There are five fundamental movements of energy. Forces that move outward and inward, rise and descend, and rotate. The study of these movements forms the basis of one of the most famous systems in all Chinese wiseom, dating back to at least the third century BCE and possibly much earlier. It is most commonly known as "The Theory of the Five Elements". This theory, however, is essentially a study of the movement of energy, rather than a method for cataloguing "elements" It is one of the essential tools of the Feng Shui practitioner precisely because of its focus on the energetic qualities of our world.
The five movements of energy are commonly known by the names of five phenomena, which symbolize all other energetic movements of the same type: Fire, Earth, Metal, Water and Wood.
Associated with each of these Five Energies are various qualities or vibrations that we experience ever day - colors, smells, and tastes. They correspond with seasons, foods, directions, and numbers. The system has also been used extensively in traditional Chinese medicine, both for the diagnosis of conditions and for herbal, acupuncture, and other treatments. Each of the internal organs and the twelve principal meridians, or energy pathways, of the body is classified according to one of The Five Energies.
All these vibrations interact with each other in cyclical patterns. We see this most clearly in the rotation of the seasons. Energy expands outward in the Spring, giving rise to the upward power of energy in Summer. It then begins to condense inward in the Fall and sink downward in Winter. The cycle begins again with the expansion of Spring. So it is perpetually rising, expanding condensing, and descending, with a period of transition, when the energy direction changes form one phase to another. This constant force of transition is the horizontally rotating energy of Earth.
The five movements of energy are commonly known by the names of five phenomena, which symbolize all other energetic movements of the same type: Fire, Earth, Metal, Water and Wood.
Associated with each of these Five Energies are various qualities or vibrations that we experience ever day - colors, smells, and tastes. They correspond with seasons, foods, directions, and numbers. The system has also been used extensively in traditional Chinese medicine, both for the diagnosis of conditions and for herbal, acupuncture, and other treatments. Each of the internal organs and the twelve principal meridians, or energy pathways, of the body is classified according to one of The Five Energies.
All these vibrations interact with each other in cyclical patterns. We see this most clearly in the rotation of the seasons. Energy expands outward in the Spring, giving rise to the upward power of energy in Summer. It then begins to condense inward in the Fall and sink downward in Winter. The cycle begins again with the expansion of Spring. So it is perpetually rising, expanding condensing, and descending, with a period of transition, when the energy direction changes form one phase to another. This constant force of transition is the horizontally rotating energy of Earth.
Fire energy shoots upward.This is the pattern of energy when the cycle is at its peak. It is the Summer of the year or the phase of the full moon, brilliant and full. Once Fire energy is at its maximum, it will begin to diminish and seek rest.
Wood symbolizes energy that expands in all directions. This energy has great force, growing outward like a tree. This is the phase of the cycle in which things emerge and begin to grow. It is the waxing moon, the power to give birth, the power of Spring.
Water's energy descends. This is the phase in the cycle at which things reach their point of maximum rest and concentration. It is the new moon, dark and about to give birth. It is the Winter of the year.
Metal, being the most dense of all energy forms is produced by the movement of energy inward. It has a condensing, coagulating quality. It is the waning moon, the Fall of the year.
Earth energy moves horizontally around its own axis, affecting the period of change between each sezson. This movement is sometimes shown as the central point of the Five Energies, sometimes as the phase between the upward movement of Fire and the inward movement of Metal. It is the moon before it wanes - large, golden, full.
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