Wood Element Symbols

Wood Element Symbols

One of the ways you can work with the seasons and elements is by using feng shui symbols (or enhancements) in your surroundings. And why would you want to? Working with the elements helps to bring balance into your life; to bring forth certain qualities or to tone down any qualities that have been less than helpful. As an example, imagine three trees:

The first one is a healthy tree with abundant growth. It is well proportioned with a strong trunk and the leaves are a vibrant shade of green. It represents balanced Wood element energy.
The second tree has stunted growth. It has a strong trunk but it never seems to get any larger and it never blooms. It represents under-active Wood element energy.
The third tree has out of control growth. Although it looks like it is doing well at first glance, the roots and trunk are weak and can’t hold the weight of the tree. The branches are numerous but spindly where they are reaching too far to find the light and the growth is pale. It represents over-active Wood element energy.

We can have the same emotional states: healthy growth is when we are well balanced. Stunted growth can show up as resistance, fear, depression. It is a general inability to act - sometimes not even having the energy to dream. Out of control growth can manifest as scattered energy. The dreams are there but the roots and foundation are not in place to help them blossom. There may be too many dreams without a clear focus, or perhaps a certain staying power is lacking: just when the dream is about to mature some obstacle gets in the way halting all growth. Emotional states can, and often do overlap. Well thank goodness for that! It means we are strong and balanced in some respects but perhaps have under-active or over-active energy in certain situations or particular facets of life.

So we use the symbols of the elements as reminders of how to expend our energy. Out of control growth? Pull your energy back. Concentrate on the basics - a solid foundation and organization. A Zen-style garden might settle your energy more than an overflowing English cottage garden. For someone with under-active Wood energy, I would give the opposite advice. No minimalist Zen gardens for this person, which could represent control and stunted growth! I’d advise them to surround themselves with light and images of things coming to fruition.

As you can imagine, the strongest symbol for Wood element are plants and flowers which are symbols of growth: healthy green plants, potted trees, flowering plants and vases of flowers.

Some plants and flowers are considered better than others: the number one criteria to look for are healthy plants and flowers. Silk foliage and flowers are an alternative if the area you want to put the greenery in does not receive enough light to maintain a healthy plant. It is a better feng shui practice to use silk plants than to try to nurse sickly plants in the locations you want them, but you could also use fresh cut flowers in these locations and replace them as needed.

Other symbols that are really great to bring in Wood element energy are shapes that look like the trunk of a tree: tall rectangular shapes, long narrow stripes (wall paper or a long wall hanging - even a scarf hung on the wall), columns and tall lamps (especially uplights).

The colors for the Wood element are green for foliage of course, but also blue and purple are considered appropriate symbols for the Wood Element. The patterns we use in feng shui to represent the Wood element are stripes and floral patterns.

There is another level of symbols which will be uniquely personal to you and represent your own personal story. There is no “rule” that the only feng shui enhancements you can use in your home must be the ones from the traditional Chinese culture of feng shui and I believe that in feng shui “one size does not fit all”. I encourage you to find and use Wood element symbols which have personal meaning for you and fit where you are in your life right now. The trick with the all the elements is in: 1) figuring out where you are, 2) what your challenges are, and 3) to take a look at what you have in your surroundings. Are they helping to balance your energy or holding you in the status quo?

Copyright © Deborah Redfern. All rights reserved.

Healing Stones

diamond
Element Fire
Diamond is a stone of exceptional power and miraculous abilities. It is a king of gems, the strongest precious stone. Ancient Greeks named it "adamas", meaning invincible, indestructible. Diamond is usually colorless or exhibiting pale hues of yellow, brown, blue, grey, pink, green colors. Brightly colored Diamonds are unique; invariably they attract a lot of admiration, acquire individual names and detailed descriptions. If Diamond is properly faceted, it will sparkle with multi-colored rays of light. Famous Persian poet Hafiz remarked "the rainbow is confined in it forever".
Astrologists regard Diamond as a stone of Sun and Venus.

