In our last article, "Revitalize Your Business Through Feng Shui", we focused on how you can create a work environment that will not only nurture your productivity and efficiency, but also improve your overall sense of well-being by using the concepts of Yin and Yang.

As you may remember, Yin and Yang represent the two complimentary but opposing universal energies, which are deemed as passive and active, respectively. Yin and Yang also correspond to the different cycles or transformations of the seasons. Each season has its' own unique qualities and characteristics, its own distinct energy... For instance:

Spring is an uplifting time, a time for birth, growth and expansion. In nature spring is symbolic of the element of Wood (trees and flowers). It is an upward, vital energy. When this energy begins to reach its full peak it becomes summer.

Summer is a very active season characterized by long, hot days and the blazing sun, which is symbolic of the element of Fire. Once this energy reaches its full potential it begins its descent downwards again… trees start to lose their leaves, lush greenery gives way to rock and minerals, the air becomes crisper, the nights chillier, and more Yin. This is when autumn arrives. This time of year is represented through nature's minerals and, specifically, the element of Metal.

Finally, winter arrives and with it isolation and stillness. Animals are in hibernation, the trees have lost all their leaves, and nothing is in bloom. There is rain and snow, darkness and dampness. This time of year corresponds to the element of Water.

The cycles of the seasons give rise to, then decline from, one another ~
Winter: yin/yin, Spring: yin/yang, Summer: yang/yang, Autumn: yang/yin and so on …

And amidst the four seasons and their corresponding elements, there is a fifth stage that is pivotal to all the seasons. It is state of transition. This state is represented in nature as that unclear phase between two seasons when the weather or climate could easily revert back to the previous season for a few days, then advance forward for a few days. An example of this is, 'Indian Summer.' It is that in-between period between spring and summer, or summer and fall. This transition stage is symbolized by the fifth Universal element, Earth.

Metal, Water, Wood, Fire and Earth make up 'the five element theory.' The five elements provide yet another way that you can manipulate the energy within your environment to most effectively support you in life. Specifically, you can stimulate energy, calm energy or balance energy so that you are best aligned with the patterns and cycles of Heaven and Earth, thus creating balance.

How can you identify the Five Elements within your home?
Each of these elements is present in their own natural form (as displayed through nature) or, in one or more representative forms. For instance, each element is associated with a different color (or spectrum of colors) and a specific shape. In addition to having a particular color, shape and physical form, each of the Five Elements also has other qualities and characteristics that set them apart from the other elements.

Over our next several articles we will take a revealing look at each of the universal elements, how each one pertains to the season at hand and, more specifically, offer ideas on how you can tap into this invaluable energy so that you can incorporate it into your current environment.

Since the Ch'i around us is constantly changing with the passing hours, days and seasons, it is advantageous for us to stay in sync with it so that we are not only aware of what kind of energy is currently affecting us but, also, how to use that energy so that it becomes most beneficial for us.

At the time of writing this article it is late summer/early autumn, which symbolizes a transition stage between two seasons. This time of year can be an interesting combination of Yin and Yang activities as we find ourselves settling back into our routines after a busy and active summer. After getting in the groove of a new school year and our regular career and lifestyle obligations, we will soon find ourselves gearing up for another busy time of year, the holidays. While the energy during this period naturally fluctuates between yin and yang, we may also notice a flux in the weather as well. The weather will ultimately become more Yin (shorter, colder days, longer nights) the closer we move to the end of the year.

The switching of the seasons (and energies) can be a challenging time for some individuals and for that reason it's important to set up your surroundings most supportively. For instance, many people start to feel more Yin as the universal energy around them becomes more Yin. (Although they might not always be aware of it.) If your personal Ch'i is becoming more Yin you probably feel less motivated, more reflective, less social, and, in some cases, you may even feel a little depressed.

Not surprisingly, the most Yin time of the year (dead winter), can promote a sense of isolation and disconnection from others, prompting loneliness and depression. For obvious reasons, this 'shift' (as well as the others), can be very significant to our overall state of being. If possible, we should consider using Feng Shui periodically (even seasonally) to uplift and/or update our living and working spaces accordingly. Fundamentals like the five elements can help us to maintain (or regain) our equilibrium in life mentally, emotionally, physically and spiritually.

