Everything in nature - the seasons, compass directions, colors, times, planets, parts of the body - can be classified according to the Five Elements: Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water. Most oriental wisdom, medicine and philosophy is based on the theory of the Five Aspects. When they are in harmony each supports and strengthens the other, but imbalances can be destructive and harmful leading to chaos and conflict.
Earth: helps Metal, helped by Fire, harms Water, harmed by Wood
Fire: helps Earth, helped by Wood, harms Metal, harmed by Water
Water: helps Wood, helped by Metal, harms Fire, harmed by Earth
Metal: helps Water, helped by Earth, harms Wood, harmed by Fire
Wood: helps Fire, helped by Water, harms Earth, harmed by Metal
When the Five Elements are in harmony, balance and unity – each Element supports the next in a perpetual cycle. To ensure good Ch’i it’s vital to understand this. If you have too much wood or plants in an area meant for metal then there is bound to be problems with the flow of ch’i in that room.
At the risk of annoying the traditionalists I have included some suggestions for you to start energizing your home. You will need to discover your compass points first (see “Compass Directions”).