The Five Elements Described in Terms of Seasons

This is an article I put together during an investigation of the Five Elements. It represents my own understandings and is here for someone who wants to read it.

Yin and Yang

Yin and yang are considered the two primal elements which, through their interactions, give rise to all manifestations in the universe. This is discussing them in terms of the Tao known since ancient times. They are the elements that are behind the existence of anything, in any situation. They are truly the cause of manifestations, not merely a framework for understanding that is applied to the world, as someone with a modern scientific viewpoint might believe.

Permeating existence and constituting the material elements that are behind anything that occurs, yin and yang are the two elements producing changes in the celestial bodies, the natural world, processes in the human body, and the unfolding of human affairs. Using them can unveil interconnected aspects of the human body and its relationship to both cosmic and mundane phenomena. They make up each of the Five Elements that make up all matter. The correspondence between the Five Elements and yin and yang and all things unveils a vast interconnected science that is coherent and deep and it can be mapped to concepts developed by empirical science (e.g. Sulfur, Oxygen, and Phosphorus are all made predominantly of the Fire element and, accordingly, are located next to each other on the Periodic Table).

Yin is known as the element that is dark, dormant, cold, passive, receptive, gentle, yielding. Yang is the active, bright, warm, assertive, strong element. Male comes from the yang element. Female comes from the yin element. Men, predominantly yang, are therefore supposed to be strong. Women, predominantly yin, are therefore supposed to be gentle. Yet, at the same time, yin is found inside yang and yang is found inside yin. The man carries a darker or more silent presence, usually less talkative, and in this a yin aspect is seen. The woman brings a brighter or more expressive presence, usually more talkative, and in this a yang aspect is seen.

Taiji, its symbol the Yin-Yang symbol, is made of the material forces of Yin and Yang, and this represents a balance between opposites, though what is considered balanced changes from one situation to the next. What is considered Yin or Yang might change in a situation depending on which facet is being examined.
Their constant change showcases the ever-changing nature of the universe.

Tianren Xiangying (天人相应): “Heaven and Human Correspond”

1. The Philosophical Foundation: Unity of Macrocosm and Microcosm

At the heart of Chinese cosmology lies the axiom:

“天人一也” — Heaven and Human are one.

The universe (天 tian) is not separate from the human body (人 ren). Both are animated by the same qi (氣) — the vital breath or energy that flows through seasons, planets, organs, and emotions.

Planets = celestial qi configurations
Organs = terrestrial qi nodes
Seasons = cyclical qi transformations

This is not metaphor; it is ontological correspondence. The Huangdi Neijing (Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Medicine, ~200 BCE) states:

“The sage faces south like the emperor, aligns with the stars, and regulates yin-yang within the body.”

The Five Elements Described in Progression

The Five Elements are Water, Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and they correspond to the seasons of Winter, Spring, Summer, Late Summer, and Autumn. They apply in different proportions and combinations to seasons of different regions of the Earth, such as how there is a high proportion of daylight (Fire) during the Summer closer to the poles and extreme cold and wetness (Water). The tropical regions have higher proportion of Water for the climate across all seasons, being more wet across the year, with the highest amount of precipitation occurring during the Winter, though their climactic temperature is more reflective of the Fire Element. This is an example of the multi-dimensionality of the Five Elements. The Five Elements describe dynamic processes, not fixed substances or descriptions.

Each of the Five Elements, while having its unique characteristics, is a product of the interplay between Yin and Yang, and there are two main cycles, generating and controlling. Below is the sequence of the generating cycle described in terms of the progression of the seasons. The cycle is most often depicted on a circle going clockwise, but below we discuss it as a wave, starting at the bottom of the wave. The ratio of yin and yang changes across seasons and there is a linear bar to represent this beneath each element.

WATER (水, Shuǐ)

storage, depth, moisture, darkness, rest

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10% Yang, 90% Yin

Water is plotted at the trough of the wave. Corresponding to this in the physical world is any natural trough, a low spot where water settles during cold seasons. The Water element is associated with Winter in any region. Even if precipitation is not the highest during wintertime, water nevertheless lingers more in this period, either through snow or moisture persistence. This time of year is cold, animals have retreated and are plants are often dormant, and the daylight hours are at their shortest while the nighttime hours are at their longest; it is maximum Yin and minimum Yang. The energy is at its most inward and still, reflecting deep stillness and potential for renewal. In the human life cycle, Winter (Water) represents old age, a period of life that has slowed down greatly, characterized by rest, reflection, and the accumulation of wisdom. It is also associated with the beginning (conception) of life, when dormancy and development is inward-focused, as in the case of the egg.

