There are five elements in Feng Shui: Fire, Earth, Wood, Water, Metal. All the elements are represented in all things living and non-living and they all have Chi energy whether it is positive (Chi) or negative (Sha Chi). I would like to talk about the five elements that are within us. The five elements that are within us transmute energy to other people and other things.
First, I will talk about energy and other things, for example, I am sitting at my desk typing this blog and there is energy that flows from me to my computer, from my computer to my desk, and from my desk to the floor. I am transmuting energy in my environment by just being here doing things.
If you are tuned into your feelings, you may find when you walk into a room, you have a sense of something that either gives you a good feeling or a negative feeling. For empaths, you know the feeling. You may find that when you meet someone for the first time, you get a feeling that you may enjoy this person’s company or “from the get-go”, you feel like you want to run away. The same can also happen when walking into an empty room. There may be something in the room that had previous energy that can either make you feel comfortable and relaxed or again, make you want to leave the room. It is residual energy. It is energy that does not move, and it can become stagnant. Again, it is Chi energy (positive) or Sha Chi energy (negative energy). Negative, stagnant, energy can come from a tragic event, or a divorce situation for example. Stagnant energy can also be décor items in your home that have stayed in one spot too long. They no longer bring you joy…they just sit there giving you the same feeling every day. Maybe it is an antique that has residual energy in it and although you like it, it gives you a strange feeling.
But it’s the five elements in people that I would like to talk about here and how their energy can affect us both mentally and physically. Character traits are recognized in the five elements that people inherently have with their birth year and gender (Gua or Kua Number). It is in the same way that Astrology gives us insight into our personality traits as it is with Numerology, Chinese animals, or Druid signs. With that being said, I feel that it is important to “Know Your Element” as well. If not more so! I feel like it is more of an authentic description of who we are because it is balanced with nature.
If you know who you are and what characteristics you have then it can be life-changing to know who you choose to spend time with. It can help you find harmony and balance with your partner, friends, and even family members with which you may experience conflict.
For example, I am born into the Wood Element and my supporting Element is Water. That is the element I was born into by calculation of my birth year and gender. (See sample below).
I come from a large family where different energies were abundant throughout the home. So, I picked up a strong Earth element from my family environment being very cautious, quiet, reserved and somewhat selfish trying to make sure I got my share in the family. My Wood characteristics are my creativity, good nature, and people pleaser. While my Water element has me up late at night trying new projects. I also want to know all the details and I am always seeking the truth. (This could be why I love True Crime stories). Always looking for the truth. We have all five elements within us, but some are more prominent than others such as our Gua life element. What we are born into.
Once you’ve discovered these key attributes, you will start to see how it reflects in your relationships, career, friendships, family, and of course, your home.
How to calculate your Gua Number
Reduce to a single digit: 1 + 0 = 1. For males, subtract that number from 11: 11 – 1 = 10.
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Examples
- Add all the digits of your year: 1 + 9 + 8 + 9 = 27.
- Reduce to a single digit: 2 + 7 = 9.
- For females, add 4 to that number: 9 + 4 = 13.
- Reduce to a single digit: 1 + 3 = 4.
- Your feng shui kua number is 4.
The Destructive Cycle of the 5 Elements
