The Cycles of the Five Elements

The Cycles of the Five Elements

The Five Elements relate to and interact with each other according two distinct cycles: The Creative (Generative) Cycle and the Destructive (Transformative) Cycle. You can use not only the Elements themselves but also the Creative and Destructive Cycles for Feng Shui Cures.

In the Creative Cycle, the Elements create one another in a continual cyclical process. In the Destructive Cycle, the Elements cyclically consume each other in a similar process, but nothing is truly destroyed. Instead the energy is simply transformed into another state. Both the Creative and Destructive Cycles can be used beneficially for your Feng Shui Cures.

The Creative Cycle of the Five Elements

In the Creative Cycle the Elements generate, create or lead to one another in a continuous chain of creative energy. The Creative Cycle superficially resembles the Destructive Cycle except for one difference – each Element changes from one form to another. The following chain example illustrates the Creative Cycle.

·        Wood, as it burns, is the fuel for Fire.

·        Ashes, the result of Fire, return to and replenish the Earth.

·        The Earth gives birth to Metal.

·        Metal, heated sufficiently, becomes liquid like Water.

·        Water nourishes Wood (the tree).

And the cycle continues forever…

The Destructive Cycle of the Five Elements

In the Destructive Cycle, the Elements symbolically destroy each other in a continuous pattern.

• Wood is cut by the axe (Metal)
• Metal is burned by the blacksmith’s Fire.
• Fire is extinguished by Water.
• Water is absorbed, subdued, and evaporated by the Earth.
• Earth is penetrated by growing trees (Wood).

Element	Physical representations of the element	Color of the Element	Shape of the Element
Fire	Candle, fireplace, light	Red	Triangle, pyramid
Earth	Pottery	Yellow, earth tones	Square, cube
Metal	Metal Sculpture or Metal table	White	Round, spherical, dome
Wood	Living tree, plant	Green, blue	Rectangular, Columnar

Creator and Offspring Elements

Not only can you empower any Element simply by placing it in its natural location. Alternatively, you can create cures by using the Element that creates the Element you want to empower; it is called the Creator Element. Another option is to use the Element created by the Element you want to help; known as the Offspring Element.

Creator Element	Element	Offspring Element
Water	Wood	Fire
Wood	Fire	Earth
Fire	Earth	Metal
Earth	Metal	Water
Metal	Water	Wood