The 5 Elements of Holistic Feng Shui

In Holistic Feng Shui we incorporate the 5 elements (water, wood, fire, earth and metal) into your home to create more harmony and balance. 

We want to ensure there is not too much, or too little of any one element present, and we also want to make sure they are working together (constructive), and not working against each other (deconstructive).

These 5 elements are also found in humans, we each will have a dominant element (sometimes two) that stands out.  Have fun reading through the elements and archetype descriptions below and see which one or two resonate with you.  

1. Water

   • Water is the Philosopher. They are quiet and typically introverted.  They have a quiet strength.  They can appear fragile, but they are anything but fragile. They are creative, intuitive and contemplative.  They will most likely be the ones who figure out the key to world peace; however it would be up to the other elements to implement it.  When out of balance, Water people can become withdrawn.  They tend to keep emotions hidden and process slowly before taking inspired action.

2. Wood

   • Wood is the Pioneer.  They are the visionaries, leaders and seekers.  They will take the lead in groups and take steps to create movements in projects.  They vacillate between being introverted and extroverted. They can work solo on a project or work well with others. When movement on a project or relationship stall, Wood becomes frustrated. Wood likes things in forward motion, and their challenge is to understand when to release their energy or take a step back so real expansion can occur.

3. Fire

   • Fire is the Manifester. They are typically extroverted and high energy.  Often the life of the party and they enjoy life.  They create the highest form of energy in the form of passion and enthusiasm. Fire elements provide the fuel in projects so they manifest to their highest potential.  While the idea may have been born with the Water element and the Wood element provided forward motion it is the Fire element that brings something to its culmination. When out of balance, Fire burns out.

4. Earth

   • Earth is the Stabilizer. Earth is the grounding forth that keeps the status quo maintained so that changes doesn’t happen too quickly.  Highly supportive people who bring harmony to groups and help maintain the peace. Think of Earth element as the parent who maintains harmony among the unhappy and restless children; they go out of their way not to ruffle feathers.  Worry is their default emotion, especially when something seems out of their control.

5. Metal

   • Metal is the Organizer.  They are natural organizers and keep things in check and on schedule.  They make great engineers, accountants, personal assistants and professional organizers.  They are guaranteed to be detail-oriented, focused and precise in all that they do.  They tend to cut to the chase in conversation.  They also love an orderly environment and love to label things.  Their imbalance can show up as being obsessive, perfectionist and overly rigid mindset.

Artwork - Copyright: © Jayvijay Soni

Element Archetype descriptions – Tisha Morris