The Five Elements; Cycle of Birth and Destruction

The concept of five elements is refinement of the principle yin and yang. These abstract energies or intangible forces around us can be divided into earth, metal, water, wood and fire. Each element has its own attributes and characteristics. The elements, which are inherent in all energy force, follows nautre's law. They can be productive or destructive depending how they interact with each other.

Cycle of Productive/Birth

Fig 1

Fig 1 illustrates the productive cycle or cycle of birth. According to this cycle, Metal produce Water: Metal can be liquefied. Water nourishes Wood: Water is the essential element for the growth of plants. Wood activates Fire: Wood provides fuel for Fire. Fire enriches Earth: The ashes of Fire is the primal substance of Earth. Lastly, Earth yields Metal: Metal ore is obtained from Earth.

Cycle of Destruction

Fig 2

Fig 2 shows the destructive cycle of the elements. These elements interact with one another in a cyclical pattern of destruction. When this cycle is distured or becomes imbalanced, it can be detrimental. In this cycle of destruction, Metal conquers Wood: Metal can cut the shape of wood. Wood penetrated Earth: Wood can extract the essence of Earth. Earth Drains Water: Earth absorbs the flow of water. Water extinguishes Fire: Water has the power to control and extinguish Fire. Fire destroys Metal: The radiant heat Fire melts Metal.

Note:

The productive cycle shows how an element is used to give strength and support to any of the elemental forces that are weak.

The destructive cycle shows how each element is capable of weakening and eventually destroying another element.