Understanding the
Five Elements.
Five phases of change.
Wuxing, often translated as “Five Elements,” describes five related processes: Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water.
Wood
Growth & renewalNew shoots suggest growth and flexibility.
Follow WoodFire
Warmth & expressionSummer warmth suggests activity and expression.
Follow FireEarth
Nourishment & steadinessSoil suggests nourishment and stability.
Follow EarthMetal
Structure & refinementThe autumn harvest suggests gathering and refinement.
Follow MetalWater
Rest & adaptabilityWater suggests adaptability; winter brings rest and renewal.
Follow WaterSupport and restraint work together.
Generating describes support; regulating describes restraint. Together, they express a changing balance.
Choose an element, then follow its arrow.
Wood supports Fire
Wood feeds Fire.
Wood · Spring · East
Learn more about the cycles
In the generating cycle, each phase supports the next and receives support from the previous one.
Balance depends on context, rather than equal amounts of all five. These are traditional correspondences, not scientific causal laws.
Season and direction associations vary by school and period. Earth may also be linked with late summer.
Learn the Five Elements through play.
Place a crystal. Discover what it grows, what it clears, and how one move starts a chain.
0 / 3 placements · then jump if a pair matches
Drag the crystal or tap an empty space to place it.
Five Elements, colors and beads.
Traditional colors, illustrated with examples from our bead collection.
Wood
Green
Green Agate
Fire
Red
Garnet
Earth
Yellow & ochre
Golden Tiger’s Eye
Metal
White
White Pearl
Water
Black
Obsidian
Explore the Elements in Studio.
Explore your Elements and choose materials in Studio.