Wednesday, 8 May 2013

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
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