Classical foundations
The Five Elements
Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water as phases of movement.
Wu Xing is better understood as five phases than five substances. Wood expands, Fire rises, Earth stabilizes, Metal gathers, and Water descends and stores.
The generating cycle moves Wood to Fire, Earth, Metal, Water, and back to Wood. The controlling cycle creates a second rhythm of restraint. Traditional systems study the balance between both.
WoodFireEarthMetalWater
This introduction presents a cultural framework in plain language. Historical schools vary in terminology and method.