5 elements of Feng Shui: their symbols, properties and main qualities

The desire for well-being and comfort is common to all people. We are ready to perform various rituals, perform the most ridiculous actions, wanting to make our own life as comfortable as possible, to attract success, health, and good luck to our side. Recently, the greatest interest in Russia and European countries has been the ancient Chinese teaching of Feng Shui - a science that contains knowledge about the art of creating harmony in life. For centuries, the sages of the East have developed effective methods for arranging their living space. These formulas are quite simple, and following them allows you to get amazing results.

Knowledge of the Ancients

Ancient knowledge about Feng Shui

For many years, knowledge and techniques of Feng Shui were intended only for members of the imperial family and wealthy dignitaries. Commoners could not use them. History knows cases when, after arranging all the premises of the palace in accordance with the requirements of ancient teachings, the master was subjected to the death penalty so that he could not apply his knowledge in the future.

Today, finding a specialist is not so difficult; in extreme cases, information and guidelines for action can be found in bookstores and on Internet resources. There is no need to fear that arranging the interior space according to the rules of Feng Shui will conflict with the Christian faith, of which the majority of Russians are adherents. Feng Shui is not a religion, it is a set of methods and technical practices that allow you to attract positive energy flows into your home and block the access of negative energy. Nationality, religion, beliefs of family members do not matter.

What material is used?

The first structures were made of wood. Chinese craftsmen created such structures without nails. In northern China, in the Shanxi province, there are ancient monuments. Among them is a frame structure made of Shijiata wood, built in 1056.

Later other materials were used:

  • brick;
  • stone;
  • metal.

The pagoda is used for protection and good luck. An ideal option for a talisman is if the tower is made of jade. This stone is the desire for love, perfection and immortality.

Five elements

According to the ancient theory, the basis of the entire universe is the Qi energy that permeates everything around and the five elements that symbolize certain aspects of it. Each of these elements has its own direction and a characteristic color shade.

  • Water
  • Tree
  • Fire
  • Earth
  • Metal
  • Water saturates the Tree with nutritious juices, supporting its life;
  • The tree serves as food for Fire, which burns brighter and brighter;
  • under the influence of the hot flame of Fire, the Tree burns and turns into ashes - the Earth;
  • in the depths of the Earth ore is formed - Metal;
  • and Metal is the source for the appearance of Water.

This element refers not only to ordinary water, but also to any other liquids. Cold, winter weather, dark blue, or even black are associated with water. This is the primary element responsible for wealth and success. Objects with a wave-like structure or a wave-like pattern applied to their surface are used as his talismans and amulets. But, trying to fill your home with material well-being, you should not be too zealous: an excess of Water energy in the house can lead to lethargy, despondency, melancholy, and emotional decline.

In many religions and teachings, a tree is considered a symbol of life and prosperity. Feng Shui connects it with creativity, growth, and development of abilities. As you know, the main features characteristic of a Tree are the high strength of the trunk and the flexibility of the side shoots and branches. It is thanks to this that talismans made of wood help attract success, good luck in business and career. The amulets usually have a rectangular, oblong shape, the optimal color is green.

Feng Shui: the energy of the five elements

We all know how powerful fire is; it can sweep away all obstacles in its path. But also as one of the elements of ancient Chinese teaching, it represents a spiritual, passionate, intellectual force, activating and calling to action. A large amount of the fire “element” is just as dangerous as an excess of Water. Interior items, furniture with sharp corners, triangular shape, bright red, orange, an excess of which leads to irritability, hot temper, and high emotionality.

This is the main, fundamental element of the teaching. The talismans and amulets that symbolize it are models of the Earth (globes), photographs and paintings with earthly landscapes, landscapes, collections, or stones, minerals, crystals, porcelain and ceramics placed separately on shelves. The shape of the amulets should be square, yellow-brown or yellow. Their presence in a house or apartment provides stability, reliability, and confidence in maintaining family happiness and financial well-being. But don’t be too zealous; a large number of “earthy” interior details leads to stagnation and suspicion.

Success in business, abundance, and entrepreneurship directly depend on the presence of white, silver, and golden metal products in the house. These can be amulets, pendants, key rings made of various metals, Chinese coins tied with a red thread. But, as in other cases, you should refrain from oversaturating the interior with metal parts, as this can lead to carelessness and haste.

What types of towers are there?

Liang Sicheng is the first Chinese scholar to develop a typology of pagodas. According to this doctrine, there are two types of structures:

  • Chinese multi-story buildings;
  • Indian stupas.

