The Earth Element

Earth is the planet we call home. But earth doesn’t necessarily always represent the physical planet, but also that part of us which is stable, solid and dependable. Earth is the realm of abundance, prosperity and wealth. It is a personality trait and a vital element.

In the Chinese philosophy of wu xing, earth is the changing point of the matter. As the third phase of wu xing, the pause between the rising elements of wood and fire, and the descending elements of metal and water, is the energy of earth.

Stability is the best way to describe the element. Like a mother, earth feeds the child, provides compassion and care, and engenders feelings of safety and protection. The earth element signifies a space to pause, soak in the moment, and prepare for growth.

Earth is a balance of both yin and yang. Its motion is inward and centring, and its energy is stabilising and conserving. It is associated with the colour yellow and the planet Saturn, and it lies at the centre of the compass in the Chinese cosmos. It is associated with the turn of each of the four seasons and with damp weather. It governs the spleen, stomach, mouth and muscles. Its negative emotion is anxiety and its positive emotion is empathy.

Earth represents traits of sensations, patience, stability, strength, health, grounding and centring of energies, promoting peace, fertility, money, business success, stability, warmth, comfort, and physical labour.

The Earth Element in Feng Shui

As a rule, earth is most welcomed in the feng shui areas of the southwest, northeast, west, northwest, and centre. It is best to express it subtly, with visually pleasing and aesthetically appropriate items that go well with your home or office decor.