The Five Elements
The Five Element theory is the backbone of all Chinese Metaphysical studies. These elements are a type Qi and are often regarded as the 'life force energy,' and is the product of the interaction between the two fundamental universal forces: Yin and Yang. The interaction between the Yin and the Yang creates five phases of Qi, each phase the product of different proportions of Yin and of Yang.
The Five Elements and their attributes:
| Element | Properties | Shapes | Objects | Colors | Season | Organs | Direction |
| Earth |
Attractive Dense Stable |
Cubic shapes; Flat and broad shapes |
Mountain; rocks; bricks; stones |
Brown; Beige; Yellow |
Late Summer | Spleen; Stomach; Pancreas; Skin; Flesh; muscles and malignancies of the cells | Southwest and Northeast |
| Metal |
Sharp Pointing Piercing |
Spherical Rounded |
Sword; axe; jewelry; gold; iron; silver |
White Gold Silver |
Autumn | Lung; Large Intestines; Brain | West and Northwest |
| Water |
Runs downhill Free/unbound |
Wavy Indefinite |
Ponds; swimming pools; fountains; lakes; seas; aquariums |
Black Dark Blue |
Winter | Kidneys; Bladder; water retention; edema | North |
| Wood |
Grows outward Enduring |
Tall Rectangular |
Plants; trees; flower; grass; bamboo | Green; shades of green | Spring | Liver; Gall Bladder; arteries and veins; limbs | East and Southeast |
| Fire | Spreads in every direction; Radiates; Hot | Triangular; Pointed; Sharp | Fire; candles; red lamps; lightning; electricity | Red; Orange; Purple; Pink | Summer | Heart; Small Intestines; Eyes | South |
The elements share three types of relationships known as 'Cycles,' through which an element can affect another element. Depending on the cycle, these elements Produce (grow), Control (counter) , or Weaken one another.
When using the Five Elements to cure afflictions, DO NOT use the Controlling Cycle. Always use the Weakening Cycle to lessen the negative effects of any element.
Application:
In Feng Shui, the Five Elements theory is used to enhance or calm areas where there is imbalance in a property; it is used to activate or deactivate stars in Flying Stars; and it is used to determine ones luck period based on the Elements present in their Luck Pillar.