5 elements
Let's take a closer look at the teaching of the 5 elements and find out what is meant by the term "element", e.g. element wood, fire, earth, metal or water.
Contents
The 5 elements or phases of change
The concept of the 5 phases of transformation has been around since the 4th century BC and was coined by Zou Yan. Here in the West, the transformation phases are known as the 5 elements better known. In the course of the history of science in ancient China, they became an increasingly complicated system of classifications and associations. The core, however, describes simple observations from nature. These observations of the active forces could be summarized in 5 categories and formulated into basic principles or basic laws, which were applied in all areas of life, e.g. known from Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) with nutrition according to the 5 elements, but also in geomancy (Feng Shui), in QiGong and life-prolonging techniques as well as in BaZi Suanming.
Theory
The theory of the 5 elements therefore describes the relationships between the forces of nature and their effects, which are based on the observation of phenomena in nature. It is important to understand that our Western concept of "element" does not coincide with that of the TCW. The 5 elements are not a substance, they describe a force that has certain properties and follows laws and principles. The elements are dynamic, which is better expressed by the term "phases of change". They have a variety of appearances and describe recurring, energetic states or forces that keep each other in balance. They generate each other, transform into each other and contain each other. A balanced relationship is the goal - this means harmony, balance, equilibrium.
The theory of the 5 phases of change can be described as follows:
Five fundamental phenomena of nature were observed. Based on this observation, nature was divided into the elements wood, fire, earth, metal and water. They differ in their specific properties, which in turn are an expression of their individual nature.
Western tradition
For comparison:
Although there are some parallels to the elements in the Western tradition (earth, fire, water and air), they are by no means identical and do not describe cyclical processes.
Development of importance
During the Song period, the concept of the 5 phases of transformation was meticulously developed for every Chinese scientific discipline, which makes the variety of interpretations understandable. The very important work by Wuxing Dayi "The Comprehensive Meaning of the 5 Transformation Phases" represents the pinnacle of philosophy and dates from the Sui Dynasty (581-618). This work is of fundamental importance for BaZi Suanming in particular, as the 5 phases of transformation have an additional psychological interpretation.
Wood, fire, earth, metal & water
The 5 elements are:
- Wood (Mu)The wood element stands for growth, expansion and upward movement. It is associated with spring, the east, the wind and the color green. In TCM, wood represents the liver and gallbladder and is associated with qualities such as creativity, flexibility and determination.
- Fire (Huo)The fire element symbolizes energy, passion and activity. It is associated with summer, the south, heat and the color red. In TCM, the heart and small intestine are associated with the fire element. It represents emotional intensity, communication and joy.
- Earth (Tu)The earth element represents stability, nourishment and balance. It is associated with late summer, the center, moisture and the color yellow. In TCM, earth represents the spleen and stomach and is associated with nourishment, care and compassion.
- Metal (Jin)The metal element symbolizes clarity, precision and reduction. It is associated with autumn, the west, dryness and the color white. In TCM, the lung and large intestine are associated with the metal element. It represents integrity, discipline and self-esteem.
- Water (Shui)The water element stands for calmness, flow and adaptation. It is associated with winter, the north, the cold and the color black. In TCM, water represents the kidneys and the bladder. It symbolizes wisdom, stamina and flexibility.
