Overview
Five Elements, known as Wu Xing (五行), refers to Metal, Wood, Water, Fire and Earth. It is the core philosophical and folk classification system in traditional Chinese culture, used to explain the composition of all things, mutual operation and changing rules of nature and life.
The term "Xing" (行) means "movement" or "action" — the Five Elements are not static substances but five phases of dynamic interaction and transformation.
The Five Elements at a Glance
The Generating Cycle (相生)
In this cycle, each element nurtures and produces the next, forming a circle of mutual support:
Wood → Fire → Earth → Metal → Water → Wood
- Wood feeds Fire — wood burns to create fire
- Fire creates Earth — fire produces ash and soil
- Earth bears Metal — metals are mined from earth
- Metal collects Water — metal surfaces condense water
- Water nourishes Wood — water makes trees grow
The Restraining Cycle (相克)
In this cycle, each element controls and restrains another, maintaining balance:
Wood → Earth → Water → Fire → Metal → Wood
- Wood parts Earth — roots break through soil
- Earth dams Water — soil absorbs and blocks water
- Water quenches Fire — water extinguishes flame
- Fire melts Metal — heat forges and softens metal
- Metal chops Wood — axe cuts down trees
Stems & Branches Five Elements
Heavenly Stems
| Stems | Element |
|---|---|
| Jiǎ, Yǐ (甲乙) | Wood |
| Bǐng, Dīng (丙丁) | Fire |
| Wù, Jǐ (戊己) | Earth |
| Gēng, Xīn (庚辛) | Metal |
| Rén, Guǐ (壬癸) | Water |
Earthly Branches
| Branch | Element |
|---|---|
| Zi (子) | Water |
| Chou (丑), Wei (未), Xu (戌) | Earth |
| Yin (寅), Mao (卯) | Wood |
| Si (巳), Wu (午) | Fire |
| Shen (申), You (酉) | Metal |
| Hai (亥) | Water |
Main Folk Applications
- BaZi destiny analysis: Balancing Five Elements in personal fate reading
- Baby naming: Using element-deficient radicals to complement birth chart
- Zodiac compatibility: Element-based harmony and conflict assessment
- House layout & colors: Folk geomancy and color taboos based on elements
- Health & daily life: Traditional wellness and seasonal living taboos
Five Elements is the logical core running through almost all Chinese folk customs and metaphysics systems, and it is essential knowledge for understanding Chinese traditional culture.