Taoist Astrology and the Structure of the Universe
The most commonly applied system of using the five elements according to the sea-
sons is with the earth element (Indian Summer) coming after the fire element (summer)
(See fig. 3.10). Another less popular method uses the earth in its central aspect and
places a short earth period in between every season (See fig. 3.11).
Fig. 3.10
Most common way of using the 5 elements in the year’s cycle:
5 periods of 72 days each (the Astrological Year counted 360 days).
Fig. 3.11
Earth element seen as the changing and balancing point between the seasons.
Wood
Water
Fire
Metal
Spring Earth
Winter Autumn
Indian
Summer
Summer
Wood
Water
Fire
Metal
Earth
Earth
Earth
Earth
Spring Summer
Winter Autumn