How does this affect me currently?
The element of Earth is representative of the change in seasons and the shift in energy from summer into autumn. The element of Metal corresponds to the season and energy associated with autumn. Let's look at these two elements in more detail:

Of the five universal elements, the element of Earth is the most physical. It represents fertility, stability, and groundedness. This fundamentally steady and supportive energy combines both nurturing and receptive ('give and take', Yin and Yang) qualities. This is instrumental to creating a balanced environment that will provide a sense of sure-footedness in life.

The colors associated with Earth are rich tones like browns, tans, beiges, and yellows all of which are symbolic of soil, sand, clay, and stony landscapes. The Earth element contains a downward energy used for support. It also relates to the afternoon hours and, again, late summer/early fall.

To introduce or enhance a feeling of foundation into your home consider bringing in additional Earth. The most ideal areas (or 'sectors) of your home are the Southwest, Northeast, and Tai Ch'i (or center) of your home. Used in moderation, this element is also complimentary to the Northwest and West areas. If the Ch'i qualities of stability and practicality appeal to you make an effort to bring in Earth either in its natural form or in a representative form (i.e.: colors). See below:

Your external environment:
Use these colors: Yellow, brown, beige, tan, earth tone shades
Natural (Yang) forms: Earth/soil, clay, rocks/stones & landscape, Zen garden
Representative (Yin) forms: Ceramics, tile, stucco, artwork depicting Earth or landscape scenes, statues
Corresponding shapes: Square & rectangle
Corresponding compass sectors: Southwest, Northeast, & Tai Ch'i

Your inner self:
Make time for yourself and supportive activities such as: Hiking, gardening, yoga*, walking barefoot on the beach, pottery/ceramics, mediation* (inner contemplation/prayer) which assist us in re-evaluation and reprioritizing, and promote a state of centeredness and calm.

* [Note: You can connect with the earth by creating a lovely and comfortable area on the floor to do yoga (or other forms of exercise), meditation, and so on…]

Feng Shui tip: Since the Northeast area of your home corresponds to Inner Knowledge and Contemplation, create a sacred space for yourself in this area if possible. This can be an area you use to journal, read, contemplate, relax and, most importantly, spend time with your self! Remember, it's all about balance…

Metal: This element pertains to your mental state of being or 'mind set.' It also utilizes your natural ability to magnetize things. Specifically, it represents your clarity of thought, your determination, and your perseverance, which can be considered internal (or, Yin) qualities. The Yang aspect represents follow-up and action. This combination (intention and action) enables you to attract and draw-in the physical manifestations of what you want in life.

The colors in nature associated with metal tend to be cooler. Just as the autumn leaves change from vibrant greens, to reds, and finally to subtle gold, the shades of copper, silver, gold (and metallically whites and grays) all depict Metal.

This energy is inward directed and helps us to consolidate our thoughts and plans into physical form. It pertains to the evening when we can feel relaxed but focused, wrapping up one day and mentally preparing ourselves for the next. The most beneficial areas or sectors of your home to incorporate additional metal are the West and Northwest and, used in moderation, the North. See below:

Your external environment:
Use these colors: White, gray, metallic colors (silver, gold, bronze)
Natural (Yang) forms: Items made of silver, gold, bronze, copper, wrought iron such as furniture, picture frames, wind chimes, and other accessories.
Representative (Yin) forms: Electronics such as computers, fax machines, televisions, etc. are also considered to be metal items, as are precious stones, granite/slate.
Corresponding shapes: Circle, arch, oval
Corresponding compass sector: West & Northwest

Your inner self:
This element is all about your mindfulness and mental clarity. Take time to become clear on what your priorities in life are and put energy and action into them each day. Also, reassess where else your valuable energy is going. Your time and efforts should always receive an exchange of energy on some level, so if you feel like your 'giving' is not in balance with what you are receiving from something, consider putting your energy elsewhere.

Feng Shui tip: Since the West area of your home corresponds to Creativity, stay mindful of what is currently occupying this space. Is it something worth creating? This can be an excellent place to display personal affirmations and visualizations of things you want to attract into your life. For instance, find photographs from magazines or write up your 'wish list' and place it in a lovely silver (metal) frame. This will remind you consciously and subconsciously each day of what your true priorities and objective are.

Next issue: The element of Water, Winter, and the North area of your home …

Compass Point

Primary Element

Complimentary Element

North	Water	Metal
Southeast	Earth	Fire
East	Wood	Water
Southeast	Wood	Water
Northwest	Metal	Earth
West	Metal	Earth
Northeast	Earth	Fire
South	Fire	Wood

© 2002 Kathryn Holt