There is no better example of the metal and water relationship than big cities with harbours. Think of Manhattan, Sydney, Hong Kong, Singapore and others. They shout glamour, style, action, business and then the alternative of water whispers, boats, the sea and calm. There is a reason why these cities draw tourists and habitants from all over the world. It is an attractive combination and perfect photo opportunity for most people. Feng Shui practitioners understand why.
The Metal Element
This element is the key one for the sectors of Creativity and Children, Helpful People and Travel. Metal is all about honesty, communication, precision, clarity and authority. In the Chi cycle, Metal has come from the combination of Fire and Wood and the result is the Earth of ash. Metal is also represented by the colours, grey and white which is also a Western symbol for purity, honesty and cleanliness. It can be seen in the high rise city buildings representing modern wealth and power. Not for the faint-hearted. I love a big city with the lights glowing and a sense of being alive but these days, prefer to be on the periphery with access to the pulse. Friends of ours prefer mountains, trees and the country. I love greenery for a weekend and then feel my feet heading back towards downtown streets.
The Water Element
In the Bagua map, this element is key for the sectors of Life Path and Career and Knowledge and Wisdom. Water is about movement, growth and emotion. Allowing a gentle flow of Chi rather than a huge rush of water. Shades of blue and black represent the Water element. There is a reason why many of us find the sea, a lake, a river, calling us to sit besides or jump into. It is a metaphysical rush of cleanliness and gentleness. Surfers say it is their heaven or nirvana and that they feel at one with the water, waves and the ocean.
The Marriage
Metal is said to become Water in the Bagua cycle and it is a productive partnership. It is why Feng Shui practice is fanatical about managing bathrooms and drains, the water is draining away, meaning money! Don’t forget the basics of covering drains, keeping the water unblocked, making sure pipes smell clean and so on. Metal can also be represented in picture frames, wind chimes, pots and utensils. Water is all about the flow, not the rush. Art work should depict water that has activity but not a huge wave or crashing waterfall. This has been mentioned in other posts; be careful with putting fountains everywhere even in the correct sectors. Too much water can present too much emotion as well. It is all about balance and the combination of clarity and a harmonious flow for internal harmony.
