Elemental Theory
Theories of basic elements
that lie at the essence of all things may be traced back to ancient
writings, both East and West. The Western tradition inherited
from the ancient Greeks holds that there are four elements: earth,
air, water, and fire. In Eastern Tradition, on the other hand,
there are five: water, wood, fire, earth, and metal.
Although science has shown
that these elements are no longer viable as a mode of material
explanation, the theories still hold value philosophically and
poetically. (Note: references and
further reading may be found at the bottom of the page.)
Elements, West
In the West, the 5th century
Greek philosopher Empedocles is credited with proposing four
elements--earth, air, water, and fire--of which all things are
composed in various proportions. The theory was developed further
by Aristotle, and it held sway in empirical investigation until
the dawn of the Scientific Revolution in the 17th century CE.
Qualities attributed to the elements included hot/cold, wet/dry,
and heavy/light, while there are many more qualities that are
considered to correspond to each element. Here are some of the
correspondences of each element:
- Earth: cold, dry, heavy,
passive, autumn
- Air: hot, wet, light, active,
winter
- Water: cold, wet, heavy,
passive, spring
- Fire: hot, dry, light, active,
summer
Elements, East
In the ancient Taoist philosophy
of Chinese, the five elements--wood, fire, earth, metal, and
water--are different movements or patterns of the universal energy,
or "cosmic breath," called Chi. Chi is expressed
most fundamentally in the cosmic duality, Yin and Yang,
and further in the movement of the five elements. The theory
of the elements is an essential part of Feng Shui, the
Chinese Art of Placement. The elements are have a dynamic and
cyclical relationship, most easily recognized in the cycle of
the season. Here are a few of the qualities of these Eastern
elements:
| |
Season |
Color |
Shape |
Direction |
| Wood |
Spring |
Green, Blue |
Column |
East, Southeast |
| Fire |
Summer |
Red, Purple |
Triangle |
South |
| Earth |
Late Summer |
Yellow , Brown |
Square, Rectangle |
Southwest, Center |
| Metal |
Autumn |
White, Silver |
Circle |
West, Northwest |
| Water |
Winter |
Black, Navy |
Undulating |
North |
© 2000 Scott P. Smiley
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