Talismans & amulets
Diamond is one of the amulets of motherhood. In antiquity Diamond was considered a symbol of purity and innocence. It also symbolized perfection, invincibility, force and authority. Diamond is capable to drive away fears and to protect the owner from negative influences. Diamond is an amulet that protects against fire, water, snakes, thieves, illnesses, predatory animals, sorcery, poison. Mary Stuart always had Diamond with her, believing it will help to identify a poison. Always having a piece of Diamond hardwired in one's clothes protects the owner from evil eye and evil spell.

Healing properties
Diamond strengthens all the energy centers of its wearer. In the East Diamond is used as heart tonifier. For this purpose it has to be placed for a night in a glass of water, and on the next day patient should drink this water in several steps. Since old times people believed Diamonds are miracle stones. It was believed, that a person carrying Diamonds will not be bothered by stomach aches. Moreover, neither poison nor memory loss will affect him. A variety of surprising healing properties were attributed to Diamonds. Ancient Hindus considered that "vibrations" of a Diamond stone render positive influence on various organs of the body, in particular on heart and brain. It was also believed, that Diamonds protect the owner from illnesses, drive away bad dreams, fight severe depressions, prevent apoplexy and formation of /calculi/. Furthermore, Diamond reduces fever, fights infections, helps with skin diseases, reduces physical tiredness and invigorates metabolism. The ring with Diamond helps at delivery at birth. The Green Diamonds, especially helpful for the latter, are considered a symbol of motherhood.

Magical properties
Since ancient times Diamond was believed to exert favourable influence on its owner. It was said that the stone provides strength, courage and invincibility in fights. Diamond always was considered a stone of winner; it was the talisman of Julius Caesar, Louis IV and Napoleon. Diamond makes the person invincible, preserves against sorcery, reflects negative energy back to its sender, helps to keep the mind clear and focused and strengthens abstract thinking. Magical properties of Diamond depend on its quality: stones with defects and cracks are considered dangerous and even fateful. The mount should not prevent Diamond from touching the skin, otherwise its magical properties will disappear. For stronger influence it is recommended to wear Diamond on the left hand and on the neck.

Chakras
Chakra Seven: Sahasrara
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tourmaline
Element Air
Tourmaline is available in a wide variety of colors: from black to bluish-black, dark brown, yellow, medium brown, blue to neon blue, lime to dark forest-green, red and reddish purple, yellow, pink, and even colourless. Some Tourmaline varieties even change their colors when brought from the daylight into a room with artificial lighting. Green and pink are two most common tourmaline hues.


Talismans & amulets
As amulets, Tourmalines of all kinds help to preserve youthfulness and strengthen marriages. Tourmaline promotes safe procreation and grant potency to men.


Healing properties
Tourmalines of any color have positive influence on endocrine and nervous systems. They eliminate fears, sharpen attentiveness to other people's feelings and needs.


Magical properties
Red Tourmaline possesses the most powerful magical force, as it brings happiness in love to men, boosts their energy and strengthens their potency. Crimson Tourmaline is a talisman for artists, as it activates their creative power. Green Tourmaline absorbs excessive energy, calms nervous system. A Multi-colour Tourmaline - red with green - is the stone of creative and erotic impulses which preserves youthful vigour.


Chakras
Black Tourmaline - Chakra Three: Manipura, Chakra Two: Svadhisthana; red Tourmaline - Chakra One: Muladhara; green Tourmaline - Chakra Four: Anahata; blue Tourmaline - Chakra Six: Ajna, Chakra Five: Vissuddha













opal
Element Water
Opal is a stone of sympathy and compassion, pure thoughts and confidence. It is the most unpredictable stone, a symbol of ever-changing fortune. The name "opal" originated from Sanskrit «upala» which means "jewel". Colors of Opal are very diverse (almost all colors of the spectrum). There are more then 100 color varieties of Opal. When submerged in water, some varieties of Opal become semitransparent. The Opals are known to humanity at least since 250 B.C. An opal stone was inserted into a crown of Roman emperor Constantine who claimed that this stone shines in darkness, and believed it protects imperial authority, and his life. In his numerous stories about Opal he mentioned one miracle property of this stone which will allow the wearer to become invisible. Naturally, opal became the talisman of thieves. Some people thought Opal is a stone of "vain hope" while others believed that Opal's sparkles clarify mind, give pure thoughts and drive fears away. In the East Opal was considered the stone of faith and love, in Europe it was a symbol of hope and happiness. According to Delphian oracle, Opal is a symbol inconstancy, typical in beautiful women. Shakespeare also shared this opinion. Astrologists consider Opal a stone of the Moon.

