According to Chinese philosophy, all things in the Universe manifest as the five elements known as Water, Wood, Fire, Earth and Metal.
In humans these forces manifest in five different ways, five distinct emotions, five pairs of organs, five specific areas where we can detect our strengths and weaknesses. Each element creates the different organs of our body and in nature the seasons of the year. They also create the deeper levels within us, those of our soul. They are the phases through which all things pass from their beginning to their end.
Water
This 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.
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
This 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
This 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
This 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.