Demystifying Chinese Metaphysics Part 3 – The Five Elements
Earth, Metal, Water, Wood and Fire – what do these mean?
5 element pagoda for universal protection
Part 1 covered the first fundamental law of Chinese metaphysics – Yin and Yang. In part 2 we unveiled the mystical Bagwa or Pa Kua and in this article – Part 3 we are going to explore the 5 elements and how they interrelate to each other providing the building blocks for Chinese metaphysic practitioners to use their craft and make predictions, analysis and diagnosis that help people in achieve balance in their every day lives.
Many cultures use the elements and forces of nature in analysis and design. This is more apparent with architects, graphic designers and artists. But food and supplements can also play an important part in balancing the elements within the human body. As Grand Master Raymond Lo of Hong Kong has dedicated his life study of Feng Shui and Ba Tze toward, I am finding his teachings particularly powerful in the recommendations I give to my clients.
In Chinese metaphysics, the 5 elements follow 2 special cycles which cannot be broken. There is a passive more yin cycle of birth, regeneration and renewal and a more aggressive yang cycle of destruction and conquering. Following the rules of Yin and Yang, both are needed for balance. It is the cycle of birth that you will see used in objects such as the special pagoda statue shown above that when displayed or worn will has a protective symbolism and quality.
The Cycle of Birth and Destruction
Each of the 5 elements is associated with its own shape, colours, numbers and carries a wealth of information that has been compounding on top of an ancient database of observations from nature and practitioners of old.
Referring to the left hand side of the diagram above, the base represents Earth which is square in shape. Within the Earth you find Metal ore like iron and copper. Metal is represented by a round shape. From metal a dew drop can form to produce water – an irregular shape. We can water a seedling to produce trees which are wood and represented by rectangular shapes. Wood is used to fuel fire which has an angular presence and finally fire burns the wood and produces ash which goes back into the earth. This is the cycle of birth.
On the right hand side and just as important is the cycle of destruction. Earth can be moved and dammed to capture water. Water in turn will quench a fire. Fire will melt and reshape metal and metal can chop wood. Finally, wood or trees will claim the land or earth.
It is in these fundamental cycles that Feng Shui, Chinese Astrology and other related disciplines operate. On the surface, Yin and Yang, the trigrams and the 5 elements of the universe seem so simple. In its application you realize that in knowing this you know very little and the life long study of Chinese metaphysics begins. Knowing the cycles is fundamental before determining the balance of these elements in the environment or person being assessed and assists in giving the correct recommendations of colours, décor and shapes to be used to balance energy in your home.
Feng Shui application
The 5 elements represent various energies in a person’s home. This energy given a point in time can be good, negative or neutral. To recommend how a room’s energy can be enhanced to support good energy, the cycle of birth and destruction are referred to. For example, Fire may be used in a room with good earth energy (current prosperous star 8) because fire gives birth to and produces more earth. Similarly if you wanted to boost unexpected money luck you could place wooden furniture or wooden wall décor to give birth to more fire where your money luck energy exists. These are very basic and simple recommendations, but in knowing where this unseen energy lies and the time during each year it will activate, you can make real and positive changes to your environment that will change your life.
Chinese Astrology application
Every person’s birth date can be translated into a collection of elements. Analysing the balance and interaction of these elements is fascinating and will provide insight into a person’s health, relationships, career, financial position and much more. As an example and following the health findings of Grand Master Raymond Lo, a person with an imbalance of water in their chart (where water is needed by the individual) can be boosted by taking Omega 3 supplements. Likewise, a person requiring more fire in their life can try eating more spicy foods and honey. Those with too much earth would do well to take more antioxidants and watch their in take of carbohydrates and sugars as earth is related to cancer and diabetes. While taking any supplements should be verified by a naturopath or medical doctor, I have found some of my clients to already be taking the supplements I know they need from their charts. I also see clients that have for no other reason than intuition obtained tattoos of animals their charts reveal will protect them. On reflection of these situations I can’t help but suppose that this system of Chinese Astrology based on the forces of nature and over 6000 years old is innately inside all of us. If you or someone you know are stuck in life or about to make an important decision try a Chinese Astrology reading. It truly will give you direction and acceptance.
Mariko Fisher is principal of FengShui by Sakura and is your Feng Shui and Chinese Astrology consultant in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Canberra. FengShui by Sakura provides Feng Shui and Chinese Astrology courses in Sydney suitable for beginners. Mariko also carries a wide range of quality Feng Shui product, gifts and modern home ware with meaning and symbolism for home and office. If you enjoyed reading this article, please share this with your friends and family. To ensure you receive the latest postings, register on our website.
