Short course 1Short course 1Understanding theUnderstanding the

ElementsElements

Short course 1Short course 1Understanding theUnderstanding the

ElementsElementsBy Sherry MerchantBy Sherry Merchant

Understanding the elements

For those enthusiasts who want to scratch a bit deeper, this is a concise lesson in

Understanding the Elements, a very important aspect of all, that helps

one understand and appreciate the relationship between one Gua and another, as well as forms a basis for better understanding of Chinese Metaphysics.

There are two aspects:

1. Understanding what each Gua, trigram or number is all about

(study the article on “What Gua are you?” first)

2. Understanding how each Gua or trigram reacts to another.

(see the chart “Relationship Meter”)

The 8 Guas• There are 8 Guas

in all.• Each of the 8

Guas have an element that determines their character.

Yin wood

4

Yin fire9

Yin earth

2

Yang wood

3

5 earth

Yin metal

7

Yang earth

8

Yang water

1

Yang metal

6

The 5 Elements• There are 5

elements and two polarities.

• Based on their element & polarity each one has a quality of its own and behaves differently with another.

Yin wood

4

Yin fire9

Yin earth

2

Yang wood

3

5 earth

Yin metal

7

Yang earth

8

Yang water

1

Yang metal

6

The Three Cycles

The reactions referred to are based on the 3 cycles of

1. Production 2. Weakening3. Controlling.

WOOD

WATER METAL

EARTH

FIRE

Production Cycle• Earth produces metal

• Metal produces Water

• Water produces Wood

• Wood produces Fire

• Fire produces earth

WOOD

WATER METAL

EARTH

FIRE

Weakening Cycle• Earth weakens fire

• Metal weakens earth

• Water weakens metal

• Wood weakens water

• Fire weakens wood

Controlling Cycle• Earth controls water

• Metal controls wood

• Water controls fire

• Wood controls earth

• Fire controls metal

METALWATER

WOOD EARTH

FIRE

1. FriendWhen another Gua is the same element

as you, we see it as a friend.• 1 is a friend of 1 (water)• 2 is a friend of 2,5&8 (all are earth)• 3 is a friend of 3&4 (both are wood)• 6 is a friend of 6&7 (both are metal)• 9 is a friend of 9 (fire)

2. Produces YouThe element that produces you is good

for you. It nurtures you and gives you health and confidence.

• 6&7 metal produce 1 water• 9 fire produces 2,5&8 earth• 1 water produces 3&4 wood• 2,5&8 produce 6&7 metal• 3&4 produce 9 fire

3. Controls YouThe element that controls you is the

husband for a woman. It represents your focus and power.

• 2,5&8 earth controls 1 water• 3&4 wood control 2,5&8 earth• 6&7 control 3&4 wood• 9 fire controls 6&7 metal• 1 water controls 9 fire

4. You ControlThe element that you control is the wife

for a man. It represents your wealth and what is your grasp..

• 1 is a friend of 1 (water)• 2 is a friend of 2,5&8 (all are earth)• 3 is a friend of 3&4 (both are wood)• 6 is a friend of 6&7 (both are metal)• 9 is a friend of 9 (fire)

5. You ProduceThe element that you produce represents

ones output, speech, expression and talent. It is what one nurtures and looks after.

• 6 & 7 metal produces 1 (water)• 9 fire produces 2,5&8 (earth)• 1 water produces 3&4 (wood)• 2,5&8 earth produces 6&7 (metal)• 3&4 produce 9 (fire)

Summary of Relationships

GUA ELEMENT

Friend Produces you

Controls you

You Control

You produce

1 water 1 6,7 2,5,8 9 3,4

2,5,8 earth 2,5,8 9 3,4 1 6,7

3,4 wood 3,4 1 6,7 2,5,8 9

6,7 metal 6,7 2,5,8 9 3,4 1

9 fire 9 3,4 1 6,7 2,5,8

If you enjoyed this course and want some more…

This is just one little aspect of Feng Shui studies. This information forms a miniscule part of Mastery Academy’s power packed Feng Shui Module 1. If this interests you and you want more information there are many ways to obtain this:

Books;

Make sure you read accurate material. Remember, Confucious Say: Before you drink the water, you must know the source.

The safest bet is to read books by Joey Yap available on www.masteryacademy.com. Other books I have found reliable are by Eva Wong, published by Shambhala.

If you enjoyed this course and want some more…

2. Websites:

Log onto www.joeyyap.com and www.masteryacademy.com for more authentic reading material. The website is interactive and you can login as a member by registering online for free. You can then relate to what others have to say.

3. Courses: the Mastery Academy of Chinese Metaphysics is the Mecca of all types of Feng Shui learning, and you will find a host of different courses, online as well on their website. Chose from a range of teachers all over the world, or go for e-learning. Either way, you are assured of authentic and accurate material.

If you enjoyed this course and want some more…

4. Seminars:

Log onto www.joeyyap.com and www.masteryacademy.com for news on upcoming events and seminars. One day conferences, workshops etc all help a novice to gain valuable insight and easy to use knowledge. These events are designed to appeal to both beginners as well as practitioners.

5. The Mastery Journal: an e-zine that can be emailed to you regularly. Subscribe by going online to www.masteryjournal.com