In fact the importance of the Five Elements – Earth, Metal, Water, Wood, and Fire – pervades so much of feng shui practice that those most knowledgeable about the interpretation of Elements are regarded as the best feng shui masters in the world. Practitioners of this calibre are those whose knowledge of the Elements is so profound that they can just look at a building and immediately draw potent signals from the Elements there that will tell them about its luck.
So, to get the most out of the practice, you need to learn which Element is associated with which direction. With this understanding, you can bring good feelings and good chi into your home, by ensuring the balance and harmony of elements within each of the sectors. The simple Pa Kua here shows which Element is assigned to each of the directions based on what is referred to as the Earth plate of the compass. Please note that in feng shui practice there are three plates – the Heaven plate, the Earth plate, and the Man plate. In advanced feng shui, all three plates are factored into the practice and this reflects the harmony between Heaven, Earth, and Man. Each of these plates uses a different north, and in the Earth plate, the north is the magnetic north. The north referred to in the other plates is not the magnetic north. Beginners need to use only the Earth plate as the reference point, but it is useful to know about the other plates since the allocation of the Five Elements to each of the directions in the other plates is not the same. When you know this you will not be confused when you find Elements being assigned to directions other than those here.
Each direction is associated with an element: Fire, Earth, Metal, Water, or Wood.
Yang Elements
In general feng shui practice we apply the Elements that are allocated according to the Yang Pa Kua (illustrated here.) Take note of which Element is represented in each of the eight directions.
19 – the eight directions and their meanings
The eight primary trigrams that are the roots of the I Ching’s 64 hexagrams are powerful symbols that are combinations of three straight lines that are either broken or unbroken.
These trigrams collectively symbolize a trinity of world principles that are recognized as the Subject (Man,) the Object having form (Earth,) and the Content (Heaven.) Every trigram has multiple sets of meanings, symbols, and connotations. These are arranged around the eight sides of the octagonal-shaped Pa Kua in two recognized sequences from which are derived a great deal of meanings that can be used very effectively by a feng shui practitioner.
In fact, extensive references are frequently made to the trigrams because their meanings offer valuable clues to the practitioner in that, not only do the trigrams each correspond to the cardinal points and compass directions, but they also represent one of the Elements. This is expressed either as a “soft” or a “dark” aspect, which possesses either a yin and yang connotation, and also stands for a specific member of the family. For yang homes (i.e. the dwellings of the living) the meaning derived from the trigram sequences offers valuable insights into how each of the directions can have far-reaching effects on the different aspects of luck for all the residents of a dwelling.
So the meanings of the trigrams as laid out in the Yang Pa Kua indicate that each direction symbolizes different luck. To strengthen the luck of the sectors, clever enhancement of the Element and its relevant sector is needed. See the list opposite.
South affects recognition luck. When enhanced brings honor, fame, and a good reputation. When afflicted, brings shame, disgrace, and at its worse could lead to imprisonment.
North stands for success at work. When enhanced, success comes easily. When afflicted, blocks and obstacles appear constantly that prevent success from happening.
East brings good fortune to the sons of the family and creates excellent descendants’ luck when properly activated.
Southeast brings growth, expansion, and wealth. When afflicted, causes financial loss and shrinkage of assets. Very sensitive to the physical activators placed here. When afflicted, sons suffer and family harmony is affected.
West brings good health; if afflicted, affects family’s women.
Southwest represents the luck of the matriarch. When afflicted, relationships suffer and marriage luck is curtailed. When strengthened, brings marriage happiness.
Northeast brings scholarly and literary luck. When activated this sector brings excellent luck.
Northwest affects the family patriarch and brings influence, patronage, and power to the residents. When afflicted, causes grievous harm to the family head.
20 – the eight directions and the family
Another dimension of Pa Kua feng shui analysis focuses on the eight trigrams and the luck associated with different family members: the father, mother, three sons, and three daughters.
The feng shui of any home should always include an investigation of sectors that represent important family members, such as the father and mother. You need to ensure that their trigram corners are not afflicted in any way and, if they are, take immediate remedial measures. Read the associations below and consider them carefully.
The father is in the northwest
In the northwest is the trigram Ch’ien, the most powerful and important of the eight trigrams, because it represents the father. The wellbeing, prosperity, and status of the household depend upon how auspicious this corner of the house is. It is very worthwhile to ensure that the northwest part of the home or the living room is not made inauspicious in any way, either due to the presence of toilets, sharp angular objects, wrong colors, or a lack of strong yang, or male, energy. Counter all these afflictions by dissolving or blocking everything that may be harmful here. When the northwest of any home is afflicted or is missing, it indicates a weak, or non-existent, patriarch. The whole family suffers, so place a bright light inside northwest toilets to counter the negative effect, and keep Metal-element energy strong by hanging windchimes and having a white color scheme.
Each of the eight directions on the Yang Pa Kua is associated with a member of the family. Check out the areas of your home that represent each person. Removing afflictions in these areas can help improve their luck.
The mother is in the southwest
In the southwest is the equally important trigram K’un, which is the archetype of the maternal, or mother earth. This corner trigram, represented by three broken yin lines, symbolizes nurturing and yielding. It has strong yin power and signifies relationships, marriage, and the wellbeing of the family. This corner also affects the luck of the women of the house, so it should really not be afflicted in anyway. Toilets here cause obstacles to marriage happiness for daughters. You can cure this affliction by painting the door a bright red on the outside, or place a tall plant inside the toilet. The matriarch of the family will suffer when the southwest is afflicted, so always make sure that you do something. When the southwest is protected in this way, all the most noble qualities of motherhood will be activated, bringing good fortune for the family.
The Eight Primary Trigrams
The eight trigrams have yin and yang properties. Note that Ch’ien, for the father, has three unbroken lines