Five Elements (五行)
Wood · Fire · Earth · Metal · Water — Personality, Career, Health & Cycles

Wood (木) is the energy that stretches upward like a tree, symbolizing growth, life force, and new beginnings. It represents the vitality and creativity of spring. Jiǎ Wood (甲木) is like a great tree — upright, resolute, and pioneering — while Yǐ Wood (乙木) is like grass or vines — flexible and highly adaptable.

Fire (火) is the energy of passion and expression that blazes upward like a flame. It symbolizes the intense vitality and transformation of summer. Bǐng Fire (丙火) is like the sun — bright, outgoing, and radiant — while Dīng Fire (丁火) is like a candle — focused and rich in inner depth.

Earth (土) is the all-embracing energy of the ground — accepting and containing everything. It appears at each seasonal transition, acting as a mediator that maintains balance among the other elements. Wù Earth (戊土) is like a great mountain — solid and stable — while Jǐ Earth (己土) is like fertile farmland — nurturing and practically-minded.

Metal (金) is the decisive, sharp energy of steel. It symbolizes the harvest and completion of autumn, prizing principles and loyalty. Gēng Metal (庚金) is like hard steel — firm and resolute — while Xīn Metal (辛金) is like a jewel — precise and possessing a refined aesthetic sense.

Water (水) is the energy of wisdom and flexibility — flowing downward like water to fill every space. It symbolizes the stillness and deep insight of winter. Rén Water (壬水) is like a river or ocean — vast and all-embracing — while Guǐ Water (癸水) is like rainwater or a spring — deep and possessed of fine-tuned intuition.