Metal
Metal represents the transformation of the chi from fullness towards decline. This is the afternoon of the day, the autumn of the year when natural chi begins slowly to diminish. It is the cooling off period; the time of declining Yin. Metal is the process of gathering in, a dense inward moving energy, which can feel oppressive if it is not in harmony with its surroundings.
DIRECTION
West
SHAPES
Round and Arched
COLOURS
White, Gold, Silver, Bronze and Copper
OBJECTS
Metalic; round gongs and metal plates
Water
Water represents the winter season, a time of hibernation at the end of the year. Water is complete Yin and denotes stillness, hidden depths and currents.
DIRECTION
North
SHAPES
Wavy, undulating lines
COLOURS
Black and grey
OBJECTS
Fountains, fish tanks and glass
Wood
Wood signifies life, growth, health and vitality. The direction of wood is the direction of new beginnings and the promise of growth. It signifies the life force energy ascending at the beginning of the day or in the spring, which, in the Chinese calendar, is the beginning of the year.
DIRECTION
East
SHAPES
Rectangular, tall
COLOURS
Green, cool blues, aqua
OBJECTS
Wood, plants, cardboard, paper, composite wood products
Fire
The direction of fire is south, where it symbolises noon and the height of the day, summer and the fullness of the year - life at its most yang. Fire elements are used to enhance auspicious earth energy or minimise a negative wood element.
DIRECTION
South
SHAPES
Triangular
COLOURS
Red, pink, magenta, burgandy
OBJECTS
Fire, candles, red objects and walls
Earth
The earth element represents the gentle transition between the seasons – between the changing parts of the day. As wood and fire represent rising and full yang and metal and water declining and complete yin so, in the middle, there is earth and earth is unchanging. Earth has no season.
DIRECTION
Centre
SHAPES
Square
COLOURS
Yellow, ochre, beige, light brown, terracotta
OBJECTS
Terracotta pots, pottery, porcelain, crystals, stones, sculpture