There are seven types of pagodas depending on their shape:

  • tower;
  • pavilion;
  • multi-eaves;
  • mortar;
  • diamond throne;
  • Buddhist canon;
  • sculpture

Not only the designs, but also the number of tiers can be different. More often they built towers of twelve and nine tiers. The number of levels does not affect the strength of the talisman.

Interaction of elements with each other

Interaction of Feng Shui elements with each other

The energy of Qi, on which the entire teaching of Feng Shui is based, is in constant motion, and the 5 elements symbolizing it interact with each other, influence energy flows, redirect them, and modify them. Under their influence, positive energy can be transformed into negative and vice versa.

In order to fully understand the peculiarities of the relationship of elements, it will take a lot of effort and time to study the theory of ancient Eastern teachings. But if you want to put it into practice to arrange your own home, bring peace and harmony to your family, then it is enough to master the primary cycles: positive (Circle of Creation) and negative (Circle of Destruction).

In order for peace to reign in the house and financial well-being, the interior must be built according to the first, creative cycle. Given that energy moves clockwise, the elements should be arranged in the following order:

If you follow the Circle of Destruction, then the elements will not support (nourish), but destroy each other, which will lead to the degeneration of positive energy into negative: Fire goes out under the influence of Water, Metal melts from blazing Fire, Wood dies “under the blows” of Metal, Earth is depleted by Trees, and Water is absorbed by the Earth.

It is enough to know these two cycles to correctly arrange furniture, interior details, and design decorations. Even if the first experiments are not entirely successful, over time you will learn to “feel”, select the right color combinations, arrange elements along the sides and directions according to the Bagua map, and take into account the size and shape of parts.

Let's take, for example, an aquarium. If it is placed in the southern corner, then it will “extinguish” the Fire, “put out” glory, and have a negative impact on ambition. And in the south-eastern zone of Wealth it will serve as a source of Water for the Tree, which will “grow and bloom” better and better. However, the size of the container must also be taken into account. Too much Water (large aquarium) is just as bad as too little. In the first case, the Tree will die from an excess of Water, and in the second, it will not be enough. At the same time, a small aquarium can be placed in the southern sector of the apartment, because in this case, Water will not extinguish the Fire, but will turn into steam, which is associated with movement.

Installation method

Every person installs this amulet intuitively. If you feel bad while walking around the house, that’s where you should put the pagoda. A tower-shaped talisman helps in studies.

The 5 Elements Pagoda often stands on the desktop and must be located in a specific place. It depends on the year of birth of the person (only the last digit is taken into account). The directions are as follows:

  • 1 - north;
  • 2 - northeast;
  • 3 - east;
  • 4 - southeast;
  • 5 - south;
  • 6 - southwest;
  • 7 - west;
  • 8 - southwest;
  • 9 - west;
  • 0 - northwest.

Feng Shui talismans - symbols of the five elements

In order for energy to circulate freely inside an apartment or house, you need to start with thorough cleaning. This is not only the removal of garbage and dust, but also the release of old, unnecessary things that gradually fill our living space. Carry out an “audit” by mercilessly throwing out cracked vases, cups, plates, things that have not been worn for 1.5-2 years, elements of furniture and interior that you do not use from your home.

After general cleaning, activate the selected areas with the help of talismans, amulets - objects that serve as unique magnets that attract positive energy, attracting wealth, love, and health.

At the same time, a novice follower of the teachings of Feng Shui should pay attention to one more point - the choice of elements, interior items that will personify this or that element.

  • For Water, this is everything connected with it. Not only aquariums, paintings with images of sea and river landscapes, figurines in the form of fish. Today in souvenir shops you can buy original fountains, waterfalls, other souvenirs and decorations.
  • The concept of Tree can be considered any indoor flower or green space. But it can also be furniture made of solid wood and rattan, wicker mats made of reeds and bamboo. Natural fabrics, paper, and wood figurines are associated with Wood.
  • The source of Fire can be candlesticks with candles, aroma lamps and incense, lamps, a real or artificial fireplace, any items in the manufacture of which wool, feathers, or leather were used. Paintings and photographs with animals, children, sunset, sunrise, sun. These can also be objects with sharp corners, for example, a model of the Ostankino television tower.
  • The energy of the Earth will be personified by square elements of the color of the soil (ocher, terracotta). You can use paintings that depict landscapes (deserts, mountains). Small sculptures, figurines made of glass, crystal, and ceramics can be placed as appropriate interior details. Alternatively, you can simply decorate the wall surface with tiles or bricks.
  • Metal objects of oval, round shape (gold, silver, bronze) will attract the energy of Metal. These can be various mobiles, bells, swords, coins or their images.

