Chinese Astrology
Chinese Astrology: Your Universal Element
In Chinese astrology, a Universal Element is one of five natural forces that shape a person's character and life, alongside their animal sign. The five elements are Water, Wood, Fire, Earth, and Metal.
Each element stands for a kind of movement or change in nature, and together they need to stay in balance for a person to live a peaceful and healthy life. Each element also has both good and difficult effects on a person's nature, environment, and life.
Your Universal Element is worked out from your birth year. Each element is paired with two of the 12 animal signs in a repeating cycle, so your element depends on which 12-year cycle you were born in. When your animal sign is combined with your Universal Element, it gives a fuller and more detailed picture of your personality, strengths, and destiny than the animal sign alone. Below is a summary of each element, followed by a closer look at what each one means for the people born under it.
The Five Elements at a Glance
| Water | Wood | Fire | Earth | Metal |
|---|
| Color | Black and Blue | All shades of green | Yellow, Red | Brown and earth tones | Any metallic color, such as gold, silver, or copper |
| Season | Winter | Spring | Summer | All | Autumn |
| Represents | Fountains and springs | Paper, plants, and furniture | Light | Natural gems, such as crystal, glass, and diamonds | Jewelry, keys, coins, and ceramics |
| Number | 1 | 3 and 4 | 9 | 2, 5 and 8 | 6 and 7 |
| Animals | Rat and Pig | Tiger and Rabbit | Horse and Snake | Ox, Dragon, Sheep and Dog | Rooster and Monkey |
What Each Element Means
Water
Planet: MercuryIn Chinese astrology, the planet Mercury is linked to the Water element. People born under the Water element tend to be charming, sensitive, and sympathetic. They are artistic and careful, and they have a talent for noticing the hidden strengths in other people.
Water is the lifeline of every creature on Earth. It causes rain and dew, and it forms waterfalls, rivers, and seas. It is important for rest and for filling the reservoirs of life.
Wood
Planet: JupiterThe planet Jupiter is linked to Wood. People born under the Wood element tend to be kind and generous. They enjoy exploring the world and are often happy to advise others. They are hardworking and dedicated.
Wood stores and provides energy. It encourages new opportunities and possibilities and helps them mature. Wood fuels the energy needed to do positive work.
Fire
Planet: MarsThe planet Mars is linked to Fire. People born under the Fire element enjoy excitement and adventure in their lives. They have energetic personalities and often make excellent leaders. They are natural public speakers and like to form strong bonds with their partners.
Fire keeps us warm. It helps us value our relationships and discover our own potential. It helps us understand that, if we want to, we can achieve things on our own, without help from others.
Earth
Planet: SaturnThe planet Saturn is linked to Earth. People born under the Earth element tend to be steady and trustworthy. They know their duties toward the people close to them. They are decent and disciplined, and while they can be conservative, this often works in their favor. They tend to make good administrators and planners.
Earth supports us. It gives us a place to live, eat, play, and work, and it provides everything we need. Earth reminds us that life is not only about dreaming, but also about hard, practical work.
Now that you know your Universal Element, see how it combines with your animal sign for a complete picture.Go to the free, complete Chinese astrology report to find out more.
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