Feng Shui Earth Element

Feng Shui Earth Element

The Feng Shui Earth element can be both the bad guy and the good guy. It is at the center of the eight trigrams and is in the opposing directions of Southwest and Northeast. Looking at the Post-Heaven Trigram, it is also in the Center. Its colors are earth tones, yellows, or tans. This elemental qi is responsible for wealth and money. But watch out for it can also be responsible for delays, illnesses or accidents.

The earth element is unique in that, during this time period, it is not used too frequently to correct other elemental qi. Rather, it is typically the recipient the correction. This may sound confusing, but really it is very simple. After a careful Feng Shui analysis, the practitioner maps out the qi within a building. In certain areas there might be Earth qi. This qi can be favorable or unfavorable, depending on the corresponding trigram. If there is qi present from either Kun (the Southwest Trigram represented by the number 2) or the center trigram (which has no trigram but is represented by the number 5) then it can be considered unfavorable. This earth energy can create delays or even sickness. This is usually remedied by metal.

When talking about the trigrams, we mention the directions such as Southwest, but this is not always where it is found. Feng Shui is based on the I-Ching, or “book of change” which states that all things cycle and change. Nothing is fixed. So do not consider that you will always find Kun qi in only the Southwest. That is its home, but it is not always where it is found. The same is true of Ken. Northeast is its home, but it too can be found in different places in different houses.

If the qi that is mapped out results in the Ken trigram (Northeast and represented by the number 8) then it is very favorable for money. Even generally speaking, in the Chinese culture, 8 is related to money and is a sought after number. This is folklore and not necessarily Feng Shui, but they still prefer to have an 8 in their address or license plate. Because earth is strengthened by fire, there are times that the fire element is used to enhance the potential for strong income.

If the earth element is needed itself as a remedy, then possible ways of utilizing this earth element are through the use of terracotta pots, adobe sculptures, ceramics, or even actual rocks (if they fit into the environment that you are trying to create.) To give you some examples, should you need earth in your entry, then perhaps a nice ceramic statue would work. You might also use some large adobe pots with beautiful flowers growing in them. There are a lot of creative ideas on how to use the earth element.

Earth can also be used to “ground” the fire element. Electricity can be considered fire in the cycle of elements. If you should have an electrical transformer box in your yard, consider putting some decorative stones between the house and the electrical box. Place them naturally and do not put too many either. Be sure to check with your electric company first to ensure that you do not create a problem for them, such as their access to the box, infringing on their property rights etc. Remember too that anything you do should look natural and beautiful. Do not create a “sha” or unsightly influence.

The earth element is the heart of the trigrams. It is both desired and unfavorable. Many people do not think of the earth element as being attractive, but choosing carefully, you can find very attractive earth solutions. Even jade is an earth remedy. If you are working a lot at the computer, consider putting a small jade statue on the desk between the power supply and yourself. Remember too that all Feng Shui solutions need to be carefully analyzed to ensure that you are placing them in the correct area.