Lillian Too’s Flying Star Feng Shui For The Master Practitioner. Lillian Too

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       9. THE FIVE ELEMENTS AND THEIR CYCLES

      The theory of the five elements is a major foundation stone of Compass feng shui. In Chinese this is known as Wu Xing, which conveniently translates as five elements. However, it actually means more: the word wu means five but the word xing is a way of saying “five types of chi dominating at different times.” This has been shortened to the word “elements” which seems to have become conventionally accepted into the language of Chinese feng shui and divinition. The five elements are water, wood, fire, earth, and metal.

      Water dominates in winter, wood in spring, fire in summer, and metal in autumn. The intersection between two seasons, the transitional period, is dominated by earth. The names of the elements refer to substances whose properties resemble the respective element and help us understand the different properties of the five types of chi.

      The properties of the five types of chi are summarized as follows:

      Water runs downwards. Water always signifies wealth and success related with money but there is always a danger of overflow. The element of water can therefore bring enormous wealth luck or it can cause great misfortune. Water is a powerful element that cuts both ways. In the Compass formulas water is extremely important and special attention must be paid to it if you want extra income or to improve your monetary lifestyle. Water thus is always symbolic of a money flow. The key is to get the direction of money flow correct!

      Wood grows upwards and is an excellent representation of life and growth – so wood always suggests growth and expansion. Think of a seed growing into a tall and luxuriant tree, filled with blossoms and flowers. The chi of wood is pushing upwards. So if success and expansion is what you need and want, look at the best ways to activate the wood element. For this reason a luxuriant growth of plants in the east and southeast is always beneficial.

      Fire spreads in all directions. It is radiant and hot, and needs to be controlled. Fire has the potential to suddenly become so big and hot that it can get out of control. Fire brings fame, recognition, and luminosity, the kind of success that can become a double-edged sword; the kind of success that can also burn itself out. Think of it brightening the sky with its flashing red and yellow, but also make sure it keeps burning. Make sure the fire is controlled.

      Fire, like water, is powerful and is a double-edged sword. It can be so hot that it burns chi to ashes. Fire is for success, recognition, and popularity.

      Metal pierces inwards, is sharp and pointing. It can be deadly and powerful but metal is also the easiest element to control. This is because as an element it is deemed to be unbending and true to type. Metal does not surprise anyone. It is a cold type of chi which, when properly harnessed, brings enormous power. So metal chi stands for power and authority. The danger with metal lies in its unbending nature. The metal element, when energized, can be relentless in its strength. Always have fire energy ready nearby to ensure that metal is always under your control.

      Earth The chi of the earth is very warm and embracing. It nurtures and nourishes. Earth energy is protective energy – it embraces and takes care of the home when it is properly energized and balanced. Of the five elements earth is the friendliest and also the most important to have. The earth element must be steady and strong and then the essence of good fortune is present.

      Earth is also representative of the center of any home so do remember the importance of this element. At the same time, however, one must also realize that the earth element has a darker side – for instance when it appears as a result of flying star numbers that bring illness, loss, and accidents – and then it becomes dangerous.

      In terms of attributes, the five elements are also associated with seasons, directions, numbers, and so forth. The following table gives a quick summary of the different things indicated by each element.