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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