The Five Element Theory is one of the cornerstones of Classical Feng Shui and Chinese Metaphysics. In addition to the Five Element Theory, a practitioner creates balance by using the Yin and Yang Theory, the Bagua, and the Lo Shu Square.
There is a symbiotic relationship between the Five Element Theory and colors when it comes to personalized Feng Shui. We are all drawn to certain colors and shapes because that is a reflection of who we are.
The Five Elements Theory symbolizes the natural rhythm and flow of the universe that is inherent and reflected on our planet. By practicing the same rhythm within our homes, we can achieve balance. When we are in tune with our nature and who we are, then we use the elements that we are drawn to. That is reflected in the objects we surround ourselves with as well as the colors we choose and the articles we wear.
The Five Elements are Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water. These Five Elements interact in three different types of cycles. For the purpose of this particular blog, I will describe the colors, shapes and seasons that are inherent in each one of the elements.
Water The element of flow, Water is an element we cannot live without. It is represented by the colors black and deep blues. I have often wondered about the popularity of blue jeans. Like water, it is a universal item. Everyone who would otherwise be drawn to other elements and colors can wear it well. In the productive cycle, the element of metal is beneficial to water. Metal is represented by the colors white, pastel and metallic. Water represents the winter season. In the Midwest there is a lot of snow. Snow is a form of water. Flowing and undulated 
shapes represent the water element.
Wood The element of growth, Wood is represented by the colors green and brown. Since water is beneficial to trees and plants, the color blue is also beneficial to people who have the wood element on their chart. Wood represents the season of Spring, rebirth, and all vegetation. It is also represented by the shape of a rectangle.
Fire The element of intensity, Fire is represented by all shades of the color red. When wearing or using the color red, it gets our attention immediately. Wood is beneficial to fire as it feeds it. For people who have the fire element in their birth year, various shades of browns and greens are favorable. Fire represents the season of summer, warmth and heat. The triangle shape represents fire.
Earth This element is at the center of the bagua, everything revolves around it as it is essential to the others. Earth tones as well as yellow color hues are a representation of the earth element. Fire feeds earth, so reds are beneficial to the earth. Earth has no season associated with it. The square is the shape associated with the earth element.
Metal This is the element of strength and vitality. It is represented by the colors white, metallics and pastels. Earth tones are also beneficial, because metal comes from the earth. The circle represents the metal element, it is a continuous line and shape that does not break, like coins. Metal is associated with the fall season.
Knowing these elements and what they represent are helpful to give us a clue to what a person is attuned to. Are they firm, and rigid or they happy go lucky? A person born in a metal year more than likely will not have any red in their home. Red represents fire and fire melts metal.
When I visit clients’ homes, I can immediately see what elements they are by the décor of their home. One of my clients had a few rooms of blue color wall and accessories, as well as photos and pictures of various lakes they visited. The tell tale sign was their family room that had an entire wall filled with a collection of wall clocks. This is the home of a person born in the year of a metal element. The faces of the clocks where mostly white and they were all round.
To find out what your element is, look through the first and fourth column of the list below. (To see the list, click on the image and it will open up into a readable size.) In the Chinese astrological system, the five elements are known as the “10 Heavenly Stems.” That means that there is a Yang and a Yin year for each of the five elements. The first chronological time the element is present is always yang. Yang being more active, Yin being receptive.
Knowing your elements, and that of others, will tell you why you are drawn to certain colors, shapes and seasons. It will also tell you what is beneficial and nourishing to yourself and others. Test how wearing your element colors can make you look better and how having the colors and shapes in your environment can be nourishing to you.
