Understanding the Five Elements (Wu Xing)

The Cycle of Energy

Saju analysis relies heavily on the interaction between the Five Elements. These elements are not just static substances but phases of energy transformation.

1. Wood (Mok)

• Keywords: Growth, creativity, expansion, benevolence.
• Season: Spring.
• Direction: East.

2. Fire (Hwa)

• Keywords: Passion, dynamism, expression, courtesy.
• Season: Summer.
• Direction: South.

3. Earth (To)

• Keywords: Stability, grounding, trust, transition.
• Season: Between seasons (Indian Summer).
• Direction: Center.

4. Metal (Geum)

• Keywords: Structure, justice, refinement, decision.
• Season: Autumn.
• Direction: West.

5. Water (Su)

• Keywords: Wisdom, adaptability, flow, intuition.
• Season: Winter.
• Direction: North.

Generating and Overcoming Cycles

• Generating (Productive) Cycle: Wood feeds Fire -> Fire creates Earth (ash) -> Earth bears Metal -> Metal collects Water (condensation) -> Water nourishes Wood.
• Overcoming (Controlling) Cycle: Wood parts Earth -> Earth dams Water -> Water extinguishes Fire -> Fire melts Metal -> Metal chops Wood.

Understanding these relationships helps interpret how different aspects of your life (career, health, relationships) interact with each other.