In terms of the time of day, Winter (Water) is associated with night, particularly midnight, when the world is at its darkest and most still. Emotionally, Winter (Water) is associated with fear (which always tries to be hidden and is a frozen state for a person), also reflecting the stillness and introspection of the season. In traditional Chinese medicine, Winter (Water) corresponds to the kidneys and bladder, organs associated with storing and purifying. They correspond to water settling in low points or being released downwards. Natural phenomena for Winter (Water) include snow, ice, and wildlife dormancy, reflecting the stillness and inward energy of the season. The colors associated with Winter (Water) are black and dark blue, colors that reflect the depth and stillness of the season. In terms of direction, Winter (Water) is associated with the north, also reflecting cold and stillness. The flavor associated with Winter (Water) is salty, manifestation of the preserving and purifying qualities of the season, as salt retains water. In terms of developmental stages in projects or work, Winter (Water) represents conception and planning, a time of inward reflection and preparation.

When water freezes, it undergoes a process of cooling and becoming still, which are fundamentally Yin characteristics. The state of being a solid (ice) is also more Yin compared to the liquid state of water, as it is even more stable and less active. Whereas water flows until it settles, ice stays in place. Additionally, the structure of ice, although solid and stable (Yin), also has a certain organized, crystalline structure that can be seen as embodying a form of order and structure (Yang). The process of becoming ice involves the (Yang) active release of heat.

The Water element is associated with adaptability, flexibility, and the ability to flow around obstacles.

WOOD (木, Mù)

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70% Yang, 30% Yin

Moving up from the trough towards the rising part of the wave, we encounter the Wood element. Wood is associated with Spring in any region. This time of year is characterized by growth and expansion, as plants begin to sprout and temperatures warm. The energy in this phase is marked by rising Yang, with Yang increasing and Yin decreasing. This period signifies new beginnings, planning, and development, as life emerges from the dormancy of Winter. In the human life cycle, Spring (Wood) corresponds to childhood, marked by rapid growth, learning, and development. Bamboo shoots grow rapidly, embodying Wood’s qualities of growth, flexibility, and upward movement– growth that is enabled by its antecedent, Water, and the simultaneous rising amounts of sunlight.

In terms of the time of day, Spring (Wood) corresponds to the morning, specifically dawn, when light begins to return and energy starts to rise. Emotionally, Spring (Wood) is linked to anger, an emotion that bursts out and can drive growth and change. In traditional Chinese medicine, Spring (Wood) is linked to the liver and gallbladder, organs that manage growth and detoxification. Natural phenomena for Spring (Wood) include the blossoming of wildlife, growth, and rain, symbolizing renewal and expansion. The color associated with Spring (Wood) is green which symbolizes growth and renewal. In terms of direction, Spring (Wood) corresponds to the east, symbolizing new beginnings and growth. The flavor associated with Spring (Wood) is sour, symbolizing growth and detoxification. In terms of developmental stages in projects or work, Spring (Wood) corresponds to initiation and start, marking the beginning of action and growth.

Wood is associated with growth, expansion, preparation, and the ability to renew and regenerate.

FIRE (火, Huǒ)

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90% Yang, 10% Yin

At the peak of the wave, we find the Fire element. Fire is associated with what is Summer in many regions. This season is marked by full bloom, intense heat, and the longest daylight hours of the year. During this time, Yang is at its maximum, representing the peak of activity and energy, while Yin is at its minimum. This phase embodies the zenith of outward expression and vitality, with nature at its most vibrant and energetic. In the human life cycle, Summer (Fire) symbolizes adolescence and young adulthood, a time of peak energy, passion, and activity. During summer, fireflies may illuminate the night with bioluminescence, representing Fire’s association with light, warmth, and energy.

In terms of the time of day, Summer (Fire) is linked to midday, when the sun is at its highest and energy peaks. Emotionally, Summer (Fire) corresponds to joy, which radiates from the person outwards, the peak of emotional expression and energy. In traditional Chinese medicine, Summer (Fire) corresponds to the heart and small intestine, organs associated with circulation and digestion. Natural phenomena for Summer (Fire) include heat, sunshine, and full bloom of wildlife, representing peak energy and activity. The color associated with Summer (Fire) is red, representing energy and passion. In terms of direction, Summer (Fire) is linked to the south, representing peak energy and heat. The flavor associated with Summer (Fire) is bitter, representing the peak energy and intensity. In terms of developmental stages in projects or work, Summer (Fire) is linked to execution and representing full engagement.

Fire is associated with energy, passion, and the power to transform.

EARTH (土, Tǔ)

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50% Yang, 50% Yin

Descending from the peak, we arrive at the Earth element. Earth is associated with what is often seen as Late Summer in many regions, a transitional period between Summer and Autumn. This time symbolizes stability and nurturing, with a balance between Yin and Yang. The energy during this period is in equilibrium, representing a harmonious state where neither Yin nor Yang dominates. It is a time of consolidation and preparation for the upcoming changes. In the human life cycle, Late Summer (Earth) represents adulthood, characterized by stability, nurturing responsibilities, and maturity. This a time when a person is believed to have achieved grounding.

