Human nature is like water. It takes the shape of its container – Wallace Stevens. In Feng Shui, Water is the word for Shui and is seen as a yin energy that flows, representing emotion, wisdom and offering life and often needing to be contained. Within a positive partnership, Water needs Wood to grow and Water is created from Metal. In a negative partnership, Water puts out Fire and Earth drains Water. While this is the general cycle, there are times where you may wish to weaken the Fire or Earth elements in your space. Let’s check out the Bagua map to see where to manage this key element.
But Where Do I Use Water?
The first ideal place is in the Career and Life Path sector. Water is a great element for the flow of energy to your career but check out what room is located there. You can also see that the aligning colour is black and shades of dark charcoal. If you look further at the Bagua, you can see that the colours of the Wood sector -green and Metal – white and grey, can offer a chic look with white. However, it is not recommended to encourage Water in the Fire or Earth sectors – Water would douse the Fame and Reputation area and muddy the Relationship corner.
In Berlin, we had our bathroom in this area. Bathrooms are normally considered a drain on the energy of each sector unless it is in a Water sector. That being said, we used heavy stone tiles to ensure that there wasn’t too much Water. The idea is that balancing with ceramics and stone, grounds excessive Water. We added elements of Metal and avoided any Fire or Wood elements. Small mirrors where placed next to the toilet and other areas in the bathroom, to counter the drainage of career and money ‘going down the drain’. Check out a previous post on how to Feng Shui the bathroom https://interiorharmonyblog.com/2018/12/17/feng-shui-the-bathroom/
In the Wood sectors, you can use the Water element as it encourages growth but as always, balance is key. We had a kitchen in a Wood sector so it is important to check the placement of the oven which represents the Fire element and also the sink which may add too much Water. Yes, it can be a little complicated but check out other posts that help you with this. In the Metal sectors, Water is a partner element and it can help these areas to flow.
Mirrors and Glass
Both of these represent water and it is common sense not to have too many mirrors in a room. Mirrors reflect what is opposite and double what can be seen there so be careful where you place them. Glass needs to be contained and Feng Shui seeks to avoid glass tables unless contained within strong metal bonds. Glass shelves ideally should have rims to avoid the ‘cutting’ effect.
Fountains
Fountains are a popular recommended ‘cure’ but need to be carefully chosen. Choose gentle flowing water and rounded shapes, avoid having a light under it as this represents Fire which drains water. Make sure the water is cleaned regularly and doesn’t sit in the bowl but moves. Avoid placing one in the bedroom as it is said to add too much emotion and also the bathroom as it adds to the already dominant Water element. A key note to remember, water is seen to give life and energy flow but it can also unbalance.
