There are five elements that symbolize the cycle of life. Each element has a corresponding color. The elements and their colors are as follows:

Fire - Red

Wood - Green

Water - Black

Earth - Yellow

Metal (or Gold) - White

Depending on the year in which you were born and your sex, each person has a personal compass which determines the directions, elements and colors that are beneficial to their life. The compass has eight points -- North, NE, East, SE, South, SW, West and NW. Each point on the compass represents a different aspect -- life, health, good fortune, vitality, disaster, death, baleful influence and five ghosts. Superimposing your house over the compass creates the diagram for your feng shui chart.

Other key elements of feng shui include placement of the kitchen, bedroom, dining room, as well as trees and plants in the front and back yards. It is very easy using these basic principles to improve the layout of your home and work environments.

If you are skeptical about the basis of feng shui, try it merely as an experiment in decorating and design. Chances are you will find feng shui's practical recommendations will improve the flow and feel of your home.