As more and more people become interested in the once-ancient art of feng shui, they are finding that it’s easy to become confused as to what really is and is not true feng shui elements. After all, there are thousands of online stores that promise to sell feng shui crystals, jade, wind chimes, and yes, feng shui trees.
But are there really such things as feng shui trees, and if so, what are they? How are they used? Are there any that claim to be such, but that really aren’t? Let’s examine a few of these questions here and then you can decide for yourself if you still need to look for a feng shui tree.
The Five Elements
You are probably familiar with the five elements of feng shui, namely, wood, water, fire, earth, and metal. These natural elements exist in harmony in nature, and are meant to bring that harmony to your indoor environment as well. This is where feng shui trees typically come into play. If you have a room that is very strong in one element, it needs to be balanced with another. For example, a very white bathroom can be considered clean and pristine, since white is a water color and water is associated with cleanliness. However, too much white and the room can feel cold and sterile, almost surgical. So, a wood element is helpful to tone down all that white. A small feng shui tree that introduces browns and golds may do the trick. This can also be done in a kitchen, where white is also a favorite color since it not only depicts cleanliness but makes the room feel open and larger than it may be. Many who live in small homes and apartments are encouraged to use white to open up the rooms, however, therein again is the danger of too much white seeming sterile and unwelcoming – not a good feeling for the hearth of the home!
The Money Tree and the Fire Element
Many are told that if you have a feng shui tree in your home and you tie old coins to it, then wealth will be yours. However, this is of course superstitious and not rooted in logic, so it’s no wonder than many modern adherents of feng shui have rejected this notion.
There is some use for this type of object. Again going back to the idea of the five elements, many money trees are seen tied with bright red ribbons that offset the golden brown of their branches. These ribbons can add a wonderful fire element to any room or area that needs such. For instance, if your living room has a strong earth element, being painted in warmer browns or more neutral tans and creams, this fire element can help accent and harmonize this room.
So you see that there are some uses for a feng shui tree; while it may not bring good luck and prosperity the way some would like to believe, it can definitely add a much needed accent to your home.