In terms of the time of day, Late Summer (Earth) is related to the afternoon, a time of stability and reflection. Emotionally, Late Summer (Earth) is associated with both worry and pensiveness, reflecting the nurturing and stable qualities. In traditional Chinese medicine, Late Summer (Earth) is linked to the spleen and stomach, organs related to nourishment and digestion. Natural phenomena for Late Summer (Earth) include harvest, maturity, and abundance, reflecting stability and nourishment. The colors associated with Late Summer (Earth) are yellow and brown, colors that reflect this phase. In terms of direction, Late Summer (Earth) is associated with the center, symbolizing stability and balance. The flavor associated with Late Summer (Earth) is sweet, reflecting the arrival of reward and harvest nourishment. In terms of developmental stages in projects or work, Late Summer (Earth) corresponds to stabilization and review, a time of consolidation and reflection.

Earth is about stability, nurturing, and the foundation upon which growth and change occur.

METAL (金, Jīn)

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30% Yang, 70% Yin

Further down the wave, we reach the Metal element. Metal is associated with what is Autumn in many regions. This time of year is characterized by harvest and preparation for the colder months ahead, with cooling temperatures and shorter daylight hours. The energy in this season is marked by waning Yang, with Yang decreasing and Yin increasing. This phase signifies contraction and introspection, as the energy begins to move inward in preparation for the stillness and dormancy of Winter. In the human life cycle, Autumn (Metal) is linked to middle age, a period of harvest, reflection, and preparation for the later stages of life.

In terms of the time of day, Autumn (Metal) corresponds to evening, particularly dusk, when the day begins to wane, and energies start to contract. Emotionally, Autumn (Metal) is linked to grief, a time of letting go and introspection. In traditional Chinese medicine, Autumn (Metal) corresponds to the lungs and large intestine, organs involved in respiration and elimination. Natural phenomena for Autumn (Metal) include falling leaves, wind, and dryness, symbolizing contraction and preparation for rest. The colors associated with Autumn (Metal) are white and silver, symbolizing clarity and reflection. Metal is connected to the qualities of cutting, refining, and clarity, like the firm leaves of the season. Just as Metal has a sharpness and precision, autumn leaves—once vibrant and full of life—harden and become crisp, echoing the notion of refinement and the distillation of nature’s energy. In terms of direction, Autumn (Metal) corresponds to the west, representing reflection and contraction. The flavor associated with Autumn (Metal) is pungent or spicy, symbolizing clarity and movement. In terms of developmental stages in projects or work, Autumn (Metal) represents completion and reflection, marking the end of a cycle and preparation for renewal.

Metal is associated with strength, resilience, and the ability to endure and withstand challenges.

SUMMARY

Each element, corresponding to its respective season, forms part of the dynamic and cyclical wave of energy, illustrating the balance and transformation of Yin and Yang throughout the year.

The above description mainly describes the Five Elements in terms of progression of seasons and groups other qualities of each element along with them. The seasons lead into one another. Each gradually transitions and supports the emergence of the one that follows it, which corresponds to the Five Elements in how they transform and generate in what is called the generative cycle (shēng) of the Five Elements. One element will lead to, produce, or generate the next in a cycle and the order of these seasons corresponds to that. The conventional four seasons are given the insertion of Late Summer before Autumn to make five. The seasons make it easy to remember the order of the generating cycle.

Briefly describing the controlling cycle:

Water puts out Fire.
Wood breaks up the Earth.
Fire melts or tempers Metal.
Earth absorbs or guides Water.
Metal prunes or cuts through Wood.

Correspondence to The Planets

In ancient China, Mars (火星) was associated with the Fire (火) element in the ancient Chinese Five elements. Its fiery, erratic orbit is associated with war and heat. The Fire element is associated with the color red. Today’s science verifies this, that the weather is extremely volatile (−125°C to +20°C in a day, dust storms that sweep the planet) and the surface is red. This is remarkable of the ancients, as we would see it. Mars’ surface is coated in hematite (Fe₂O₃) — the same mineral that makes blood and fireglow red.

