The constructive cycle of elements

 The positive cycle also known as the constructive cycle of the elements, is used to determine supporting elements that can be used to strengthen an area.

By using the positive cycle you can increase the influence of the main element by providing a supportive environment for it.

 This can be used directly in the area of the bagua that you wish to magnify the influence of, or it can be used to influence a supporting element in a secondary area in order to bring balance to elemental forces which might otherwise be in conflict.

Supportive environments

fire with wood

the fire element which rules fame is supported by the wood element. If red and orange are a bit overpowering or you want to create a supportive environment for your fame and recognition aspirations then wood or tree can be introduced in the form of plants or tall vertical compositions.

 Colors and forms can also be representative of elements, so the color green which symbolizes trees and plants would be beneficial in the fame sector.

 earth with fire

The earth element provides stability and a grounding influence, which is why it governs the areas of relationships as well as providing fertile soil for the deep roots of knowledge to grow. If you wish to increase the foundation in the earth areas of the bagua, then fire can be increased. In nature, fire burns through the forest adding carbon and nutrients back into the soil.

 In a relationship a bit of fame can act as a positive reputation influence for the couple. Having the right amount of fire in a relationship also provides that spark that is necessary for the interpersonal dynamic to prosper.

 In the knowledge and personal growth area, fire helps by removing that which is overgrown and decayed and replacing it with fresh ideas, insights and energies. This makes this element quite complemntary.

metal with earth

The supportive cycle shows that earth creates metal. Metal is the ruler of children and creative ideas which are birthed and grown as projects develop. Metal is the element of the bagua that represents creative solutions and developing projects.

 In the natural world metal is found embedded in earth. Veins of gold are found as hidden treasures and the forces of the earth act to bind and create metal reserves. Earth is reflected in color by browns, ochres and yellows. Metal itself is represented by the contrast of white and black, which is also used when rendering most metals in design.

 To create nurturing conditions for creativity metal is best supported by the addition of earth elements such as stone and the proper colors. This represents the benefits of potentials waiting to emerge from your projects.

 For the active area of children, earth is the playground and the addition of earth elements provides a stable environment for the chaotic, spontanious and creative actions which children are known for exhibiting while exploring their world.

water with metal

Metal gives shape and form to water. Metal is very yang and rigid, water is soft and flowing and will follow the contours of metal, which can be seen readily if you look at the plumbing in a house, where metal pipes channel the water in useful ways.

 In this regard, metal is often said to create water, which passes over it and draws a bit of the metal along its passage. In symbolic terms water represents incoming chi which pools. Feng shui literally means wind and water. Water is descriptive of the way in which chi flows and settles and wind the forces which move chi around. The natural flow of water into your life therefore symbolizes abundance and opportunities entering your world.

 Water is best placed in the career area, where it is the native element. This area is also known as the life's path, as chi flows into a persons world as it does into the person. To channel this energy, metal is useful when placed here as it creates both direction and a symbolic way to pool your resources.

 wood with water

 Water feeds wood. A plants roots draw from abundant resevoirs of water beneath the surface. Wood is the ruler of the family and health area as well as the wealth area. Wood represents the growth and is the substance from which most houses are built. Wood can be alive and growing or shaped into usable forms in the form of timbers, furniture and carvings. In this way it is both the ends and the means, a cycle unto itself.

 For wood to prosper water is a necessity. Jungles and rainforests exist where water is plentiful, and is sparce in dry areas such as deserts.

 The wealth sector is often activated with active water. Fishtanks are considered to be an excellent aspect and reflection and are a way in which the wealth area is frequently built up. The fish are alive and need nurturing and attention, and will grow and circulate, much as money ideally does. Small investments in fish food, bring large rewards as represented by growing fish which add color and excitement to wealth. Water features are therefore represented well in this area. This water should be active and not still. If a symbol such as a waterfall is used, the direction should be such that the water is flowing into the house and not away from it.

 The family and health area also benefits from water. Water here represents the chi that is actively nourishing the system and removing waste from there. By having water in this area the family tree can grow, prosper and form deep roots, so in both aspects the earth is symbolically assisted by water.

 The exception to this rule is if the wood area contains a bedroom, which is generally not benefited by having water symbols or fishtanks. It is best not to mix money with that aspect of your intimate relationships, similarly water may douse or clash with the spark of fire that is needed there. The highly yang nature of a waterfall or fishtank is not conducive to the fundamentally yin nature of the bedroom. Thus water is wisely avoided in the bedroom, where it may be suitable to more open areas.

As you can see enhancements using the positive cycle are intuitive and planning these will help you keep in tune with your natural aspirations.   It is important to have goals and a solid foundation provided by ehancing elements is a key part of the contextual awareness that the study of feng shui brings.