Now we have discussed Feng Shui in general, let’s look more closely at the practical aspects of this study.

All the work we will discuss is based on the five elements and how they interact with each other. There are three main relationships. The Productive, Exhaustive and Destructive cycles.

The Productive cycle is where one element produces the next. For example, water helps wood to grow therefore water produces wood. The Exhaustive cycle is where one element is depleted by another. For example, water is absorbed by the plant and is therefore exhausted through nurturing the wood. The Destructive or Controlling cycle is very similar. An example of this is when water extinguishes or destroys a fire. It can also be said that fire is controlled by water. It will be much easier for you to follow the information of Feng Shui if you commit these relationships to memory.

This graph provides an easy reference for the interaction of the Productive, Exhaustive and Destructive cycles.

Each of the elements has a number of attributes that we can work with in our homes. For example, water is not just real water, it is represented in the colour blue or black or dark grey shades. It is also represented in wavy shapes and in glass objects. These are the type of things we use when we want to add the water element to your home, once it has been determined where water needs to go.

Below you will find a chart to give you an idea of the attributes associated with each of the elements. There is no end to the combinations you can make with this little bit of information and I have been amazed at how many diverse decorating ideas fit into each category. The characteristics of the elements extend past decorating. Below is a more complete list of attributes some of which are applicable to the Paht Chee of the individuals which we will explore later.