Introduction
According to Feng Shui principles, the world is composed of five major elements: water, wood, metal, earth, and fire. Each element invokes its own themes and moods and can be represented by introducing particular colors, materials, and objects into a space. A houseplant, for example, can be used to invoke wood, clay pots or sculptures to invoke earth, an electric overhead light to invoke fire, and so on.
The element of metal is generally described as a force that draws together and unifies all the other elements. Metal objects serve as prisms or transmitters that move the various energies within a space into different areas. Metal is also said to stimulate the intellect and bring mental clarity, so this element’s energies are especially welcome in spaces dedicated to work or study.
When it comes to incorporating the elements into your spaces, is it ever recommended to place abundant amounts of metal or any other element in a certain area? Uncle Dixer, our resident Feng Shui expert, sets the record straight below.
Dear Uncle Dixer: What is your take on the advice from the Classical Flying Stars school of Feng Shui that recommends placing copious amounts of metal in your home to balance the energies, as well as moving metal?
Answer: Too much of anything is not a good idea. Whoever advised you to do this is not a classical practitioner. They should know that harmony, balance, and an absence of extremes are hallmarks of good Feng Shui.
Additional Comments:
Most Feng Shui experts encourage a balanced distribution of the five elements within a particular environment to create a harmonious, favorable atmosphere. Excesses or deficiencies of a certain element may unbalance the energies in a room and make it uncomfortable to stay in.
If you notice that you use or spend time in a particular room markedly less than others, the elemental balance in that room may need to be adjusted. You can do this by bringing in objects that represent missing or underrepresented elements. When experimenting with the combination of elements in a room, remember that less is frequently more. If you find that the influence of water is weak, for example, hanging a mirror or a painting of a seascape on the wall might do the trick.
If you’d like to learn more about elemental balance, or if you have concerns about the specific balance of elements in any part of your home, it’s best to connect with licensed Feng Shui experts in your area. Feng Shui Nexus hosts an extensive directory that brings practitioners of the art together from all over the world, allowing you to get the guidance you need hassle-free.
Uncle Dixer is a Chinese-Australian Feng Shui Expert. He is here to answer your Feng Shui questions so we can better understand the workings of Feng Shui. Read more about him or submit your question to an expert.