West Meets East©

By Caroline Patrick


Five Elements and Nine Energies of Feng Shui Art

Color is energy. Each color contains a unique vibration of Chi. The Chinese, along with other cultures, use color in many ways. Certain colors are associated with birth, death, healing, in artwork and nature. The Chinese culture has long used color for each of the Five Element Essences. Water, Wood, Fire, Earth and Metal correspond to aspects on the Bagua or Compass used in Feng Shui. There are nine aspects to the Bagua, or eight-sided octagonal shaped template. Using artwork with certain predominant colors can activate any space and is a powerful way to enhance the energies of the section or area of the house, business, church, temple or city building. The change is immediate. Color transforms the room with either the correct image to match the floor plan or “destroys” the flow with a destructive force. Example: don’t place a painting depicting Water in the center of a home or workplace. The center of a building or house contains the Earth Element and reflects the health of the family or workers. Water erodes Earth!

Below are descriptions I used to identify nine pictures I painted using the colors and energy of all nine aspects. These pictures were published in Architectural Plus, a Mid-Eastern magazine publication. They had come across my website, www.fengshuiartistry.com, and were fascinated by the Feng Shui Art. From the descriptions you can image what types of paintings are used in each Gua or section of a building to correct or enhance as space. Please go to the site and look at the Bagua Art Wheel for a deeper visual understanding.

CAREER / JOB OPPORTUNITIES (water painting), painting title: THE CROSSING. An image using the colors of black, dark blue or dark gray of the Water Element will encourage the flow of Chi into the doorway, inviting money toward your life. Place near the entry to your home or business to active job opportunities.

KNOWLEDGE / WISDOM, title: THE GUIDE (mystical portrait), colors blue/green. I painted this unknown image one day starting with the eyes, not knowing where this watercolor image was taking me. I felt ancient wisdom merging throughout my body as the wise woman reveled herself with each brush stroke. Use artwork in this area symbolizing knowledge. A picture of any deity or person you consider inspiring. Place a blue book on a bookshelf under this picture to complete the balance. Known as the Mountain Gua.

FAMILY AND HEALTH, title: TREE OF LIFE (tree with illuminating color). Predominate color green Wood Gua, with some yellow to indicate health of the family, subject lush trees and forest to insure the stability of the family and the flexibility of the unit as the leaves and limbs bend in the wind.

WEALTH / PROSPERITY, title: ABUNDANCE (lilacs and jewelry). Use colors of purple or blue and red to insure abundance in your present and future. Lush flowers, coins, fish and water features are all good choices. Easy Wind and Sky bring abundance. Watch out for storm-related images forcing and blowing money the wrong direction or huge massive water falls pressuring money down the drain. Nice flowing calm water is best.

FAME / REPUTATION, title: THE AWAKENING (poppies). Red dominates the wall in wild explosive Fire action as Chi or energy bursts into the room. This painting has been a favorite of my clients. I haven’t been able to part with this picture as it is me. Creating this large painting for a Napa Valley Expo Gardening Show was my pleasure as it demanded passersby to enter my booth. Using red or featuring animals in this area of the Bagua can assure you attention in the business world.

PARTNERSHIP / RELATIONSHIP, title: CIRCLE OF LIFE (Chinese Zodiac). This also remains in my collection as a reminder of the energies of the Chinese Zodiac assimilated into a perfect relationship, whether in a marriage or business venture. Pink is the dominate color of love or a mixture or reds and whites can stimulate romance. Use pictures in the bedroom with a romantic theme. This painting can also be used for any space where communication is needed, such as an office or board room. Female Gua.

CHILDREN AND CREATIVITY, title: BUDDIES (Two children, a friend and her brother from long ago). Fun and hobbies are the purpose of this space. White is the color used to indicate a Metal Gua. I use this room or side of a structure for the studio, play room or office kitchen, where happy pictures smile down on the occupants in a playful manner.

HELPFUL PEOPLE AND TRAVEL, title: THE GUARDIANS (Angels help). This is the Gua where things happen. An overlooked section in my opinion which the color gray mixes business and pleasure. Using a spiritual image for symbolizing help from the other side or maybe a painting of a far-off place you have been or plan to visit. Heaven Gua.

HEALTH / CENTER / OR THE TAI CHI, title: WALKING PATH (Hawaiian path). I have spent many hours walking on this land, grounding me to the Earth. Using colors of yellow changes the vibration of any space with a health producing effect. You can also use oranges and tans with subject’s square pottery to bring harmony into this Gua, or the Tai Chi Center of the Bagua.

SOS: I will be in Benicia, CA May 1st-9th for teaching, speaking and consultations. Seats are limited for a free talk at The Faerytale on First St., May 1st 6:30 to 9pm. Call for reservations or book mini-cons on May 2nd, 707-745-2024. Call me 360-424-1501 for on-site consultations or questions before April 29th. My new cell phone will be on in Benicia: 360-420-5096.

Caroline lives in the Northwest Region of the US, called The Puget Sound in Washington State. She is a Feng Shui Practitioner, writer, author and artist. She gives workshops in Feng Shui, Elements of Art, private mentoring for serious students, lectures and writes for newspapers. She combines teaching and traveling to other locations, here and abroad. Her 2007 schedule includes workshop and classes in the Northwest, Southwest, Midwest and Alaska. She is available speaking, teaching and consultations.

Please consult your physician for physical problems as this article only gives ideas and suggestions. Caroline is not responsible for anyone using these suggestions as information in treating the body, home, business, land and or properties.

Caroline Patrick Caroline's Feng Shui Concepts Mt. Vernon, WA 360-424-1501

caroline@fengshuiartistry.com www.fengshuiartistry.com www.moongateschool.com