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五行

Wu Xing — The Five Elements

The transformative phases

Five Elements in Eternal Motion

Wu Xing — literally "five movements" — describes the five phases through which all energy passes. They do not represent static things but dynamic processes: creating, controlling, and transforming into each other without end.

In Feng Shui, the elements appear in colours, shapes, materials, sounds and directions. Balancing them in your space harmonises the flow of Qi throughout your life.

水 金 木 火 土 generating cycle

Each element in depth

The Five Phases

木 Wood · Mù
Nature
Growth, flexibility, upward expansion. Associated with spring, dawn and new beginnings.
In Your Space
Living plants, wooden furniture, green and teal colours, tall rectangular forms. East and South-East zones.
Life Area
Family, health, new ventures, creative expansion. Strengthens vitality and growth energy.
火 Fire · Huǒ
Nature
Passion, transformation, brilliance. Associated with summer, midday and the peak of yang energy.
In Your Space
Candles, fireplaces, red and orange hues, triangular shapes, lighting. South zone is fire's home.
Life Area
Fame, recognition, passion, visibility. Ignites reputation and draws attention to your achievements.
土 Earth · Tǔ
Nature
Stability, nourishment, centering. Associated with late summer, the transitions between seasons.
In Your Space
Ceramics, stone, earthy yellows and ochres, square forms, low furniture. Centre, South-West, North-East.
Life Area
Relationships, self-care, grounding. Nourishes love, health and a steady foundation for life.
金 Metal · Jīn
Nature
Precision, clarity, contraction. Associated with autumn, sunset and the refinement of essence.
In Your Space
Metal objects, white and silver tones, round shapes, clocks and bells. West and North-West zones.
Life Area
Children, creativity, helpful people, clarity of mind. Sharpens focus and supports creative projects.
水 Water · Shuǐ
Nature
Wisdom, flow, stillness within depth. Associated with winter, midnight and the gathering of yin.
In Your Space
Fountains, aquariums, dark blues and blacks, flowing asymmetric forms, mirrors. North zone.
Life Area
Career, wisdom, inner life, adaptability. Deepens intuition and smooths the path of the journey.

How they interact

Generating & Controlling

生 · Generating Cycle

Shēng — nurturing, feeding, creating
Wood → feeds Fire
Fire → creates Earth (ash)
Earth → bears Metal (ore)
Metal → enriches Water
Water → nourishes Wood

克 · Controlling Cycle

Kè — restraining, balancing, preventing excess
Wood → parts Earth (roots)
Earth → absorbs Water
Water → quenches Fire
Fire → melts Metal
Metal → cuts Wood

Is your home's elemental balance supporting or draining you? A professional analysis can reveal exactly what to adjust.

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