Feng Shui Friday: Metal

Octagon graphic, Bartett Designs
Every week I take a break from romance/erotic fiction writing and explore simple tricks to bring positive energy to YOUR writing...and life!

Last week I talked about The Earth Element in feng shui. Continuing on with the rest of the five feng shui elements, this week I'll be covering...

Metal Element in Feng Shui

graphic courtesy Stock Xchg
Metal. Strong, beautiful, conducts energy. Metal is not one of the typical elements found in other schools of thought (air/fire/water/earth), but it was so named by the Chinese in feng shui because of its value and importance to life giving "chi."

What Does Metal Do In Feng Shui?

Metal is responsible vital facets of existence:

1. Intellectual pursuits

Metal acts as a thought "conduit," if you will, channeling and focusing one's brain energy on tasks and such. Have trouble focusing or problem solving? Take a look at the use of Metal in your home.

2. Connects energy

Just like wiring conducting energy to carry sound or electricity, Metal in the home acts as a wiring network that connects all the household energies to the feng shui zones. Keeping this element in balance is important to ensure this process is optimal.

3. Attracts Wealth

Of course, considering many precious metals are fashioned into expensive jewelry and metal is turned into coin money, this is not surprising.

2. Conveys strength and protection

Metal doors, armor, weapons...more than any other element we think of metals as a way to protect our homes and persons.


Metal is the natural element of the Children/Creativity zone in feng shui.

What Kind of Metal?

Any natural metals are useful--wrought iron, copper, and steel are common in household use. Of course silver, gold, and precious metals as well.

Image Courtesy of Stock Xchg

What Items Can Be Used to Represent Metal?

Try any of the following that are practical and appeal to you:

1.Coins
2.Metal windchimes
3.Metal based candlesticks
4.Metal sculptures
5.Circle or spherical shapes
6.Colors like Gray and White

Any of these can be utilized in Feng Shui design to bring the Metal element theme into play, especially useful in the Creativity area.

Fixing "Metal" Problems

1. Don't Overdo. Too much metal is cold in a space, and can produce too much "sharp" energy. Think of lightning into a large metal conductor. If you have a lot of metal furnishings, lamp poles, etc., balance this by including a strong showing of other feng shui elements.
2. Avoid Sharp Edges.
Not only is this a safety issue, it subconsciously creates a feeling of ill ease in the home, "tiptoeing" to avoid disaster.
3. Avoid Metal in the Family Area. This can cause detriment, "sharp" and "cold" relations, even break family ties (metal cuts wood). Also, avoid placing Fire elements in Metal's natural area in the home. Fire melts Metal, nullifying its effects.
3. Beware of Candleholders as Metal Ambassadors. Again, Fire melts Metal, so either display metal candlesticks without a candle in them (lit or not), or don't use them in your decorating. An exception would be a grouping that contains all five elements, creating a harmonious balance.

Do I Have Too Much Metal?

If you decorate in modern style, possibly. Look for metal frames, table legs, furnishings, candleholders, decor, etc. If it's overdone, no need to hire a decorator and redo the whole house. Simply seek to create a harmonious balance between all the elements, removing metal decor where possible, or softening with colors/shapes/representations of other elements, etc.

Have fun exploring the ways this element can enhance your chi!


~~~~~
Romance writer duties call!! I hope you've enjoyed Feng Shui Friday. Have a tip or dilemma to share? Please post in the comments! Until next time, may you find the magic within that brings positive metal chi your way!