The gifts and powers of all the 5 elements are within each human being. When healthy and in balance, we can utilize the energy of each element as appropriate.

 

Fire

 

The season of Fire is summer, when the days are long and warm and human connection is at its most expansive. The gifts of Fire – love and joy – are heightened at this time when nature blooms. The sense of community, freedom and fun, enhance all our relationships. The future has become real and our hopes and dreams are realized when Fire is at a healthy glow. Communication and understanding depends on the Fire element from which the emotion of Fire – Joy – grows. The sound is laughter and the color, red. We give and receive in equal measure when the Fire element is in balance.

 

Earth

 

The Season of Earth is late summer, the time of bounty and harvest. The nurturing energy and unconditional love of the mother is found in this element. When Earth is strong we feel a relaxation and a sense of security because we have stored enough to survive the coming winter. Our connection to nature is alive and so we feel at home anywhere we are. When spirit is rooted in healthy soil we are fed by life and grow strong and vibrant. The emotion of earth is sympathy, growing from the compassion of the mother. The sound of the voice is singing like a mother singing to her child and the color is yellow like golden wheat ready for harvest.

 

Metal

 

The season of Metal is autumn – a time of letting go of the old so that we can take in the new. The leaves fall and decompose enriching the soil so that new growth can come in spring. Metal provides our connection to the heavens. As we inhale that spark of energy that keeps us alive, we also breathe in the inspiration and richness that keeps spirit strong. Our connection with the father – a source of wisdom and guidance – comes from Metal. When Metal is healthy, the inner divine spark is bright and we value others and ourselves. The sound of Metal is weeping, and the emotion is grief, as one would cry and feel when cut off from that divine inspiration inside and we feel lost, adrift at sea. The color is white – the color of purity, like precious jewels.

 

Water

 

The season of water is winter when nature goes deep within. All seems quiet on the surface but underneath life is restoring its reserves and preparing for the tremendous surge of spring. Will and determination are the hallmarks of water, its capacity to find ways around all obstacles and its ability to flow are its gifts. The emotion of water is fear, the worst fear is that of not having the reserves to survive—the fear of no future. The sound is groaning and the color, blue. Imagine the clear blue of glacial ice and the sound it makes as it moves. Our inner reservoir cleanses, lubricates and feeds us and keeps us flowing.

 

Wood

 

The season of Wood is spring – a time of birth, regeneration and exuberance. When the vigorous and forceful upsurge of new growth is blocked, it produces the emotion of Wood – anger. When Wood is strong, it has the power of clarity – the ability to have a vision for the future, to create a plan. Dynamic movement, strength, flexibility and coordination come from this element – like a tree that bends in the wind, but doesn't break. Our promise and hope for the future, our sense of purpose, and our ability to make decisions, depend on Wood. The sound of Wood is shouting – reflecting that forceful energy of the element. The color is green as can be found in all the wonderful variety of greens in nature.