Being that it is springtime and a time for renewal, the Feng Shui element of wood is the ideal place to begin a discussion of the elements. Of the five elements, wood is one of the most refreshing and easily adaptable solutions for one's home. It is associated with spring, new life, and the directions east and southeast. Wood is used frequently to break the direct flow of Qi into a soft and dispersed flow. So let's explore how to use wood to bring out the best this spring.

      What exactly is the wood element? Wood is living and breathing plants. It can also be the color of green. Can you use tables and chairs made of wood? Of course, but not for the Feng Shui remedy of wood. Wood is a unique element in that it purifies Qi. It redirects Qi. It slows down Qi. Living plants are unique in that they take impure air and freshen it with new oxygen. For those who celebrate Christmas, think about how fresh the house is when there is a tree in your living room. Wood is refreshing.

      First, you can use wood to enhance your environment. A beautiful ficus tree or perhaps a philodendron can be used to resolve several Feng Shui issues. The most common question in Feng Shui is what if I have a front door opposite a rear door? The answer would be to place a large bushy plant in the pathway between the doors to break up the direct flow of Qi.

      Another example of the effective utilization of wood is to use a large shrub or small tree to break up the effect of a sharp angle (Metal Sha) from a corner that points directly at you. In one case, a client placed a grove of trees to offset the corner angle of an apartment building that was pointing at his house. Another client inside placed a beautiful ficus tree at the corner of an interior wall that was pointing right at his bed. Use plants (wood) to soften this harsh projection of Qi.

      Plants are also a great remedy for odors in the house. Today many people recommend air purifiers. We know firsthand that these work well, yet we still prefer the traditional method of using plants and flowers to cleanse and provide a fragrant environment. Used in combination, you can't go wrong.

      Can you use the color as a solution in Feng Shui? Yes. The color green is warm and is a popular color in the '90's. Homes that have their sitting side (usually the rear of the home opposite the street) to the east or southeast can utilize the color green as an accent on their house trim. These homes are associated with the wood element and adding the color as the trim can assist the Feng Shui of the home. Using green highlights (such as green pillows or perhaps even drapes with some green tones) within a room that is in the east or southeast can also be beneficial.

      Remember that everything is to be in balance. Too much of anything is not good. When using the wood element in your home, create beauty, not a jungle environment. Do not decorate a room entirely in green. Use it to accentuate, not overpower. If over used, people who are associated with the earth element can have problems. There is beneficial earth Qi in certain areas that can provide prosperity, but if overpowered by the wood, they might not provide this prosperity. Remember balance. In proper proportion though, wood is always beneficial for providing good Qi in your home or office.

      Wood is nourished by water and wood is the source for strength in fire. So next time, we will focus on the Feng Shui element of fire (the summer element).

Images graciously provided by: Darroll Higginbotham & The Palm Farm