The Five Elements in Chinese Astrology
What are the Five Chinese Elements?
The Five elements in Chinese Astrology | Astrological symbols
In Chinese astrology, the 5 elements, also known as Wu Xing, are the ever changing forces or energies from which everything is composed:
- Wood
- Fire
- Earth
- Metal
- Water
These elements represent the transformations constantly taking place in the world, and all of them interact and relate to one another. They are responsible both for generating each other, and for destroying each other.
The 5 Eastern elements differ from the 4 Western elements in that they focus primarily on process and change, whereas the Western elements are more concerned with physical matter.
Chinese astrology also places great emphasis on the opposing forces of yin and yang, and each element occurs in both yin and yang form.
The Five Elements and Chinese Zodiac Signs
In Chinese astrology, each year is represented by an animal and an element. The animal is one of the 12 Chinese Zodiac Signs, and indicates certain personality traits for those born in that year.
But the 5 elements also have their own set of characteristics. And these affect the Chinese Animals.
Each element represents 2 consecutive years, the first year in its yang form, the second year in its yin form. The ten years of this cycle are known as the heavenly stems.
So, in Chinese astrology, it’s not just your animal that counts. The energy of the element representing your year of birth has great influence on your personality.
The Five Chinese Elements in Chinese Astrology |
|
|---|---|
 |
Wood, Mù Wood feeds fire and parts earth Generous, warm, more about Wood |
 |
Fire, Huo Fire creates earth and melts metal Dynamic, humanitarian, more about Fire |
 |
Earth, Tu Earth bears metal and absorbs water Powerful, patient, more about Earth |
 |
Metal, Jin Metal collects water and chops wood Determined, self-reliant, more about Metal |
 |
Water, Shui Water nourishes wood and quenches fire Secretive, self-destructive, more about Water |
What is My Chinese Element?
Discover Your Chinese Element
Your Chinese element modifies the characteristics of your Chinese Animal, or Zodiac Sign, and helps define your most inherent personality traits.
Click below to find out which of the 5 Chinese elements is yours.