Introduction to the Five Elements

In Traditional Chinese Medicine it is believed that the cycles of nature are echoed within the human psyche.

We all have access to the five archetypes within: The Philosopher, Explorer, Wizard, Diplomat and Scientist.

In ancient China it was recognised that as the seasons followed one another so too did the energy of all living things. In the winter when the world is still, there is very little activity and so we should also rest more and do less. The ancient Chinese say we should get up with the sun and go to bed with the sun, and most probably before electricity we mostly did.

As winter gives way to spring to there is the birth of new and renewed growth. Now is the season to start new projects having contemplated them through the long winter nights. Plans come to fruition in summer and we reflect on our deeds in the late summer (harvest) time. Finally the year begins to wind down again with autumn when trees lose their leaves and the fruit on the ground rots to release the seed for germination in the next spring.

In terms of Yin and Yang Spring and Summer are Yang (expansive) and Autumn and Winter are Yin (contractive). The element of Earth which nowadays is called late summer is the turning point and originally it was placed at the centre of the cycle, with the last fourteen days of one season and the first fourteen of the next being a time of change.

Of course this cycle is a metaphor for all cycles in our lives. From birth to death, the passing of a single day, week, month and the lifetime of a project or event. All cycles have their time of outward growth and energy until the extreme in the fruition and then a decline until the cycle ends.

This blog explores these elements and cycles in a number of ways and I hope some of them will be of use or interest to you.