Mother Nature is a wise teacher. She is flexible and loving and through her actions shows us the beauty of going with the flow of life.
Outwardly, it may appear that there is reckless abandon, but an order of universal intelligence lies at her core. The basis of feng shui is to harmonize with nature by reverently and respectfully tapping into that universal intelligence.
Merging taoism, astronomy, alchemy, astrology and shamanism, feng shui is the system of living in harmony with the natural elements and forces of nature. It is about the flow of energy (chi) and how it affects the human energy field.
The literal translation for feng shui is wind and water. In order for all living things to survive, air (wind) and water are crucial. Envision the movement of chi like wind and water over your landscape and how the blending of these qualities correlates to the rhythms of nature. With every changing season, new energy is brought in.
Metal: The Element of Autumn
In feng shui, the world is defined by the following five elements: wood, fire, earth, metal and water. Each element has its own characteristics and can be described in terms of season, direction, color, and shape.
Metal is the element that is associated with autumn. During this time cooler weather comes in and vegetation starts to wane and withdraw in preparation for winter. Concurrently, humans do the same thing as we modify our wardrobe, eat different foods, and get ourselves ready for shorter days and longer nights.
Coming away from the fire of summer, a very active (yang) time of year, we begin the transition into a more relaxed (yin) environment through the cyclical contraction of metal.
The direction associated with metal is west, where the sun sets and daylight ends. It is a time of letting go. Just as trees begin to shed their leaves; we can de-clutter and discard the things that no longer serve us. Clutter in the home equates to clutter in the mind, and having stagnant chi causes stagnation in our lives. Associated with order and clarity, now is the time to pay attention to detail and really take inventory of our lives to see what areas need change.
Metal is represented by anything shiny or metallic and is expressed through the colors of white, gray, or silver. Round in shape, metal energetically symbolizes completion or endings as things come full circle.
Along with spring, autumn represents a significant cycle change in nature. It is a time to release any unwanted items, behaviors, or thoughts, allowing us to concentrate, get creative and achieve new goals.
Trust and follow the rhythms of nature. Drawing on metal energy, tune into feng shui’s elemental cycle and use this period of transition to get focused and clear out any clutter that is in your mind and your life. Learn to simplify. Letting go of the old only opens the space for the new.
Susan Tartaglino is a Red Ribbon Professional member of the International Feng Shui Guild.
Susan trained with feng shui master Nancilee Wydra, founder of the Pyramid School of Feng Shui, and received her certification through the Feng Shui Institute of America, an international organization founded under the Pyramid School philosophy.
During her residency in Hong Kong in the 1980’s, Susan was first introduced to the concepts of feng shui when she randomly came upon a book by the pioneering author, Sarah Rossbach. After discovering how influenced people were by their physical environments, Susan was instantly intrigued and eager to learn more about person-place connections. Becoming a feng shui practitioner was the perfect path for Susan to share her enthusiasm and embrace the power of feng shui to positively affect people’s lives.
Susan has combined her years of feng shui study with her passion for interior and exterior design to help others achieve balance, comfort and inspiration in their environment and in their life. Other interests include a dedicated yoga practice and spending healing time with nature in her garden.