5 elements

Introduction to the Philosophy

The Five Element System is an integrative philosophy based on the five seasonal cycles of nature (Spring, Summer, Indian Summer, Autumn, and Winter) and their corresponding elements (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water). This philosophy finds it origin in ancient China and is strongly rooted in that culture. The central theme states that humanity and ALL of nature, from the most microscopic life forms to the largest mammals and systems, are of equal intelligence and value. Given this premise, every life from exists under the same universal creative forces and laws. Chinese government, laws, system of justice, education, medicine and warfare, all have strategies founded in the five elements.

If we, as individuals or as communities, live within the natural balance of these governing principles and mutual reverence then we will thrive and prosper in all of our personal and social endeavors. Conversely, if we choose to go against this natural order we will, individually and collectively, find ourselves in a state of suffering, personally and globally. Suffering is not the natural order of things or our natural birthright.

The Liberating Gift of the Five Element System is its power to give rise to profound movement toward a greater good in all of our aspirations. This is true for individuals, institutions, organizations, and corporations. Once participants of these wilderness based wisdom schools understand and incorporate these elemental archetypes into their daily routines, personal suffering is reduced and understanding, empathy, and compassion towards others naturally arise.

The Beauty of the Five Element System lies in its eloquent and profoundly simple-to-understand principles, laws and natural logic. When applied, to either the individual or an organization, this system WILL effect changes for the better in ALL areas of human aspiration and endeavor.

Understanding the Elements

The Five Elements follow the seasonal cycles. Each has an “elemental attachment,” organ system, and universal emotional archetype that inform our body, mind, spirit, soul, and worldview. These equally apply to all living things. The following section provides a brief synopsis of each of the Five Elements.

SPRING = FLORA = Liver, Gall Bladder

ALL green living growing things

Our flora expresses itself in our ability to make plans and decisions. It is the strength and weakness in our fascia. Spring is sometimes referred to as the “lawyers and accountants element.”. When In Harmony, we enjoy foresight and vision, rules laws and boundaries, jurisprudence, birth, growth, change, shelter, benevolence, and flexibility. When this element is In Dis~ease we suffer from a myopic worldview, anger, fascism, belligerence, relentlessness, and/or depression.

SUMMER = FIRE = Heart, Small Intestine, Pericardium

Triple Warmer = The SUN and ALL natural and human 'invented' fire

Fire expresses itself through “tonal vision” as Queen/King, commander and controller. The Heart is considered the supreme controller and is often regarded as the root of life itself. The ruler of a nation is only as powerful as the enlightened vision they project. The heart is in charge of communication through relational leadership and intimacy. Examples include: Queen Elizabeth, Steve Jobs, Nelson Mandela, Mahatma Gandhi, Winston Churchill. The heart is supported by three other organ officials, these are in charge of discernment, healthy intimacy, and love of tribe. The Fire element regulates our physical and emotional temperatures. When Fire is In Harmony we enjoy illumination, warmth, enlightenment, communion, JOY, laughter, passion, compassion, proclamation, eloquent speech. When Fire is In Dis~ease the result can be 'ID~iotic' behavior, searing, burnt out, overly controlling (examples: Mao, Stalin, Hitler, Richard III), sexual or emotional predation, cold, dark, frigid, lifeless, light-less, joyless, heartless love and usury, rape, pillage and seduction in any form.

INDIAN (late) SUMMER = the EARTH = Spleen and Stomach

The sacred feminine and ALL arts feminine

The sacred archetype of child upon MOTHER’S breast

—a reminder to us from where we all came!

Earth expresses itself in our capacity to digest food, ideas, and ideals. To “transform and transport” that “found” material and make the world into us. When In Harmony, we are fecund, grounded, keepers of the centre; enjoying creation, birthing, nourishment, feeding, empathy, harmony, holding the circle of life, thoughtfulness, homing, gentleness, global-thinking, safety, storing, WHOLISM. In Dis~ease Earth suffers with ungrounded, worrying, ruminating, rumor mongering, gossiping, neediness, cloying, clinging, barrenness on any level, smothering, shaming, emotionally labile.

AUTUMN/FALL = METAL = Lung and Large Intestine

The periodic table and mineral realm

The masculine principle and the 'MAN' in all things

METAL expresses itself with inspiration, aspiration, and connection to the breath of the universe. This element directs in our holding on to our “values and qualities” as we let go of our “old shit.” When METAL is In Harmony there exists foundations, continuity of life affirming traditions, the 'wise king'~heirophant, acceptance of and interest in others’ value systems, acknowledgement, inspiration, invention, creation, core values, “keeper of the boundaries,” protection, “principle of just war” (ie, WWII), forgiveness, right action, steadfastness. When this element is In Dis~ease there grows squandering money on weapons and war, patriarchy, religiosity, dominance, disconnection, environmental destruction, misuse of others resources for personal gain, genocide, physical violence, false pride, nationalism, inability to forgive or let go of past wrongs and hurts, lack of internal self value, rigid value systems, judgmental, black and white thinking, intolerance, inflexibility.

WINTER = WATER = Bladder and Kidney

Being in the flow of life = The Ocean of our being

The element of Water rules (our resources,) capacity for silence, connection to the black field, meditation, the unknowable journey, regeneration, sleep, the void, stillness. The 'streams and rivers' of our bodies, flexibility, to flourish, fluidity, (right use of resources) willingness, “I will.” Water In Harmony is trusting of the universal mystery and it's sacred unfolding. Water In disease is frozen, will-fullness, resource-less, without stillness, brittle, evaporative, fear disguised as violence.

In summary, the Five Element System is a way of learning about personality types, enhancing peoples inherent gifts, inter-relational compatibilities, and much more. This information will assist in making life decisions both large and small. This knowledge will inform all relationships both personal and professional. This philosophy is an art-form based on how the elements function in nature and how the macrocosm is a reflection of the microcosm and vice a versa.