The Wood Element Personality

Tuesday, March 24th, 2009 at 4:12 pm

WOOD ELEMENT - Phase 1 Spring

Wood symbolises the process of the potential hidden within the seed seeking to manifest itself in the light of day. It stands for what is living and moving in the direction of fulfilling its purpose of self-actualisation. It has the dynamic energy of youth and of rising yang, being able to initiate new beginnings, the capacity to clearly see what must be done and the method to be used to achieve this. Just as a living tree is as deeply rooted in the ground as it is tall, giving it strength and stability, so this element manifests the strengths of leadership, determination and energetic pursuit of its chosen purpose. It is like a military strategist, planning a campaign to glorify his ruler.

Nevertheless, just as a tree will bend in the wind and grow around obstacles, rather than forcing its way through, so there is the quality of flexibility, tolerance and humility in the harmonious functioning of this element. A tree will accept the habitat in which it finds itself and will adapt accordingly, so that it can continue to serve its purpose. A young shoot is delicate but also has amazing vigour and quiet persistence, that it can even push its way through tarmac or concrete, in order to manifest itself.

Each tree is following its own growth pattern, while at the same time, in a forest of trees, it is involved in the collective service that all the other trees are fulfilling. The tree stands both alone and together. In the same way, we are fulfilling our own purpose but also we are a part of a greater whole. With the capacities of judgement, discrimination, planning and decision-making, we are able to move successfully in the right direction towards the fulfilment of our aims. The quality of young wood is gentle, peaceful, flexible and yet purposeful. The colour of this element is like the fresh green of new foliage.

Balanced state

Resilient, rational, independent, strong self-identity and self-belief, well-motivated, confident, with clarity of vision and direction. They are good leaders and initiators of new projects. They have good planning and decision-making abilities.

Key diagnostic signs of imbalanced state
Colour in face - green
Sound - shouting
Emotion - anger
Odour - rancid
Liver and Gall Bladder meridians / organs

Over-active
There may be arrogance, irritability and intolerance, competition, resentment, frustration, anger, over-controlling. The person may be workaholic, or tyrannical. Explosive expression or a bottling-up of emotions. Over-active planning intellect, mood swings, or burn-out.

Under-active
There may be lack of motivation and making excuses, lack of confidence, difficulty in planning or decision-making, self-blame, guilt or depression.

Where this Element is out of balance, there may be problems with over-stretched or flaccid tendons and ligaments causing many back problems and sciatica - type pains. As we need vision to plan ahead for the future, it is the eyes that are particularly associated with the Wood Element.

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