Five Elements
The five elements is a theory that offers systematic explanation of the universe and the changes and relationships of humans and its environment. In Feng Shui terms, they are Metal, Wood, Water, Fire and Earth. It is easy to think of them as tangible or physical substance, however, the actual interpretation should be qi with different representation.
The following diagram shows the relationships of the five elements:
The two different cycles or relationships of the five elements are productive and destructive. To explain the productive cycle (grey circular arrows), let us first start from Metal. Metal can be melted or condensed to form Water which helps to nourish Wood. Wood can start Fire which burns and results in ashes or Earth. Earth being rich in minerals will produce Metal and this productive cycle goes on and on.
In the destructive cycle (black straight arrows), Metal can cut Wood, which penetrates Earth for nourishments. Earth absorbs Water which extinguishes Fire. Fire can be used to melt Metal.
Each of these cycles can be used to explain the progression of change in every encounters in this changing universe.
The following tables shows some of the five elements interactive relationships:
| Qi | Wood | Fire | Earth | Metal | Water |
| Season | Spring | Summer | All | Autumn | Winter |
| Directions | East | South | Central | West | North |
| Numbers | 3 and 8 | 2 and 7 | 5 and 10 | 4 and 9 | 1 and 6 |
| Physical | Tree | Sun | Soil | Gold | Water |
| Colour | Green | Red | Yellow | White | Blue |
| Weather | Windy | Hot | Humid | Dry | Cold |
| Shape | Rectangle | Triangle | Square | Circle | Wavy |
| Body Organs | Hair | Heart | Stomach | Lung | Ear |
| Career | Florist | Lighting | Real Estate | Police, lawyer | Transport |
There are many other principles which can be applicable to the Five Elements theory. Have you thought of one? That's right, if you have read the first tutorial, we can apply the concept of Yin and Yang into the Five Elements theory. The following table is self explanatory.
| Qi | Wood | Fire | Earth | Metal | Water |
| Yin | Bush | Candle light | Soil | Penknife | Water droplet |
| Yang | Forest | Sunlight | Earth | Axe | Sea |
Another principle is the strength and interactive role of each element during seasonal changes.
| Qi | Wood | Fire | Earth | Metal | Water |
| Spring | Prosper | In state | Dies | Trapped | Weaken |
| Summer | Weaken | Prosper | In state | Dies | Trapped |
| Autumn | Dies | Trapped | Weaken | Prosper | In state |
| Winter | In state | Dies | Trapped | Weaken | Prosper |
For example, during Spring, when the qi of Wood is strong and prospers, which gives birth to Fire. Fire has continuous support from Wood and is said to be in state. When Wood is strong, Earth dies according to the destructive cycle. Metal which can control Wood is trapped because Earth that gives birth to it is in the death stage. Water continues to give birth to Wood and is said to be weakened