The most known is that there are 12 zodiac animal signs. But, maybe few people know each year is associated with an element. Each element really affects our lives including relationships, career, personality, …

What are the Five Elements?

First, let’s find out what five elements are. Everything in the universe comes from the five elements: wood, fire, earth, water, and metal. From the smallest thing to the solar system, all things came from the combination of these elements.

So that all of oriental people believe the five elements play a role in the balance of energies in the body, contributing to everything from personality traits to health and well-being.

How the five elements work

• Metal element represents metal, which is born from the earth (soil). If metal is melted by fire, it will be transformed into water.
• Wood represents plants, flowers and leaves, which are born from water. Water comes from rain and underground sources, which are absorbed and nourish plants, giving birth to wood.
• Water element represents water in the ocean.
• Fire represents life on earth, which is born from plants. After being burned by fire, everything returns to the earth, and fire gives birth to soil.
• Soil represents the root of life.

Interactions Between the Five Elements

Interactions Between the Five Elements are generating and overcoming interactions. 

• The generating interaction means the element can promote the development of another element.
• The overcoming interaction means the element can restrain the development of another element.  

Generating Interactions

• Wood fuels fire
• Fire forms the earth (volcanoes, ash)
• Earth contains metal
• Metal collects water
• Water feeds wood (plants)

Overcoming Interactions

• Wood depletes the earth (plants absorb nutrition from the soil)
• Earth obstructs water (dams restrict the flow of water)
• Water quenches fire
• Fire melts metal
• Metal harvests wood (chopping, sawing…)

How to know which element we belong to?

The five elements are based on the day, month and year of person birth in the lunar calendar.  Based on the time of your birth, you will know you belong to which feng shui five elements.

How the five element affects our lives

Human personality

Each of the five elements is associated with different personality traits and tendencies. Here are some common traits associated with each element:

Metal

The element of Metal is associated with people who have a Metal destiny, who often have a strong and determined personality. They are ambitious and will work hard to achieve what they want. They are good organizers and decision makers, but may lack flexibility because they rely on their own abilities. Those with a Metal destiny are serious and may not easily accept help from others.

Wood

In terms of strengths, those with a Wood destiny are very agile and have a very scientific and progressive way of thinking. They are generous and fair to everyone, so they are often loved by many.

However, the weaknesses of those with a Wood destiny are that they are easily angered and lack perseverance in their work. Therefore, despite having innate talents, those with a Wood destiny often abandon their work halfway through due to their hot-tempered and hasty personality.

Water

Those with a Water destiny often have excellent communication skills and the ability to persuade others. They are usually quick, adaptable and able to adjust to new environments. They are far-sighted and look at things from a holistic perspective, so they always evaluate everything objectively and make accurate decisions.

However, they are also easily hurt when others have negative intentions towards them. They are very sensitive to the emotions of others, so they are willing to listen to everyone’s thoughts and feelings.

Fire 

People born under the Fire element have an open, warm personality. They are extroverted, enthusiastic, and very helpful to others, making them very kind-hearted. They are also very decisive and quick to act, which allows them to seize opportunities.

They are always willing to accept challenges. Therefore, they like to take risks and be proactive in their work and careers, which leads to many successes. 

Earth

Earth destiny has a character of tolerance, forgiveness, and is very trustworthy. They are also loyal and easy to be loved by others because they always keep their promises if they have made one.

People born under the Earth element even make plans to fulfill their promises to others. They know their advantages, know their own strengths, and know how to maximize them. They also have a calm and organized personality with a sense of caution in their work.

Relationships

According to the law of generating and overcoming interactions among the five elements, the relationships between humans, such as marriage, emotional relationships, and family relationships, … also based on this law.

For example, a person with an Earth element will provide good support for the corresponding Earth element. In particular, people belonging to the Fire element will create great energy to help the Earth element become more prosperous and full of fortune. According to the law of mutual conquest, the Earth element is conquered by the Wood element. The Earth element also needs to be careful when coexisting with the Water element to avoid exhaustion and unwanted obstacles.

Attract fortune and luck

According to the law of interaction among the five elements, if you use feng shui products that are suitable for your own element, you will attract wealth and good luck. 

Nowadays, wearing feng shui bracelets is becoming increasingly popular. Feng shui bracelets bring many wonderful benefits to the wearer. Not only do they help attract wealth, good luck, or have important meanings to improve health, feng shui bracelets are also one of the beautiful and luxurious jewelry items.

If you are not yet wearing or using feng shui jewelry, this is the right time to start.