Proudly celebrating 25 years
Feng Shui Basics: the Metal Element
fourth in a series of five
We are talking this month about the element of Metal, fourth in a series. Scroll to the bottom of this newsletter to see the archives for the prior issues on Wood, Fire, and Earth. We will finish up with Water next month.

Keep scrolling to see ways to incorporate or bring metal into your space and what that can mean for you, your energy, and your clarity. Enjoy!
#FengShuiTip
Metal represents contracting, inward movement. The most dense element, it can hold the temperatures of hot or cold, making it very useful and rare. The precious gifts of the Earth, such as Gold, Silver, Copper, Iron, etc. are metals that enrich our lives.

Metal helps us focus: it brings strength and clarity into our lives
To concentrate best on a project, it is helpful to add a Metal object to our surroundings. This is not too hard to do, as in today’s world we are surrounded by high-tech gadgets. But we can also incorporate metal light fixtures, sculptures or bed frames to help provide better balance in our environment." From Red Lotus
The Metal Element in You and Your Environment
by Gwynne Warner-Donavon, 10,000 Blessings Feng Shui

In Feng Shui, we find the metal energy housed in the “Dui” or Children/Creativity (far center right) and Helpful People (closest far right) areas of the Bagua your home, business, desk or any room. If you wish to enhance your creativity, communication and projects, or attract more benefactors, you can apply metal cures such as:

  • Installing a metal wind-chime outside on the eaves or inside and then ringing it with your hand nine times
  • Placing a water fountain with floating bells
  • Using the colors white, grey or metallic colors in paint or decor
  • Add the metal element itself (such as genuine gold, silver, bronze, copper and so on; coins; bells; etc.)
  • Hang a clear or gold colored round faceted Swarovski crystal sphere (hung on 9″ increments red thread)
  • Use the shapes of circles and domes
  • Hang a gently moving mobile over your head at your desk
  • Keep a brass bell on the creative gua of your desk and ring it vigorously and joyfully when you need an energetic boost
  • Wear clothing in metal colors or metal jewelry
  • Sprinkle Chinese Feng Shui coins liberally throughout your home and business

If you have too much metal chi, you might be very judgmental, self-righteous or overly demonstrative. If you don’t have enough metal chi, you might be too quiet, shy or feeling choked when wishing to speak. But know, there are always many adjustments that can help.

The Metal Element in Feng Shui

The Metals are the precious minerals found deep within the earth. These minerals nourish our water, providing us with necessary nutrients – the ultimate and most coveted being gold. It represents the alchemical process of turning soil into precious metals.

The Metal element is also connected to the heavens, stars and sky. Metal is stardust. It is said to represent the spiritual path from awareness to enlightenment.

Some ways to bring more Metal into your home:

  • the colors of metal (white, silver, gold and gray)
  • metal objects
  • images of the heavens, sky, and angelic beings
  • also, through organization of the home and attention to beauty

Metal is nourished by Earth, controlled by Fire, drained by Water, and insulted by Wood.

Click to watch the above video, "Use Metal Element for Clarity," from Kim Julen, Finding Your Fiji
Metal, from the International Feng Shui Guild "Feng Shui Glossary"

One of the Five Elements represented by the color white or grey. Its movement is still, inward and contracting. Metal energy is very precise, logical, and has leadership qualities. It represents the West sector of the Bagua with number 7 and Northwest with number 6, spherical shapes, Autumn season, and the lungs and skin. 

Also called Xin
See Bagua, Five Elements, Pa Kua
From the IFSG Feng Shui Glossary, The definitive resource for more than 300 of the top Feng Shui words. Get your copy today!
Final Thoughts: Is there More than the Five Elements?
There is so much to consider when working with the Five Elements - but remember, the elements are just one tool in the Feng Shui toolbox. We talk a lot about the diversity of our organization - consultants and schools - and it's one of the things we are most proud of in this organization. The common concepts and definitions of the Five Elements resonate within the field of Feng Shui for all perspectives. But each type of Feng Shui will use different tools to work within your home, office, landscape, and more.

Just think of all the different facets of Feng Shui / known by different names including but not limited to: form, western, BTB, classical, compass, modern, intuitive, instinctive, flying stars, four pillars, pyramid/scientific, etc. One consultant may work heavily with the elements or the bagua; and another will work strictly with classical methodology. 

There is no one way. There is no one right answer.

What we do know... 
While you can get started in Feng Shui on your own - and we hope that you do (see our recommended reading list) - we also know that Feng Shui is NOT a simple DIY. Take the next step and Find the Just Right consultant for you - one who will resonate with your interests, values, and journey.
Quick Links
Grateful for our advertisers: Click any image below to find out more
As a professional non-profit organization, the International Feng Shui Guild mission is to

  • Advance the practice, teaching and use of Feng Shui worldwide
  • Promote and serve our membership with resources, networking opportunities, publications and a content-rich website
  • Unify the Feng Shui community by establishing and upholding universal standards in professional practice and education
  • Inspire public confidence in the professionalism of our members as demonstrated in our by-laws, Code of Ethics and the Feng Shui Universal Topics.

Copyright © 2022 International Feng Shui Guild.