The Foundation of Feng Shui

The Five Elements (五行, Wǔ Xíng) form the backbone of Chinese metaphysics and feng shui. Understanding their interactions is key to creating harmony.

The Elements

🌳 Wood (木)

  • Season: Spring
  • Direction: East
  • Colors: Green, Brown
  • Represents: Growth, vitality, expansion

🔥 Fire (火)

  • Season: Summer
  • Direction: South
  • Colors: Red, Orange, Purple
  • Represents: Passion, fame, transformation

🌍 Earth (土)

  • Season: Late Summer
  • Direction: Center
  • Colors: Yellow, Beige, Terracotta
  • Represents: Stability, nourishment, grounding

⚔️ Metal (金)

  • Season: Autumn
  • Direction: West
  • Colors: White, Gold, Silver
  • Represents: Precision, clarity, efficiency

💧 Water (水)

  • Season: Winter
  • Direction: North
  • Colors: Black, Navy, Dark Blue
  • Represents: Wisdom, flow, career

The Cycles

Productive Cycle: Wood → Fire → Earth → Metal → Water → Wood

Destructive Cycle: Wood → Earth → Water → Fire → Metal → Wood