The Elements have been used as prescriptive and healing tools for thousands of years in Taoist and Vedic Traditions, and were the foundation of the Platonic understanding of the Universe. Using the Elements as archetypes, we can apply this wisdom to our selves, relationships and spaces to better understand the world and how we move within it. TAOIST [Chinese Medicine, Feng Shui] : Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water PLATONIC/ VEDIC [Ayurveda, Wastu] : Air, Water, Earth, Fire, Ether/ Space We are trained in both but here, focus on the Taoist system due to its connection with Feng Shui and building materials/ features. This system is called 'Wu Xing,' or 'Five Phase Theory' and understands the elements as part of a larger phase, or cycle. Each one has a relationship with every other, rather than being viewed as a static material. More on the cycles later, but follow the diagram clockwise to understand the Creative [or Nourishing] Cycle. Is there a point where one element ends and … [Read more...]