What are the five elements?
According to Chinese philosophy, the energy of the universe is manifested in the five elements; Wood, Water, Fire, Earth and Metal.
In humankind we can observe this energy at work in different ways: five different pairings of organs, five distinct emotions, sounds, smells and colours. Within the philosophy different organs of the body correspond to each element, which in turn correspond to the seasons of the year. They also operate at the deeper level of the soul. They are the phases through which all things pass from their beginning to their end.
Wood
Wood is the energy of spring; it rises up with vision and determination
to realise the plan of growth and renewal. Wood gives us the structure
and flexibility to create our lives with hope and optimism, overcoming
obstacles and creating our path.
Fire
Fire is the energy of summer, relaxed and open. It gives us warmth, the
capacity to love and to be loved. It enables us to mature and blossom
and its function is to help us relate. Here we find our passion, our ability
to feel joy in all our endeavours. Feeling emotionally protected we communicate
with openness and honesty.
Earth
Earth is the energy of late summer and a time of harvesting. This energy
gives us the ability to nurture ourselves and others with compassion. By
helping us feel connected to the earth it enables us to understand and
give sympathy without losing our own centre. Our sense of satisfaction
and nourishment comes from this element.
Metal
Metal is the energy of autumn. It gives us our sense of quality and self
worth, our capacity to look at what lies beyond ourselves and the
power to let go. As we make this necessary break we feel the loss and
grief but value the time of reflection this element provides. By using our
instinct we find our way through the dark.
Water
Water is the still cold energy of winter, pausing in time to regenerate
and gather strength. This energy holds our identity giving us our sense
of self. Water gives us the power to adapt and the will and drive to fulfil
the potential given to us at birth. Our fear of non-existence gives us the
impetus to take the necessary risks in life to realise our ambition.