Feng Shui Elements:
Use the five elements of feng shui
to create balance and harmony.

Feng shui elements can help you to balance your environment, foster personal growth, and connect with nature. This free resource includes information on both the Chinese five elements and the four classical elements.

Energy exists all around you. It exists as thoughts and feelings (as discussed in feng shui basics ) and it also comes from the environment including the natural earth elements.

Each feng shui element has unique properties and emanates a distinctive energy that radiates to everyone and everything in its proximity.

You are a magnificent energy-sensing being whether you are conscious of it or not.

Word of Advice

Elements can successfully balance and harmonize your inner and outer reality.

Your home surrounds you with energy that affects you negatively or positively. Feng shui elements play a strong role in balancing the energy in your home. Your soul yearns for harmony and balance — wisely using the five Chinese elements (or the four classical elements) will help you to create a soulful place that literally radiates harmonious, highly beneficial energy.

When working with elements there are several things to consider:

Define. Decide what it is you want to create right now in your life and identify the most appropriate element or elements to assist you in your personal growth.
Assess. Define the elements in your environment. Remember, you ultimately want balance. All five elements of feng shui should be represented in your environment, so take note of which elements are over- or under-represented. Assess the need for elemental addition or correction.
Adjust and Balance. Bring feng shui elements into balance and enhance the elements that will facilitate your personal growth using the different cycles. For example, if you live near the ocean, you need to balance the water with earth. If you seek personal transformation and expansion, then add more of the fire element into your home.

Five elements of feng shui

The classical five Chinese elements are represented by wood, earth, metal, fire and water. Two cycles of balance are used to control or enhance each element as needed.

Wood Element. The wood element represents growth and creativity. Wood fosters personal growth and increases intuition.

Earth Element. The earth element helps to ground and stabilize. Of all the feng shui elements, earth is the most peaceful, calming, and stable.

Metal Element. The metal element is related to mental power and sharpness. Metal influences intelligence.

Fire Element. The fire element represents transformation and expansion. Fire is the most volatile of all the five feng shui elements.

Water Element. The water element is very useful for release and renewal. Use this element for clarity, inspiration, relaxation, and for letting things go.

The four classical elements

I resonate more with the four classical elements—earth, air, fire, and water—originating in ancient Greek philosophy. There is a good deal of focus on the four elements in modern-day Wicca and Paganism, as well as many Native American traditions. Choose the elemental system that works for you and feels right. There is no right or wrong.

Earth Element. The earth element represents physical power, strength, and stability. Enhance your home with this element if you seek grounding, strengthening, or nurturing.

Air Element. The air element is used to enhance clarity, gain control over your emotions, and assist change and transformation. It also represents mental power.

Fire Element. Similar to fire in the feng shui elements, this element encourages transformation. It is very intense, energetic, and full of vitality.

Water Element. The water element is used for purification and cleansing. Water represents the emotions.

Learn how to bring the five elements of feng shui into balance

Feng Shui Beginner's Guide

Feng Shui and Beyond Home