The Metal Element
Valued for their strength, durability, versatility and electrical conductivity, metals make up an important part of our society. The material of protective shields and the sharpest of swords, metal represents solidity, strength, persistence but also rigidity. Yet unbeknown to many, metals are intricately entwined within our bodies and more than just being the material of products, metal is the element of life.
As the fourth phase of the Chinese philosophy of wu xing, metal represents the force of gravity, the minerals found within the Earth, patterns of heavenly bodies and the power of electrical conductivity and magnetism. It is known to have structure, but it allows for the moulding and changing of form when worked with.
Autumn is the season of metal, and it is the period of harvesting and collecting, representing a moving away from the outward yang just like the elements of wood and fire. Known as being a nurturing and organising element, this is the time where the containing warmth of earth fades and a slightly colder, sharper and crisper energy comes through.
In Chinese Taoist belief, the metal element denotes the attributes firm, rigid, persistent, strong and determined. Like the edge of a masterfully crafted sword, metal is able to cut through the clutter and mess of one’s life, separating what is worth retaining and refining from what is spent and impure, though sometimes, may be brutally sharp when doing so.
The metal element is intrinsically linked to the lungs and large intestine,
and like metal, these organs work hand in hand to help the body with the separation of the pure and impure. The lungs are said to be the “receiver of the pure qi from the Heavens”, allowing our bodies to take in the pure and new, and is home to our corporal soul ( po), where it is bound together by indissoluble ties to the body, descending with it to earth even at death. Our body’s qi begins in our lungs and from our lungs, our prenatal essence, or jing, from the kidneys and the nutritive qi from our spleen ascends, before dispersing and descending our purified qi throughout the body in the form of vapour. This very cycle of in-breath and out-breath is a representation of the wu xing cycle.
Metal’s symbolic shape is that of the circle, the purest of shapes, a line that never ends. The ancient Chinese associated the circle with unity, perfection and completeness and during ancient times, circles and squares were frequently used together to symbolise the yin and yang relationship of the Mother (square, earth yin element) and the Father (the Heavenly, metal yang element). The Heavens to the ancient Chinese was mysterious and unknown. To them, the circle represented spiritual infinite, whilst the straight lines and sharp corners of a square represented the realm of man.
In feng shui, the metal element is the most welcome in the west, northwest and north, and should be limited in the east and southeast areas.
“The metal element has to do with our spirituality. It is the place we choose to find our connection with all of life. When we tend to the precious metal within us, it comes forward as inner strength that shines bright for all to witness.”
–Regina M. Powers, What Color Is Your Medicine?
Ideally, the space of a metal person is clean, clutter- free and open with touches of warm decor. The metal element is one of calmness and precision, and the qi is more of an intangible and invisible energetic charge, that helps you maintain structure when things around you may seem to be getting out of control. The focused and structured qualities of the metal element help with success in business and should be included in workspaces of offices.
Here are some ways to bring the metal element into your space:
Bringing strong metal decorative pieces into a room is the quickest way to create a strong presence of the metal element into your space. Consider adding a strong metallic