The Five Elements in Feng Shui: A Complete Guide

The five elements (五行, wǔ xíng) form the foundation of feng shui. Understanding how Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water interact allows you to create balanced, harmonious spaces.

The Productive Cycle

Elements support each other in a nurturing sequence:

Wood → Fire → Earth → Metal → Water → Wood

• Wood feeds Fire - Wood burns to create fire
• Fire creates Earth - Ashes become earth
• Earth produces Metal - Metals come from the earth
• Metal holds Water - Metal containers hold water
• Water nourishes Wood - Water helps trees grow

Use this cycle to strengthen an element by adding its “parent.”

The Controlling Cycle

Elements also control each other:

Wood → Earth → Water → Fire → Metal → Wood

• Wood parts Earth - Roots break through soil
• Earth dams Water - Earth contains water
• Water extinguishes Fire - Water puts out fire
• Fire melts Metal - Heat melts metal
• Metal cuts Wood - Axes cut trees

Use this cycle to reduce an overpowering element.

Element Characteristics

Wood (木)

Attribute	Description
Direction	East, Southeast
Season	Spring
Colors	Green, teal, brown
Shapes	Rectangular, columnar
Materials	Wood, plants, paper
Qualities	Growth, flexibility, kindness

Use Wood for: New beginnings, health, family relationships

Fire (火)

Attribute	Description
Direction	South
Season	Summer
Colors	Red, orange, purple, pink
Shapes	Triangle, pointed
Materials	Candles, lights, electronics
Qualities	Passion, transformation, fame

Use Fire for: Recognition, passion, motivation

Earth (土)

Attribute	Description
Direction	Center, Northeast, Southwest
Season	Late summer
Colors	Yellow, beige, terracotta
Shapes	Square, flat
Materials	Ceramics, crystals, stone
Qualities	Stability, nourishment, grounding

Use Earth for: Stability, relationships, self-care

Metal (金)

Attribute	Description
Direction	West, Northwest
Season	Autumn
Colors	White, gray, gold, silver
Shapes	Round, dome
Materials	Metal objects, coins
Qualities	Precision, clarity, efficiency

Use Metal for: Organization, focus, helpful people

Water (水)

Attribute	Description
Direction	North
Season	Winter
Colors	Blue, black
Shapes	Wavy, irregular
Materials	Water features, mirrors, glass
Qualities	Wisdom, flow, career

Use Water for: Career, wisdom, introspection

Balancing Elements in Each Room

Living Room

• Add all five elements in moderation
• Emphasize Earth for stability
• Include Wood for growth

Bedroom

• Reduce Fire and Water
• Emphasize Earth and soft Wood
• Minimal Metal

Home Office

• Strengthen Metal for clarity
• Add Water for wisdom
• Include Wood for growth

Kitchen

• Already has Fire (stove) and Water (sink)
• Balance with Earth (ceramic)
• Keep Fire and Water separate

Your Personal Element

Your Kua number reveals your personal element affinity. People often feel naturally drawn to their element’s colors and materials.

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Discover your personal element with our Kua Calculator and learn which elements support your energy!