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Feng Shui Basics: the Water Element
fifth in a series of five
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We are wrapping up our series on the Five Elements with the Water element. We hope you have enjoyed seeing how the elements work independently and collectively - playing off each other in constructive and destructive ways. There is so much more to the elements that we can't possibly cover in a monthly newsletter. Studying the elements, understanding how they work, is a process many of our experts have taken years to master. But we love giving you a taste of how the five elements can make a big difference to you and your spaces.
Keep scrolling and learn how the reflective and introspective element of water can help you navigate your next opportunities. Enjoy!
Want to catch up on the rest of the series? Click the links below...
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What is the Element of Water: Water release, renewal, flow, from Catherine Hilker
The element of water is represented the colors of blacks (still water), indigo (moving water), and dark colors. Water is actual water features and any depiction of water in pictures and art, glass, man-made crystal and mirrors. Water is represented by free flowing and asymmetrical shapes as well as the direction of west and the season of winter.
Chi qualities: mystical, introspective, original, philosophical, reflective
Too much: inconsistent, passive, overwhelmed with emotion, stagnation (too much still water), chaos (too much moving water)
Too little: Loses self in others, detached, shallow, withdrawn, inflexible
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The Way of Water
"Have you ever floated on a river or lake with only the current to guide you? The water’s depth and awareness of what lies around the bend elude you, but for that moment in time you simply relinquish control and drift. Unaccustomed to weightlessness, you take a leap of faith, close your eyes and give in to the flow. The flow decides where you’re going and somehow you trust that it knows the right way. And it does."
Water is a powerful flow generator in your life. Read more from Diane about water, and it's connection to the body, and how it uncovers and balances connections to the other elements.
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#FengShuiTip for bringing the water element outdoors...
"Aside from actual water such as a pool, hot tub, or a water feature/fountain, decorative items in blue or black are great to introduce the water element. Black planters and glass dining or side tables are a great start! Keep an eye out for decor with wavy, watery patterns, too. Add a wavy sidewalk or pathway if you're creating your outdoor space from scratch."
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Feng Shui, Pools and Fountains - Liquid Serenity
"Pools and fountains symbolize “the good life” and act as environmental jewelry. Just like the ring on your finger, they say a lot about your sense of style. Whether splashy, traditional, or all natural, the ideal water feature is one that captures your imagination and inspires you to relax and enjoy the moment.
"Simply put, water is an antidote to stress. Whether you enjoy relaxing beside a pool or listening to the soothing sounds of a fountain, the following Feng Shui design guidelines will help you choose the perfect water feature for your home."
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Water
1. One of the Five Elements represented by the color black. Its movement is wavy and deep. Water energy portrays a depth of emotion and introspection. It represents the North sector of the Bagua, number 1, wavy or amorphous shapes, Winter season, the kidneys and sense of hearing.
2. Classically related to the trigram Kan and the Bagua area associated with career and life journey.
Also called Shui
See Bagua, Black, Five Elements, Kan, North, Pa Kua
Source: IFSG Feng Shui Glossary
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Want more of this? Order your copy of the IFSG Feng Shui Glossary, The definitive resource for more than 300 of the top Feng Shui words. Get your copy today!
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Final Thoughts: Water Do's and Don'ts
As with any list - and understanding the diversity and fluidity of Feng Shui - we always say, take what resonates with you and leave the rest.
Water Do’s
• Rivers that meander gently past in full view of the main door are said to be excellent. Rivers that meander evenly across flat land are more auspicious than those that run fast, possibly running into waterfalls or rapids.
• Water should always “embrace” the home.
• Water inside the dwelling such as a water fountain should always be running.
• It signifies wealth going out and wealth coming back. If it is not running all the time it signifies money that is all dried up! Please make sure that it is always running and always clean, and then fresh new opportunities will be coming your way.
• Having fish inside a fountain would make it all the more prosperous.
• Sinks inside the home, kitchen sinks and bathroom sinks, should always have plants next to them. Even though sinks supply clean fresh water, they also have drains, and this fact drains the Chi. There needs to be a wood element (a plant) near the drain to stop the Chi from draining and use it for growth.
Water Don’ts
• Rivers that flow past one’s home should never be straight, nor should they appear to be aimed at one’s building – in Feng Shui, nothing should ever be aimed at anything, especially not at you.
• Water should never shoot at the home. When a river seems to flow directly toward the main door of a house, that is not a good sign.
• It is also believed that water should never flow behind a home or a building as this signifies missed opportunities. This configuration signifies that while opportunities for advancement and success may be plentiful, it will be difficult for residents to take advantage of these opportunities.
• Water is that it should not appear to be flowing away from the home. If the water is flowing away, it is a sign of loss.
• Water fountains should never leak and should always work properly. Do not spend too much time trying to fix a broken fountain – just get a new one.
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