Objects are thought to be belonged to 1 of the 5 elements ( depending on its intrinsic energy ) in the practice of Feng Shui, namely water, wood, fire, earth & metal.
The above pentagram summarizes the interactions between the elements; namely the generating, controlling, exhausting & draining cycle.
Personally , one just need to pay attention to the clockwise circle ( generating/producing ) & anti-clockwise circle ( counter productive ).
Feng Shui is about harmony & balance, it’s always prudent to counteract a particular unfavorable element by draining it, rather than exhausting / controlling it. For example, if one needs to remove excessive metal energy, one could use water energy ( diversion ) , rather than fire energy ( confrontation ).
Oriental art of living 