Talismans & amulets
Opal talisman boosts foresight. According to some legends Opal's wearer can telepathically influence other people - if not for his own profit. As a talisman, Opal is supposed to be worn on the right index finger, gold-mounted. As an amulet, Opal works best when in trinket. White Opal helps musicians and composers. Fiery Opal protects from natural disasters. Black Opal is a stone of Scorpio.

Healing properties
It was believed that water, fire and heat are enclosed in Opal so it is a remedy for many diseases. Opal helps against heart diseases, calms nerves, guards against melancholy, restores visual acuity, normalizes functioning of epiphysis and hypophysis.

Magical properties
It is a stone of deceptive hopes and illusions, secret passions, superstitions, the favourite stone of magicians and alchemists. Opals intensify intuition and promote inspiration. Opals help recollect the past lives. Magical properties are related to the color of stone and since Opal's colors are very diverse so are its magical properties. For example, on one hand Opal as a stone of sympathy and compassion is a protector of Nurses and Doctors, on the other hand it is a stone of thieves; it can clarify spirit and thoughts and also can induce its wearer to foolish actions. People with instable character would better avoid wearing Opal. To increase Opal's magical properties it should be mounted in gold or silver. Opal reaches its maximum power in October.

Chakras
All chakras
http://www.jewels-empire.com/Opal_info.html













Agate is a symbol of health, prosperity and longevity.
It is a striped variety of chalcedony with different layers exhibiting different tints. Agates have very diverse appearances and do not resemble each other. There are more then 150 varieties of Agate. This stone is named after the river Ahates (now river Dirillo) on the island of Sicily. The agate has been found and extracted there from ancient times. Usually Agate was used to make cameos. The Eye Agate was used as inserts in statues as well as for manufacturing talismans and amulets to protect against "evil eye", "bedevilling", sorcery, etc. Some call Agate “The Twelfth Anniversary Gift” as by the twelfth year of family life a married couple supposedly knows already all the shades, nuances and stripes of coexistence. Astrologists consider Agate as a stone of Mercury, Venus, Moon and Saturn.

Talismans & amulets
As a talisman Agate is used to promote courage and self-confidence it also promotes longevity. As an amulet Agate guards against sorcerers and vampires, shields from alcoholic, smoking and drug addictions, strengthen the memory, drives away depressing thoughts and nightmares. Placing an Agate under your pillow will grant you happy dreams. Black Agate is man's talisman. Ring with the black Agate makes the wearer irresistible in woman's opinion and also increases his sexual energy. Light Agates since old days are considered woman's protectors.

Healing properties
In the Middle Age healers recommended to wear Agate beads to those suffering from chronic cough, throat and dental diseases. To strengthen the stone's healing power, requests about health were engraved on the surface of Agate balls; Agate cameos with symbolic picture of disease were also popular (for example, woman with a loose hair symbolized migraine), as it was believed this will drive away the illness. According to an ancient superstition, grinding Agate in water gives strong medicinal properties to water. This water can be used to heal wounds, as well as stings / bites of snakes or animals. Agate strengthens sight, settles digestion, protects from kidney diseases, improves hearing and guards against dehydration and skin diseases. Black Agate has positive influence on intestines, especially on the large intestine, improves a condition of blood and lymphatic system.

Magical properties
Ancient Greeks believed that Agate amulet confers to the wearer prudence and guards him against dark thoughts and unrequited love. In the Ancient Rome Agate was devoted to Goddess of fertility and it was considered the stone of farmers and gardeners. It was believed that placing the Agate balls along the garden fence will protect the plants from adverse weather conditions. Pliny the Elder affirmed that Agate helps athletes to win, as it confers to them serenity, courage and power and also suppresses excessive anger. It was also believed that Agate has an ability to give to the wearer eloquence, attraction, convincingness in speeches and self-confidence. Black Agate protects from danger, gives power against forces of darkness, and brings emotions into equilibrium.

