The Five Element theory is the backbone of all Chinese Metaphysical studies. It is believed that all matters as well as the sentient beings in our universe are composed by a blend of the Five Elements – Earth, Metal, Water, Wood and Fire. These five elements are but a form of Qi that is the result of interaction between the two fundamental forces of Yin and Yang. Such interaction could produce up to five phases of Qi that represents the product of different proportions of Yin and Yang.
Each of these five elements can be characterized in terms of various attributes such as physical properties, shapes and colors. The relationship between these elements are often described as “Cycles” where each cycle is characterized by how each of these elements affect – Produce (or grow), Control (or counter) or Weaken – one another.
PRODUCTIVE CYCLEIn this Productive Cycle, the elements are producing one another. Water provides essential nourishment for trees (Wood), which is then used as fuel for Fire, resulting in ashes (Earth). Earth is mined for minerals, or Metal, which when melted, runs like Water.
The key point to remember for the productive cycle is that an element strengthens and grows the element it produces.
CONTROLLING CYCLEIn this cycle, the elements keep each other under control. For example, Fire melts Metal. An axe (Metal) cuts into Wood. The roots of a tree grip tightly onto Earth (Wood control Earth). Earth forms a barrier to control Water – just like a dam holds back the massive amounts of water. Water extinguishes Fire.
In the controlling cycle, an element is countered or subjugated by its controlling element.
WEAKENING CYCLE
This is the reverse process of the Production Cycle. For example, in the Production Cycle we learned that Water produces Wood (as in water is used to nourish trees). Conversely, we can say that Wood weakens Water – because Wood absorbs Water. This is known as the Weakening Cycle.
Similarly, Metal is weakened by Water in the sense that Water contributes to the oxidation (rusting) of steel (Metal). Metal in turn weakens Earth – the results of ore (Metal) mining weaken Earth. Earth weakens fire. Why? Earth cannot burn, and limits the spread of Fire. Finally, in the Production Cycle, Wood is used to make fire. However, in the Weakening Cycle, Fire consumes Wood and therefore Fire weakens Wood.
The various cycles and their characteristics have often been applied in Feng Shui analysis and implementation to achieve the desired balance and harmony. For example, after analyzing the premise, it is concluded that the presence of “Sha Qi” (Negative or Killing Energies) is of the Earth element type. Therefore, we can implement the Weakening Cycle theory by employing the use of Metal Elements with the intention to weaken the otherwise “bad” Earth Element.