Mercury (水星) — Water (水) **In ancient China, Mercury (水星) was associated with the Water (水) element in the ancient Chinese Five Elements. It is dark, swift, and elusive — appearing only briefly at dawn or dusk, always near the Sun, like water flowing into hidden depths. The Water element is associated with the color black and the north. Today’s science verifies this: Mercury has no atmosphere, extreme temperature swings (−180°C to +430°C), and a dark, cratered surface with ice in permanently shadowed polar craters despite being closest to the Sun. Its 88-day orbit is the fastest, darting like a stream at the lowest orbit around the sun. This is remarkable of the ancients, as we would see it. Mercury’s polar ice — water frozen in eternal darkness — confirms the Water phase’s essence: hidden, cold, and fluid beneath a burning exterior.
- Human Body Connection:
  - Organ: Kidneys (store essence/jing 精)
  - Fluid: Urine, saliva.
  - Emotion: Fear (water trembles)
  - Function: Storage, wisdom, bones, marrow, ears, reproductive power
- Seasonal Link: Winter solstice — deepest yin, hidden potential.
Jupiter (木星) — Wood (木) **In ancient China, Jupiter (木星) was associated with the Wood (木) element in the ancient Chinese Five Elements. It is the largest planet, slow and benevolent, with a 12-year cycle matching the growth of trees and human generations. The Wood element is associated with the color green and the east. Today’s science verifies this: Jupiter has thick, banded cloud layers with organic, greenish hues (ammonia, methane, hydrocarbons), and its Great Red Spot is a 300-year-old storm — a living, growing system. Its rapid 10-hour rotation drives dynamic growth-like bands and storm roots that penetrate deep. This is remarkable of the ancients, as we would see it. Jupiter’s biogenic chemistry and storm systems that birth and decay mirror Wood’s upward growth, wind, and life-giving expansion — a cosmic tree in the sky.
- Human Body Connection:
  - Organ: Liver (controls planning, growth, flow)
  - Tissue: Tendons, nails, eyes
  - Emotion: Anger (wind rising)
  - Function: Growth, creativity, smooth qi/blood flow, vision
- Seasonal Link: Spring — upward expansion, birth, wind.
Mars (火星) — Fire (火) **In ancient China, Mars (火星) was associated with the Fire (火) element in the ancient Chinese Five Elements. It is fiery, erratic in orbit, associated with war and heat. The Fire element is associated with the color red. Today’s science verifies this: the weather is extremely volatile (−125°C to +20°C in a day, dust storms that sweep the planet) and the surface is red. This is remarkable of the ancients, as we would see it. Mars’ surface is coated in hematite (Fe₂O₃) — the same mineral that makes blood and fireglow red.
- Human Body Connection:
  - Organ: Heart (emperor, consciousness, joy)
  - Tissue: Blood vessels, tongue, complexion
  - Emotion: Joy (or mania when excessive)
  - Function: Circulation, spirit (shen 神), speech, heat
- Seasonal Link: Summer — peak yang, combustion, transformation.
Saturn (土星) — Earth (土) **In ancient China, Saturn (土星) was associated with the Earth (土) element in the ancient Chinese Five Elements. It is slow, stable, and yellow-brown, with a 29.5-year orbit marking generational cycles and agricultural time. The Earth element is associated with the color yellow and the center. Today’s science verifies this: Saturn has a dense, rocky core surrounded by thick hydrogen-helium layers, and its rings are made of water-ice and dust — the most Earth-like structure in the outer solar system. Its low density (floats in water) and hexagonal polar vortex show stable, centered balance. This is remarkable of the ancients, as we would see it. Saturn’s ring system — a perfectly balanced, fertile disk of particles in orbital resonance — embodies Earth’s centering, ripening, and harmonic stability, like a cosmic field under cultivation.
- Human Body Connection:
  - Organ: Spleen (digestion, transformation, thought)
  - Tissue: Muscles, flesh, mouth
  - Emotion: Worry/pensiveness (overthinking)
  - Function: Digestion, nutrient transport, mental clarity, holding (muscle tone)
- Seasonal Link: Late summer (doğukan) — ripening, harvest, stability.
Venus (金星) — Metal (金) **In ancient China, Venus (金星) was associated with the Metal (金) element in the ancient Chinese Five Elements. It is the brightest object in the sky after the Sun and Moon, white and sharp like a polished blade, rising and setting with precision. The Metal element is associated with the color white and the west. Today’s science verifies this: Venus has a thick, reflective cloud layer of sulfuric acid droplets that make it dazzlingly bright (albedo ~0.75), and its surface is metallic — dominated by basaltic iron-rich rock. Its retrograde rotation and perfect 584-day synodic cycle (5-pointed star pattern) give it a cutting, rhythmic precision. This is remarkable of the ancients, as we would see it. Venus’ mirror-like brilliance and iron-dominated crust echo Metal’s clarity, hardness, and white-hot forge beneath a cool exterior.
- Human Body Connection:
  - Organ: Lungs (control qi, grief, boundaries)
  - Tissue: Skin, body hair, nose
  - Emotion: Grief/sadness (letting go)
  - Function: Respiration, defense (wei qi), purity, descent of fluids
- Seasonal Link: Autumn — contraction, clarity, refinement.