What is my Feng Shui Element? Using Your Birthday to Determine Yours

Can using the right colors and elements for your home decor make a difference in your life? The philosophy behind feng shui is that implementing your feng shui element in your decor can bring a sense of harmony. You may be thinking, “What is my feng shui element?” We’ll explore what the different elements mean and how to use your birthdate to determine yours.

These elements not only provide a great fashion statement and lesson in interior design. Often, they provide a unique insight into the various personality types and what nourishes them. It’s important to examine and incorporate all elements of fengshuiin order to achieve the full benefit of this practice.

What Is My Feng Shui Element?

Your feng shui element is based upon your birthday and centers around the Chinese calendar, which does not go from January to January like the Western calendar. Instead, the Chinese calendar is based on the orbit of the moon. It can be tricky, but by following these steps, we’ll guide you to finding your feng shui element.

Calculating Your Birth Element for Men

1. If you were born between January 1 and February 15, subtract 1 from your birth year. (This is because the Chinese calendar does not run from January to January.)
2. Sum the digits of your birth year until it reaches a single digit. (For example, 1971 would be 1+9+7+1. This equals 18. Then sum it again as 1+8, which equals 9.)
3. Subtract this number from 11. (In our example, 11-9 equals 2) That number is called the trigram number. This number will be used to determine your birth element.
4. If for some reason your number is a 5, then your final number is actually a 2.

Calculating the Birth Element for Women

1. If you were born between January 1 and February 15, subtract 1 from your birth year. (This is because the Chinese calendar does not run from January to January)
2. Sum the digits of your birth year until it reaches a single digit.
3. If your result is 5 then your number is actually 8.

Now you are one step closer to answering the question “What Is My Feng Shui Element?”

What the Trigram Numbers Mean

If Your Number Is 1, Water Is Your Element

Those with this element tend to be both flexible and focused. Many are artistic and deep thinkers who are prone to worry a lot. The best location for sleeping is north, while your personal best direction is the southeast.

If Your Number Is 2 or 8, Earth Is Your Element

Natural leaders and strong caregivers, those with this element sleep best in the west location, while their personal best direction is northeast. If you are an 8, then you may be stubborn sometimes, but you are usually very youthful.

If Your Number Is 3 or 4, Wood Is Your Element

Those with wood as their birth element can have sudden outbursts but are typically very even-tempered. They will have difficulty at a job where they have to sit still for long periods of time, such as working at a computer or in an office. These insightful, driven people may change their mind suddenly and often. These are typically the artistic and creative types.

If Your Number Is 6 or 7, Metal Is Your Element

These are natural born leaders and authority figures. If your number is 7, then you are probably very artistic and creative.

If Your Number Is 9, Fire Is Your Element

This means you are very active and passionate, although you can be hot-tempered.

Now you have your answer to “What is my Feng Shui element?”

What Are the Feng Shui Elements and What Do They Mean?

The elements are wood, earth, fire, water, and metal.

Wood

If you’re wondering, “What is my Feng Shui element?” and you discover that your element is wood, then we have some decorating tips for you. The east and southeast corners are ruled by the wood element, and therefore, wood décor objects are a perfect choice to enhance your natural environment. Some examples include wooden furniture or displays. Because water nourishes wood, water is seen as a complementary element to wood. Therefore, you may wish to include such items as an aquarium or Zen water fountain.

Tips to Keep in Mind:

• The best colors for you to use are green and brown as well as the water element colors of blue and black
• Emphasize plants or any décor that utilizes illustrations of green forests or meadows
• Mirrors are also a great plus
• Avoid any colors associated with the Feng Shui element of fire like orange, red, yellow or pink
• Avoid pictures or art that feature sunrises or sunsets

Water

If you’re wondering, “What is my Feng Shui element?” and the information above reveals that it is water, there are several things you should take into consideration. The water element rules the north area of your house. If this is your personal power element, you may decide to live near water in order to enhance it. A fish aquarium or fountain would be perfect decorating features for this element. Those with the water element love being around water. Whether swimming or resting beside a peaceful lake, water brings a sense of serenity to their lives.

Tips to Keep in Mind:

• Your best décor colors are white, gray, blue and black
• Do not use earth tones or sandy colors
• Utilize fountains and other water features such as paintings of the ocean, fountains or mirrors
• Avoid using too many crystals or earthenware

Fire

This element rules the southern end of your house, and you can enhance your décor by using fireplaces or candles. Table lamps and floor lamps are also useful. Those who are ruled by the fire element may find that they are better suited for warm climates. Those with fire elements are very passionate and may pursue several goals and be very career-driven.

Tips to Keep in Mind:

• Decorate your home in vibrant colors such as orange, purple, red, yellow and pink
• Utilize a fireplace, candles and photographs or paintings of sunrises and sunsets
• Avoid using too many water elements, such as mirrors or pictures of water

Earth

“What is my Feng Shui element?” you may ask. If the answer is earth, be ready to decorate with any earth symbols such as gems, crystals and stones. These will provide positive energy to your home decor. This is particularly important in the Northeast and Southwest sectors of your home. Because the fire element creates the earth element, candles and lamps will provide a great complement to your décor. Those who have the earth birth element recognize the importance of a harmonious home, and it is important that they have relationships that are strong and flourish.

Tips to Keep in Mind:

• Take advantage of earth tones when decorating
• Because fire is complementary to the earth element, you can also use colors such as red, orange, yellow and purple
• Use pictures of sunsets, fireplaces, crystals and earthenware are perfect décor items
• Avoid metal features such as metal staircases and metal photo frames

Metal

Is metal the answer to your question, “What is my Feng Shui element? If so, remember that metal primarily rules the northwest and the west. Metal objects for artwork, furniture or frames are a must for decorating. Water is metal’s complementary element, so be sure to implement that into your décor as well.

Tips to Keep in Mind:

• Utilize sandy and earthy colors as well as white and gray
• Metal is also the element of vision and clarity
• Avoid using the fire colors of red, yellow, orange and pink
• Water elements of blue and black should also be avoided
• Use metal photo frames or artwork to bring out the power of your element
• Decorate with items like crystals, rocks and photos of earth-related images

Time to Start Decorating

Remember that you don’t have to completely overhaul your house in one day. Instead, concentrate on just adding one or two of the correct elements into your living area. When purchasing new furniture, always keep your birth element in mind. Most importantly, don’t be afraid to make a mistake. Be aware of how these elements interact and complement each other.

For example, if fire is your element and you find that there are several mirrors in the room, you may want to remove them because water is the opposite of the fire element. However, it is always a good idea to add elements that will strengthen the fire element, such as a picture of a sunrise.

What is my Feng Shui element is a question that should be taken very seriously. A home is much more than a dwelling place. It represents family, rest, and stability. If you’d like more information, you may wish to speak with a Feng Shui expert.