The forces of nature, and their effect upon the universe, have been studied and classified into what feng-shui practitioners call the five elements: Water, Fire, Wood, Metal and Earth. Each element is attributed to a different point on the compass and in feng-shui teachings, influences a different area of life and environment.
The five elements are very important in feng-shui as symbols and can be used to balance areas that are either over-active, lacking or to boost the energy of areas within your life or home. Each element influences the element next to it, in either a ‘production’ cycle or a ‘destruction’ cycle. For example, wood is used for fire, which burns to give ash which returns to the earth where metal is found, which can be carried by water which nourishes the ground and feeds vegetation and trees (wood).
As with the 'production cycle', the elements also have a negative influence on each other known as the 'destruction cycle'. This cycle is a more difficult to understand, but basically Metal cuts down and destroys wood, Wood draws nutrients from - and destroys - earth, Earth in turn is destroyed by water, Water extinguishes and destroys fire and Fire melts and destroys metals - which brings us full circle.
By using this knowledge of the element cycles practitioners believe you can influence certain areas in your life that could do with a little boost. For example, if someone is studying, then a candle burned in the Northeast area would be beneficial. The Northeast represents Knowledge and is symbolized by Earth, in the production cycle Earth is enhanced by fire – hence the candle.
In the same way, to boost your wealth, water placed in the Southeast would be beneficial. The Southeast represents Wealth and is symbolized by wood, in the production cycle wood is enhanced by water – hence a small fish tank, water feature or something similar.
Chinese coins, crystals, Statues of animals, mirrors and wind chimes are all used as ‘remedies’ or ‘cures’, although the selection and positioning of each one needs to carefully considered to ensure that the balance of yin and yang is not further upset by incorrect use.