The third element integral to Feng Shui Decorating is metal. Fire energy represents transformation and change. Earth energy represents security and tranquility. Metal energy is about the mind. It encourages mental clarity and growth.
METAL CHARACTERISTICS
The element metal, like the brain, has a left and right qualities. “Left-brained’ qualities are dense and focused. “Right-brained” qualities are robust and constantly moving. It also has Yin and Yang characteristics. Yin metal would be soft, indicative of the calmness of Yin, while Yang metal would be hard, representing the outward energy of the symbol.
METAL COLORS
Metal colors are likewise split into two sections. Left-brained colors include the neutral yet sharply contrasting colors of white, silver and shades of gray. White can encourage an intellectual environment, while metallic colors promote focus on details. This color scheme works well in an office area, for example. The right-brained colors are rainbow. All of the colors of the rainbow together bring in energy, promote creativity and have healing properties.
METAL DESIGN
The circle is considered a metal shape because it is constantly moving, yet pulls energy inside of it. It unifies a room, whether by arrangement, such as the position of chairs in the sitting room or by the use of round objects like a table, art structure or even an arc-shaped window or doorway. Any metal object will obviously encourage this energy, including things such as wind chimes to metal framing to heavy metallic furniture, as the Chi of the room demands. Any metal décor or decoration will encourage the metal element. Brighter metal brings in brighter energy.
BALANCING METAL
Since metal has a mental association, its use affects the mental state of the people in it. Too much metal sharpens the energy, and the room’s occupants may be sarcastic or self-righteous. Given its tendency toward focus, too little metal can make you feel scattered or confused. Fire melts metal, so fire qualities in a room will subdue metal. The aspects of the water element will also drain its energy.
Sources:
Feng Shui Chic, by Sharon Stasney
www.thespiritualfengshui.com