countering destructive influences

The supporting elements image is very useful as it shows which supporting elements to bring in if you do not wish an element to be destroyed.  In general it is better to harmonize the interactions than to allow them to clash.    By using the supporting elements within an area of the bagua you can overcome problems of excess by countering the destructive influence.

using supporting elements

The supporting elements is useful for situations where you need to be using supporting elements to counter otherwise destructive influences and channel them towards a more benign and balanced form.

This second image is more complex, but it provides a quick reference of what element to add to an area to mitigate an abundance of an element which is not well suited for that sector. This supporting element lends strength to the otherwise weakened element, which will be explained in detail below

Fire and Water 

It is often said that fire and water don't mix.  This is a classic clash of elements in feng shui, where water simply trumps fire.   As in nature water will drown fire.   In feng shui this means that placing water elements in an area ruled by fire, such as the fame sector, is likely to have undesireable consequences.   The water will extinguish both flame and fire.  

This is illustrated in both charts.  

The second image is a bit more helpful, as you can see by examining it that the addition of the tree or wood element as a supportive element will help bring this into balance.  

This is extremely useful as your house may have an immovable water feature in your fame area.  In this case the water would be negatively impacting your reputation and drowning out your chance to express your drive for recognition.   Since the obvious approach is to remove the water element, and that is not a realistic option (perhaps you are in a rental, or cannot afford a remodel?).   Therefore you must look to feng shui to find a balancing solution.

The chart shows that wood intercepts the destructive energy of water into fire.   The reason this works is because wood supports fire and also has the attribute of draining water.   Much as a river may run through a forest and bring joy while you sit around a warm campfire, these elements may be harmonized. 

In this example, your sink may not be moveable, but you can add the wood element in the form of cabinets and plants to channel the water.   Alternatively you could introduce a very large earth element to attack the water, but this is a less prefereable solution as it is best not to force the elements to struggle when they can be harmonized and balanced instead.

supporting elements in feng shui

water supports wood

fire supports earth

metal supports water

wood supports fire

earth supports metal

As this site develops these details will be explained in greater depth.  This however provides a quick reference to the elemental interactions in feng shui.

This is highly related to the positive element cycle, which demonstrates which elements amplify the others.   Finding the correct balance and emphasizing the areas of your life in which you see to progress can be very helpful for anyone practicing feng shui.   The first goal is to create an overall sense of alignment and harmony of purpose, to do this it is very useful to identify which elements are amplified in which portion of your home.   By intersecting the element cycles with the western feng shui bagua map you can learn to assess these relationships better.