The goal pursued by the teachings of Feng Shui is to bring harmony, prosperity, and success to the world. His methods, techniques, practices are flexible and mobile. The only strict, immutable rule that must be followed without fail is do not harm the people around you. It is clear that with the help of amulets, talismans, and magical objects alone, one cannot become rich, successful, prosperous, or healthy. But by activating amulets, you will attract not only positive energy, but also good people who will become your friends and help you change your life, yourself, and your character for the better.

Meaning

Initially, the pagodas were part of the monastery. Religious valuables were kept there. Gradually, their role changed and the buildings became a fortress where evil spirits were hidden. The levels symbolize the ascent to Heaven. The towers spread positive energy. They became protectors of the people.

The tower allows you to think clearly and is a talisman for learning. For knowledge, an amulet of seven tiers is recommended.

Wen Chang Five Elements Pagoda consists of seven levels. The amulet will bring good luck in studies and fame in business. If the talisman has nine tiers, it will not only protect its owner, but will also help in career growth and study. Symbolizes completeness.

Such structures were built in memory of an important event.

The 5 Elements Pagoda absorbs the influence of the flying stars 2022. The nine flying stars move every year. How to neutralize their influence? The apartment plan must be superimposed on the Lo-shu square.

Look on the map where the unfavorable stars will fly - the second, third, fifth and seventh. If favorable stars fly to the desired part of the house, their influence is enhanced. They find themselves where they are not supposed to be - they neutralize the influence with talismans.

The amulet is used in yards. Pagodas harmonize the space. It is believed that these talismans should be seen from the window of your home.

Fire

Representatives of the “fiery” element according to Feng Shui are endowed with the following character traits:

  • They are very mobile. They move a lot, never sit still, and are always busy with something. They need to create something, run somewhere
  • They talk fast and a lot, they can’t actually be stopped. The speech is very lively, rich, sensual
  • They have a lot of passion and love, it is very important to talk with the opposite sex. These are girls with an abundance of admirers, coquettes. Or male Casanovas who make ladies brainless
  • They need the newest feelings, the brightest impressions. Without this, “fiery” people begin to fade; they constantly strive to be in the center of events
  • Can get pleasure from everything, even from ordinary things in ordinary life
  • Very sociable
  • Need sources of feelings, feelings, excitement
  • Evil, variable, unstable, difficult to withstand long-term monotonous workload
  • Crazy life lovers
  • "Ambush" the fiery in their sadness, which arises from the lack of ability to obtain new memories
  • They fall in love and are endlessly carried away, but they are often disappointed in their partners
  • Almost always in high spirits
  • Feel the need for sincere and trusting communication
  • There is a tendency to act ill-considered and are variable in one’s own actions and decisions

Any element manifests itself in a person’s appearance. The signs are listed in the picture:

How to determine a person's element according to Feng Shui

Element of Fire according to Feng Shui

The definition of the element of Fire is pure energy without material embodiment. He is characterized by assertiveness and a desire for power.

Those born with Fire are friendly and sociable, charismatic. It is important for them to be the center of attention. These are fast-moving, noisy, impulsive, creative people with good intuition. They do not tolerate loneliness well.

Fiery Yin is compared to a burning candle, symbolizing a tremulous but passionate soul that does not have enormous inner strength, with deep inner peace, energy and the desire for creativity. They are characterized by suspiciousness, anxiety, fears, worries, hidden aggression, and negative emotions. But next to them it is warm and cozy. They are kind, caring, and attentive to others.

The fire element Yang is associated with the sun and fire. This is a spontaneous, noisy and strong flame, quite rough. For it to burn, it needs fuel - the attention of others.

Representatives of the elements are bright, emotional, sociable, honest, generous, direct people who strive to lead. At the same time, they are emotionally unstable and dependent on other people's opinions and recognition.

Famous towers

Nepal is considered the birthplace of the pagoda, from where it spread throughout the world.

Feng Shui pagoda figurine
Feng Shui pagoda figurine

There are pagodas in the following countries:

  1. China.
  2. Japan.
  3. Korea.
  4. Thailand.
  5. Cambodia.
  6. Laos.
  7. Sri Lanka.
  8. Vietnam.
  9. Burma.
  10. India.
  11. Indonesia.

