Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water do not replace the animal sign. They explain how a given year in the wider 60-part cycle modifies the way that animal is traditionally read.
These pages follow the popular zodiac convention that uses Lunar New Year as the year boundary. In broader Wuxing discussion, the five elements are better understood as phases or processes rather than static materials.
General zodiac pages on this site switch the year at Lunar New Year. Some BaZi schools instead switch the year at Li Chun, so advanced chart readings may differ.
A 12-year animal cycle combines with a 10-year stem cycle. The pairings repeat every 60 years, producing combinations such as Wood Rat, Fire Tiger, Metal Rabbit, and Water Dragon.
Animal cycle
12
Stem cycle
10
Full return
60 years
Spring · East · Jupiter
In Wuxing, Wood is the phase of sprouting, planning, and organized growth. It is less about literal timber than about expansion, renewal, and purposeful direction.
Balanced expression
initiative, generosity, and long-range thinking
When excessive
overextension, moral rigidity, or frustrated idealism
Generates
Wood → Fire
Controls
Wood → Earth
Supported by
Water
Checked by
Metal
Each animal can appear under this yearly phase. These links open the full element-animal pages with year tables and methodology notes.
Summer · South · Mars
In Wuxing, Fire describes rising energy, exposure, urgency, and display. It is associated with warmth, charisma, and the tendency to bring things into the open.
Balanced expression
confidence, warmth, and quick engagement
When excessive
impatience, reactivity, or burnout
Generates
Fire → Earth
Controls
Fire → Metal
Supported by
Wood
Checked by
Water
Each animal can appear under this yearly phase. These links open the full element-animal pages with year tables and methodology notes.
Late Summer · Center · Saturn
In Wuxing, Earth is the phase that centers, contains, and integrates. It is linked with steadiness, patience, and the work of making systems durable and dependable.
Balanced expression
reliability, practicality, and moderation
When excessive
stagnation, worry, or resistance to change
Generates
Earth → Metal
Controls
Earth → Water
Supported by
Fire
Checked by
Wood
Each animal can appear under this yearly phase. These links open the full element-animal pages with year tables and methodology notes.
Autumn · West · Venus
In Wuxing, Metal concerns cutting, ordering, and clarifying. It is associated with standards, precision, and the ability to separate what matters from what does not.
Balanced expression
discipline, clarity, and principled judgment
When excessive
rigidity, perfectionism, or emotional distance
Generates
Metal → Water
Controls
Metal → Wood
Supported by
Earth
Checked by
Fire
Each animal can appear under this yearly phase. These links open the full element-animal pages with year tables and methodology notes.
Winter · North · Mercury
In Wuxing, Water is the phase of depth, reserve, and flexible response. It is linked with observation, timing, emotional intelligence, and indirect strength.
Balanced expression
adaptability, insight, and perceptive judgment
When excessive
anxiety, evasiveness, or over-calculation
Generates
Water → Wood
Controls
Water → Fire
Supported by
Metal
Checked by
Earth
Each animal can appear under this yearly phase. These links open the full element-animal pages with year tables and methodology notes.
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