We have discussed the Elements of Fire and Water in previous issues. This month we concentrate on the Element of Wood or "Tree" as it is also called. There are five Elements in the application of the principles of Feng Shui. If all five are in balance within an environment we are able to feel the harmonious balance. When they are out of balance living in that environment can produce distress in some form. In Feng Shui we always speak in symbolic terms. In the case of Wood too much in an environment (room/office/house) can over-stimulate the ch'i (life force) resulting in too much Type A behavior, overcompensation and/or overwhelming activity. If there is not enough Wood in the room we may experience a lack of trust, under nourishment, depressed or stunted growth, skepticism, or an overly scientific approach to life.

The element of Wood represents the sense of vision and "seeing". To keep our perspective in "sight" the balancing of this element is essential. To bring this element into balance with the other four, Fire, Earth, Water and Metal, we need to make sure we are on the lookout for excess or lack and correct it with the following representations of the Wood element. Add or delete the following symbols depending on how Wood shows up in your environment:

• Wooden furniture, wood paneling, siding, decks, cabinets, bamboo, picture frames, carvings or images made from wood.
• Indoor and outdoor plants
• Art depicting landscapes, gardens, plants, flowers, carvings.
• Floral prints, draperies, linens, hemp, natural fiber, flax, rayon.

Wood is represented by the colors in the Green and Green/Blue spectrum. Columnar shapes, tree trunks, beams, pedestals, poles and stripes also depict it. Wood is found in so many representations of nature. It call to our attention the properties of growth and sturdy support.

Wood features the qualities of trust, openness, receptivity and progressive thought followed by action. It promotes expansion, growth, cooperation and renewal. It is nourished by Water and destroyed by Fire, hence the proper balance is important so Wood is nourished and not destroyed. Wood deals with the external life and its demonstration in form. It gives us the living and actual proof of that which we feed. Too little positive support (or thinking) and the "tree" withers. Too much unstructured emotion (Water) or anger (Fire) and it is destroyed.

Wood has a great deal of significance in other religious practices as well as in Feng Shui. The God Odin, according to in Nordic Lore, hung from a tree upside down and received the wisdom of the Runes. In Christianity, Jesus was crucified upon a cross made from wood. Early Egyptians carved their Gods from both wood and stone and today Indian tribes still use the totem poles as a visible tribute to their myths, legends and ancestors. The early explorers discovered new lands and gained new adventures while being transported in vessels made from wood. Wood was most likely the very first thing that mankind used to get from one place to another: Boats, bridges, swinging vines and ladders were all made from wood, as were dwelling places, meeting halls and sacrificial altars. We can easily see how Wood has been used to support the advancement of the human race.

Balance the Wood element in your own environment. Bless its sacred contribution to your life, nourish it properly and honor it by keeping it in balance with the Four others.

kac young is President of The Feng Shui Specialist Inc. Dr. kac young. For more info go to: www.fengshuispecialists.com. For consultation call: (805) 927-2222.