Five Element Theory
The Five Element Cycle and it's various energetic stages are described in the table below. There are many more associations for each element including times of day, tastes, smells and physical, mental and spiritual associations which are covered in some of our workshops
Each element represents a different phase of energy with the growth cycle being represented by the circle and the adjoining lines or star pattern representing the control required to keep life in balance.
In the Control Cycle, Water controls Fire, Fire controls Metal, Metal controls Wood, Wood controls Earth and Earth controls Water.
An imbalance in a particular area might be represented by the following:
- If Fire is out of balance you may be over- emotional, too shy or unable to voice your feelings.
- Worrying too much, overthinking or not looking after yourself are all signs of an Earth imbalance. You might be using all your energy to take care of others.
- A Metal imbalance can be indicated by someone who can't look 'outside the box' or someone whose personal boundaries are being tested.
- Not being in control of your situation and being pushed by external circumstances could indicate a Water imblance as could irrational fears and phobias.
- A Wood imbalance could be indicated by someone who is always angry or frustrated or someone who always needs to be in control.
Where are you out of balance?
Element |
Colour/ Direction |
Associations |
Fire |
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Fire represents the ultimate uncontrolled expansion.
Fire is high summer, it is laughter, frivolity and happiness and it governs spiritual issues, communication and the emotions.
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Earth |
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Earth represents centre and balance and is the period just before harvest when the direction of energy starts to change and everything starts to turn inwards.
It is the cycles of the earth and nature and relates to sleeping, eating, etc. To strengthen earth energy clarifies thoughts and opinions and encourages self nurturing. |
Metal |
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Metal deals with consolidation - the inward movement of energy during the autumnal months while nature prepares for winter.
Strengthening Metal energy encourages us to let go of unwanted patterns, structures and boundaries.
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Water |
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Water deals with the stored potential of winter locked away in a seed waiting for the warmth of spring.
Water can be represented by a still pond, a bubbling stream a flowing river or a powerful torrent. For us it represents direction, ambition, will power and laziness or 'going with the flow'.
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Wood |
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Wood repesents spring and its contains the qualities of rising and expansion.
If you think of a tree root, flexibility is the key and strength comes from its ability to move around rocks finding the best anchor for itself. Wood is about creativity, planning and decisionmaking.
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