shui in your home and office will enhance your practice and help create harmony.  Becoming attuned to the differences and where and when to use them, will help you make auspicious choices when designing, renovating or decorating your space. 
    
Yang Water is the sea, it is a powerful river constantly in motion.  An excellent example of Yang Water is Niagara Falls, the collective name given to three separate waterfalls located between Ontario in Canada and New York State in the United States of America.  The largest of the three, Horseshoe Falls, is a major source of hydropower generation; a major source of powerful Yang Water energy.

Yin Water in contrast is a gentle fall of rain, it is mist and morning dew and the promise of rain held in the clouds.

Yang Wood are trees.  Tall and sturdy as they grow towards the sunlight; they are unbending, solid and inflexible.  An example is the Redwood which grows fast, straight and tall dwarfing everything around it.

Yin Wood is leaves on the trees; grass; ivy and flowers.  Unlike its Yang counterpart Yin Wood is pliable, it goes with the flow.  In the wind it will bend, it is yielding and yet strong, returning to its original state with no effort.

Yang Fire is what keeps us alive.  The ultimate Yang Fire is the sun.  It warms and nurtures our planet and all living things.  At an individual level, Yang Fire is also a roaring log fire providing warmth and light during the dark days of Winter.

Yin Fire is like the dying embers of a log fire; it is the light of a candle and a torch bringing illumination to the darkness.

Yang Earth is the solid earth of large rocks and boulders.  It is the rising earth of mountains providing support and security.  Yang Earth can control the spread of fire and restrain water.

Yin Earth is sand; it is the pliable fertile soil in which crops are planted and grown.  It absorbs water rather than restrains it and fire will travel over it with ease.

Yang Metal is the solid raw metal, the ore from which large machinery is made.  It is weapons, knives and axes.  Unyielding, strong, sharp and powerful are attributes of Yang Metal.

Yin Metal is fine and delicate.  It is polished metal from which jewellery, treasured adornments, accessories and the finer things in life are made.

Next time we will look at how to use Yin and Yang and the Five Elements.

To the fulfillment of your dreams
LynC
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