Metal · Wood · Water · Fire · Earth
The Five Elements form the foundation of all Chinese metaphysics — Bazi, Zi Wei, Feng Shui and Chinese medicine.
Metal
White · Gold
Contraction, decisiveness. Lungs · West · Autumn.
Wood
Green · Cyan
Growth, expansion. Liver · East · Spring.
Water
Black · Blue
Wisdom, flow. Kidneys · North · Winter.
Fire
Red · Purple
Passion, ascent. Heart · South · Summer.
Earth
Yellow · Brown
Stability, integrity. Spleen · Centre · Late Summer.
Generating Cycle
Wood feeds Fire · Fire creates Earth · Earth bears Metal · Metal collects Water · Water nourishes Wood. The generating cycle represents nourishment and harmony.
Controlling Cycle
Wood parts Earth · Earth dams Water · Water quenches Fire · Fire melts Metal · Metal chops Wood. Controlling is not always negative — appropriate restraint produces refinement.
Practical Applications
- Feng Shui: If your chart lacks Water, place an aquarium in the North; if lacking Fire, use red décor in the South.
- Colour: Wear the colours of your favourable element to invite supportive energy.
- Diet: Liver (Wood) weak — eat green vegetables; kidneys (Water) weak — eat black foods.
- Direction: Sleep, study and work facing your favourable directions; avoid clashing ones.