The main elements of nature are earth, wood, fire, water and metal. This classification is given by traditional Chinese philosophy. These five elements are tangible and occur in nature in its purest form.
They symbolize the changing and complementary character that is present in everything that surrounds living beings.
Chinese philosophy reveals the interrelation between these from different points of view: according to the generation approach, each element gives rise to another, completing the cycle between the five elements in harmony.
Another perspective is the cycle of domination, also known as the star of destruction. Under this approach, each element submits to another until the cycle is restarted.
The 5 elements of nature
According to Chinese culture and Feng Shui, in nature five elements are clearly distinguished that lead the natural phenomena in the world.
1- Water
Water, an element that represents more than 70% of the earth's surface, tops the list.
In its different states (solid, liquid or gaseous), water is always present in one form or another in nature.
From the spiritual point of view, this element is related to the soft skills of each person, the management of emotionality, introspection, inner peace, meditation and reflective acts.
This element is associated with the winter season, given the state of rest at this time of year.
Water is also associated with the color blue, with marine symbols and with a state of absolute tranquility.
2- Wood
Wood is present in the trunks of trees. It is a robust element, associated with strength, verticality and leafiness. In the spiritual realm it is related to growth and gentleness.
Wood corresponds to spring, given the symbolism of growth and expansion that occurs in nature during this season of the year.
It is also associated with brown and green colors, wood-based ornaments, and natural scents such as pine, cedar, and cypress oil.
3- Fire
Fire is defined as the emission of light and heat induced by a combustion process. This element is associated with volatility, both from a physical and emotional point of view.
Fire is associated with the summer season due to heat waves. It is also linked to feelings of destruction, war and violence. The colors associated with fire are red, orange and yellow.
4- Earth
This element is related to abundance, the nutrition of the trees and the generation of life through Mother Earth.
Seen from the philosophical configuration, the earth is an element associated with wisdom, loyalty, stability, justice and solid judgment.
The colors associated with this element are brown, yellow, terracotta and orange. The land is also associated with the end of summer.
5- Metal
It covers all the metals present on the planet, including copper, brass, aluminum, silver, copper and gold, among others.
Metal is linked to structured thinking: intelligence, brilliance, planning and organization of ideas. The foregoing makes this element closely related to business management.
This element symbolizes the autumn season, the culture of meticulousness and foresight.
References
- Fundamental concepts: the 5 elements (2012). Recovered from: acupunturayosteopatia.com
- What are the five elements and what do they represent? (2011). Recovered from: guioteca.com
- The five elements: which one is yours and with which you are compatible (2014). HuffPost Journal. New York, USA. Recovered from: huffingtonpost.com
- The five elements (Wu Xing) (nd). Recovered from: fengshuinatural.com
- Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia (2017). Wu Xing. Recovered from: es.wikipedia.org