Theory of Five Elements (also known as Wu Xing) implies the movement of five or five different types of energy – Fire, Wood, Water, Earth, and Metal. These elements (or energy) are not actual trees, fire, or water that can be observed in the real world. These are five types of Qi vibration, similar to five notes, and are described as different energy levels.
The notion comes from the phrase, “Five types of Qi dominate at different times.” By time, we mean different seasons. During springtime, Qi Wood dominates, while summertime is filled with Fire energy. Late summer or midseason is characterized by Earth, autumn by Metal, and winter by Water.
Five elements, which are five movements or different types of energy, have surface and core characteristics.
Surface characteristics of the elements
Each element has its shape, colors, and material.
Earth
Shape – horizontally lying rectangle.
Colors – beige, brown.
Material – rocks, crystals, etc.
Metal
Shape – circle, semicircle.
Colors – white, golden, or silver with a metallic shimmer.
Material – bronze, steel, or other metals.
Wood
Shape – vertical rectangle, directed upward objects.
Color – green.
Fire
Shape – an angular or pointed shape similar to a candle.
Colors – red, red-purple, yellow – colors of fire.
Water
Shape – objects that cannot be classified as any other element. In other words, it is difficult to describe its shape – if it does not have a square, round, triangular, or rectangular shape, it can be classified as Water.
Colors – blue and black.
Material – river, pool, aquarium.
Many objects in the surrounding landscapes are associated with the different elements by their shapes. For example, if a building has an elongated shape it is related to a Wood element.
However, can we associate a house that has an elongated shape with a Wood element? What about buildings that have horizontally elongated rectangle shape? Can we associate them with Earth? Judging by their shapes we can do so, but in essence, none of them has either Qi Wood or Qi Earth. Would you like to know why?
Let’s consider the examples of a mountain and a skyscraper. Apart from its shape, the mountain is also filled with energy (Qi) of the element. In turn, the skyscraper is merely associated with a relevant element by its shape. It is filled with energy under specific circumstances.
Core characteristics
Surface characteristics are not as important as core ones. So, let’s consider them as well.
Wood implies the ability to grow and develop.
Fire represents light, joy, passion, and enthusiasm. When one says that person lacks Fire, it means that person is not passionate enough. This person does not show any signs of enthusiasm toward something. It is difficult to achieve success if you are not interested in what you do.
Earth is characterized by stability and credibility. In terms of a person, Earth constantly seeks guarantees, safety, and a secure future, asking questions, “What will happen 20 years from now? If I choose this profession, will it be in demand in 20 years?” Earth constantly thinks over such questions. Nonetheless, Earth signifies stability and planning.
Metal represents a sense of justice, management, and implementation of plans. If a person lacks this element in the chart, this person most likely is indecisive.
Water implies flexibility, philosophy, psychology, wisdom, insightfulness, and thinking processes. Such a person tends to have second thoughts and can be characterized by the phrase, “still waters run deep” in both positive and negative sense.
Among the elements, there are two of the foremost importance – Fire and Water. In general, a person requires Earth, Fire, and Water elements. However, there is plenty of Earth around, but Fire (warmth) and Water (nourishment) are two things we often lack.