The Yin or Yang is broken down into Five Elements (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal,and Water, ) on top of the cycle of animals. These are modifiers and affect the characteristics of each of the 12 animal signs. Thus, each of the 12 animals are governed by an element plus a Yin Yang Direction.
Although it is usually translated as 'element' the Chinese word xing literally means something like 'changing states of being', 'permutations' or 'metamorphoses of being'. [1] In fact Sinologists cannot agree on one single translation. The Chinese conception of 'element' is therefore quite different to the Western one. The Western elements were seen as the basic building blocks of matter. The Chinese 'elements', by contrast, were seen as ever changing and moving forces or energies - one translation of xing is simply 'the five changes'.
The balance of yin and yang and the five elements in a person's make-up has a major bearing on what is beneficial and effective for them in terms of feng shui, the Chinese form of geomancy. This is because each element is linked to a particular direction and season, and their different kinds of qì or life force.
木 Wood
The East
Spring
The Planet Jupiter
The Color Green
Liver and gallbladder
Generous, Warm, Persuasive, Co-operative, Seeks to Expand and Grow
Idealistic, Ethical, Enthusiastic, Seeks to Explore
Wood's link with springtime means that it 'Governs' the spring signs of Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon
火 Fire
The South
Summer
The Planet Mars
The Color Red
Circulatory system & Heart
Dynamic, Energetic, Passionate, Enterprising, Adventurous, Restless
Competitive, Leadership Skills, Strong, Single-minded, Loves a good laugh
Fire's link with summertime means that it 'Governs' the summer signs of Snake, Horse and Sheep
土 Earth
Center
Three Enclosures, Change of seasons
The Planet Saturn
The Color Yellow
Digestive system, Spleen and stomach
Patient, Prudent, Stable, Reliable, Hard-working, Ambitious
Disciplined, Logical, Governed by Service and Duty to Others
'Governs' Dragon, Rat, and Ox. It is the central balance of the elements and can lend qualities to all 12 animals as well.
金 Metal
The West
Autumn
The Planet Venus
The Color White
Respiratory system & Lungs
Determined, Self-reliant, Unyielding, Strong, Persistent, Forceful
Reserved, Needs Personal Space, Sophisticated, Seeks pleasure
Metal's link with autumn time means that it 'Governs' the autumn signs of Monkey, Rooster, Dog
水 Water
The North
Winter
The Planet Mercury
The Color Blue
Skeletal/Excretory System & Lungs
Diplomatic, Charming, Intuitive, Compassionate, Sensitive, Creative
Flexible, Compliant, Good at Communication, Intellectual
Water's link with wintertime means that it 'Governs' the winter signs of Pig, Rat, Ox
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