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Five Elements theory pervades all Chinese medical, spiritual and esoteric thought as a method of explaining the relationship between the physical and metaphysical worlds. The Five Elements are; Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water. They are usually presented in this order. According to the theory, the Universe is constantly in motion. Everything is interconnected. Everything interacts with everything else around it in predictable ways. The Five Elements theory is one of the ways of explaining this interconnectedness, and how each element affects the other elements. Everything on the planet can be categorized under one of the Elements. Each element has clearly defined qualities. (see chart below). In Chinese Astrology, each year is assigned an Animal influence in cycles of 12. As well, each year is assigned an element in cycles of 5. Additionally, each year is assigned either a yin or a yang aspect making the element cycles in fact, 10. These are known as the 12 stems and the 10 branches. The year 2004 is actually a Wood year in its Yang phase which means that the qualities of Wood will be enhanced, more asserted, and obvious. While in a Yin year (2005), these qualities will be more muted, subtle and hidden. In the Five Elements theory each element has a relationship with each of the other elements. There are two main cycles to be aware of; the Sheng, also known as the Generational or Nourishing cycle and the Ke or controlling cycle, sometimes called the Destructive cycle. In the Nourishing Cycle, each of the elements supports or nourishes the following element according to the diagram below. Wood then, nourishes Fire, Fire nourishes Earth, Earth nourishes Metal, Metal nourishes Water, and Water nourishes Wood. Therefore, an Earth sign will benefit from associating with either a Fire sign or a Water sign. Needless to say, there are several permutations to this. The other cycle is the Controlling Cycle, called by some the Destructive Cycle. This cycle is shown by the arrows forming the star in the diagram below. Therefore; Wood is controlled by Metal, Fire is controlled by Water, Earth is controlled by Wood, Metal is controlled by Fire, and Water is controlled by Earth. In this cycle, then, a Fire person will undoubtedly have trouble with a Water person, since it is in the nature of Water to control or destroy Fire. Likewise a Wood person will have trouble with an Earth person since it is in the nature of Wood to cover or smother Earth. This all having been said, in the mysterious world of Astrology, it is not necessarily a given that Fire and Water don't get along. There are several factors to be taken into consideration. As in Feng Shui, we do not always find ourselves with the ideal mate or business partner unless one has done these exercises before hand. In that case, knowledge of potential areas of compatibility and conflict allow one to apply 'cures' to promote balance and harmony in relationships. Each element appears in an astrological chart either in its Yin phase, or its Yang phase. Depending on where each of the Yin and Yang phases of the Five Elements appears in the Horoscope (ie, year, month, day, and hour), the effect will be different, and affect different areas of our lives. Click on the appropriate Element for more detailed information. 
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