5 Elements

Abstract

“The Five Elements are Water, Fire, Wood, Metal, and Earth. Water moistens downward, Fire flares upwards, Wood can be bent and straightened, Metal can be molded and can harder. Earth permits sowing, growing and reaping. That which soaks and descends (Water) is salty. That which blazes upwards (Fire) is bitter, that which can be bent and straightened (Wood) is sour, that which can be molded and become hard (Metal) is pungent, that which permits sowing and reaping (Earth) is sweet.” (1000-771 BC)