You’ve probably already heard of the 12 Chinese zodiac signs, which repeat in a 12-year cycle
But did you know that there is a corresponding element that can give us even more information about the year and ourselves? So, what does it mean that 1989 was the year of the earth snake? Or that 2002 was the year of the fire horse? Take a look at the following and you will understand a lot more.
What is the origin of the Chinese zodiac elements?
There are five elements of the Chinese zodiac: wood, fire, earth, metal and water. These come from the Theory of the Five Elements—or Wu Xing—a philosophy used to describe the relationship and interdependence between all things. This teaching is about finding balance. As one energy rises, another fades. All elements are interrelated and there is no hierarchy. This theory forms the basis not only of the Chinese zodiac but also of other Eastern traditions such as feng shui, holistic medicine, acupuncture, divination (such as the I Ching) and martial arts.
In the theory of the Five Elements, it is the interaction between the elements that creates and destroys energy. When elements interact, like opposite sides of a yin yang symbol, progress (whether positive or negative) is inevitable.
In the Five Element Theory, creation and destruction are complementary processes, in which harmony is the ultimate goal.
What do these figures mean?
Because all the elements work together, each has different priorities, and people born under certain types of elements have distinct personality traits.
1. WOOD
People born during the wood are patient, compassionate and understanding. Wood people are as warm and sociable as they are stable and practical. But because they are so focused on expansion and opportunity, they can become overly competitive or obsessed with achievement for achievement’s sake. When they are too focused on winning, they can become intrusive and disrespectful of others’ boundaries.
Colour: Green Season: Spring Planet: Jupiter Symbol: Dragon Sign: Tiger, Rabbit
If the last number in your birth year is 4 or 5 then your element is wood.
2. FIRE
Those born in the years of fire cannot help but chase an adventure. Creative and persistent, these people are simply deeply passionate about life. Fire people are highly motivated, and once their spark is ignited, they will not stop until they light up the entire village. Because they run with passion, they are thrill seekers and easily bored if what they do becomes too repetitive or mundane. They do not do well in work environments where every day is the same and can be a bit aggressive.
Because they need constant stimulation, they can suffer from anxiety and insomnia if they are not careful to regulate their nervous system.
Colour: Red Season: Summer Planet: Mars Symbol: Phoenix Sign: Horse, Snake
If the last number in your birth year is 6 or 7 then your element is fire.
3. LAND
Those born during earth years are natural peacemakers. Responsible and justice-oriented, these people are the peer mediators on the college campus and the nerds in high school who always make sure the group project is turned in on time.
Although they are expert problem solvers and crisis managers, earth types can sometimes overreach and become a bit self-centered and controlling.
Colour: Brown Season: Between summer and autumn Planet: Saturn Symbol: Cauldron Sign: Dragon, dog, ox, sheep
If the last number in your birth year is 8 or 9, then your element is earth.
4. METAL
Love them or hate them, people born during metal years always do their thing. These people are unyielding and rigid, often giving off Miranda Priestly in The Devil Wears Prada vibes.
They are disciplined and have high moral standards and while this is something to respect, they can also be critical and controlling,
Colour: White Season: Autumn Planet: Venus Symbol: Tiger Sign: Monkey, Rooster
If the last number in your birth year is 0 or 1 then your element is metal.
5. WATER
People born during water years are sensitive and introverted, usually needing a lot of time for self-reflection. With their thoughts always spinning—and their heads sometimes in the clouds—they like to stay out of the drama and observe from the sidelines.
They will only enter stressful situations when they know their voice needs to be heard. To find balance, they need a calm environment.
Colour: Black Season: Winter Planet: Mercury Symbol: Tortoise Sign: Rat, Pig
If the last number in your birth year is 2 or 3 then your element is Water.
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With a wealth of experience honed over 4+ years in journalism, I bring a seasoned voice to the world of news. Currently, I work as a freelance writer and editor, always seeking new opportunities to tell compelling stories in the field of world news.
