Element Shapes and Colors
Each element is associated with specific shapes and colors:
Metal—white, gold, silver, grey; round and oval shapes, arches
Water—black and dark blues; sinuous, curvy, irregular, and wavelike
shapes
Wood—greens and light blues; tall narrow shapes
Fire—reds, purples, bright oranges; triangles, flame shapes and
other pointed or angular shapes
Earth—browns, yellows, cool or muted oranges; low, flat, square
shapes
This is the basic information that you can use to adjust the energy of specific rooms and areas of your home. For example, to spice up your relationship areas, or to enhance your reputation by activating li gua, add more fire energy: lights, candles, or things that are red, purple, pink, and/or triangular in shape.
Water energy is good for enhancing kan gua (career) and for improving communication; if you can’t use a water fountain, find images of the ocean or rivers, or choose home accessories that feature curvy and/or wavelike shapes, and that have a predominantly blue or black color scheme. Similarly, you can add metal, wood, or earth energy by working with the colors and shapes listed above. Others are not so obvious. A mahogany dining table, for example, is made out of wood, but it is square, flat, and (unless it’s been painted) brown in color. In energetic terms, then, it has more earth energy than wood energy, because the wood is no longer vital and growing, and the shape and color of the table are associated with earth.
A candle is a good example of the fire element, but if it is a tall green candle it also has wood energy because of its shape and color. Many items have a combination of qualities, so you will need to use your best judgment about how much of what kind of influence it will have on your space. Try not to go nuts puzzling over what element something represents. If it’s not clear right away, then chances are good it combines several different qualities and will not have as strong an impact on your space.
Keep in mind that function, placement, and your own intention are important, too. If you worry so much about choosing the right elements that you no longer enjoy your possessions, you’re trying too hard! Feng shui should be easy, graceful, and fun. If you love something, it has good chi for you. If you aren’t sure what element it represents, focus instead on the symbolic meaning of its imagery, and use that to help you determine where to place it in your home.
