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Five-Elements of the Chinese Zodiac: How Do Metal, Wood, Water, Fire and Earth Shape Your Fortune?

Every sign has a native element — how generating and restraining cycles shape personality.

The five-elements — Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, Earth — are core concepts in traditional Chinese philosophy. Each zodiac sign has its native five-element attribute. The five-elements generate and restrain one another, which folk culture uses to interpret personality and fortune. Native five-elements for zodiac signs Rat, Pig: Water Tiger, Rabbit: Wood Snake, Horse: Fire Monkey, Rooster: Metal Ox, Dragon, Goat, Dog: Earth Generating cycle: Wood feeds Fire; Fire feeds Earth; Earth feeds Metal; Metal feeds Water; Water feeds Wood. Generation means support, nourishment and helpful people. Restraining cycle: Wood restrains Earth; Earth restrains Water; Water restrains Fire; Fire restrains Metal; Metal restrains Wood. Restraint means conflict, restriction and need for compromise. Folk belief says native five-elements shape personality tendencies. Balanced five-elements are thought to bring smoother life. Excess or deficiency of one element may create personality flaws. Note: five-elements belong to traditional folk philosophy, not real-life destiny. For cultural reference only.