Chinese Elements
While the Chinese zodiac is made up of twelve horoscopes, each a different animal that rules the year, these animals are not the only thing that needs to be considered when doing any type of compatibility or horoscope reading. The five elements – Earth, Metal, Water, Wood and Fire – have direct influences on the zodiac sign as well. For example, you could be a Fire Dog or an Earth Dog, the same zodiac, two different elements, and a world of difference. Let’s take a look at the elements and see how they can influence our overall personality and lives.
Chinese astrology is based on math and science, making it a fairly exact method of predicting how certain things will affect people’s lives based on their personality and who they are. When adding the elements to the equation, is gets even more precise. Each element adds an additional layer of meaning to the animals that make up the zodiac. These elements influence our basic animal instincts and let us see them in a clearer, more focused light.
Those born under the element of wood look for growth and renewal in everything. You like to ‘branch out’, and you have open minds, making you compassionate and generous. You understand the value that you possess as well as the value of others. You are strong and confident and firm enough in your convictions to act on them. Your strength is the support of any social group or individual partnership you are currently involved in. Beware though. That strength sometimes makes you passive and too logical in your thinking. When this happens, you become overwhelmed and inhibited. If you can overcome this one fault, you will leave a mark on the world, probably in some business venture.
Fire people are impulsive, charming, enthusiastic, and emotionally restless, yet burning bright like the element you were born under. You are the natural leaders of the world. Your decisive actions and presence inspire others, which is why you probably enjoy adventures of all sorts. You act on instinct, but also think over new ideas and solutions to the everyday problem. Your love life is combustible in a very good way, able to see to the core of an issue and finding a way to make it work between you and your special someone. When you believe in a cause that is important, your mind cannot be swayed. This makes you look single-minded, so be careful how you present yourself.
Like the planet we live on, Earth signs are wise, prudent, serene, strong in your beliefs, morals, ethics, and responsibilities. You are the ones who live life like a planned book, trying to avoid unexpected events. You are logical, not emotional. Your discipline earns you respect when presented in the right way. You tend to fear the unknown, double guess yourself, and don’t believe in your dreams. You need to open up and relax and let the world have benefit of your wisdom for you do have a lot to offer.
If you are a metal, you are fiercely determined and self-reliant, sometimes even down right forceful. You enjoy life and the comfort and freedom afforded to you. You also like to be left alone. You are the entrepreneurs, building your destiny your way. Of course, that also makes you seem set in your ways. People look up to you and while they do, you seem strong and virtuous. Be careful not to be too demanding on everyone around you, including yourself. Being stern can get things done, just don’t cross the line into a dictator.
Finally, the water people are the ones that are fluid and simply go with the flow. You have a quiet charm and strength allowing you to be diplomatic, intuitive, creative, and captivating. Masters of persuasion, you gain trust and affection, and a following because of it. You know how to make everyone feel special. Be careful not to become passive, though. Be yourself, not what everyone wants you to be. Like water, flow freely and give of yourself only what you wish, and take what they offer in return without compromising the real you.