Tiger Hill

In China, one of the favorite places for tourists is the 10th-century leaning pagoda, which is located at the foot of the mountain. “Tiger Hill” is a complex of parks with pagodas. There is a bamboo grove, a tea plantation, buildings, and pavilions. Everything is surrounded by greenery, birds sing and cicadas chirp.

According to legend, a ruler is buried here, and his grave is guarded by a tiger, which is why the hill has this name. The park with plants, water, houses and an ancient tower resembles a fairy tale.

Pagoda Hangzhou

The octagonal Lei Feng Tower is located in Hangzhou in China. The structure was built in 975 AD. e. In 1924 the tower collapsed due to vandalism. Bricks that were considered magical were stolen. In 2002, the ancient building was reconstructed.

There is an ancient Chinese parable called “The Monk and the Snake.” According to legend, a young man fell in love with a snake, which turned into a woman. They decided to separate them. The snake woman was buried and a tower was placed on top so that she could not get out.

Single column tower in Hanoi

The building was built in 1049 and resembles a lotus flower. The architectural structure was erected according to the description of the dream of Emperor Ly Thai Tong. He built the tower in gratitude for his newborn son. The emperor had a dream where Avalokiteshvara was holding out a baby.

Lee Thai Tong got married and had a son. The tower was erected on one pillar in the middle of a lotus pond - this is how the emperor saw it in a dream.

Great Pagoda in London

The structure was built in 1762 in Richmond's Kew Gardens. Architect - William Chambers. Inside the building, which consists of 10 tiers, there is a staircase of 243 steps. The structure is based on an octagon.

The building is built of brick and the roof is covered with tiles. This is the first building in Europe to use Chinese art motifs.

Other famous pagodas:

  1. Yakushiji.
  2. Kiyomizu-dera.
  3. Wild geese in Shaanxi province.
  4. Small Pagoda in Xi'an.
  5. Wansong in Beijing.
  6. White Tower in Beijing.
  7. World Vipassana in India.
  8. Seven Days in Kalmykia.

Construction reached its highest development during the Tang and Song dynasties. All towers are a unique means of protection and correction. Amulets of the five elements are especially popular in China.

Element Metal according to Feng Shui

Metal has clear shapes that cannot be restored if destroyed. The personality is distinguished by high efficiency, firmness, and is capable of conquering peak after peak. At the same time, she distances herself from others, is cold, and sometimes rude. The element seeks to organize the surrounding space.

The relationship between two metals is based on mutual understanding. This is a union of independent individuals. Despite the outward coldness, people's affection is deep and constant.

Yin transformation is associated with precious metals. These are noble, firm in convictions, honest individuals, confident in their own infallibility, possess enormous inner strength, calm energy without the desire for creativity. These people are attractive, sexy and charming, and know how to present themselves. People often try to help them. They are more susceptible than others to bad habits and negative emotions.

The symbol of Yang Metal is steel. These are efficient, able to concentrate, strong personalities with pronounced leadership abilities, strive to rule, reliable, loyal, faithful and fair. They can be quite rude and categorical. They are characterized by strict self-control and adherence to established routines. These are careerists or businessmen.

Element Earth

The earth symbolizes stability, care, protection. People whose element is Earth by date of birth are distinguished by their thoroughness, reliability, and desire to take care of others. They are creative, hardworking, and intelligent.

Possible elemental unions:

This is fertile soil capable of giving life to cultivated plants.

Representatives of the Yin Earth have enormous internal strength, energy and desire for creativity, and feel a strong parental instinct. These are well-mannered, cultured, educated, intelligent people who are rarely visited by negative emotions.

The land of Yang can be compared to a mountain. These people are firm in principles, strive to dominate, are stubborn and rarely deviate from their opinions, and are not capable of compromise. When defending his position, a representative of the Yan Earth can be quite rude.

Such people are conservative, do not like sudden changes and develop gradually. They are distinguished by their reliability, ability to accumulate and preserve not only material, but also spiritual benefits. They rise even after a collapse.

The influence of color on a person and his fate

Cycles

Color has a great influence on a person and is reflected in his character, this is expressed in preferences, inclinations, and temperament.

Each person, in accordance with the leading element, has a dominant color by which he can be perceived. So, the color of Water people is blue, light blue, black, Earth people are yellow, brown, beige, Fire people are shades of red, orange, Metal people are silver, gray, Wood people are shades of green.

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