In Feng Shui, the Earth element can be both the bad guy and the good guy.
It is at the center of the eight trigrams and is in the opposing directions
of Southwest and Northeast. Looking at the Post-Heaven Trigram, it is also
in the Center. Its colors are earth tones, yellows, or tans. This elemental
qi is responsible for wealth and money. But watch out for it can also be
responsible for delays, illnesses or accidents.
The earth element is unique in that, during this time period, it is not
used too frequently to correct other elemental qi. Rather, it is typically
the recipient the correction. This may sound confusing, but really it is
very simple. After a careful Feng Shui analysis, the practitioner maps out
the qi within a building. In certain areas there might be Earth qi. This qi
can be favorable or unfavorable, depending on the corresponding trigram. If
there is qi present from either Kun (the Southwest Trigram represented by
the number 2) or the center trigram (which has no trigram but is represented
by the number 5) then it can be considered unfavorable. This earth energy
can create delays or even sickness. This is usually remedied by metal.
When talking about the trigrams, we mention the directions such as
Southwest, but this is not always where it is found. Feng Shui is based on
the I-Ching, or "book of change" which states that all things cycle and
change. Nothing is fixed. So do not consider that you will always find Kun
qi in only the Southwest. That is its home, but it is not always where it is
found. The same is true of Ken. Northeast is its home, but it too can be
found in different places in different houses.
If the qi that is mapped out results in the Ken trigram (Northeast and
represented by the number 8) then it is very favorable for money. Even
generally speaking, in the Chinese culture, 8 is related to money and is a
sought after number. This is folklore and not necessarily Feng Shui, but
they still prefer to have an 8 in their address or license plate. Because
earth is strengthened by fire, there are times that the fire element is used
to enhance the potential for strong income.
If the earth element is needed itself as a remedy, then possible ways of
utilizing this earth element are through the use of terracotta pots, adobe
sculptures, ceramics, or even actual rocks (if they fit into the environment
that you are trying to create.) To give you some examples, should you need
earth in your entry, then perhaps a nice ceramic statue would work. You
might also use some large adobe pots with beautiful flowers growing in them.
There are a lot of creative ideas on how to use the earth element.
Earth can also be used to "ground" the fire element. Electricity can be
considered fire in the cycle of elements. If you should have an electrical
transformer box in your yard, consider putting some decorative stones
between the house and the electrical box. Place them naturally and do not
put too many either. Be sure to check with your electric company first to
ensure that you do not create a problem for them, such as their access to
the box, infringing on their property rights etc. Remember too that anything
you do should look natural and beautiful. Do not create a "sha" or unsightly
influence.
The earth element is the heart of the trigrams. It is both desired and
unfavorable. Many people do not think of the earth element as being
attractive, but choosing carefully, you can find very attractive earth
solutions. Even jade is an earth remedy. If you are working a lot at the
computer, consider putting a small jade statue on the desk between the power
supply and yourself. Remember too that all Feng Shui solutions need to be
carefully analyzed to ensure that you are placing them in the correct area.
