Wu Xing In Chinese Horoscope

The Wu Xing in Chinese horoscope is also referred to as the Five Movements, Five Phases or Five Steps or Stages. Primarily a very old mnemonic device, in many traditional Chinese fields, it is usually translated as 'element'. The Chinese word xing means something like 'changing states of being', 'permutations' or 'metamorphoses ' literally. The Chinese notion of 'element' is quite different from the Western world. The Chinese Wu Xing 'elements' are seen as ever changing and moving energies or forces. Another translation of xing is simply 'the five changes'.

The five elements in Chinese horoscope are:

* Fire
* Earth
* Metal
* Water
* Wood

The system of five phases in Chinese Wu Xing was used to describe interactions and relationships between phenomena. These were engaged as a tool in many fields of early Chinese philosophy, which included seemingly contrasting fields such as geomancy or Feng shui. The use of Wu Xing was also prevalent in traditional Chinese medicine, music, and even military strategy and martial arts.

The system of Wu Xing in Chinese horoscope is still used as a reference in some types of complementary and alternative medicine and martial arts. According to some, the idea of the Five Cardinal Points formed the original foundation of these five elements in Chinese horoscope. The Chinese Wu Xing has a main bearing on what is favorable and effective for the people. It is believed that each element is associated with a particular direction and season, and their different kinds of qì or life force.

As per the Chinese Wu Xing theory, the structure of the universe and heavens mirror the five phases. Each of these five elements in Chinese horoscope has a intricate series of relations with different aspects of nature. The Feng Shui practitioners base their art and system on the Wu Xing in Chinese horoscope.