When you are at home, are there any rooms where you feel especially sad, anxious, jealous, angry, depressed, nervous, unsatisfied, lethargic or empty? If so, the energy, or chi, is off balance. Harmony and balance can be restored by ensuring that the 5 elements, fire, earth, wood, water and metal, are properly supported within each room of the house. This is a key principle in the art of feng shui.
Understand that each element is created and destroyed by another. As in nature, there are creative and destructive cycles. The creative cycle is: fire creates earth, earth creates metal, metal creates water, water creates wood, and wood creates fire. The destructive cycle is fire melts metal, metal cuts wood, wood moves earth, earth muddies water and water puts out fire. Each room needs to have a balance of each element in order for harmony to exist.
Step2
Fire element is strong, assertive and dominant. It represents passionate emotions and gives energy. Objects that represent fire are candles, oil lamps and the color red. Red décor like throw pillows, a vase, or flowers can be used to represent fire. However, be sure to include the restraining water element so the fire doesn't rage out of control.
Step3
Water sustains growth and life, and is associated with spirituality and wealth. The colors blue and black represent water so include these colors in some of your décor items. Fountains, fish tanks and clear glass also represent water. If left unchecked, too much water is destructive by causing floods and drowning life. It is restrained by the earth element.
Step4
Earth is a grounding element and is practical and organized. A yellow, cream or brown rug, for example, would represent the earth element. Earth elements also include soil in potted plants or bowls made from earthenware. But if there is too much earth, the energy becomes solitary, smothering and static. It is contained by wood.
Step5
Wood represents life, which grows and changes. It is associated with vitality and intuition. The best way to incorporate wood elements are with live house plants. Also, items that are various shades of green will represent earth. Keep wood from overgrowing by incorporating metal elements.
Step6
Metal elements provide practicality and mental activity. The colors white, silver and gold represent metal. Integrate metal elements with metal picture frames, clocks and sculptures. Keep metal from making an area too hard and cold by including fire elements.
Tips & Warnings
Although different colors can symbolize each element, the more symbolic you get, the less powerful the object will be. The closer it is to its natural element, the stronger the energy is.
Novice 
