1. What are the Five Elements?
The Five Elements theory is a part of ancient Chinese philosophy and a fundamental aspect of Feng Shui. It is used to describe the basic elements of the universe and their interrelationships. The Five Elements include Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water. These elements not only represent physical forms but also symbolize five basic natural forces and the principles of movement and change. The theory emphasizes the relationships of mutual generation and restriction among the elements, a dynamic balance that permeates both nature and human society.
Relationships of Mutual Generation:
- Wood generates Fire: Wood burns to create fire.
- Fire generates Earth: Fire leaves ashes, turning into earth.
- Earth generates Metal: Metals are nurtured within the earth.
- Metal generates Water: Metal melts under heat, becoming liquid.
- Water generates Wood: Water nourishes plants, enabling them to grow.
Relationships of Mutual Restriction:
- Wood restricts Earth: Plant roots penetrate and stabilize the soil.
- Earth restricts Water: Soil absorbs and blocks water flow.
- Water restricts Fire: Water extinguishes fire.
- Fire restricts Metal: Fire can melt metal.
- Metal restricts Wood: Metal axes can cut down trees.
2. History of the Five Elements
The origin of the Five Elements theory can be traced back to ancient Chinese nature worship and cosmology. Observing natural phenomena, ancient people recognized certain patterns and cycles, leading to an initial understanding of the Five Elements. The earliest concept of the Five Elements appears in the book "Shangshu: Hong Fan," which describes the properties and interrelationships of Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water. During this period, the Five Elements theory was primarily used to explain natural and social phenomena and had not yet formed a systematic theory.
The Five Elements theory originated from ancient Chinese philosophy and is explained in the "I Ching" as a cosmology that categorizes all things in nature into five basic elements: Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water. This ancient wisdom not only explains natural phenomena but also reveals the secrets of harmonious coexistence between humans and nature. The relationships of mutual generation and restriction among the Five Elements symbolize balance and dynamic harmony in the universe, guiding people to pursue health, wealth, and happiness.
3. Correspondence of the Five Elements with Seasons and Earthly Branches
| Seasons | Spring | Summer | Autumn | Winter | ||||||||
| Zodiac Signs | Yin | Mao | Chen | Si | Wu | Wei | Shen | You | Xu | Hai | Zi | Chou |
| Five Elements | Wood | Wood | Earth | Fire | Fire | Earth | Metal | Metal | Earth | Water | Water | Earth |
4. The Five Elements in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Metal:
Metal represents solidity and contraction. Things with clean, contractive, and cohesive qualities belong to Metal.
Associated Organs: Lungs, Large Intestine
Wood:
Wood represents growth and vitality. Things with upward and outward expanding qualities belong to Wood.
Associated Organs: Liver, Gallbladder
Water:
Water represents moisture and coldness. Things with downward flowing qualities belong to Water.
Associated Organs: Kidneys, Bladder
Fire:
Fire represents energy and passion. Things with warm and diffusive qualities belong to Fire.
Associated Organs: Heart, Small Intestine
Earth:
Earth represents nurturing and transformation. Things with bearing and receptive qualities belong to Earth.
Associated Organs: Spleen, Stomach
5. How to Easily Identify Most Crystals by Color
|
Five Elements |
Metal |
Wood |
Water |
Fire |
Earth |
|
Color |
White |
Green |
Blue |
Red |
Yellow |
Common Crystals by Element:
- Metal: Clear Quartz, White Moonstone, White Turquoise
- Stable Happiness: Silver, Howlite, and 4 Silver Feng Shui Logo beads
- Consummate Life: Gold plating Silver, 108 qty of Golden Rutilated Quartz, and Clear Quartz
- Pledges for Peace and Nature: Silver, Moonstone, and Aquamarine
- Wood: Aventurine, Prehnite, Green Phantom
- Career Advancement: Silver, Original Tibet Star-moon Bodhi Prayer beads, and Green Phantom
- Wishes Come True: Silver, Prehnite, and Selenite
- Water: Lapis Lazuli, Aquamarine, Larimar
- Money Comes Like Water: Gold plating Silver, Larimar, and Gold-colored & Shiny beads
- Unconditional Love: Silver, Larimar, and Himalayan Crystal
- World Peace: Silver, Lapis Lazuli, Howlite, and Ancient Copper Coin
- Fire: Fire Agate, Strawberry Quartz, Rose Quartz, Rhodochrosite, Morganite
- Meet The Right One: Silver, Rose Quartz, Strawberry Quartz, and Fox-shaped Clear Quartz
- Blossoms of Romance: Gold plating Silver, Rhodochrosite, and Dopamine Hues Morganite
- Koi Bring You Luck: Gold plating Silver, Fire Quartz, and Gold Sunstone
- Earth: Golden Rutilated Quartz, Citrine, Brown Tiger's Eye
- A Brave Heart: Gold plating Silver, Brown Tiger's Eye, and Blue Eagle's Eye
- Taoist Nine-Character Mantras: Silver, Brown Tiger's Eye, Blue Eagle's Eye, and Ivory Nut
- Full of Blessing: Gold plating Silver, Citrine, Selenite, and Gold-color "Blessing"
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