The Five Elements
There are five basic elements associated with Chinese astrology. These are
> Wood
> Fire
> Earth
> Metal
> Water
They form a continuous cycle and the balance of these five elements and their position in the Chinese chart allowed the Chinese astrologers to predict many things about a person’s personality and traits.
The balance between Yin and Yang along with the five elements has a major influence on what is useful to them in the terms of Feng Shui. This happens because of the fact that each element is associated with some season or direction.
There is a cycle of balance among the five elements:
Generating
> Wood is used by fire
> Fire results in earth (ash)
> Earth is the home to metals
> Metals react with water
> Water is needed for nourishment of wood
Overcoming
> Wood parts away from the earth
> Earth (soil) absorbs water
> Water extinguishes fire
> Fire causes melting of metals
> Metals are used to cut down wood
A brief description of these five elements is given below:
Wood
Wood represents the nature’s creativity and is associated with spring and new life. The people associated with Wood are highly creative, resilient and strong. The try to seek new creation in everything they do. They are associated with the colors Green and Blue. All the plants, flowers, trees and things made of Wood are representing this element. The shape associated with this element is rectangular.
Earth
The Earth nurtures all form of life. It represents solidarity and grounding. The people associated with this element are conservative, hard working and down to Earth. They are also practical and resolute. The color associated with Earth is yellow, the same as the soil in central China. Rocks, bricks, stones and rectangular shapes represent the Earth element.
Metal
Metal is the symbol of the autumn season and also of the tools that are used for harvesting of the produce. The evening and the golden sunset also symbolize the Metal. The people associated with Metal are strong, determined and forceful. The will to succeed in life is their driving force. In general, all kinds of round shapes, jewelry and tools represent the Metal.
Fire
The Fire is the element of summer, and optimist and enthusiastic people are governed by it. The people associated with it are intelligent and born leaders. Orange and red are the colors which are associated with it and triangular shapes represent Fire. Candles, stoves and hearths are also representing the Fire element.
Water
Water is the symbol of emotions. It is considered as a cleansing element in the Chinese astrology. The colors associated with Water are blue and black, and the people associated with Water are generally fluent with intuitive or psychic powers. Fish ponds, fountains, aquariums etc represent Water.
Every animal associated with the Chinese calendar has a natural element associated with it. The compatibility between the yearly element and the natural element is a very important factor in deciding if that year is going to be auspicious for that person or not.