Chakras
Depends on its color, Agate may be used on any charka.
http://www.jewels-empire.com/Agate_info.html

Lucky Bamboo: Fu Gwey Zhu

Lucky bamboo meaning plays an important role as a living example of the feng shui elements of water, wood and earth.

History of Lucky Bamboo
When you place this plant in the correct pot, it introduces fire and metal to complete a balance of the five elements. This plant is one of the most recognizable feng shui cures. Its popularity is two-fold. The plant is elegant and simplistic in care requirements and it can survive in any kind of light.

Feng shui principles suggest using bamboo to attract vibrant fresh chi. Because the bamboo is a strong plant, it helps to energize your home.

http://feng-shui.lovetoknow.com/Lucky_Bamboo_Meaning

Lucky Bamboo: Fu Gwey Zhu
In Chinese, lucky bamboo is known as Fu Gwey Zhu.

Fu - Luck and fortune
Gwey - Power and honor
Zhu - Bamboo
Bamboo Symbolism
Bamboo has long been the Chinese symbol for strength. Many admire the bamboo's qualities of fast-growth and resilience.

Lucky Bamboo As a Gift
Many people give this kind of plant for a housewarming gift, birthdays, anniversaries, grand openings, awards, and other occasions. Having someone give you one increases the amount of luck the plant attracts to you.

Lucky Bamboo Meaning: Number of Stalks
Much of the luck that is associated with bamboo comes from the number of stalks bunched together or woven together into an arrangement. The number of stalks determines the kinds of energy the plant attracts into your home and life. The more stalks in the planter, the greater the blessing of good fortune and luck.

Lucky Log
This is a certain kind of bamboo that looks like a log with no roots. You'll want to place one end in water so it can grow leaves and continuously produce new leaves. Lucky log bamboo is symbolic of a strong life that's filled with prosperity. This plant is a favorite for businesses to give as gifts, especially to other companies since it promises to keep the business growing. Some varieties produce fragrant white flowers in addition to the healthy green leaves.

Two Bamboo Stalks
People often send two stalks of bamboo as an expression of love. This number also is said to double your luck.

Three Bamboo Stalks
The plant of three bamboo stalks is one of the most favorite number combinations to have in your home. It brings three kinds of luck to you:

Happiness - Fu
Long Life - Soh
Wealth - Lu
Especially career-related income such as a promotion
Four Bamboo Stalks
In the Chinese language, the word used as four sounds very similar to the word used for death. The number four has the same kind of connotation and draws sha (negative) energy. You'll never find a four-stalked bamboo plant in the Chinese culture; much less ever give one for a gift. To do so is extremely rude and would be interpreted that you're giving the recipient a death wish.
Five Bamboo Stalks
With this number there's one stalk for every area of your life that can bring you wealth. The overall energy attracted to a five bamboo stalk plant is one of health which is needed to benefit from any of the five areas of your life. You'll want to have a healthy career, healthy relationships, etc. The five-stalk bamboo reinforces each of the five areas of your life that can influence the level of wealth for each area.

Five Areas of Life:
Spiritual
Mental
Emotional
Physical
Intuitive
Six Bamboo Stalks
Six in the Chinese language also sounds like the word luck. Six stalks of bamboo attracts prosperity and advantages to achieve greater wealth.

Seven Bamboo Stalks
Seven stalks of bamboo bestows good health to you.

Eight Bamboo Stalks
Once more the Chinese language plays a big part in this number's law of attraction. Eight sounds like the word used for grow or thrive. Eight stalks also improves fertility.

Nine Bamboo Stalks
This is the symbol for good luck and bestows great luck to whoever receives a nine stalk plant.

Ten Bamboo Stalks
If you have a ten-stalk bamboo arrangement then the wish for you is to feel complete and complacent. The hope is that you find your life to be perfect. The sender want you to have everything in life just as you envision and desire.

Twenty-One Bamboo Stalks
If someone has gifted you with a plant with this number of bamboo stalks, then the well wishes for you and your family are being delivered in a very powerful overall blessing for great wealth and enduring health.