Wood
Definition
Wood is one of the Five Elements, representing the force of growth, expansion, and free extension. Wood embodies benevolence and upward aspiration, governing growth and hope; it corresponds to spring in the seasons, the east in direction, and the color green (qing). Wood overcomes Earth, is overcome by Metal, generates Fire, and is generated by Water. In a birth chart, strong Wood indicates a benevolent and enterprising personality, whereas weak Wood suggests lack of ambition or drive.
How to Find
Examine the presence of Jia Wood and Yi Wood among the Heavenly Stems, and Yin Wood and Mao Wood among the Earthly Branches across the four pillars of the八字 (BaZi); assess Wood’s strength or weakness in conjunction with the Month Pillar. Wood is strongest during spring (Yin and Mao months), in decline during autumn (when Wood is 'dead' or 'extinct'), in repose during winter (when Wood is 'resting' or 'imprisoned'), and weakened during summer (when Wood is 'imprisoned').
Attributes
Combinations
Wood Generates Fire
Wood is Fire’s mother element; Wood’s expansive energy gives rise to Fire, signifying the manifestation of talent and favoring literary or artistic creation.
Wood Overcomes Earth
Wood is Earth’s overcoming element; Wood’s rooting and penetrating energy overcomes Earth, indicating pioneering initiative and benefit for career development.
Metal Overcomes Wood
Metal is Wood’s overcoming element; Metal’s stern, cutting energy overcomes Wood, indicating pressure and constraint—caution is advised against excessive rigidity or stubbornness leading to setbacks.
Examples
A Jia-Yin Day Master born in the Mao month exhibits strong Wood and robust self-element; such a person is benevolent and ambitious, well-suited for careers in education or cultural fields.