Understanding the Five Elements

WATER

This element is represented by the color black and the ealm stillness of winter. Like this season, water energy is associated with quiet reflection and the conservation and storage of energy and strength.

People whose dominant element is water have a preference for salty foods. They tend to be peaceful and introspective, though they can also be stubborn individuals who resist change. Water people value privacy and rarely share their personal thoughts and feelings with others.

Individuals with very little water often lack good sense. They tend to have a difficult time making decisions and often give up easily.

WOOD

This element is represented by the color green and the rebirth of spring. Wood energy is associated with youth, expansion, and the making of future plans and decisions.

People whose dominant element is wood have a preference for sour foods. They tend to be driven, assertive individuals, which can sometime make them argumentative and difficult to get along with. Wood people are idealists who believe that there is a 'right way' of doing things. However, they can also be understanding, helpful individuals who are happy to assist others in need.

Those with little or no wood tend to have a difficult time forming their own opinions and are easily persuaded by others.

FIRE

Not surprisingly, this element corresponds to the color red and the season of summer. Fire energy is associated with openness and abundance as well as with strong emotions such as love and joy.

People whose dominant element is fire have preference for bitter foods. The tend to be optimistic, energetic, unpredictable individuals. Fire people often have strong options, and are, by nature, risk takers: they are passionate people who love excitement and change, like fire, though, they can also be destructive and may hurt or offend others with their short tempers.

People with little or no fire tend to worry a lot and have very little self-confidence.

EARTH

METAL