Using the Essential Feng Shui Water Element for Homes

Feng shui has gained its popularity all over the world, and its positive influence has spread far beyond the Asian countries. You can hear about this ancient art from newspapers, magazines and television. However, the information that you may hear carries one major drawback: the principles of this teaching are often seen as an absolute rule, rather than recommendations to be adapted to each specific location and circumstances.

Remember: the theory of five elements represents merely a solid informational base. With its help you can adapt the principles of feng shui to each specific situation, instead of trying to following them as a dogma.

Now, it’s time to discuss the water element and see how to use its properties the right way.

Water is considered to be the primal, essential element. It’s as ancient and mysterious as the sea, which gave life to humankind. Before the first mirror was made (over 5 thousand years ago), people used to look at their reflections in the water. It’s also a spiritual symbol, which hides many mysteries. Furthermore, the very name of "Feng Shui" translates as "wind and water". As you can see, this element is truly a primal one. Now that we know just how essential it is, let’s also review the features of the feng shui water element.

The color of this element is blue, dark blue, and black. Its direction is north. Its symbol is the turtle. It has more Yin than Yan. It fits well with metal, and it doesn't fit with earth or wood. Its symbols are: glass, mirrors, aquariums, rounded and wavy objects, as well as paintings depicting fish in their habitat. The talismans have wavy lines, as the element is variable and unpredictable. The element can be represented by the views of the ocean, lake, river, stream or a swimming pool.

Water has a cleansing and refreshing effect. If you use it skillfully, you will be able to regain strength and relieve fatigue. The excess of this element can lead to lethargy and despair, and can turn you into a thin-skinned and insecure person.

The House of Water: These are houses that face south. They may have curved patterned walls, which will simulate waves. The façade design can have black and blue colors in it, to enhance the element. It’s recommended to avoid green or wooden flooring in such houses, as the wood element saps the feng shui water element.

You obviously don’t need to build a new house to introduce this element to your home. Simply place a crystal vase with water or a shallow bowl with translucent stones in your home.

The world is always a balance of all the 5 elements. However, we have dissociated ourselves from nature by high walls, forgetting about the universal harmony. To achieve the best in this respect, try to make sure that each room in your home possesses the energy of all the 5 elements. If in any room there's a serious shortage of any element, the equilibrium needed for harmony may be disrupted.