The Elements of the Chinese Calendar

Aside from the Yang-Yin signs, Chi­nese astrology has five natural elements which are believed to influence the twelve astrological signs. Each of the signs is exposed to every one of the elements making each year of the sixty-year cycle unique.

The five elements which comprise the universe and the nature of all things are: metal, water, wood, fire and earth. Although some elements are known to be stronger than others, all are inter­related by the Law of Nature. Metal conquers wood, wood conquers earth, earth conquers water, water conquers fire and fire conquers metal.

1.    Metal — Any astrological sign influ­enced by metal becomes passionate and unyielding. At best, a "metallic" sign is self-reliant, firm and resolute. At worst, the metal makes a sign tough, mean and cruel.

    2.    Water  -  Because  water is known for its fluidity and ability to spread easily, a sign under the water element is characterized by good communica­tion skills. Water takes the harshness out of a sign's attitudes, making it expressive, creative, flexible and tole­rant.

3.    Wood — A solid wood element makes a sign reliable, considerate and ex­pansive. The wood enhances ethical traits and enables a sign to influence others. A sign becomes even more warm, kind and compassionate if it is influenced by wood.

4.    Fire — Fire makes an astrological sign burn with energy and aggressive­ness. The existing traits of a sign under this element are almost always strengthened. Fire will cause a sign to be more passionate, forceful and assertive.

    5.    Earth — The earth element stabililizes almost all the traits carried by an astrological sign.  A sign becomes more functional, steadfast and practical. Since self-improvement is the main coincern of the earth element, a sign becomes particularly sensible, prudent and productive.