in FENG SHUI, does a "unused" fireplace still symbolize fire?

Question

i have 2 big fireplaces in my house but i've never used them or plan to use them, so do they still count as the "fire" element?

one is located to the south, and the other is directly east in a 2nd livingroom. they are both covered with black marble, lots of it

Answer 1

No they don't still symbolize fire when unused but worse they may serve as a collection area of stagnant chi. So when not in use you can insert a standing candlelabra or a basquet of flowers. I don't see a problem with the black marble just don't hang a mirror over the fireplace since these are clashing elements. Some may say the black is water but I see the marble as earth. Its also very grounding if you don't want to much fire in a room because fire feeds earth so the fire is then not as strong.
The natural energy of the South (Li) is fire so there is no problem in lighting the fireplace here unless you have had a flying star consultation that says your 5 or 2 star is located in the South. Otherwise real fires give out radeiated heat in a similar way to the sun, making them the ideal replacement for sunshine during dark cold winters. They bring back some of the fiery sunny chi to your energy field. According to the 8 Aspirations school the fireplace in the south will also help your Fame and Reputation.
Wishing you lots of warm and radiant chi with your fireplaces.

Answer 2

Hi, Great question!
In Feng Shui, observation of form (shape) and color are very important. If there is no actual 'fire' being lit then the form and color are not represented at all, therefore no fire element is represented. The fireplace shape and color will then be the main focal point and most are of a square shape which represents the earth element. The color around or on it also can represent another element, in your case black represents the water element.
That being said beauty is also another important observation. If the forms support the feng shui energies, they can still be harmful if they are not beautiful to look at. Therefore may I suggest you ensure it is well cleaned and possibly have it set up for a fire even though you may not light it.
Regarding the location, your concern may be based on the Black Hat feng shui theories which are very static and don't take into account individual houses and the factor of time. Energies constantly change over time and different energies affect houses depending on when they were built. This is based on the Flying Star analysis (or more appropriately named Time Space Feng Shui). It is more complex and would need a consultant to do but very worth-while as it is an analysis done exclusively for your environment and for your individual circumstances and needs.

Answer 3

no. because in fengshui, fire element does not mean real fire. south is fire element, meaning if you would use the fireplace there, there will be too much fire in that area. and when the right time comes that has more fire in that location, then you can activate fire in that area - it can cause real fire to the house, or people living in such an area or sleeping there can have illness related to blood or heart, which are also of the fire element.

but if you are not using the fireplaces, then there are not considered as of the fire element. it is like a door, that no one uses that has been locked for ages, then it is not a door anymore, but a wall.

though if the fireplace is dirty, then it can be a cause of sha or bad chi in the house.

Answer 4

This is such a great question, I can't resist. My understanding of Feng shui is that it is how YOU feel about YOUR environment, & no one can give you a "symbol" of what a fireplace means to YOU. Very personally, a fireplace doesn't symbolize "fire" to me--
it's really the "heart" of my home for a multitude of associations. I've known people who boarded up their fireplaces (ouch!) but that's how they feel, & none of my business. Whatever you feel comfortable with, & if you don't plan to use them, perhaps it would be better for you if you stuck a bookcase or something in front of them. Seriously! Anything in your home that doesn't make you feel serene should be gotten rid of, or obscured, if that's what's necessary. Just the placement of "items" in your home can make you feel "good" or "bad" even if not consciously aware--so, I'd say--shut the thing away if it means nothing to you.

Answer 5

Well..... how about asking that question again in WINTER when it's cold outside and nice and warm inside!! :-) Assuming you light the fires in Winter (if you don't - THAT would be bad Feng Shui!!)

Answer 6

with regards to Feng Shui, a fireplace is the mouth of the dragon. the dragon needs to be kept fed. so whether you use it or not, be sure to keep food (wood) in it's mouth.

Answer 7

They only do if you light them.

Answer 8

just like drunks. not unless they're lit.