Jan 09 2009
‘Decor Elements’
Continuing from yesterday’s post, today I would like to touch upon the intimate connection between element and color design – the yin/yang dynamic – of feng shui. When contemplating yin/yang I like to think in terms of harmony rather than duality. I do not believe they are opposing because both parts of nature absorb the other matter rather than remain polar opposites; however, there is a tendency to choose one form of energy over another. I find most often times it is the yin, which may come to saturate a room – in feng shui we want to find balance, harmony, between the two. For instance, an ocean beachfront is nature’s version of the harmony in opposites: Consider the yin and yang balance between ocean and shoreline. In fact, how we come to perceive the elements and their respective color range is through a yin/yang filter, if you can imagine this in ways.
The element wood feeds fire in its productive phase; fire burns up water in its destructive phase. Fire is active yang; water is soft yin. Thus, red/green (fire/wood) color ranges are excellent choices for productive energy in the associated compass directions, where red/blue (fire/water) is not nurturing most times. However, a combination of blue and green is beneficial, therefore a combination in your South- East spaces of red-green-blue can really nurture and heal if this is what you are looking to achieve for this space.
Elemental Colors:
Fire=Red, Pink, Orange, Purple, Deep Yellow
Metal= Gold, Silver, Metals, White, Gray
Earth= Earth tones such as Tan, Beige,Light brown, Light yellow
Water= Blue, Black
Wood= Green
Next we can summarize the points of compass direction, color, element, and life attribute together now that we have grasped the productive/destructive/yin/yang dynamics of nature inherent within feng shui conceptualization (Saturdays’ Post). Next week I will begin to synthesize these concepts into a productive home office concept. Currently, I have been reorganizing my space and will begin my office this weekend as well. As you may know, I only recently moved to P.A., USA, so I am having fun with this! I also find the New Year is a terrific time to de-clutter and reenergize, allowing new opportunities in as we let go of the past. The main thing is to have some fun with this, and do not ever add anything you do not enjoy regardless if it is productive to do so in that sphere, or not.
