In feng shui, we work with the five elements. Each element is related to a season, and the season of fall is connected to the metal element. Metal is also connected to metallic colors, white, circular shapes, and the bagua areas of benefactors and competition. It has the qualities of righteousness, contraction, and joy.

The five elements also work together in cycles of creation and desctruction, just like they do in nature. In feng shui, metal creates water. Think of drops of water condensing on a metal pipe. Metal also overcomes wood - think of a metal ax chopping a tree.

As we move into metal season, we can find that our metal qualities are more pronounced. Too much metal can look like being very rigid or overly focused on efficiency, speeding through things, or talking a lot without thinking. We’re all susceptible to these things, though it may be especially noticeable for people who naturally have a lot of metal energy to begin with.

If you do have an overabundance of metal, add water to deplete metal, or fire to melt and refine metal. To add more water, you can walk near bodies of water, wear black, or have undulating shapes around you. To add fire, add the color red, triangular shapes, or candles to your home.

It’s also possible to not have enough metal. If this is the case, you probably don’t talk enough and may have a hard time standing up for yourself. You can correct this imbalance by wearing white, bringing white or circular shapes into your decor, or adding metal objects, like wind chimes, to your home. You can also add more earth, which produces metal, by bringing in earthy colors or objects from the earth like natural crystals.

When metal is in balance, you are able to speak for yourself and what is right, appropriately and with thoughtful clarity and certainty. Metal also helps us to be more efficient and attract helpful people into our lives.

Do you feel that you have too much or too little metal in your life? What steps could you take to bring things back into balance?

by Anjie Cho

If you’d like to learn more about feng shui, check out Mindful Design Feng Shui School at: www.mindfuldesignschool.com

Hi Anjie, I have heard you talk about the front door being important in feng shui, what suggestions do you have for making it better?

Thank you for your question! You’re right that the front door is an important place to look at when you are looking at your home’s feng shui. The front door is also called the mouth of qi, because this is where energy enters your home. An inviting front door will help welcome opportunities to you.

In terms of specific suggestions, your front entrance should be tidy and free of obstacles. Start by removing anything that’s blocking the path to your front door, and making sure it’s visible. Remove clutter and trim any bushes that obstruct the view of your door. Next, is the doorbell functional? Is your house number clearly marked? If new guests can find your entrance easily, so can positive energy and new opportunities.

In order to make your entrance more inviting, you may want to place plants or flowers around the front door, or paint your door in a color that you’re attracted to. Red is an auspicious color in feng shui, so it can be a great choice for a front door. A new door mat can also make your entrance feel more welcoming.

It’s also important to keep your front door clean. Wipe down the surface of the door, and don’t forget the frame, hinges, and knob. Neglecting parts of your front door can represent blocks. Alternatively, by giving your door some love and attention, you can begin to activate it and welcome more opportunities and new energy into your life.

Finally, use your front door! If you’ve been spending more time at home and feeling a bit stuck or stagnant, experiment with using your front door every so often, like when you go out to get your mail. Taking a moment to mindfully open your door nine times can also air out your space and activate your entrance.

by Anjie Cho