Five elements

The Yin or Yang is broken down into Five Elements (Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, and Earth) on top of the cycle of animals. These are modifiers and affect the characteristics of each of the 12 animal signs. Each element has features that apply to both years and the animals. Each of the 12 animals are governed by an element plus a Yin Yang Direction. They are divided into four groups.

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.


[edit] 金 Metal

* The West
* Autumn
* The Planet Venus
* The Color White
* Respiratory system & Lungs
* Determined, Self-reliant
* Unyielding, Strong
* Persistent, Forceful
* Emocation, pleasure
* Reserved, Needs Personal Space

'Governs' Monkey, Rooster, Dog

[edit] 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

'Governs' Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon

[edit] 水 Water

* The North
* Winter
* The Planet Mercury
* The Color Blue
* Skeletal/Excretory System & Lungs
* Diplomatic, Charming
* Intuitive, Compassionate
* Communication, Intellectual
* Sensitivity, Creative
* Flexible, Compliant

'Governs' Pig, Rat, Ox

[edit] 火 Fire

* The South
* Summer
* The Planet Mars
* The Color Red
* Circulatory system & Heart
* Dynamic, Energetic
* Passion, Enterprise
* Adventurous, Restless
* Competitive, Leadership Skills
* Strong, Single-minded
* Loves a good laugh

'Governs' Snake, Horse, Goat

[edit] 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
* 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.

Some websites denote the years by the colour and zodiac sign as opposed to animal sign and element.[2]